The mentality of car drivers - be afraid!

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by MattCollins

Approaching an intersection showing a left indicator today I had a car pull out before I committed to a turn. Problem was that I wasn't indicating into the intersection, but properly indicating to turn into the driveway immediately after the intersection. ie too late for the intersection. I had to duck around the rear of the errant cage on the brakes. It didn't rate as a close call, but I did get to take evasive action. All I got from the female driver (not that sex means much) was attitude when she realised what was going on. It was as if I had done the wrong thing.

In case of differing opinions, rules, etc, local rules are black and white on this one. She failed to give way.

I don't think any sort of driver training will help much. We have a scheme where drivers do xx hours under professional instruction, but that all goes to hell as soon as drivers are let loose on the road.

Here you would fail your driving test for indicating like that in a manner which would be likely to be misunderstood.

I also think you were asking for that one.

Originally Posted by Sid Squid

All the same I firmly believe that riders make better drivers, and drivers I know have admitted as much after they've got a bike licence. It's made them look at the road in a manner that drivers rarely do, to consider grip and road surfaces in a way that's improved their driving. And taught them how to use the throttle to get grip, rather than the constant and depressing sight of following a set of brake lights through every bend.

Agree 1million%

Id been driving 20 years and it made me realise where vulnerable bikers and other less visible road users would be in regards to junctions etc and where to take a longer or 2nd look.
I expect now for a biker to be behind a car but hidden from initial view, turning right when im turning out the same junction.
A classic example on the entry road to the road i live on.

Originally Posted by arenalife

Perhaps things are different down under but in the UK you wouldn't indicate before a road turning if you weren't intending going down it, that's asking for big trouble. In situations where you've got to make a driveway turning like that I accelerate to get safety space behind me then do quick indicate and turn in, or even forget it and come from the other way if it's really busy.

When I was doing my car lessons in 1992, I was told when you're at a junction never to pull out in front of a vehicle indicating left in case they were pulling in beyond the junction.

Near me there's a petrol staion right on the corner of a t junction, there's at least one accident a week from people pulling out on cars that are going to get fuel.

Originally Posted by Sid Squid

All the same I firmly believe that riders make better drivers, and drivers I know have admitted as much after they've got a bike licence.

+1. Defo. In fact I would say that even anyone who has spent time on a bicycle on the roads will probably be more aware of hazards when in a car. Although many cyclists now apparently obey traffic lights that only they can see.

Does driving a motorcycle affect anyone the way you drive your car? I find myself trying to fit through smaller and smaller gaps (nothing stupid) - filtering is a bitch though!

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

Here you would fail your driving test for indicating like that in a manner which would be likely to be misunderstood.

I also think you were asking for that one.

I agree to a certain extent but im sure the highway code tells you not to pull out until the approaching vehicle has started their turn or something like that (been a long time since i read one properly).
What i would do in that situation is slow right down and indicate just as i go past the start of the junction.

[yorkie_chris]

Sure, but if you trust some f*ckin mong in a cage to obey the highway code then you're asking for it.

I rode for at least 6 months with no indicators at all and did not have any more close calls. Idea is is do not put yourself in position where cars can affect you. Not possible all the time but your road positioning and dominance of your space ensures safety.

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

Sure, but if you trust some f*ckin mong in a cage to obey the highway code then you're asking for it.

I rode for at least 6 months with no indicators at all and did not have any more close calls. Idea is is do not put yourself in position where cars can affect you. Not possible all the time but your road positioning and dominance of your space ensures safety.

I rode my lambretta that never had indys ever so do know what your saying, it just that you cant take the blame if there was a collision because technically they shouldnt pull out.
Now in the real world i agree its better to position yourself so not to collide in the first place rather than argue the blame after.

[yorkie_chris]

Exactly, why tell someone to pull out in front of you, better to indicate after junction, or not at all. Worst case is they do not see you are slowing and run into the back of you as you go into the driveway. This will hurt less than plowing into their drivers door at 30mph.

[dizzyblonde]

The reason I feel that everyone should do a bike orientated course before embarking on learning to drive, is to give a sense of vunerability from the 'non cage' variety.

Now me riding first, then acquiring the driving license, can see how this would be beneficial. But then I've always been more observant of others on the road anyway, and also have a few manners too. My driving has impressed a lot of people, although being a very short time after my test. I am however taking slightly more care in getting used to how big the truck is.
I am very careful where I park, although same can't be said about idiot trolley pushers, who recently put a giant ding from front to back of my whole left side.!

Everyone has a guff up day, even on a bike.