Speed and Misconceptions about it

Quote " what does he calculate as the risk of being stopped...."

Ralph, you made a very important observation there, a lot revolves around that "risk" of detection versus self control. How many people are actually capable of exercising such control? I think it is obvious that my comments are based on personal experience, albeit several years ago. Sadly, I see little in today's driving standards to modify my views. In all honesty, IS there an effective answer?

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

But if he hasn't been stopped by an actual police patrol for 15 years, or half a million miles, what does he calculate as the risk of being stopped on his 2 mile journey home from the pub after 5 pints? Or being caught doing a 1/2 mile undertake on the motorway? Or tailgating someone who is 'in his way' for a mile or two. The only thing stopping him from doing it, is himself.

To be fair, the risk is probably higher than many think. Where I work we have one traffic unit to cover an area of around 100,000 people. Whereas there are maybe 15 non-traffic patrol vehicles. In the last 6 weeks I have stopped two drink drivers who have been on a journey of less than 2 miles from pub to home of which both blew in the high 60's or low 70's.

One was the result of a no MOT marker on PNC, which incidentally I only did the check on after the driver failed to indicate at a roundabout. The second was a result of overly cautious driving.

As a mere response officer the only roads policing I can do is between all the burglaries/thefts/assaults etc that I'm sent to. As such the majority of the traffic stuff I deal with is either mobiles phones/no insurance/no MoT.

On the issue of speeding, I accpet theres a different ways of dealing. On my patch we have two decent lengths of dual carriageway that have recently been changed from 70mph to 40mph, for which I have no understanding of the reasons behind. People still get a tug for speeding day or night, just the actual speed and condtions at the time effect the outcome.

Seandesy1 "As a mere response officer..."

Never mind, you have to start somewhere.....

Originally Posted by Seandesy1

One was the result of a no MOT marker on PNC, which incidentally I only did the check on after the driver failed to indicate at a roundabout. The second was a result of overly cautious driving.

The hypothetical sales rep we are talking about drives a 60 plate VW Passat, so long as he doesn't do anything daft on the way home he isn't getting stopped.

I'm a high mileage driver and I drive a 10 plate Toyota Avensis that will show up fully legal on any check you wish to run on it. The hypothetical driver is loosely based on me, in terms of mileage at least.

I was stopped in Birmingham a few months ago, and then only because I jumped into a gap in busy city centre traffic and accidentally cut up a copper (where I'd been cut up exactly the same 5 times in as many miles) and he was ****ed off with me, so the blue lights went on. It was a Saturday afternoon with my family in the car returning home from shopping.

It was, no kidding, the first time I have been stopped in 15 years and half a million miles. The only thing stopping me from drink driving is my own common sense and the fact I couldn't live with myself if I killed somebody.

Just in on Sky News " Boy, 6, Killed By Hit And Run Driver"

Too early to know what actually happened but I would not be surprised if (inappropriate) speed was a contributory factor.

Imagine driving along a 30mph urban street and you notice (I hope) a young child stationary on the pavement - would you take any action or just continue at the same speed?

As a father of a young boy it's difficult to process what my emotion is on reading that.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...-6-killed.html

When I spot hazards like that, I don't always adjust my speed, but I would give them a wide berth and be the dominant thing in my focus so I'm ready for any changes to the picture.

I'm more nervous of animals tbh as they ime are far more unpredictable.

Originally Posted by martin15s

Imagine driving along a 30mph urban street and you notice (I hope) a young child stationary on the pavement - would you take any action or just continue at the same speed?

Same as Specialone, but it would involve a reduction in speed for me, gives me more time to react.

[Red Herring]

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

The only thing stopping me from drink driving is my own common sense and the fact I couldn't live with myself if I killed somebody.

Which sorts of brings us back to the original point. If everybody was like Ralph we wouldn't need a drink drive limit would we? We would all be able to judge how much we had to drink and never have "to much" would we....?
Unfortunately there are a few who can't make that distinction so the end result is that we have a limit that we all have to comply with, or accept the potential consequences.

The difference between drink driving and speeding is that most of us speed, and generally get away with it. Unfortunately the consequences of getting it wrong can be just as serious. Could you live with yourself then?

Originally Posted by Red Herring

I mean slowing down when you see the sign for the junction....or the roof of the house over the hedge. That's your first tip for free.

What's the tip? with:confused roof and hedge maestro. Der?