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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think you can't just trundle along at any old speed you fancy...

563 replies

TallulahTwinkletoes · 28/11/2014 19:49

I fully expect to get flamed for this because I know I'm a tad over the top about this but it's my pet hate so here goes.

If say be gentle but I know this is the wrong place for that Wink

I drive a lot. Every day I drive on a road that's technically a country road as there are fields either side but it's more than wide enough and not too windy. This road is followed by two straight roads. These are all national speed limit roads.

This is comfortably attainable with a few corners on the country road where 50 is a better speed. Obviously various weathers call for different speeds. I was behind a double decker bus doing 50 down there today.

The last few days I have been stuck behind people doing 35-40. Today the lady flashed at me when I finally get chance to overtake.

They way I see it is if you are driving so slow on the roads either
A) you are unaware of the speed limit/unable to follow basic road signs and therefore shouldn't be driving
B) do not feel comfortable driving at an appropriate limit for the road and therefore shouldn't be driving.

I know it's a limit not a target but you fail your driving test if you 'fail to progress' so they shouldn't be driving like this.

It's the principle that they don't care about anyone's time frame or how they affect other people. They just trundle along deciding what speed they want to go at and not giving a fuck.

We all have bad days where we mess up roundabouts and misjudge but Jesus Christ, if you can't drive at 60 in a straight line...

OP posts:
dirkdiggler1 · 09/12/2014 09:14

after all this driver is doing 110 so has clearly left reasonableness and rationality behind

Really? I think not.

mathanxiety · 09/12/2014 17:31

The attitude of 'if he's being a cunt then so will I' is not the one to take out on the road with you all the same. You can do the right thing for the wrong reasons, but the wrong reasons will get you in trouble and get others in trouble too more often than not. You should choose the safe option because it;s the safe option, not because you are angry. Getting in the habit of choosing options based on your emotions leads to poor decisions.

TrevaronGirl · 10/12/2014 13:26

"...after all this driver is doing 110 so has clearly left reasonableness and rationality behind"

Is it the speed or the fact it was done in in the UK that worries you?

mathanxiety · 10/12/2014 22:41

110 is fine for a race track but for roads with other traffic it is not. I think that goes for anywhere.

notquiteruralbliss · 11/12/2014 12:34

I live in one of those rural areas and it is often not safe to drive at the speed limit. You never know what will be round the corner, there could be a tractor, or kids on ponies or ( my favourite) a pack of cyclists. I don't like to drive fast, so I don't. But I do pull in to let people pass. Unless, of course, they are sitting on my tail.

dirkdiggler1 · 11/12/2014 14:43

110 is fine for a race track but for roads with other traffic it is not. I think that goes for anywhere

Any particular reason for that? What speed is fine on a road with other traffic?

dirkdiggler1 · 11/12/2014 14:50

Also had a great one today - not strictly slow driver related. Traveling down a wideish residential road probably around 25mph. Odd parked cars so no need to fly down there as you usually have to stop to let oncoming cars though. Car parked on my side of the road with a couple of oncoming cars so I gently come to a stop behind the car well within my side of the road. 2nd car that comes through is a guy who looked to be in his 80s - went absolutely bonkers at me, pointing and shaking his fist and shouting. I thought he was actually going to explode. Just gave him my best puzzled expression and assumed he was a complete nutter. No idea what I did to offend him.

MackerelOfFact · 11/12/2014 15:04

You never know what will be round the corner, there could be a tractor, or kids on ponies or ( my favourite) a pack of cyclists

I was about to say the exact same thing.

There are loads of road users who can't travel at 60mph at all times for various reasons - sometimes you will be stuck behind them, sometimes you will be stuck behind someone who is looking out for them.

Everyone knows the performance, capabilities and traction of their own vehicle. Traffic is a fact of life. You will rarely reach your destination in the minimum possible time, so allow time for delays and be patient when they happen.

TallulahTwinkletoes · 12/12/2014 06:17

Ha dirk! It's so annoying when you're clueless to what you've done. Maybe you had annoyed him previously? Or he already knew you?

I once pulled out of a junction into traffic behind a woman doing the exact same as me. I'd not been behind her until that junction. She kept looking in her mirror angrily and shaking her head. I put my arms up in a 'what' position and she got so pissed off she could no longer look at me.

OP posts:
dirkdiggler1 · 12/12/2014 09:52

It's so annoying when you're clueless to what you've done. Maybe you had annoyed him previously? Or he already knew you?

Hmm, was driving DW's car at the timr.

TallulahTwinkletoes · 12/12/2014 10:29

Ha! Does she like an older fellow?

OP posts:
marysafairy · 12/12/2014 13:38

Talullah, if you could see her looking in her rear view mirror at you, you were obviously tail gating her.

TallulahTwinkletoes · 12/12/2014 14:20

Mary's, read it again. We were in traffic...

OP posts:
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