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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Going for a drive

141 replies

Glovesick · 09/04/2020 14:44

I have seen someone got fined for going for a drive to break the boredom.

I know it's not essential travel but I don't really get why it is banned. As long as you don't get out, there is no risk of infection.

Suppose that would be difficult to police and also small risk of accidents would divert emergency services.

On the other hand, it is low risk and people's mental health is also important.

Views?

OP posts:
GlummyMcGlummerson · 09/04/2020 15:49

Not it's not hocus - it was a presumption stated as if it was a fact

GreenTulips · 09/04/2020 15:50

The police made a good point.

The roads are empty, this gives people more reason to speed, so more accidents happen.

Badtasteflump · 09/04/2020 15:52

Have to admit I drove the long way round to the supermarket for my 'essentials' shop, it just felt nice being out in the car in the sunshine. And I was slightly worried the car wouldn't start again if I didn't give it a decent run - I hadn't driven it for two weeks so that can't be good for the battery...

Waveysnail · 09/04/2020 15:52

Because we have all been asked to stay home unless vital or urgent. Going for a drive

  • need petrol so will have to go to petrol station
  • car breaks down then have to have someone recover you
  • more traffic = more accidents so putting stretch on emergency services
GlummyMcGlummerson · 09/04/2020 15:53

I did the same badtaste when I've been getting bread and milk from the Shell garage

Badtasteflump · 09/04/2020 15:53

btw I drove carefully, didn't speed and don't see that logic tbh - if you're not a bad driver empty roads surely won't turn you into one?

DartmoorChef · 09/04/2020 15:54

My dp is a breakdown mechanic. Hes already at risk as he has to go to fix cars being driven by keyworkers who may have just left work caring for COVID-19 patients.

He could then be called out to someone who has just gone for a jaunt to relieve the boredom...

Think about it ffs...

hocuspocusbitch · 09/04/2020 15:57

Glummy I've already accepted that I was wrong

user1492771818 · 09/04/2020 15:57

What annoys me is the two people I know who just went for drives would be unable to fit the spare wheel or do any other emergency repair. I think that applies to a lot of people as well.

unicorntails · 09/04/2020 16:19

Police weren't too impressed with this person who got so bored they took a drive.

Rebelwithallthecause · 09/04/2020 16:21

We went out today for a drive

It was the first time the car had been off the drive in over 3 weeks and so for the health of the cars engine and moving parts it needed it Blush

Oxyiz · 09/04/2020 16:24

Yes, boy drivers have been absolute wankers around here lately. They're doing ridiculous speeds and racing each other round here. It's genuinely unnerving and I've seen some horrible near-misses. I was thinking I should get the dash cam out and report them - only I imagine the police are so overwhelmed that it wouldn't be helpful.

Tiredmum100 · 09/04/2020 16:32

@BritWifeinUSA in fairness there were ITU consultants on the news this week saying to avoid doing DIY and making people aware that they do see a lot of people in ITU after falling down the stairs so to be extra careful as ITU is filling up.

My sister is still driving places to go for a walk. I find it so frustrating! Like I told her germs don't move, people do! Meanwhile in work my colleagues are not seeing their children as they're too worried they might pass covid 19 on. We don't have enough PPE, our nurses are testing positive to covid 19, our patients are dying. Nurses and doctors are dying!!!! I'm so fed up of peoples selfishness. The attitude, well I haven't had an a accident, I wont break down. You can't be certain. What difference will it make. So easy for people to be oblivious to the risk when they're safe at home in their little bubbles. STAY AT HOME!!!! LEAVE ONLY FOR WHAT YOU'VE BEEN ADVISED TO!! You might just save a life!

TheFairyCaravan · 09/04/2020 16:34

We've been told not to go out unless it's absolutely necessary. Going for a drive isn't. Why can't people just do as they're asked? There's so much you could do if you're bored instead of going for a drive.

SurferRona · 09/04/2020 16:36

What are people doing as PPs said to keep batteries charged enough to start when required?

LolaSmiles · 09/04/2020 16:40

Because whether or not people want to argue about what they can technically get away with if they stretch their interpretation of the rules to suit, it's a special type of selfish arsehole behaviour to increase risks for others because you're a little bored, just like it's selfish arsehole behaviour to go to the shops because you fancy some chocolate.
You can't legislate for common decency and consideration.

WhateverHappenedToBathPearls · 09/04/2020 16:40

Obviously they shouldn't have done it in the first place, but why did the person that got fined not just make up a story about being on an essential journey? Just say you're going food shopping, surely? Confused

Angel2702 · 09/04/2020 16:41

There have been lots of accidents locally because people are using the roads as a racetrack. I wouldn’t want to be driving anywhere at the moment.

Bettybattenburg · 09/04/2020 16:42

I was out for a drive today (delivering shopping to 80 plus year olds), the police were out and about and weren't stopping people in cars - I went past two cars and a van. I expect they are more bothered about group gatherings on foot. I wouldn't go out for a casual 'Sunday Drive' though, that's not essential.

catfeets · 09/04/2020 16:42

I think it's ridiculous that time is wasted on things like that yet my neighbour is reported every day for breaking the rules (constantly has friends around mixing with them and their kids) and no one can be bothered to do anything or break up the parties.

grandmasterstitch · 09/04/2020 16:44

@hocuspocusbitch I think even if it did in theory invalidate your insurance it would be impossible to hold up because everyone would just claim they were getting shopping or going to care for an elderly relative and they would struggle to prove otherwise

safariboot · 09/04/2020 16:44

I don't really get why it is banned

The fact is it is banned. At the core of the current law and regulation is a simple principle: Only leave your house with a reasonable excuse. Driving for leisure is not a reasonable excuse.

As far as travel goes, the traditional principle in English law that "Everything which is not forbidden is allowed" has now been reversed. Now, unless you have a good reason to travel, it is unlawful.

The law, like most laws, is somewhat open-ended - despite what the government would like us to think there's not a narrow list of allowed purposes for travel and things they haven't even considered could be found lawful. But driving for leisure is unlikely to be one of them.

Topseyt · 09/04/2020 16:51

It's because it invalidates your insurance

Of course it doesn't! Where did you make up that crap from. It isn't even illegal.

The suggestions/guidelines are generally not to do it because staying near to home and exercising locally (while maintaining social distancing). That is all they are though, guidelines. They aren't even laid down in law.

I don't have a problem with people going out for a short drive for a change of scenery if they stay local to where they live. I wouldn't do it myself though, as I prefer to walk anyway if possible and we are surrounded by farmland.

bettybattenburg · 09/04/2020 16:55

It can't invalidate your insurance surely? I did a longer drive than I'd planned today - I dropped off the shopping (direct route as possible) and then decided while I was out to go and collect a prescription from the pharmacy rather than make a 2nd trip out in a few days. It was lovely to be in the car again, I was so tempted to go on a long drive but came straight home Sad

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