My pet peeve is the mono-speeders, the drive at 40mph everywhere regardless of whether it is a national speed limit road or 20mph zone outside a school brigade.
I encounter a fair few of these on the way to work and I also find that these people will drive as near to the middle of the road as possible, making it very difficult for anyone behind to see whats ahead this making overtaking unnecessarily more dangerous
I lived in Republic of Georgia for almost a year and everyone drives defensive there, you even learn to accept that all of a sudden a car may appear to be coming into your lane from the opposite side of the road to drive around a large pothole. It's funny how everyone accepts it, no honking or getting angry. Even crossing the road is funny, nobody will ever stop to let you cross, instead you just look for a gap in traffic and walk out in front of them and they drive around you. Oddly enough they're the safest drivers because they're always paying attention to the road unlike in the UK where everyone seems to place their brain on standby mode.
@@guarddragon00 I was taught by a police driving instructor while taking the Advance Drivers Course, that you should position your vehicle to show your intentions as well as signal them, he also told me to use hand signals and not the rude ones.
No one is a perfect driver and everyone makes mistakes. I learned years ago that the most useful thing to do is to stay chilled out while driving. The incident that taught me this lesson was being rear ended by someone who was angry with another driver and not looking where he was going. I'd rather be late than dead and getting stressed over someone else's driving just makes your own driving standards worse as you're no longer applying full concentration to your own driving.
No one is a perfect driver but some people are not in this category. Not only the safety issue but also the fact that they think they are better than everybody else... Disrespectful and selfish. Most of.the time they don't learn from their mistakes and they think "Whatever... nobody is perfect so I can do shit" I wonder if they genuinely believe that they are good people?
As a new driver who brought a car 2 YEARS AFTER passing my test, I agree with your point, I was in an area I did not know, and began going down a one way street the wrong way (now I’ve driven past that one way street a couple of times and how I did not realise I don’t know but the story was I was driving to a car park and my Satnav said left so I turned left, not realising I was meant to go the next left, long story short another driver absolutely belittled me and raged at me, I apologised and said I didn’t know the area and immediately fixed my mistake by turning around when it was safe to do so), and I’ve been in so many other situations where there’s been horn blasting or whatever and it has definitely increased my anxiety while driving to the point where I often try to avoid driving due to the fear of making a mistake and being ill treated by other drivers. Other people forget that they were learner drivers once upon a time and made mistakes as well. Everyone likes to follow the rule of treating people with kindness until they have a metal box that protects them. I consider myself to be a calm driver and allow others to make mistakes without belittling them because I try to look at the bigger picture e.g. maybe they’re in an area they didn’t know, maybe they’re just having one of them days. As long as no one gets hurt and nothing bad happens, people should know that making mistakes or errors is a part of learning.
Seriously, this is what pisses me off about so many UA-cam videos where people catch others’ mistakes on camera, and then upload those mistakes to the internet just to belittle the other person and call them all sorts of insults. Like, I’m sure these people uploading the videos have never EVER made a mistake in their lives.... (obviously though, there are some people who are intentionally being assholes and not just making mistakes; that’s different).
As for tailgaters, I usually reduce speed steadily (though not enough to cause a dangerous lane to lane difference in speed) when somebody is tailgating, until they back off. This has been 100% effective in my experience.
If someone is tailgating you, you need to take the correct precautions to ensure that if something happens you don't get rear-ended. Legally it's their "fault", but that's not the point, it's still a pain in the arse and a waste of time, so... Increase follow distance, reduce speed, etc etc etc. If they can't be responsible, we need to do the responsible thing for them ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@taxidriverPAUL752 that is a decent one... I think a lot of people understand the concept of "if I have THEIR windshield washing liquid on MY windshield maybe I'm a bit close".
One thing I really can’t stand on UA-cam is major you tubers with millions of subs, recording themselves with a phone or sometimes an SLR in their hand whilst driving, often looking right at the camera instead of around them. If you want to record whilst driving safely, This channel is the best place to look.
didn't read your comment properly and thought you were accusing ashley, but yes you are right, don't record and publish dangerous driving for millions to see. or more importantly, don't drive dangerous.
That includes the basic Instagram post of a tattoed hand with oversized wrist watch gripping a steering wheel with an Audi or BMW logo on it while driving.
That and those who drive wrecklessly. Most UA-camrs I see try not to make it obviously by the camera angle but God I hope the young viewers don't get a bad influence on this
They can be confusing. I have been driving with my LHD car in the UK and roundabouts were always the worst part together with overtaking. Also the British, who have been used to roundabouts for a very long time, have made some really complicated ones (the magic roundabout in Swindon for example) while on the continent roundabouts remain rather basic.
To be fair, that makes perfect sense on your 'average' roundabout with only 2 lanes, often unmarked. But given a huge roundabout with 7 exits and 3 lanes, going 'back around' isn't that easy. Although, as I have done in the past in very busy cities, I'd simply continue in the lane I actually got in to, taking the exit for that lane, and then either let me sat nav auto-adjust the route or pull over when I can and put the sat nav on to get me back on track. Safer than cutting across traffic, even if it costs me 10-15 mins.
Many on the motorway are "swiss-roll-abouts" which means they are just a number of lanes wrapping around a center island. To go round a second time, you have to be constantly changing lanes and beware of cutting people up - like I did when I was on the motorway by myself for the first time.
OK, hands up, I have done some of those. Flashing to reprimand, closing the gap deliberately on someone who pulls out in front of me. Thanks Ashley I will try and improve!
I know I have too. But that's the best attitude to have in any walk of life - enough humility to admit mistakes. Sadly lacking from the vast majority of people now. Maybe Ashley is improving that with respect to road use, who knows?
I’m self employed and drive around mid to late morning and 4-7pm in the evenings every day, I’ve been doing this for over 10 years and I’ve seen a decline in driving in that’s time. Every week I will see people doing all 10 of these, especially Audi and BMW drivers plus delivery drivers. It’s scary and I always try and keep my wits about me and let the racer idiots pass.
Green does not mean go. It means proceed if safe to do so. I am also constantly amused by the people who are in such a hurry they need to pass, but then suddenly have all the time in the world to play brakechecking games.
@@adriancoppin977 it's red in my part of the country, so many people have died or been seriously injured yet nothing has been done to stop the idiots going through red even when they can see traffic emerging they just boot it and scream through the red light
"A signal helps others with what you INTENT to do, not what you ARE doing" is a great way of putting it! I've just passed and I do have a habit of signalling late, not intentionally, and i'll do well to remember it in this way. Thank you!
Not a bad list, here are a few of mine: - Policing other road users - Don't get involved, don't make the situation worst, don't punish other that are or you think are breaking the rules, do what you can to make the situation a non-issue and leave them to it. This was kind of covered in the lane straddling during zipper merge, inappropriate use of the horn or flashing lights, and getting out the car to intimidate. But I would also include things like winding down the window to berate/educate, just mind your own business. - Sitting in blind spots - Either get on and overtake or tuck in behind, again kind of covered by lane hoggers but I think not explicitly mentioned, and in a similar vein lorries that take several miles to do one overtake.
"lorries that take several miles to do one overtake." - Yes, highly infuriating....seeing one lorry struggling on for what seems an eternity to overtake another....I often wish the lorry being passed would just bloody slow down (Stubborn 🤬) and let the other one past. This is more of a pronounced problem on Dual Carriageways compared to 3+ lane Motorway of course.
My ex is an aggressive maniac on the road, bumper to bumper, speeding up when he saw someone indicating to pull into his lane even when there’s plenty of space when they started the manoeuvre but it was a perfect excuse for him to start light flashing, horn honking, window down, shouting and swearing, hand gestures etc. He’d stop and get out threatening to punch the other driver which was my cue to get out the car and walk which would get me reprimanded too. I hated being in the car with him, it was frightening at times.
As a new driver who brought a car 2 YEARS AFTER passing my test, I agree with your first point, I was in an area I did not know, and began going down a one way street the wrong way (now I’ve driven past that one way street a couple of times and how I did not realise I don’t know but the story was I was driving to a car park and my Satnav said left so I turned left, not realising I was meant to go the next left, long story short another driver absolutely belittled me and raged at me, I apologised and said I didn’t know the area and immediately fixed my mistake by turning around when it was safe to do so), and I’ve been in so many other situations where there’s been horn blasting or whatever and it has definitely increased my anxiety while driving to the point where I often try to avoid driving due to the fear of making a mistake and being ill treated by other drivers. Other people forget that they were learner drivers once upon a time and made mistakes as well. Everyone likes to follow the rule of treating people with kindness until they have a metal box that protects them. I consider myself to be a calm driver and allow others to make mistakes without belittling them because I try to look at the bigger picture e.g. maybe they’re in an area they didn’t know, maybe they’re just having one of them days. As long as no one gets hurt and nothing bad happens, people should know that making mistakes or errors is a part of learning.
@@amybarker9672 so you hate if ppl tell you you did sth wrong in general or only if they shout? If second I go along. If first though I'd recommend to reconsider the attitude.
@@nativeafroeurasian only if they shout or get aggressive. I fully encourage and support correcting someone if they have done wrong but the method some drivers do this is absolutely horrendous. I did say “everyone loves preaching about being kind until they’re in a metal box that protects them”, which should clearly illustrate I was referring to the attitude of other drivers in pointing out someone’s mistakes rather than the act of making mistakes, as well as multiple times mentioning ill treatment of other drivers. I’d recommend reading the comment first.
As a professional driver, it took some time for me to gain that patience and to accept that these are the roads we have to share. Sadly not everyone plays fair and it will never change and as such, Ashley takes the best stance by letting those people have their space and then everyone gets on with their day. Admittedly its a skill getting those frustrations to pour like water off a ducks back but in the long run its certainly worth it.
What makes you a professional driver? Just curious, a lot of people consider themselves that with no qualifications so I’m just asking out of curiosity.
@@dickhitswater4836 [maybe late] By definition you'll be a professional driver if you earn your main income by driving. So Bus drivers, Truckers and Taxi drivers are _by definition!_ professional drivers, but everyone knows that there are some idiots in these jobs aswell
@@dickhitswater4836 a professional driver is a man or woman that does it as a living. It's a loose term, as you have to incorporate van driver and taxi drivers etc...and they are the worse offenders at times. Saying that , the real professional drivers are the hgv drivers and pcv. But, like any trade, you get good and bad aswel.
*You’re four times* It’s hard to *more likely to* concentrate on *have a crash* two things *when you’re on* at the same time. *a mobile phone.* Don’t interact with your phone in any way whilst operating a motor vehicle. It’s lethal.
@@zaink7037 You must be a subscriber to Cycling Mikey's channel. Gandalf Corner ("back you go"), the phone usage captures whilst queuing in the park etc. I'll look out for you on that channel too. You've just been Gandalfed! 🙂
As a 20 year taxi driver I find observing the vehicle rather than the driver of the other vehicle has 2 benefits, I don’t react to rude hand gestures, for perceived mistakes, as I haven’t seen them & I get a better indication of the driver’s next move than if I had been watching the driver. One of the biggest mistakes most drivers make is looking at the person they are talking to rather than keeping their eyes focused on the road ahead as they talk
"Expect anyone to go anywhere from any lane"!!!!!!!!!! I've driven countless thousands of UK shitty roads and this is the one thing I tell people when they ask me about driving safer. Drive as if everyone around you is an idiot and expect anything as a result, thus drive accordingly.
Indeed, best advice I can give to someone getting on the roads now is: never assume other drivers are competent, attentive or interested in your safety. Don't assume they've maintained their vehicles as well.
Even when people are indicating to make the turn into a junction, you can't always be certain that the indication is correct and that they intend to make the turn. I always wait for the other driver to start the turn in before moving off if the car is very close to the junction.
I was an hgv driver,and the youngsters round my way. used to purposely give the wrong signal at roundabouts to slow you down,they'd signal right,as if carrying on round, then dive off left, at the exit before where you are. That's a lotta fun when you've a heavy load on.
0:20 Using your phone 2:25 Indicators 4:01 Lane Hogging 6:06 Speeding 7:37 Using the horn/Flashing your lights 9:34 Jumping red lights 10:41 Queuing 13:15 Space closers 16:05 Roundabouts 17:29 Tailgating
The blue Ford Focus on your example of lane hogging - I see this ALL the time and to this day I still don't understand why people do it. It happens on the motorway, they'll be in lane 2, move over to let you past then immediately move back into lane 2. Baffling. The clip at 14:42 - I'd blame the cammer for forcing its way onto the the main carriageway from the sliproad. The Golf was keeping its distance from the car infront, this is how you end up with phantom traffic jams at peak times. And LOL at the white Audi SUV trying to beat you by driving faster on the longer route and still end up behind 'the bloody learner' It did raise an eyebrow when you mentioned indicators knowing you drive a BMW 😉
I love how many people don't understand that lights are designed to allow the best traffic flow overtime, if you go through a red you'll get stopped at the next lights cause they've been programmed to be red since the previous lights where red. Same with speeding, if you speed as soon as the light changed green you'll just end up at the next light which are still red cause legally you shouldn't have been at those lughts
'...expect anyone to go anywhere from any lane...' How true of roundabout behaviour Ashley, although failing to signal is by far the most consistent omission and the most annoying. Great channel mate. Gordon
If only there was a way to report MOT failures because indicators were not 'appearing' to be functioning and there was a 3 strikes you lost your MOT rule in a sliding 30day window. To allow for forgetting but not repeat offenders
@James Stewart Every Sunday, I watch UK Dash Cams' channel. Not for the clips (although they are entertaining to some extent), but for the utter numbskullery that often gets revealed in the comments. An occasional special treat is those where the compilation features a clip of their own bad driving that they submitted expecting praise or sympathy. You can imagine how _that_ turns out!
The ones who blatantly drive bad, cutting up people thinking they are saving time really annoy me. I just resort to reporting them with my dashcam footage. Got 5 people get action taken on them.
@@zaink7037 bro do you have your dashcam hard wired to your fuse box g.. so it automatically turns on when you turn on the engine.. or just got it plugged it to cigi port?
Whenever at a crossroads my instructor would always tell me to look both ways even if it's green for me. Just so happens that people do like to barge through even if it's red. He also joked that people who jump red lights are bank robbers
One morning, on my way to work, (dark 5:30ish a.m, no traffic, light changed to green for me. Before starting up, looked to my left, large truck (food supplier delivery) was obviously not slowing down. Had I proceeded without looking, I would have been dead before the ambulance would have been called.
Re, your merging peeve @ 14:55 with the VW golf. Driving in the USA on the Interstates & US Highways it was customary, if safe to do so, to move over to the fast lane to allow safe merging, and yet maintain speed. From the video, it looked safe enough for the golf to pull in front of the van & both maintain speed. In the USA, on the Interstates & US highways, you actually caused confusion if you held back to let merging vehicles enter safely ahead of you, especially if the entering vehicle was a semi. In Australia &, by the looks, the UK, and if you are already travelling at the speed limit, slowing down to let a merging vehicle in safely seems to be fairly standard courteous practice.
@@two-countiesdashcam It's more than that IMO, it's anti social at best and pure selfishness/don't give a F attitude, too often leads to people getting badly hurt especially those on foot and cycle.
I've seen me actually stopping short of the give way when turning right as i predict someone is about to cut the corner, seen a clip where a corner cutter knocked a guy off a motorbike sitting waiting to turn right, then it was "sorry mate, i didn't see you".
My biggest pet peeve is the "but I was indicating!" brigade. For some reason they think that just because they're indicating (e.g. to change lanes or merge from a slip road) this automatically means they have right of way. And they then proceed to cut up any unfortunate soul who happens to be in their way. They don't seem to grasp that the lane markers are give way lines.
I think people misuse the term 'cut up' Someone getting in front of you safely is not an act of cutting up. Somebody that forces you to brake and take evasive action IS cutting you up.
@@nudisco300 I agree. But I am talking about the people that genuinely cut you up, forcing themselves into an unsafe gap and then using the "but I was indicating" excuse in an attempt to absolve themselves of blame. Even though they know full well they only indicated as they were already executing the maneuver. Quite often they're the same people that give you the middle finger out the window if you dare beep your horn to let them know you're there.
@@notmenotme614 context is important. While I agree with what OP says, if it’s safe to do so you should give space to those joining on a slip road, whether that is slowing down or changing lanes. They are the ones running out of road attempting to join without slowing others down.
@@pratosaurusrex1128 I would agree, but these days almost everyone in the slip lane seems to drive at such speed as if they are not joining another main road and expect everyone to jump out of their way, there has to be cooperation from both sides. Don't fly down a slip lane and then beep flash just becuase the car to your right has not done an emergency braking or driven dangerously into their right lane just to let you in. It can be frustrating, but some days you just have to wait for a space and slow down now and then.
This is a good list and they're all things I see day in day out as a delivery driver. I could rant all day but two of my main pet hates are drivers who park on zigzags at crossings and drivers who park against the flow of traffic at night with their headlights on.
Closing spaces down is frequently a necessity if you are the driver of a large vehicle. If that large vehicle is approaching a relatively small roundabout with say 2 lanes on approach. The last thing that driver needs is someone squeezing down the side of you. Again, say at a junction that large vehicle is wanting to go straight ahead, but the other side of the junction narrows or is dog legged, the lorry driver probably needs to take the full width of the road in order to protect himself from vehicles trying to pass him on the junction. It's called 'creating a safe space'
Lane hoggers are my absolute pet hate.. when doing a longer journey say 100 miles +, so many times I'll do the speed limit in a nice empty lane 1 whilst undertaking lanes 2-4 who are all going slower because of build up. The mentality is truly hilarious.. I'll have to remember to save a clip and send it in next time.
J W . oh boy , how old are you now ? When you was young boy racer did you have a vauxhall viva , Morris minor , Hilman imp or a Austin princess . Can't really say you can boy race in these cars , BUT I may be wrong . Those were the days 👍
I know Ashley has a bee in his bonnet about “merge in turn”, and many people clearly don’t know what to do in that situation, but that’s not helped by very unclear advice in the Highway Code, which only tells us to: A) Use your mirrors and get into the correct lane for your vehicle in good time and as signs direct. (Rule 288), and B) You should follow the signs and road markings and get into the lane as directed. In congested road conditions do not change lanes unnecessarily. Merging in turn is recommended but only if safe and appropriate when vehicles are travelling at a very low speed, e.g. when approaching road works or a road traffic incident. It is not recommended at high speed. (Rule 134) The Code does not tell us the correct procedure for how to merge in turn, nor does it specify where to do it. There’s no mention of “using all the road” or “getting right up to the cones”, as this video suggests. In fact, Rule 288 suggests to me that getting right up to the cones is NOT recommended. A video demonstrating how to do it safely, courteously and co-operatively would be of great interest.
I agree. Certainly, when I learned to drive the "in good time" was the message being emphasised. It seems the Highway Code has evolved somewhat to try to get maximum use from the available road structure and in some cases this is to the determent of safety (the demise of the 2 second rule and the proliferation of "smart" (sic) motorways showing how the DoT are thinking)
I agree with you, there, Ashley, at 16:28. Multi-lane roundabouts are horrible! That's why I never get into the inner circle of a multi-lane roundabout -- you have to cut across two lanes of traffic to exit the roundabout! I always stay in the outer circle, and am super cautious and watch out for people who think using the inner circle is the correct way to go around a roundabout.
"Idiots are better at being idiots than you are, so don't give them a competition, because you'll lose"......not sure if that's original or copied from somewhere else, but love it & I'm stealing it for the future, cheers!
One thing I'd like to add about trying to enter a directional lane with queuing traffic (I. E. leaving a motorway jn) is that you may be unfamiliar with the road layout and not realise the queuing traffic is in the lane you require until you've overshot the rear of it. I tend to find directional lanes in urban areas rarely provide visible road markings or signage far back enough and therefore when you are unfamiliar with the road layout you find yourself in the wrong lane with the daunting task of trying to merge. It's not pushing in, it's not being aware of which lane goes where until its much later down the road.
It is pushing in. If you're unfamiliar with the road layout and run out of space, a driver should pass the junction and approach from the other direction when possible. You might lose a couple of minutes, but you'll soon be back on track. And put it all down to experience.
For number 2: I spent a long time in Australia driving and their rules don't have overtaking lanes. You can overtake or undertake as you please. While it was a bit scary to get used to at first, once I did it is such a better system. You end up looking for it just as you would an overtake and it really does feel like everything flows better for it.
Since most of my car driving is on motorways the lane hoggers are my biggest annoyance by far. Roundabouts aren't an issue at all for me in the Netherlands, I think because we don't really do multilane ones except with ridges between the lanes. It is quite shocking how many drivers I can see using their phone when I'm taking the bus. It makes me even happier with how many segregated cyclelanes there are.
There are several UA-cam videos with police catching buses to catch people on their phones. When they see someone they radio their colleagues ahead, take a photo and the licence plate! Some might say it’s sneaky, but if they’re not on their phones they’ve got nothing to worry about!
Wouter, where in the Netherlands do you drive? I live in the province of Friesland and most trips take me onto the A32 or A7. Over there by far the tailgaters are the worst. People having no distance whatsoever to the car in front of them. If anything happens to the speed, they'll end up on the back seat of the car in front of them... Lane hoggers well, they exist and as i'm of the mindset to not be in a hurry and make sure i get where i'm going, i rather just keep my distance and wait till they've passed whatever they were overtaking. Yes sometimes it is a bit annoying, but not nearly as dangerous as the idiots that leave no distance.
Always good advice from this chap.... Sadly, bad drivers are very unlikely to have an interest in these videos, because they are in too much of a hurry to get somewhere.
Flashing has its uses but just think of it like this: If you flash someone to let them out, you are taking responsibility for whatever them pulling out may cause. So if you are going to flash someone, make sure you are 100% sure that it would be safe for them to do so.
Thank you for a very professional video on real practical driving. I took my Police Response Driving course in 1997. The best course ever for both Police AND home driving. All your points were superbly evidenced. Every driver should be following these videos. A clam voice and slow speech highlights the examples. Well done. Now subscribed!
Great video. I've been driving cars/riding motorcycles for 47 years, over an estimated 2 million miles. I would add the following: (1) Drivers approaching side junctions too quickly - it unnerves drivers/riders on the main road and can lead to a swerve. Approach junctions slowly and gently; (2) Mobile phones agreed, but there are many other distractions now, including people re-setting sat nav/sound systems; (3) Motorcycles 'filtering' at speed especially on motorways. They need to understand that 9 out of 10 other drivers will not know you're there. Don't do it! (4) Opening doors when stationary/parked without checking; (5) One for 2024 - swerving out to avoid potholes/puddles. Subscribed, thanks again.
For tailgaters they simply don’t have safe enough distance so i tell my students to slow down until the distance between us and tailgater is compatible with the speed we are going, most of the time it’s sufficient to have the tailgater back up a bit, and if he has the occasion, he’ll overpass us and go tailgating someone else. I’ll try to avoid putting myself out of his way, because this will act as a reinforcement for him to tailgate more.
One of my biggest annoyances at the moment is people who don't read the road markings and nearly send themselves ploughing into the people who are proceeding as directed
Usually when I'm tailgated, I put on my hazard lights and pull over, then continue. Some people's impatience is honestly shocking, makes me wonder what's the point when I catch up with them at traffic lights!
@James Stewart agreed but what I think is these people are eager to join the next que, makes me feel a bit smug when I catch up with them at the next lights 😂😂😂
@@nadim2769 same😂 I’m a new driver with a black box, I often get people tailgating me or over taking me because I’m going the speed limit, but it’s amusing because every time they overtake me I ALWAYS end up behind them at traffic lights or at a junction, like what did that overtake save you? 10 yards? Also shows that speeding literally does not make a difference considering I have a black box
@@nadim2769 Even better if it's way further along. I've had people tailgate on busy motorways, only to pass aggresively when there finally is room. I then end up right behind them (or with 1 or 2 cars in between) 15 minutes (or 25 km) later, just because it's so busy they can't make any progress anyway.
What I like to do to tailgaters is indicate to move over but, I check my mirrors, indicate, check again to make sure it’s clear, then calmly and reeeeeally slowly move into the slow lane.
22 years a driving instructor in London. All your advice is spot on. I would have added….. 1. Drivers that do not understand the bus lane signs and active times, and then get aggressive when you do. 2. Drivers stopping at the secondary red light for the other traffic flow. 3. Drivers using the left (straight ahead) lane to beat a traffic queue and turn right at traffic lights. Also, one big piece of advice I endorse for learners was never look at the following driver, only the vehicle. Very hard to achieve but well worth it to avoid unnecessary stress!!
Well, glad that i am at least for my part a safe driver. I am aware that i make mistakes too and try to get them solved but as we know, not many drivers are so openminded of their own failures. I never had an accident with anyone else since i got my license but i really would prefer it to get an „update“ in the drivingrules at least every 5 years to make sure , that the license is still in some way „valid“ of having
Part of my job is helping those with complex tauma to find imaginative neutral 'reasons' for what they perceive as bad behaviour and it translates quite well into driving. So, if someone is badly tailgating, I imagine that the fellow has his knob caught in his zip and can't concentrate on anything else. If someone is hogging the right lane, I imagine they've just had an ice-cream and it's frozen half their brain. It doesn't stop them but it gives me a giggle.
Right. What makes me laugh about drivers who need to check their phone all the time is that I don't find the stuff on my phone that entertaining. You can look on social media or play a crappy mobile game, but is that really SO engaging to these people they HAVE to check it constantly? I honestly find driving more interesting.
reminds me of Berlin, where they put pedestrian traffic lights INSIDE the pavement to catch the eye of people staring down on their smartphone. Too many were too emerged in social media to even notice a crossing ahead and just walked into traffic
My phone is just for navigation which I set using voice. If somehow I can't change it, I will stop safely and then will do it. I don't even pick up calls during driving and set my mobile to DND mode. Another thing is cyclists using their mobile phones (very common among Deliveroo riders).
8:40 I'll reserve judgement on this one. If he/she is driving a fully loaded articulated lorry, the weight of the trailer can push the cab in different directions upon heavy or sudden breaking.
Been driving a bus for 6 years now and still haven't found anything surprising. It's very frustrating at times and I also understand ppl getting frustrated being behind a bus but I come across everyone of your points all the time everyday. Nice video 👍
I'm probably considered a bit of a phone addict, always scrolling aimlessly through Facebook, mostly habitually. I never touch my phone while I'm driving though, not even stopped at traffic lights. Situations can change in a tiny fraction of a second, and it's just not worth it
Over here there are a lot of drivers that always drive the same speed. 60 (kmh) zone? 50. 30 zone? 50. It's infuriating. First they hold up everyone and than drive like a maniac...
@@hegotaspare the other thing that annoys me which happened twice to me today is on the motorway someone will be doing a 60, as soon as i go into the right lane to overtake them and speed up to 70 they will also do the same and then i will be side by side with them, but that whole time they were doing 60, and then they will continue to speed up while i do so trying to overtake, it makes no sense its like they will lose their pride if they get overtaken
@@MrWaheedulHaque Also when someone is going slow on a single carriageway national speed limit, you go to overtake them (as long as no one is coming in the oncoming lane) and they speed up so you abandon the overtake or they accelerate while you’re overtaking, that is so dangerous. I hate people sometimes.
While not dangerous like some from your list, something that gets to me is people waiting to make a right turn into a busy road from a one way street, but doing so from the left hand side. So anyone behind them wanting to turn left is stuck until the road clears in both directions. This might just be because I live in a one way street and experience this most times I leave the house though.
Something that really irritates me is the lack of white line maintenance in urban traffic systems (as designed)...Getting through them can be quite worrying, particularly in the wet or poor light when reflection obscures the faint or non-existent lines?
Signalling is an area where ''token gestures' are rife. Drivers and riders often use their indicators to give but a couple of flashes, before carrying out their intention. Frequently seen on motorways when intending to pull out to overtake. Sadly , some of the most guilty are lorry drivers. A couple of flashes? Who is actually going to see the signal? One reason why indicators 'flash' is to attract the attention of other road users. On motorways or dual carriageways, I believe many lorry drivers focus excessively intently on their mirrors prior to changing lanes to overtake. They then produce a token gesture indication, convinced they have indicated, so why the issue? They fail to give themselves time to check whether the other road users have seen their signal of intention, and are acting on those signals. Hence they add to the reputation of lorry drivers simply signalling and pulling out to the right simultaneously. The other problem I note is a failure to cancel the signal correctly. This can often turn a 'correct' signal into a misleading signal. especially where multiple junctions sit on top of each other. Then there are the drivers who fail to recognise that 'no' indication, is an indication in itself. This I believe has led to the current situation where we see drivers intending to 'follow the road ahead' at roundabouts [as indicated by the preceding road signs?]...signalling to the right at first, even though proceeding straight on. This can certainly compel a thinking driver who is turning right, and may be to the other driver's right side on a roundabout, to hesitate in case the first driver actually does mean to 'turn right? Not forgetting the poor old driver sat directly opposite, looking to enter the roundabout, seeing the first driver approach , signalling 'right', but actually intending to simply go straight on, and not pose a give-way issue. Simply because the first driver hasn't changed their indication promptly enough? All brought about, originally, by your favourite thing, 'fear?' Fear that folk waiting to enter, on one's left side, may not realise that one wants to go across their front...but if not signalling [which is correct..no signal is a signal in itself?]... they might pull out in front, etc.....Myway Code, not Highway Code? Some very well thought out processes described, well done....
The best one I've had so far was before I took my test: I was making good progress along a local uphill stretch (about 28) when someone overtook and the cut sharply in front of me, only to then park up to answer their phone. I guess at least he didn't answer his phone while driving 🙂
_i know a few people who's worst habit would be crashing..._ I know a few people whose worst habit would be drawing attention to misused apostrophes...
Indication fails and sudden lane swap/lane discipline fails is my biggest bug bear. However I do recognise a couple of your points that I routinely practise. I must try harder to be a better driver. your video's are helping me (and others) be better road users thank you Ashley.
To add to the list... The ones that 'drive' with one hand top dead centre of steering wheel - with no control. The ones that drive with one hand under chin ala LinkedIn thoughtful profule pose - normally associated with Chelsea tractors. The ones that drive at 30mph around supermarket car parks - cos its the speed limit.
Lane hoggers are bad enough. But when the car in front slows way down to the hoggers speed and becomes a hogger themselves. All because somebody told them you would get done for dangerous driving if you undertake.
Yeah, I believe that going faster than the hogger doesn't count as undertaking. The problem is that it's at the discretion of police officers rather than law, it seems.
I don't mind speeding on it's own, I separate speeding from acting reckless. You can easily do either one without the other. I speed regularly - or I did at least before COVID. keeping with the flow 75-80-85 on the motorway, pushing to 90, or even 100 when it's empty, dry and well lit. There's a 50 limit road near here that EVERYONE does 60 on, it used to be 60, but was lowered to 50 because half a dozen kids, doing close to 100 mph crammed in an un-roadworthy ricer car failed to negotiate a mild curve and went into one of those big stone "welcome to ___" things some places have which had been there for as long as I remember... Killed all of them. Including a young (12~14 or something) girl. The press took the death of the young girl, and the young age of all involved (driver was only just 18, not long since passed) as a sign no one can talk ill of any of the kids, and it was a tragic accident and of course it was the 'fast' 60 mph road and the placement of the plinth that was mostly to blame -_- The space closers, I wonder how many of them even know what they just did. The grey golf example, the driver doesn't even seem to look over to the slip road, makes no gesture or sign they've seen the cam car even as it pulls in front of them. Bizzare way to drive... head straight forward staring into one spot. Perhaps it's a theory that if I just drive where I want to go and just go and ignore everyone it will be okay. I'm also going to play devils advocate on the mobile phone front. phones don't automatically distract attention from the road. Rather than phones specifically I think the bigger issue is generally distracted driving. Like the woman you show behind you, who looked away from the road and seemed to instantly go into a world of her own, bollocks to the driving. And the taxi who almost rear ends you is appalling! Why would you move forward without even looking... he saw you start to go, counted 1..2..3.. 'must be clear by now' and went! Doesn't matter if it was his phone, GPS, stereo, bit of blue tac, coins, jerking one out, picking his nose...etc... I find it's not justifiable to say just because someone has a phone in their hand that they are distracted - The police should not be prosecuting simply for holding one, but actually watch what they are doing and it should become an aggravating factor when bad driving is observed, just like anything else should be.
Driving at 100 mph even if there's no traffic is not safe. At that point, you're going beyond the capability of the road, and if you have anything suddenly go wrong with your car like a puncture, the likelihood is you're going to have a massive crash and die. I know you probably think that's rare, hardly ever happens etc, but it could.
@@MPal24 Sure, driving at 100 rather than 70 is always going to be *less* safe, and I wouldn't recommend it, mostly because of the risk to your licence! However, there's nothing radically more dangerous about driving 100 than 70, apart from the increased stopping distances, speed and thus energy involved in any collision. Yet people don't claim that 70 on the motorway is "Suicide!!!" when compared to a 40 road. If you take increased stopping distances and line of sight into account, I don't see driving on the motorway at 100 being a problem if it is quiet and dry. Cars and tyres are engineered to be safe to drive at well over 100 these days. I wouldn't have thought that a puncture at 70 would be safe anyway! I hate to bring it up as it's such a cliche, but the germans have perfectly safe sections of road where, when it is quiet and dry, you can drive as fast as you want, and people regularly do above 140. I think the war on speed is starting to get a bit excessive. It is ALWAYS going to be safer to drive slower, but at the end of the day, people have to get from A to B, and if speed limits keep getting lower, there'll be no point driving anywhere, as it'll be quicker to just take public transport or cycle! The blanket 20 limits popping up in towns and cities particularly drive me mad. I have no problem with busy high streets and school areas being 20, but just making every single back road a 20 is pointless. Most people already go 35-40 on these streets, and they aren't going to stop anytime soon. The only thing this achieves is bunching everyone up behind learners and "sensible" (law-abiding) drivers who go 20, making everyone more stressed and causing people to overtake on residential streets.
@@H1234567H7 Late to this feel exactly the same. Councils and Highways are creating the problems of conjestion the last 17 years. Dual carriageways that were 60mph have been made single lane where idiots get over even 2 mile before lane hogging, cured nothing except create road rage, bad driving and self righteousness. Pisses me off this latest in your face over reacting "Too fast for conditions" so typical of the new breed, its common sense. Noticed where councils have dropped speed limits and put in as many as 4 sets of lights where its stop and start at each within 130 yards = Nothing moves blamed on more motorists crap. Whats missing nowadays is awareness, likes of sports people have quicker reactions than modern breed thats been bred on phones and no life. Speed limits are set for the average driver ie 80mph for likes of Vestapen would be as safe as granny at 10mph, but Verstapen gets the ticket. Further to that braking distances were set in 1965 with a Ford Anglia with drum brakes and 0.7 sec reaction time. Cars nowadays will stop in 1/3 that distance, Ashleys newer Golf in 1/4 Highway Code distance, whats changed is lack of awareness, hence thats why 30mph in the past has become 20mph increasing stopping distances 1/3 in this dumbed down society.
This video highlights the importance of having a look through the road rules of the country you are going to, when traveling overseas. Here in New Zealand, undertaking on a dual carriageway is not illegal or considered dangerous driving if done with due care. However other things are. Parking against the flow of traffic will get you a ticket weather it's in a recognized space or not. As I found when living in the UK, if you're not used to this, and an on coming vehicle suddenly swerves onto your side of the road for no apparent reason, it can be quite disconcerting. Even if there is room for them to park safely. I guess the take away is when you're driving overseas, expect the unexpected. Love the channel, keep up the good work.
Phone use is THE worst in my eyes. Should really be an instant 1 year driving ban in my eyes. Plenty of videos on youtube of lorry drivers (as worse case example) driving into the back of several cars and killing multiple families... Of course they'll have to answer to prison... Just crazy how nobody cares and/or think's it wouldn't happen to them, until it does! Cheers again Ashley, brilliant video!
To me me standard of driving these days is terribly shocking. There's so much anger, impatience, impatience, impatience, impatience, impatience, oh and impatience. So much speeding, tailgating and risky behaviour. Sick of it.
@James Stewart that is not entirely true, if they can prove that the hard brake was unnecessary then both parties are likely to be found culpable, and in some cases the tailgater is even let off entirely.
It's not a safety issue, but one that makes me really angry is repeatedly using the horn outside someone's house to mean "I've just pulled up outside", or even worse "I'm leaving" as they simultaneously wave to the people standing on the path. Some people work unusual hours and are still in bed, for god's sake. I ended up buying earplugs.
I had an idiot of a friend who used to do that every time he came to my home. I told him not to and he would stop for a bit but then start doing it again. Once he even kept honking the horn when I didn't even expect him and was in the shower and had a right go at him but he didn't seem to have enough brain cells to realise what the issue was. Lets just say the idiots not my friend any more and I no longer have to deal with him using the horn outside my home.
Small Car Syndrome is a really big pet peeve of mine. I drive a small Suzuki and it goes the speed limit with decent enough acceleration so it shouldn't hold anyone back but the amount of times i've been tailgated by vehicles and also had vehicles overtake, dart out of junctions etc. It's barbaric.
That is true my previous car was a Fiat Panda used to get tailgated a lot in that, it a lot less frequent in my Ssyangyong Korando now. Nobody overtakes me in a 30 limit anymore, but they did when I was driving the Panda.
It's funny how different the reactions are to different cars. When I first bought my MR2 back in 1994, I could be dawdling along on a dual carriageway or motorway at 60mph and people would be reluctant to overtake me, always assuming I wanted to go faster. When I was driving my Fiesta they would always overtake!
@@paulsengupta971 To be honest i upgraded in January to a Fiesta, an Ecoboost Titanium. People don't dart out or overtake me as much now but still sometimes, it just happens rarely now.
Great video Ashley as usual. One thing I find most strange is why so many people don't signal when coming out of a slip road into lane one, but then signal to go into lane two. I don't know why they think lane one is different to lane two. Also people signal to turn right on a roundabout but leave their right indicator on when they exit the roundabout. Keep up the good work 👍
16:30. That junction coming off the M6 to the M65, exactly the same thing happened to me a couple of days ago. Luckily I was expecting it and managed to stop.
When the consultation period came out regarding new Highway Code regulations, I half expected mini-roundabouts to be reclassed as 'across-a-bouts' to dumb down the rules.....
As an american who's been living in the uk for a little over. two months now, I've got to say your roads are crazy. People speed on the smallest roads, pass eachother by going into opposite traffic, climb sidewalks, etc. It's crazy to me that most of them never get pulled over and ticketed
Yeah it makes me glad to drive in the U.S. of all places, and we have tons of roads with two lanes moving 45 mph in either direction with a turning lane in the middle that either direction can use at any point, with strip mall entrances every 100 feet. Ideally though I'd live somewhere I didn't need to drive.
@@coollary1 It's not. I hate driving in the U.S. and hate having to have a car, but I look at the U.K. and think to myself, well at least I don't have to drive in a place that was never made to drive but has been forcibly converted to driving.
@@TheSpecialJ11 That's not true. Check out 'Not Just Bikes' youtube channel. Europe built their cities to have more than one way to get around. While America leveled our old cities and rebuilt it for cars. You can't walk or bike anywhere or find a bus that's faster than driving your own car. But in Europe you can get around however you want and I love see people on the street. America feels so depressing, big and empty. And unsafe. Cars are speeding so fast that just crossing your neighborhood street feels dangerous.
@@coollary1 You're preaching to the choir. If I lived in the U.K. I wouldn't own a car. But if I were someone who had to drive in the U.K. and couldn't avoid it, I'd much rather have to drive in the U.S.
Middle lane hogging should be dealt with much more severely. I’d send first time offenders on an awareness course and repeat offenders get a month ban, increasing every time they offend again. Enforcement is simple, there’s cameras everywhere. All the billions spent on increasing motorway capacity, all the inconvenience of the works, the disruption, the incidents, damage and injury, all a waste if some drivers are intent on sitting in the middle.
Nah i disagree because if there's moderate to heavy traffic you basically do just sit in the middle lane as per the highway code. Also, the left lane often becomes an off-ramp so if you're unfamiliar with a stretch of motorway you tend to move back to the middle lane a bit early. The only thing I ever have a problem with is people going too slow in the outer overtaking lane and causing big tailbacks. I personally believe that improving education options for offenders is the best way to go, rather than more severe punishment.
@@mikehunter2844 Yep, I have no qualms about overtaking them if I can put a whole lane's buffer between us! I've heard of some people who like to "orbit" the middle lane hoggers - overtake on the right, then move left, and slow down, get overtaken, and repeat. Obviously defeats the point of overtaking in the first place...
@@johnny2hats330 You sound like one of them, they all have excuses on why they do it. By the way the Highway Code doesn't say to drive in the middle lane if you're not overtaking anything in lane 1.
This video is excellent. Spot on with all the common problems on our roads today. I’m a driving instructor in Australia, Melbourne, and we face these common problems too. Very interesting video. Thanks for uploading!
It's strange how some drivers are very particular about NEVER setting a single wheel in a bus lane, even outside the lane's operational hours, but they'll think nothing of running red lights and driving at 15mph over the limit.
Great video. My main criticism is so many drivers approach junctions and roundabouts way too fast and then slam their brakes on. They are in effect in such a hurry to stop that they forget about slowing down gradually as they get nearer. The other peeve is drivers undercutting a mini roundabout near me. The times I’ve met them head on because they didn’t use the roundabout properly but tried to take a short cut by using the wrong lane.
I'm a biker and have started driving cars. Can't say enough that my bikes fast paced driving and lane splitting and cornering etc is visible in my car driving style. This video soothed my mind. A friend's father had taught him yo drive as if Every single person on the road is blind but you aren't. That is very helpful to me.
As a truck driver, not allowed in lane three, I have two choices; sit behind the muppet or undertake. I'm undertaking. As will every truck. A lot of the time you see this in roadworks with 50 mph limits. Truck speedo's are linked to the tacho and so are tested; car speedo's aren't accurate so they're actually doing about 46 mph. Before you ask what difference does it make ... a lot to our drive time.
I think that really depends on the situation. When you say "busy roads" are you talking about fast moving traffic where someone stops abruptly or are you talking about heavy slow moving traffic? If I am in traffic and it's moving slowly and I can see a car ahead which is waiting to pull out I will often let it out. If nobody does they will sit there forever.
Yeah, only let someone out if it's safe. And a lot of times I've been waiting to pull out and someone will slow right up to let me out, when there's plenty of space behind them that I was planning to pull out into anyway. Just why. There's also people going the other way who stop despite there being plenty of room for us both to get past each other.
I've only just discovered this channel, but I'm so glad I did. You cover my pet hates down to a tee, glad you manage to keep such a cool demeanour, I get a lump in my chest half the time watching people who dont have a clue.
All valid ! I am a new driver and uses motorways on daily drives. I have noticed that it is the lane queing which causes the worst traffic built-up in our area. They use the middle lane to try and squeeze themselves out of the motorway exit which is pathetic. Other drivers from left lane suddenly jumps in front of you without enough time to signal, barely making it known to people they are moving the moment they see enough space. I find this ridiculous as they do not understand physics and how much of a danger they are to other drivers .
My pet peeve is the mono-speeders, the drive at 40mph everywhere regardless of whether it is a national speed limit road or 20mph zone outside a school brigade.
Yep, loads of these where I live
Ah yes, I call them the 40-40 people - funny how it is 40mph.
Apparently there is a new version of Ralph Nader’s book called “Unsafe at Any Speed (except 40mph)”
The modern Peugeot driver.
I encounter a fair few of these on the way to work and I also find that these people will drive as near to the middle of the road as possible, making it very difficult for anyone behind to see whats ahead this making overtaking unnecessarily more dangerous
In a world where some motorists put ego before safety, this video demonstrates why defensive driving is so important
I lived in Republic of Georgia for almost a year and everyone drives defensive there, you even learn to accept that all of a sudden a car may appear to be coming into your lane from the opposite side of the road to drive around a large pothole. It's funny how everyone accepts it, no honking or getting angry. Even crossing the road is funny, nobody will ever stop to let you cross, instead you just look for a gap in traffic and walk out in front of them and they drive around you.
Oddly enough they're the safest drivers because they're always paying attention to the road unlike in the UK where everyone seems to place their brain on standby mode.
Motorists are just kamikaze.
a judge in my city calls them organ donors im crying
Its art to balance between driving offensive/defensive way, in certain situations you have to be defensive while in some you have to be offensive.
@@guarddragon00 I was taught by a police driving instructor while taking the Advance Drivers Course, that you should position your vehicle to show your intentions as well as signal them, he also told me to use hand signals and not the rude ones.
I can’t be the only one who just pretends to play the drums on the steering wheel whilst waiting at a light rather than picking up my phone?😂😂
I get ready for a perfect start like im drag racing in NFS tbh
Best part of driving! Dead pedal/the floor as the kick drum, steering wheel is the rest of the kit 🥁
@@andyclarke2067 yes my man, you know!!🤣
I can't drum so I sing (can't do that either)
If it's a nice day, I turn up the volume and "entertain" everyone.
No one is a perfect driver and everyone makes mistakes. I learned years ago that the most useful thing to do is to stay chilled out while driving. The incident that taught me this lesson was being rear ended by someone who was angry with another driver and not looking where he was going. I'd rather be late than dead and getting stressed over someone else's driving just makes your own driving standards worse as you're no longer applying full concentration to your own driving.
Plan each and every trip and factor in delays... stay calm and enjoy the drive.
No one is a perfect driver but some people are not in this category. Not only the safety issue but also the fact that they think they are better than everybody else... Disrespectful and selfish. Most of.the time they don't learn from their mistakes and they think "Whatever... nobody is perfect so I can do shit"
I wonder if they genuinely believe that they are good people?
As a new driver who brought a car 2 YEARS AFTER passing my test, I agree with your point, I was in an area I did not know, and began going down a one way street the wrong way (now I’ve driven past that one way street a couple of times and how I did not realise I don’t know but the story was I was driving to a car park and my Satnav said left so I turned left, not realising I was meant to go the next left, long story short another driver absolutely belittled me and raged at me, I apologised and said I didn’t know the area and immediately fixed my mistake by turning around when it was safe to do so), and I’ve been in so many other situations where there’s been horn blasting or whatever and it has definitely increased my anxiety while driving to the point where I often try to avoid driving due to the fear of making a mistake and being ill treated by other drivers. Other people forget that they were learner drivers once upon a time and made mistakes as well. Everyone likes to follow the rule of treating people with kindness until they have a metal box that protects them. I consider myself to be a calm driver and allow others to make mistakes without belittling them because I try to look at the bigger picture e.g. maybe they’re in an area they didn’t know, maybe they’re just having one of them days. As long as no one gets hurt and nothing bad happens, people should know that making mistakes or errors is a part of learning.
@@amybarker9672 Well said
Seriously, this is what pisses me off about so many UA-cam videos where people catch others’ mistakes on camera, and then upload those mistakes to the internet just to belittle the other person and call them all sorts of insults. Like, I’m sure these people uploading the videos have never EVER made a mistake in their lives.... (obviously though, there are some people who are intentionally being assholes and not just making mistakes; that’s different).
As for tailgaters, I usually reduce speed steadily (though not enough to cause a dangerous lane to lane difference in speed) when somebody is tailgating, until they back off. This has been 100% effective in my experience.
If someone is tailgating you, you need to take the correct precautions to ensure that if something happens you don't get rear-ended. Legally it's their "fault", but that's not the point, it's still a pain in the arse and a waste of time, so...
Increase follow distance, reduce speed, etc etc etc. If they can't be responsible, we need to do the responsible thing for them ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@taxidriverPAUL752 that is a decent one... I think a lot of people understand the concept of "if I have THEIR windshield washing liquid on MY windshield maybe I'm a bit close".
One thing I really can’t stand on UA-cam is major you tubers with millions of subs, recording themselves with a phone or sometimes an SLR in their hand whilst driving, often looking right at the camera instead of around them. If you want to record whilst driving safely, This channel is the best place to look.
didn't read your comment properly and thought you were accusing ashley, but yes you are right, don't record and publish dangerous driving for millions to see. or more importantly, don't drive dangerous.
That includes the basic Instagram post of a tattoed hand with oversized wrist watch gripping a steering wheel with an Audi or BMW logo on it while driving.
@@martindammable I got a new bmw as my first car and actually haven’t taken a single picture with it
That and those who drive wrecklessly. Most UA-camrs I see try not to make it obviously by the camera angle but God I hope the young viewers don't get a bad influence on this
@@irGuilty That's just dumb.
Why people are incapable of just going round a roundabout again if they're in the wrong lane is beyond me...
I'm still going round and round an.......
They can be confusing. I have been driving with my LHD car in the UK and roundabouts were always the worst part together with overtaking. Also the British, who have been used to roundabouts for a very long time, have made some really complicated ones (the magic roundabout in Swindon for example) while on the continent roundabouts remain rather basic.
To be fair, that makes perfect sense on your 'average' roundabout with only 2 lanes, often unmarked. But given a huge roundabout with 7 exits and 3 lanes, going 'back around' isn't that easy. Although, as I have done in the past in very busy cities, I'd simply continue in the lane I actually got in to, taking the exit for that lane, and then either let me sat nav auto-adjust the route or pull over when I can and put the sat nav on to get me back on track. Safer than cutting across traffic, even if it costs me 10-15 mins.
Take them to Milton Keynes. If they cannot get round round abouts they will be sruck forever
Many on the motorway are "swiss-roll-abouts" which means they are just a number of lanes wrapping around a center island. To go round a second time, you have to be constantly changing lanes and beware of cutting people up - like I did when I was on the motorway by myself for the first time.
"Idiots are better at being idiots than your are, so don't give them a competition cos you're gonna lose" :D
said the idiots
Don't argue with an idiot. They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience
Always tell myself that I don't argue with people who are idiots, because that shows I have high IQ/EQ level.
'They will bring you down to their level and beat you with experience'
OK, hands up, I have done some of those. Flashing to reprimand, closing the gap deliberately on someone who pulls out in front of me. Thanks Ashley I will try and improve!
I know I have too. But that's the best attitude to have in any walk of life - enough humility to admit mistakes. Sadly lacking from the vast majority of people now. Maybe Ashley is improving that with respect to road use, who knows?
I’m self employed and drive around mid to late morning and 4-7pm in the evenings every day, I’ve been doing this for over 10 years and I’ve seen a decline in driving in that’s time. Every week I will see people doing all 10 of these, especially Audi and BMW drivers plus delivery drivers. It’s scary and I always try and keep my wits about me and let the racer idiots pass.
Learnt a lot from your videos even with a licence of 19 years plus. Just wanted to thank you for what you are doing with this series
Green does not mean go. It means proceed if safe to do so. I am also constantly amused by the people who are in such a hurry they need to pass, but then suddenly have all the time in the world to play brakechecking games.
These days, amber means GO for anything under thirty.
@@adriancoppin977 it's red in my part of the country, so many people have died or been seriously injured yet nothing has been done to stop the idiots going through red even when they can see traffic emerging they just boot it and scream through the red light
@@sillybait1329 I believe God has ways of solving these unfortunate episodes in the development of “civilised” and “caring” societies...
In certain states in the USA, you can shoot brake check perpetrators. Way to go!
In Italy some 30+ years ago, green meant ‘DANGER! Anything can and usually happens.’
I really don't get using a phone whilst driving. I love the escapism driving gives from everything else.
I've been driving since 1967 but I still learnt how to be a better, safer driver from this video. Thanks Ashley.
*Teacher's pet. I'll serve you some knuckle sandwiches behind the cafeteria at 3 PM.*
My driving zen; give as much space to car in front, timing overtakes, remembering nothings personal on the road!
"A signal helps others with what you INTENT to do, not what you ARE doing" is a great way of putting it! I've just passed and I do have a habit of signalling late, not intentionally, and i'll do well to remember it in this way. Thank you!
Not a bad list, here are a few of mine:
- Policing other road users - Don't get involved, don't make the situation worst, don't punish other that are or you think are breaking the rules, do what you can to make the situation a non-issue and leave them to it. This was kind of covered in the lane straddling during zipper merge, inappropriate use of the horn or flashing lights, and getting out the car to intimidate. But I would also include things like winding down the window to berate/educate, just mind your own business.
- Sitting in blind spots - Either get on and overtake or tuck in behind, again kind of covered by lane hoggers but I think not explicitly mentioned, and in a similar vein lorries that take several miles to do one overtake.
"lorries that take several miles to do one overtake." - Yes, highly infuriating....seeing one lorry struggling on for what seems an eternity to overtake another....I often wish the lorry being passed would just bloody slow down (Stubborn 🤬) and let the other one past. This is more of a pronounced problem on Dual Carriageways compared to 3+ lane Motorway of course.
My ex is an aggressive maniac on the road, bumper to bumper, speeding up when he saw someone indicating to pull into his lane even when there’s plenty of space when they started the manoeuvre but it was a perfect excuse for him to start light flashing, horn honking, window down, shouting and swearing, hand gestures etc. He’d stop and get out threatening to punch the other driver which was my cue to get out the car and walk which would get me reprimanded too. I hated being in the car with him, it was frightening at times.
As a new driver who brought a car 2 YEARS AFTER passing my test, I agree with your first point, I was in an area I did not know, and began going down a one way street the wrong way (now I’ve driven past that one way street a couple of times and how I did not realise I don’t know but the story was I was driving to a car park and my Satnav said left so I turned left, not realising I was meant to go the next left, long story short another driver absolutely belittled me and raged at me, I apologised and said I didn’t know the area and immediately fixed my mistake by turning around when it was safe to do so), and I’ve been in so many other situations where there’s been horn blasting or whatever and it has definitely increased my anxiety while driving to the point where I often try to avoid driving due to the fear of making a mistake and being ill treated by other drivers. Other people forget that they were learner drivers once upon a time and made mistakes as well. Everyone likes to follow the rule of treating people with kindness until they have a metal box that protects them. I consider myself to be a calm driver and allow others to make mistakes without belittling them because I try to look at the bigger picture e.g. maybe they’re in an area they didn’t know, maybe they’re just having one of them days. As long as no one gets hurt and nothing bad happens, people should know that making mistakes or errors is a part of learning.
@@amybarker9672 so you hate if ppl tell you you did sth wrong in general or only if they shout? If second I go along. If first though I'd recommend to reconsider the attitude.
@@nativeafroeurasian only if they shout or get aggressive. I fully encourage and support correcting someone if they have done wrong but the method some drivers do this is absolutely horrendous. I did say “everyone loves preaching about being kind until they’re in a metal box that protects them”, which should clearly illustrate I was referring to the attitude of other drivers in pointing out someone’s mistakes rather than the act of making mistakes, as well as multiple times mentioning ill treatment of other drivers. I’d recommend reading the comment first.
As a professional driver, it took some time for me to gain that patience and to accept that these are the roads we have to share. Sadly not everyone plays fair and it will never change and as such, Ashley takes the best stance by letting those people have their space and then everyone gets on with their day. Admittedly its a skill getting those frustrations to pour like water off a ducks back but in the long run its certainly worth it.
What makes you a professional driver? Just curious, a lot of people consider themselves that with no qualifications so I’m just asking out of curiosity.
@@dickhitswater4836 [maybe late] By definition you'll be a professional driver if you earn your main income by driving. So Bus drivers, Truckers and Taxi drivers are _by definition!_ professional drivers, but everyone knows that there are some idiots in these jobs aswell
@@PsqL93 It's extremely rare to see a taxi in lane 1 on a motorway for instance. Well, it used to be, it's getting a bit better now.
@@dickhitswater4836 a professional driver is a man or woman that does it as a living.
It's a loose term, as you have to incorporate van driver and taxi drivers etc...and they are the worse offenders at times.
Saying that , the real professional drivers are the hgv drivers and pcv. But, like any trade, you get good and bad aswel.
@@dickhitswater4836Anyone who drives for a living, as apposed to driving to get to a place of work or for leasure or running errands.
*You’re four times*
It’s hard to
*more likely to*
concentrate on
*have a crash*
two things
*when you’re on*
at the same time.
*a mobile phone.*
Don’t interact with your phone in any way whilst operating a motor vehicle. It’s lethal.
@S Nope, people do. The car is just one possible "weapon" they might chose, on purpose or not.
A common quote from Cycling Mikey's channel!
And the media screens that manufacturers allow to put in their product!
@@ibs5080 was thinking the same thing 😆
@@zaink7037 You must be a subscriber to Cycling Mikey's channel. Gandalf Corner ("back you go"), the phone usage captures whilst queuing in the park etc. I'll look out for you on that channel too. You've just been Gandalfed! 🙂
As a 20 year taxi driver I find observing the vehicle rather than the driver of the other vehicle has 2 benefits, I don’t react to rude hand gestures, for perceived mistakes, as I haven’t seen them & I get a better indication of the driver’s next move than if I had been watching the driver. One of the biggest mistakes most drivers make is looking at the person they are talking to rather than keeping their eyes focused on the road ahead as they talk
"Expect anyone to go anywhere from any lane"!!!!!!!!!!
I've driven countless thousands of UK shitty roads and this is the one thing I tell people when they ask me about driving safer.
Drive as if everyone around you is an idiot and expect anything as a result, thus drive accordingly.
Indeed, best advice I can give to someone getting on the roads now is: never assume other drivers are competent, attentive or interested in your safety. Don't assume they've maintained their vehicles as well.
@@sugoruyo Are bad maintained vehicles legal to drive in the UK?
When I ride my Motorcycle I regard everyone near me has a possible assassin...its worked so far 1962-
Also when people indicate into a junction / off a roundabout at the last second so you miss your chance to go.
or the people that indicate right on a roundabout but don't take the signal off when they're leaving
@@dvdossbsvskfbdvav That seems to have become much more common in the last 5 years or so.
Even when people are indicating to make the turn into a junction, you can't always be certain that the indication is correct and that they intend to make the turn. I always wait for the other driver to start the turn in before moving off if the car is very close to the junction.
OH MY GOD i hate this
I was an hgv driver,and the youngsters round my way. used to purposely give the wrong signal at roundabouts to slow you down,they'd signal right,as if carrying on round, then dive off left, at the exit before where you are. That's a lotta fun when you've a heavy load on.
I love nothing more than my phone ringing when I'm driving. Perfect excuse not to answer.
They're probably spammers anyway, & as they're usually trying to con the elderly, they'll always hang up when I answer or when it goes to voice-mail!
Especially if its the wife !!
Hands free ?
also proved to be hazardous.@@PiOfficial
0:20 Using your phone
2:25 Indicators
4:01 Lane Hogging
6:06 Speeding
7:37 Using the horn/Flashing your lights
9:34 Jumping red lights
10:41 Queuing
13:15 Space closers
16:05 Roundabouts
17:29 Tailgating
Great shout! I've just added this to the description for chapter markers. Thanks!
@@ashley_neal Thank you for an other great video!
The blue Ford Focus on your example of lane hogging - I see this ALL the time and to this day I still don't understand why people do it. It happens on the motorway, they'll be in lane 2, move over to let you past then immediately move back into lane 2. Baffling.
The clip at 14:42 - I'd blame the cammer for forcing its way onto the the main carriageway from the sliproad. The Golf was keeping its distance from the car infront, this is how you end up with phantom traffic jams at peak times.
And LOL at the white Audi SUV trying to beat you by driving faster on the longer route and still end up behind 'the bloody learner'
It did raise an eyebrow when you mentioned indicators knowing you drive a BMW 😉
Driving a bmw...
I love how many people don't understand that lights are designed to allow the best traffic flow overtime, if you go through a red you'll get stopped at the next lights cause they've been programmed to be red since the previous lights where red. Same with speeding, if you speed as soon as the light changed green you'll just end up at the next light which are still red cause legally you shouldn't have been at those lughts
'...expect anyone to go anywhere from any lane...' How true of roundabout behaviour Ashley, although failing to signal is by far the most consistent omission and the most annoying. Great channel mate. Gordon
If only there was a way to report MOT failures because indicators were not 'appearing' to be functioning and there was a 3 strikes you lost your MOT rule in a sliding 30day window. To allow for forgetting but not repeat offenders
16:23 "and the blurred shapes around him came suddenly into focus"
Comedy gold! 😂😂🤣
That was Harry Potter playing!
The selfish people on the roads with these habits will never watch this video because in their brain there are no bad driving habits.
@James Stewart Every Sunday, I watch UK Dash Cams' channel. Not for the clips (although they are entertaining to some extent), but for the utter numbskullery that often gets revealed in the comments.
An occasional special treat is those where the compilation features a clip of their own bad driving that they submitted expecting praise or sympathy. You can imagine how _that_ turns out!
The ones who blatantly drive bad, cutting up people thinking they are saving time really annoy me. I just resort to reporting them with my dashcam footage. Got 5 people get action taken on them.
@@zaink7037 bro do you have your dashcam hard wired to your fuse box g.. so it automatically turns on when you turn on the engine.. or just got it plugged it to cigi port?
@@zaink7037 also bro msg me.. i show you some LED lights i need go buy and tell me if they are the right ones
@@was4wa I wired mine to a fuse which gets constant power but I also wired in a switch so the camera gets current when the switch is on 👍
Whenever at a crossroads my instructor would always tell me to look both ways even if it's green for me. Just so happens that people do like to barge through even if it's red. He also joked that people who jump red lights are bank robbers
One morning, on my way to work, (dark 5:30ish a.m, no traffic, light changed to green for me. Before starting up, looked to my left, large truck (food supplier delivery) was obviously not slowing down. Had I proceeded without looking, I would have been dead before the ambulance would have been called.
Also to watch out for cyclists they're likely to jump red lights
@@liambamford7259 I do be surprised when they don't.
Thanks for highlighting phones behind the wheel it really is the scourge and a lethal habit for some of our road users.
Re, your merging peeve @ 14:55 with the VW golf.
Driving in the USA on the Interstates & US Highways it was customary, if safe to do so, to move over to the fast lane to allow safe merging, and yet maintain speed. From the video, it looked safe enough for the golf to pull in front of the van & both maintain speed.
In the USA, on the Interstates & US highways, you actually caused confusion if you held back to let merging vehicles enter safely ahead of you, especially if the entering vehicle was a semi. In Australia &, by the looks, the UK, and if you are already travelling at the speed limit, slowing down to let a merging vehicle in safely seems to be fairly standard courteous practice.
Cutting corners/junctions seems to becoming far more prolific, some people are just too lazy to turn the steering wheel properly
I find this worse around housing estates, this happens almost daily to me.
This I don't get. It take zero effort to steer a car unless we talk about the old ones without powersteering
@@martindammable Exactly. Yet some still cut corners (particularly turning right into a T junction) only thing I can think of is laziness...
@@two-countiesdashcam It's more than that IMO, it's anti social at best and pure selfishness/don't give a F attitude, too often leads to people getting badly hurt especially those on foot and cycle.
I've seen me actually stopping short of the give way when turning right as i predict someone is about to cut the corner, seen a clip where a corner cutter knocked a guy off a motorbike sitting waiting to turn right, then it was "sorry mate, i didn't see you".
My biggest pet peeve is the "but I was indicating!" brigade. For some reason they think that just because they're indicating (e.g. to change lanes or merge from a slip road) this automatically means they have right of way. And they then proceed to cut up any unfortunate soul who happens to be in their way. They don't seem to grasp that the lane markers are give way lines.
I think people misuse the term 'cut up'
Someone getting in front of you safely is not an act of cutting up. Somebody that forces you to brake and take evasive action IS cutting you up.
@@nudisco300 I agree. But I am talking about the people that genuinely cut you up, forcing themselves into an unsafe gap and then using the "but I was indicating" excuse in an attempt to absolve themselves of blame. Even though they know full well they only indicated as they were already executing the maneuver. Quite often they're the same people that give you the middle finger out the window if you dare beep your horn to let them know you're there.
@Andrew Webb I thought the same when he was entering from the slip road @14:37 while the Golf driver was being a d*ck technically he wasn’t wrong.
@@notmenotme614 context is important. While I agree with what OP says, if it’s safe to do so you should give space to those joining on a slip road, whether that is slowing down or changing lanes.
They are the ones running out of road attempting to join without slowing others down.
@@pratosaurusrex1128 I would agree, but these days almost everyone in the slip lane seems to drive at such speed as if they are not joining another main road and expect everyone to jump out of their way, there has to be cooperation from both sides. Don't fly down a slip lane and then beep flash just becuase the car to your right has not done an emergency braking or driven dangerously into their right lane just to let you in. It can be frustrating, but some days you just have to wait for a space and slow down now and then.
This is a good list and they're all things I see day in day out as a delivery driver. I could rant all day but two of my main pet hates are drivers who park on zigzags at crossings and drivers who park against the flow of traffic at night with their headlights on.
Closing spaces down is frequently a necessity if you are the driver of a large vehicle. If that large vehicle is approaching a relatively small roundabout with say 2 lanes on approach. The last thing that driver needs is someone squeezing down the side of you. Again, say at a junction that large vehicle is wanting to go straight ahead, but the other side of the junction narrows or is dog legged, the lorry driver probably needs to take the full width of the road in order to protect himself from vehicles trying to pass him on the junction. It's called 'creating a safe space'
thats not what the video is talking about with closing space and you can see this in the examples provided
Lane hoggers are my absolute pet hate.. when doing a longer journey say 100 miles +, so many times I'll do the speed limit in a nice empty lane 1 whilst undertaking lanes 2-4 who are all going slower because of build up.
The mentality is truly hilarious.. I'll have to remember to save a clip and send it in next time.
When I was boy racer people often drove too close in front of me, now I'm an old bloke they drive too close behind me.
Hahaha, love that!
Yeah! we just can't win.
@@daviddou1408 You'll soon understand how it can happen. Once you've caught up.
@@daviddou1408 haha 😁
J W . oh boy , how old are you now ?
When you was young boy racer did you have a vauxhall viva , Morris minor , Hilman imp or a Austin princess . Can't really say you can boy race in these cars , BUT I may be wrong . Those were the days 👍
The gap closers really grind my gears. I'll never understand it.
When merging two to one it should be like a zip
I know Ashley has a bee in his bonnet about “merge in turn”, and many people clearly don’t know what to do in that situation, but that’s not helped by very unclear advice in the Highway Code, which only tells us to:
A) Use your mirrors and get into the correct lane for your vehicle in good time and as signs direct. (Rule 288), and
B) You should follow the signs and road markings and get into the lane as directed. In congested road conditions do not change lanes unnecessarily. Merging in turn is recommended but only if safe and appropriate when vehicles are travelling at a very low speed, e.g. when approaching road works or a road traffic incident. It is not recommended at high speed. (Rule 134)
The Code does not tell us the correct procedure for how to merge in turn, nor does it specify where to do it. There’s no mention of “using all the road” or “getting right up to the cones”, as this video suggests. In fact, Rule 288 suggests to me that getting right up to the cones is NOT recommended.
A video demonstrating how to do it safely, courteously and co-operatively would be of great interest.
hes already done multiple videos, there are even some road works that literally says use both lanes :D
@James Stewart Might as well take down Ashley’s entire channel then! 😄
ua-cam.com/video/1O7jBSNfZgk/v-deo.html
I agree. Certainly, when I learned to drive the "in good time" was the message being emphasised. It seems the Highway Code has evolved somewhat to try to get maximum use from the available road structure and in some cases this is to the determent of safety (the demise of the 2 second rule and the proliferation of "smart" (sic) motorways showing how the DoT are thinking)
BroadSword 66 I agree, "merge in turn" is just an excuse for a bellend in a BMW or Range Rover to TRY and get out of queuing 😂
I agree with you, there, Ashley, at 16:28. Multi-lane roundabouts are horrible! That's why I never get into the inner circle of a multi-lane roundabout -- you have to cut across two lanes of traffic to exit the roundabout! I always stay in the outer circle, and am super cautious and watch out for people who think using the inner circle is the correct way to go around a roundabout.
Anyone else find Ashley voice super calming. Love your channel Ashely, and thank you for your help to keep our road safe. Thanks.
"Idiots are better at being idiots than you are, so don't give them a competition, because you'll lose"......not sure if that's original or copied from somewhere else, but love it & I'm stealing it for the future, cheers!
Not entirely. About 10 years ago I read a saying "Never argue with an idiot, they'll bring you down to their level and beat you with experience" ...
@@seanC3i And a similar one, "Never argue with a fool; onlookers may not be able to tell the difference"
One thing I'd like to add about trying to enter a directional lane with queuing traffic (I. E. leaving a motorway jn) is that you may be unfamiliar with the road layout and not realise the queuing traffic is in the lane you require until you've overshot the rear of it. I tend to find directional lanes in urban areas rarely provide visible road markings or signage far back enough and therefore when you are unfamiliar with the road layout you find yourself in the wrong lane with the daunting task of trying to merge. It's not pushing in, it's not being aware of which lane goes where until its much later down the road.
That's true but the worst thing you can do is stop and block a flowing lane
It is pushing in. If you're unfamiliar with the road layout and run out of space, a driver should pass the junction and approach from the other direction when possible. You might lose a couple of minutes, but you'll soon be back on track. And put it all down to experience.
@@davidatkinson-Music-and-More i agree if you go past the hatched markings but if you are in lane 1 trying to leave there shouldnt be an issue
Ashley needs to be a voice for audio books. Such calm voice 😊
For some reason his voiceover reminds me of Thomas The Tank Engine
The "telling others off" bit is such a good point. I see so many dash cam compilation videos where the cammer just makes the situation worse
For number 2: I spent a long time in Australia driving and their rules don't have overtaking lanes. You can overtake or undertake as you please. While it was a bit scary to get used to at first, once I did it is such a better system. You end up looking for it just as you would an overtake and it really does feel like everything flows better for it.
And Australians can go round right turns in 2 or 3 lanes quite comfortably. Not all UK drivers can do that.
In most states you have to "keep left unless overtaking" at 80 km/h or above.
Since most of my car driving is on motorways the lane hoggers are my biggest annoyance by far. Roundabouts aren't an issue at all for me in the Netherlands, I think because we don't really do multilane ones except with ridges between the lanes. It is quite shocking how many drivers I can see using their phone when I'm taking the bus. It makes me even happier with how many segregated cyclelanes there are.
The Dutch doing things right again
There are several UA-cam videos with police catching buses to catch people on their phones. When they see someone they radio their colleagues ahead, take a photo and the licence plate! Some might say it’s sneaky, but if they’re not on their phones they’ve got nothing to worry about!
Wouter, where in the Netherlands do you drive? I live in the province of Friesland and most trips take me onto the A32 or A7. Over there by far the tailgaters are the worst. People having no distance whatsoever to the car in front of them. If anything happens to the speed, they'll end up on the back seat of the car in front of them... Lane hoggers well, they exist and as i'm of the mindset to not be in a hurry and make sure i get where i'm going, i rather just keep my distance and wait till they've passed whatever they were overtaking. Yes sometimes it is a bit annoying, but not nearly as dangerous as the idiots that leave no distance.
@@AwoudeX The A12 mostly. There are just always people stuck in the 2nd or 3rd lane even if there is almost nobody around.
@@AwoudeX I’m moving to the Netherlands, if these are issues there I’m waisting my time where I currently live.
Always good advice from this chap....
Sadly, bad drivers are very unlikely to have an interest in these videos, because they are in too much of a hurry to get somewhere.
Took it all onboard, thanks. My problem is Horn and Flashing. I will stop that behaviour.
Flashing has its uses but just think of it like this: If you flash someone to let them out, you are taking responsibility for whatever them pulling out may cause. So if you are going to flash someone, make sure you are 100% sure that it would be safe for them to do so.
@@BaldMancTwat I was taking about flashing lights in protest. I have managed the last few days to relax while in car. Lovely name by the way.
@@joerhorton I second that. Hats off to you Mr Bald..........
@@BaldMancTwat Not true, the person pulling out has full responsibility to ensure it is safe to do so, regardless of who is flashing lights.
Thank you for a very professional video on real practical driving. I took my Police Response Driving course in 1997. The best course ever for both Police AND home driving. All your points were superbly evidenced. Every driver should be following these videos. A clam voice and slow speech highlights the examples. Well done. Now subscribed!
Great video. I've been driving cars/riding motorcycles for 47 years, over an estimated 2 million miles. I would add the following: (1) Drivers approaching side junctions too quickly - it unnerves drivers/riders on the main road and can lead to a swerve. Approach junctions slowly and gently; (2) Mobile phones agreed, but there are many other distractions now, including people re-setting sat nav/sound systems; (3) Motorcycles 'filtering' at speed especially on motorways. They need to understand that 9 out of 10 other drivers will not know you're there. Don't do it! (4) Opening doors when stationary/parked without checking; (5) One for 2024 - swerving out to avoid potholes/puddles. Subscribed, thanks again.
For tailgaters they simply don’t have safe enough distance so i tell my students to slow down until the distance between us and tailgater is compatible with the speed we are going, most of the time it’s sufficient to have the tailgater back up a bit, and if he has the occasion, he’ll overpass us and go tailgating someone else. I’ll try to avoid putting myself out of his way, because this will act as a reinforcement for him to tailgate more.
A high percentage of braking is unnecessary, if people would only keep to the speed limit and stopped tailgating
Wouldn't it be nice😊
Tat has never worked for me. The slower I go, the coser they get - until we are both stationary. They then seem to be incapbale of passing me.
just put a west Indian Jamaican flag in your back window nobody tailgates you, try it.
'If you won't adjust your distance to match the speed, then I'll adjust my speed to match the distance'.
One of my biggest annoyances at the moment is people who don't read the road markings and nearly send themselves ploughing into the people who are proceeding as directed
Usually when I'm tailgated, I put on my hazard lights and pull over, then continue. Some people's impatience is honestly shocking, makes me wonder what's the point when I catch up with them at traffic lights!
@James Stewart agreed but what I think is these people are eager to join the next que, makes me feel a bit smug when I catch up with them at the next lights 😂😂😂
@@nadim2769 same😂 I’m a new driver with a black box, I often get people tailgating me or over taking me because I’m going the speed limit, but it’s amusing because every time they overtake me I ALWAYS end up behind them at traffic lights or at a junction, like what did that overtake save you? 10 yards? Also shows that speeding literally does not make a difference considering I have a black box
@@nadim2769 Even better if it's way further along. I've had people tailgate on busy motorways, only to pass aggresively when there finally is room. I then end up right behind them (or with 1 or 2 cars in between) 15 minutes (or 25 km) later, just because it's so busy they can't make any progress anyway.
What I like to do to tailgaters is indicate to move over but, I check my mirrors, indicate, check again to make sure it’s clear, then calmly and reeeeeally slowly move into the slow lane.
I've tried to let people pass had a women get into turn lane with me and Blair the horn and then proceed
22 years a driving instructor in London.
All your advice is spot on. I would have added…..
1. Drivers that do not understand the bus lane signs and active times, and then get aggressive when you do.
2. Drivers stopping at the secondary red light for the other traffic flow.
3. Drivers using the left (straight ahead) lane to beat a traffic queue and turn right at traffic lights.
Also, one big piece of advice I endorse for learners was never look at the following driver, only the vehicle. Very hard to achieve but well worth it to avoid unnecessary stress!!
Well, glad that i am at least for my part a safe driver. I am aware that i make mistakes too and try to get them solved but as we know, not many drivers are so openminded of their own failures. I never had an accident with anyone else since i got my license but i really would prefer it to get an „update“ in the drivingrules at least every 5 years to make sure , that the license is still in some way „valid“ of having
Part of my job is helping those with complex tauma to find imaginative neutral 'reasons' for what they perceive as bad behaviour and it translates quite well into driving. So, if someone is badly tailgating, I imagine that the fellow has his knob caught in his zip and can't concentrate on anything else. If someone is hogging the right lane, I imagine they've just had an ice-cream and it's frozen half their brain. It doesn't stop them but it gives me a giggle.
I’ve been doing that for years, it’s called “he must have a tiny dick”
Seriously though that’s a really good technique for recovery and also in general, thank you for sharing.
I can't even walk straight when looking at my phone...
Right. What makes me laugh about drivers who need to check their phone all the time is that I don't find the stuff on my phone that entertaining. You can look on social media or play a crappy mobile game, but is that really SO engaging to these people they HAVE to check it constantly? I honestly find driving more interesting.
reminds me of Berlin, where they put pedestrian traffic lights INSIDE the pavement to catch the eye of people staring down on their smartphone. Too many were too emerged in social media to even notice a crossing ahead and just walked into traffic
Madness
😂😂😂😂
My phone is just for navigation which I set using voice. If somehow I can't change it, I will stop safely and then will do it. I don't even pick up calls during driving and set my mobile to DND mode. Another thing is cyclists using their mobile phones (very common among Deliveroo riders).
8:40 I'll reserve judgement on this one. If he/she is driving a fully loaded articulated lorry, the weight of the trailer can push the cab in different directions upon heavy or sudden breaking.
Still the Lorry driver should have anticipated that and waited for the cycle to pass the obstruction in the road.
You're joking he tried to overtake a cyclist while a parked car was narrowing the road and a car was coming in the opposite direction.
@@otocan The clip I was referring to doesn't feature a cyclist or parked car?
@@mjvarrie5406 Haha, so it doesn't - I was confused by the comment above mine which is referring to a different incident.
@@otocan No harm done, have a good evening buddy!
Been driving a bus for 6 years now and still haven't found anything surprising. It's very frustrating at times and I also understand ppl getting frustrated being behind a bus but I come across everyone of your points all the time everyday.
Nice video 👍
If your in lane 1 approaching a hogger doing 30mph in a 50 ,in lane 2 would you slow down and not pass on inside as Ashley did?
I'm probably considered a bit of a phone addict, always scrolling aimlessly through Facebook, mostly habitually. I never touch my phone while I'm driving though, not even stopped at traffic lights. Situations can change in a tiny fraction of a second, and it's just not worth it
I hate the people who drive 30 in a 50 and then in a 30 they will be speeding, like whats the point
Over here there are a lot of drivers that always drive the same speed. 60 (kmh) zone? 50. 30 zone? 50. It's infuriating. First they hold up everyone and than drive like a maniac...
@@raymondbenjamins5884 init they silly drivers
I don't get why people do this as well, I've seen it a few times.
@@hegotaspare the other thing that annoys me which happened twice to me today is on the motorway someone will be doing a 60, as soon as i go into the right lane to overtake them and speed up to 70 they will also do the same and then i will be side by side with them, but that whole time they were doing 60, and then they will continue to speed up while i do so trying to overtake, it makes no sense its like they will lose their pride if they get overtaken
@@MrWaheedulHaque Also when someone is going slow on a single carriageway national speed limit, you go to overtake them (as long as no one is coming in the oncoming lane) and they speed up so you abandon the overtake or they accelerate while you’re overtaking, that is so dangerous. I hate people sometimes.
While not dangerous like some from your list, something that gets to me is people waiting to make a right turn into a busy road from a one way street, but doing so from the left hand side. So anyone behind them wanting to turn left is stuck until the road clears in both directions. This might just be because I live in a one way street and experience this most times I leave the house though.
Something that really irritates me is the lack of white line maintenance in urban traffic systems (as designed)...Getting through them can be quite worrying, particularly in the wet or poor light when reflection obscures the faint or non-existent lines?
10:04... that's in tolworth regularly ride/drive through there... some of the lights have speed cameras on them and catch the red light jumpers.
Signalling is an area where ''token gestures' are rife. Drivers and riders often use their indicators to give but a couple of flashes, before carrying out their intention. Frequently seen on motorways when intending to pull out to overtake. Sadly , some of the most guilty are lorry drivers. A couple of flashes? Who is actually going to see the signal? One reason why indicators 'flash' is to attract the attention of other road users. On motorways or dual carriageways, I believe many lorry drivers focus excessively intently on their mirrors prior to changing lanes to overtake. They then produce a token gesture indication, convinced they have indicated, so why the issue? They fail to give themselves time to check whether the other road users have seen their signal of intention, and are acting on those signals. Hence they add to the reputation of lorry drivers simply signalling and pulling out to the right simultaneously. The other problem I note is a failure to cancel the signal correctly. This can often turn a 'correct' signal into a misleading signal. especially where multiple junctions sit on top of each other. Then there are the drivers who fail to recognise that 'no' indication, is an indication in itself. This I believe has led to the current situation where we see drivers intending to 'follow the road ahead' at roundabouts [as indicated by the preceding road signs?]...signalling to the right at first, even though proceeding straight on. This can certainly compel a thinking driver who is turning right, and may be to the other driver's right side on a roundabout, to hesitate in case the first driver actually does mean to 'turn right? Not forgetting the poor old driver sat directly opposite, looking to enter the roundabout, seeing the first driver approach , signalling 'right', but actually intending to simply go straight on, and not pose a give-way issue. Simply because the first driver hasn't changed their indication promptly enough? All brought about, originally, by your favourite thing, 'fear?' Fear that folk waiting to enter, on one's left side, may not realise that one wants to go across their front...but if not signalling [which is correct..no signal is a signal in itself?]... they might pull out in front, etc.....Myway Code, not Highway Code? Some very well thought out processes described, well done....
The best one I've had so far was before I took my test: I was making good progress along a local uphill stretch (about 28) when someone overtook and the cut sharply in front of me, only to then park up to answer their phone. I guess at least he didn't answer his phone while driving 🙂
Literally almost everyone I see is distracted with a mobile, whether they are driving or on foot.
i know a few people who's worst habit would be crashing...
_i know a few people who's worst habit would be crashing..._
I know a few people whose worst habit would be drawing attention to misused apostrophes...
@@rogerkearns8094 oh no! Autocorrect on my phone. What a pity
@@rogerkearns8094 classy guy pulling someone up on miss use of grammar, Bet you’re real fun at parties!
@@scottlaaa Technically that wasn't a miss use of grammar it was a miss use of punctuation. Now I'm correcting your vocabulary.
@@BaldMancTwat another extremely fun person!
Indication fails and sudden lane swap/lane discipline fails is my biggest bug bear. However I do recognise a couple of your points that I routinely practise. I must try harder to be a better driver. your video's are helping me (and others) be better road users thank you Ashley.
To add to the list... The ones that 'drive' with one hand top dead centre of steering wheel - with no control. The ones that drive with one hand under chin ala LinkedIn thoughtful profule pose - normally associated with Chelsea tractors. The ones that drive at 30mph around supermarket car parks - cos its the speed limit.
Lane hoggers are bad enough. But when the car in front slows way down to the hoggers speed and becomes a hogger themselves. All because somebody told them you would get done for dangerous driving if you undertake.
Yeah, I believe that going faster than the hogger doesn't count as undertaking. The problem is that it's at the discretion of police officers rather than law, it seems.
I undertake gradually while blaring my horn obnoxiously, which to be fair is its intended use, notifying other road users of a hazard (ie me)
@@wabznasm9660 I suspect you're not being serious, but there's no better way of increasing other drivers' unpredictability than by sounding your horn.
I don't mind speeding on it's own, I separate speeding from acting reckless. You can easily do either one without the other. I speed regularly - or I did at least before COVID. keeping with the flow 75-80-85 on the motorway, pushing to 90, or even 100 when it's empty, dry and well lit.
There's a 50 limit road near here that EVERYONE does 60 on, it used to be 60, but was lowered to 50 because half a dozen kids, doing close to 100 mph crammed in an un-roadworthy ricer car failed to negotiate a mild curve and went into one of those big stone "welcome to ___" things some places have which had been there for as long as I remember... Killed all of them. Including a young (12~14 or something) girl. The press took the death of the young girl, and the young age of all involved (driver was only just 18, not long since passed) as a sign no one can talk ill of any of the kids, and it was a tragic accident and of course it was the 'fast' 60 mph road and the placement of the plinth that was mostly to blame -_-
The space closers, I wonder how many of them even know what they just did. The grey golf example, the driver doesn't even seem to look over to the slip road, makes no gesture or sign they've seen the cam car even as it pulls in front of them. Bizzare way to drive... head straight forward staring into one spot. Perhaps it's a theory that if I just drive where I want to go and just go and ignore everyone it will be okay.
I'm also going to play devils advocate on the mobile phone front. phones don't automatically distract attention from the road. Rather than phones specifically I think the bigger issue is generally distracted driving. Like the woman you show behind you, who looked away from the road and seemed to instantly go into a world of her own, bollocks to the driving.
And the taxi who almost rear ends you is appalling! Why would you move forward without even looking... he saw you start to go, counted 1..2..3.. 'must be clear by now' and went! Doesn't matter if it was his phone, GPS, stereo, bit of blue tac, coins, jerking one out, picking his nose...etc... I find it's not justifiable to say just because someone has a phone in their hand that they are distracted - The police should not be prosecuting simply for holding one, but actually watch what they are doing and it should become an aggravating factor when bad driving is observed, just like anything else should be.
Driving at 100 mph even if there's no traffic is not safe. At that point, you're going beyond the capability of the road, and if you have anything suddenly go wrong with your car like a puncture, the likelihood is you're going to have a massive crash and die. I know you probably think that's rare, hardly ever happens etc, but it could.
@@MPal24
Sure, driving at 100 rather than 70 is always going to be *less* safe, and I wouldn't recommend it, mostly because of the risk to your licence! However, there's nothing radically more dangerous about driving 100 than 70, apart from the increased stopping distances, speed and thus energy involved in any collision. Yet people don't claim that 70 on the motorway is "Suicide!!!" when compared to a 40 road.
If you take increased stopping distances and line of sight into account, I don't see driving on the motorway at 100 being a problem if it is quiet and dry. Cars and tyres are engineered to be safe to drive at well over 100 these days. I wouldn't have thought that a puncture at 70 would be safe anyway! I hate to bring it up as it's such a cliche, but the germans have perfectly safe sections of road where, when it is quiet and dry, you can drive as fast as you want, and people regularly do above 140.
I think the war on speed is starting to get a bit excessive. It is ALWAYS going to be safer to drive slower, but at the end of the day, people have to get from A to B, and if speed limits keep getting lower, there'll be no point driving anywhere, as it'll be quicker to just take public transport or cycle!
The blanket 20 limits popping up in towns and cities particularly drive me mad. I have no problem with busy high streets and school areas being 20, but just making every single back road a 20 is pointless. Most people already go 35-40 on these streets, and they aren't going to stop anytime soon. The only thing this achieves is bunching everyone up behind learners and "sensible" (law-abiding) drivers who go 20, making everyone more stressed and causing people to overtake on residential streets.
@@MPal24 Never been to Germany then?
@@H1234567H7 Late to this feel exactly the same.
Councils and Highways are creating the problems of conjestion the last 17 years. Dual carriageways that were 60mph have been made single lane where idiots get over even 2 mile before lane hogging, cured nothing except create road rage, bad driving and self righteousness.
Pisses me off this latest in your face over reacting "Too fast for conditions" so typical of the new breed, its common sense.
Noticed where councils have dropped speed limits and put in as many as 4 sets of lights where its stop and start at each within 130 yards = Nothing moves blamed on more motorists crap.
Whats missing nowadays is awareness, likes of sports people have quicker reactions than modern breed thats been bred on phones and no life. Speed limits are set for the average driver ie 80mph for likes of Vestapen would be as safe as granny at 10mph, but Verstapen gets the ticket.
Further to that braking distances were set in 1965 with a Ford Anglia with drum brakes and 0.7 sec reaction time. Cars nowadays will stop in 1/3 that distance, Ashleys newer Golf in 1/4 Highway Code distance, whats changed is lack of awareness, hence thats why 30mph in the past has become 20mph increasing stopping distances 1/3 in this dumbed down society.
Being on the phone makes my blood boil. Every day I see mothers on the school run texting even when going 20 outside the school at home time
This video highlights the importance of having a look through the road rules of the country you are going to, when traveling overseas. Here in New Zealand, undertaking on a dual carriageway is not illegal or considered dangerous driving if done with due care. However other things are. Parking against the flow of traffic will get you a ticket weather it's in a recognized space or not. As I found when living in the UK, if you're not used to this, and an on coming vehicle suddenly swerves onto your side of the road for no apparent reason, it can be quite disconcerting. Even if there is room for them to park safely. I guess the take away is when you're driving overseas, expect the unexpected. Love the channel, keep up the good work.
Phone use is THE worst in my eyes. Should really be an instant 1 year driving ban in my eyes. Plenty of videos on youtube of lorry drivers (as worse case example) driving into the back of several cars and killing multiple families... Of course they'll have to answer to prison... Just crazy how nobody cares and/or think's it wouldn't happen to them, until it does!
Cheers again Ashley, brilliant video!
Isn't it just great when people don't indicate and you're expected to know what their plans are
Changing lanes when alongside someone or just sitting alongside doing the same speed on a dual carriageway
Just reminded me of a very old quote "I've never had an accident, I've seen a lot but never had one myself"................
Who are you quoting?
@@WhiteUnicorn82 sorry, I can't remember. Maybe a comedian - Jasper Carrott possibly, he did a great skit on motor insurance claims..........
Watching this channel makes me a better driver.
It's not just when you are learning. These examples and commentary can help any driver. Thank you Ashley.
To me me standard of driving these days is terribly shocking. There's so much anger, impatience, impatience, impatience, impatience, impatience, oh and impatience.
So much speeding, tailgating and risky behaviour.
Sick of it.
Seen better driving from Mario kart.
@James Stewart that is not entirely true, if they can prove that the hard brake was unnecessary then both parties are likely to be found culpable, and in some cases the tailgater is even let off entirely.
You should try driving in Egypt :D
@@zxbzxbzxb1 Or Turkey! Spent some time in Izmir. Frightening driving and even more shocking vehicle standards.
@@iniehawk4472 None of it matters anyway, both of your insurances will go up.
It's not a safety issue, but one that makes me really angry is repeatedly using the horn outside someone's house to mean "I've just pulled up outside", or even worse "I'm leaving" as they simultaneously wave to the people standing on the path. Some people work unusual hours and are still in bed, for god's sake. I ended up buying earplugs.
I had an idiot of a friend who used to do that every time he came to my home. I told him not to and he would stop for a bit but then start doing it again. Once he even kept honking the horn when I didn't even expect him and was in the shower and had a right go at him but he didn't seem to have enough brain cells to realise what the issue was.
Lets just say the idiots not my friend any more and I no longer have to deal with him using the horn outside my home.
Small Car Syndrome is a really big pet peeve of mine. I drive a small Suzuki and it goes the speed limit with decent enough acceleration so it shouldn't hold anyone back but the amount of times i've been tailgated by vehicles and also had vehicles overtake, dart out of junctions etc. It's barbaric.
That is true my previous car was a Fiat Panda used to get tailgated a lot in that, it a lot less frequent in my Ssyangyong Korando now. Nobody overtakes me in a 30 limit anymore, but they did when I was driving the Panda.
It's funny how different the reactions are to different cars. When I first bought my MR2 back in 1994, I could be dawdling along on a dual carriageway or motorway at 60mph and people would be reluctant to overtake me, always assuming I wanted to go faster. When I was driving my Fiesta they would always overtake!
@@paulsengupta971 To be honest i upgraded in January to a Fiesta, an Ecoboost Titanium. People don't dart out or overtake me as much now but still sometimes, it just happens rarely now.
Great video Ashley as usual. One thing I find most strange is why so many people don't signal when coming out of a slip road into lane one, but then signal to go into lane two. I don't know why they think lane one is different to lane two. Also people signal to turn right on a roundabout but leave their right indicator on when they exit the roundabout. Keep up the good work 👍
16:30. That junction coming off the M6 to the M65, exactly the same thing happened to me a couple of days ago. Luckily I was expecting it and managed to stop.
The two worst sorts of driving are the idiots driving too close behind me and the idiots driving too slowly in front of me. 🙂
I hate traffic jams which are due to too many other cars. Not mine of course. Just everyone else.
When the consultation period came out regarding new Highway Code regulations, I half expected mini-roundabouts to be reclassed as 'across-a-bouts' to dumb down the rules.....
3 locally can't be driven with a horse trailer up behind, what else can you do.
My pet hate is drivers who swing left to make a right hand turn.
100% agree! Or swing right to make a left-hand turn. Most cars have power steering, so I really don't understand why people do this.
As an american who's been living in the uk for a little over. two months now, I've got to say your roads are crazy. People speed on the smallest roads, pass eachother by going into opposite traffic, climb sidewalks, etc. It's crazy to me that most of them never get pulled over and ticketed
Yeah it makes me glad to drive in the U.S. of all places, and we have tons of roads with two lanes moving 45 mph in either direction with a turning lane in the middle that either direction can use at any point, with strip mall entrances every 100 feet. Ideally though I'd live somewhere I didn't need to drive.
@@TheSpecialJ11 Cna't tell if this is sarcasm lol, I hate driving period. And you can't live in america without a car.
@@coollary1 It's not. I hate driving in the U.S. and hate having to have a car, but I look at the U.K. and think to myself, well at least I don't have to drive in a place that was never made to drive but has been forcibly converted to driving.
@@TheSpecialJ11 That's not true. Check out 'Not Just Bikes' youtube channel.
Europe built their cities to have more than one way to get around. While America leveled our old cities and rebuilt it for cars. You can't walk or bike anywhere or find a bus that's faster than driving your own car.
But in Europe you can get around however you want and I love see people on the street. America feels so depressing, big and empty. And unsafe. Cars are speeding so fast that just crossing your neighborhood street feels dangerous.
@@coollary1 You're preaching to the choir. If I lived in the U.K. I wouldn't own a car. But if I were someone who had to drive in the U.K. and couldn't avoid it, I'd much rather have to drive in the U.S.
9:30 was thad the midel finger?
Middle lane hogging should be dealt with much more severely. I’d send first time offenders on an awareness course and repeat offenders get a month ban, increasing every time they offend again. Enforcement is simple, there’s cameras everywhere. All the billions spent on increasing motorway capacity, all the inconvenience of the works, the disruption, the incidents, damage and injury, all a waste if some drivers are intent on sitting in the middle.
Nah i disagree because if there's moderate to heavy traffic you basically do just sit in the middle lane as per the highway code. Also, the left lane often becomes an off-ramp so if you're unfamiliar with a stretch of motorway you tend to move back to the middle lane a bit early. The only thing I ever have a problem with is people going too slow in the outer overtaking lane and causing big tailbacks. I personally believe that improving education options for offenders is the best way to go, rather than more severe punishment.
@@johnny2hats330 if someone is going slow in the outer lane then just pass on inside lane.
@@mikehunter2844 Yep, I have no qualms about overtaking them if I can put a whole lane's buffer between us!
I've heard of some people who like to "orbit" the middle lane hoggers - overtake on the right, then move left, and slow down, get overtaken, and repeat. Obviously defeats the point of overtaking in the first place...
@@johnny2hats330 You sound like one of them, they all have excuses on why they do it. By the way the Highway Code doesn't say to drive in the middle lane if you're not overtaking anything in lane 1.
This video is excellent. Spot on with all the common problems on our roads today. I’m a driving instructor in Australia, Melbourne, and we face these common problems too. Very interesting video. Thanks for uploading!
I remember the last time I drove in Wales, I made the locals livid by using an out of hours bus lane 🤣
It's strange how some drivers are very particular about NEVER setting a single wheel in a bus lane, even outside the lane's operational hours, but they'll think nothing of running red lights and driving at 15mph over the limit.
Guaranteed to wind people up this one, sometimes it’s best not to bother......
Outwith the prescribed hours, it returns to being what it used to be- the inside lane that we should utilise
Great video. My main criticism is so many drivers approach junctions and roundabouts way too fast and then slam their brakes on. They are in effect in such a hurry to stop that they forget about slowing down gradually as they get nearer. The other peeve is drivers undercutting a mini roundabout near me. The times I’ve met them head on because they didn’t use the roundabout properly but tried to take a short cut by using the wrong lane.
I'm a biker and have started driving cars. Can't say enough that my bikes fast paced driving and lane splitting and cornering etc is visible in my car driving style. This video soothed my mind.
A friend's father had taught him yo drive as if Every single person on the road is blind but you aren't. That is very helpful to me.
You will NOT be prosecuted for undertaking. You MAY be if you weave in and out of lanes while undertaking.
As a truck driver, not allowed in lane three, I have two choices; sit behind the muppet or undertake. I'm undertaking. As will every truck. A lot of the time you see this in roadworks with 50 mph limits. Truck speedo's are linked to the tacho and so are tested; car speedo's aren't accurate so they're actually doing about 46 mph. Before you ask what difference does it make ... a lot to our drive time.
When i was learning to drive, my instructor always said 'Think, everyone on the road apart from you is a lunatic.
Statistically I think he might have been on to something. Though you shouldn't rule yourself out either.
I detest people stopping on busy roads to wave other drivers out of side roads. Lethal.
I think that really depends on the situation. When you say "busy roads" are you talking about fast moving traffic where someone stops abruptly or are you talking about heavy slow moving traffic? If I am in traffic and it's moving slowly and I can see a car ahead which is waiting to pull out I will often let it out. If nobody does they will sit there forever.
@@rjk69 no, slow moving traffic is fine. It’s people slamming on the brakes in free flowing traffic that I’m on about.
Yeah, only let someone out if it's safe. And a lot of times I've been waiting to pull out and someone will slow right up to let me out, when there's plenty of space behind them that I was planning to pull out into anyway. Just why.
There's also people going the other way who stop despite there being plenty of room for us both to get past each other.
@@rickkybobby8118 it gives a tingling feeling in their bits!
I've only just discovered this channel, but I'm so glad I did. You cover my pet hates down to a tee, glad you manage to keep such a cool demeanour, I get a lump in my chest half the time watching people who dont have a clue.
All valid ! I am a new driver and uses motorways on daily drives. I have noticed that it is the lane queing which causes the worst traffic built-up in our area. They use the middle lane to try and squeeze themselves out of the motorway exit which is pathetic. Other drivers from left lane suddenly jumps in front of you without enough time to signal, barely making it known to people they are moving the moment they see enough space. I find this ridiculous as they do not understand physics and how much of a danger they are to other drivers .