Is it just me or does everyone always experience people pulling out on you???? It seems that hardly a day goes by when a car doesnt nudge forward out of a junction and have to stop sharpish. Its almost as if they dont register that another car is on the road and has right of way.

If this is what bikers gripe about then i now fully understand what they are going thro and have every empathy with them (i now consider myself more of a 4 wheel biker than a car driver!). You kind of need a sixth sense. Ive been driving for a lot of years and regulalry drive from NE to Bristol but even that doesnt compare to the concentration you need when driving se7ens on the road at times. Ive even tried driving with sidelights on.

Another gripe - the amount of people who drive oh so close when you are wanting a leisurely drive out. I havce to turn right off the main road to get to my office, quite often the cars behind dont seem to register the indicators and get scarily close.

I think the trouble is that sevens (and bikes) don't register as "traffic" in some peoples' minds, as do tin-tops and lorries.

These people look up the road, don't see "tin-top" or "lorry", so pull out.

I think that they should have their car roof torn off so that they can notice the rest of the world!

David



[Edited on 10/8/06 by David Jenkins]

i need some silencing at the moment so people hear me comming first (please no jokes )

Rupert

Don't even go there!!!!

Although I haven't been driving the toy for long it seems to be a common problem.
The only answer seems to be to develop a good defensive driving philosophy.
When I used to teach kids to ride push bikes safely under the Cyclist Training Scheme (old style cycling proficiency test). The first thing I used to tell them was:
Be aware of everyone around you at all times and treat every other road users as ablind idiot who is out to knock you off your bike!

I think this is a good place to come from when driving our cars.

What amazes me most is the number who pull out on you and then treat you as though it was your fault for being there.

Agreed - Defensive Driving is the only stance to take on the road.

I do think brighter colours help though - BKLOCO's and my car are Yellow - so easily recognisible

Perhaps your 'Milk Tray Man' car Darren is a bit stealthy - get some fluorescent graphics on it

Defensive driving - yes i can concurr it is a good idea. Whilst i havent been formally trained in such techniques i do employ what i would consider to be common sense in such matters. Ive got to the stage now that if i see a car in a junction way ahead i assume they will pull out. It works but still amazes me how many people do it.

Ref colour - defo good point very well made. i do need to put some more graphics on it. Ive also got someone looking into a nice shade of burnt metallic orange for a respray but unfortunately funds dont allow now ive started a house development.

perhaps everyone should ride motorbikes for a while - that teaches them to realise whats going on around them. very good for learning defensive driving !

Don't start me on the subject of drivers isolated in their little boxes!

How many people go 80 or 90 mph on the motorway in bad conditions, because it doesn't feel very fast and they feel "safe"?

Try doing that on a bike or in a Locost (or even a 1960's saloon) and see what 80 or 90 really feels like! You certainly don't feel so safe - mind you, it's a great thrill, but you know all too well that you are at risk.

David

quote:

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t's a great thrill, but you know all too well that you are at risk.

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I sold my bike a few weeks ago but I always had dipped headlights on.

I might well do the same when I get the seven on the road, tell everyone I used Volvo electrics.

Blue bulbs are even better. They show up well in daylight.

The one thing I don't understand is the fitting of small lights and indicators.
Yes they look cool, but not on a bent car.

Just IMHO you understand.

Paul G

I always have the side lights on. Especially in traffic. Where I leave a nice heathly gap, as most won't see you in their mirrors. Also really glad my car's half bright yellow!

there generally seems to be a lack courtesy on the roads.
i do it like Earl, karma
let someone out and someone will let you out...
if they don't just pull on em and if they give you abuse brake test em

[Edited on 10/8/06 by marcyboy]

I find that roundabouts are the worst especially when you are going round one that joins a dual carriageway. in the summer as the grass grows a bit long and there are usually plants or shrubs to shroud you as you are going round. because you are so low down other road users might not or cant see you coming round so they pull straight out in front of you.