Why do people drive different to they were taught?
Soundbox
Posts: 6,243 Forum Member
✭
For the drivers. Every time I drive I subconsciously recall what I was taught - by my Dad and by the instructor in the lessons I had.
Make your intent clear
Mirror, signal, manoeuvre
Travel at the speed limit if conditions allow
Don't speed
Hold the wheel properly
You know, the usual.
But when I am driving I am seeing so few people doing as they should. I am seeing people just resting their arm on top of the steering wheel (what's that about?), not travelling at the correct speed (usually too fast), fiddling with things and swerving about in the lane, not making their intent clear and just not driving as good as they should. They would certainly fail any test driving like that.
Why is it that people make an effort to do different to what they were instructed? I though my lessons were valuable and they have helped me keep a clean licence and not have an accident. The weird driving styles I see around me make me all the more glad that I am not one of them and can keep safe. So have you integrated what you were taught with real world driving experience? Have you managed to keep safe on the roads when others are driving all cranky?
Make your intent clear
Mirror, signal, manoeuvre
Travel at the speed limit if conditions allow
Don't speed
Hold the wheel properly
You know, the usual.
But when I am driving I am seeing so few people doing as they should. I am seeing people just resting their arm on top of the steering wheel (what's that about?), not travelling at the correct speed (usually too fast), fiddling with things and swerving about in the lane, not making their intent clear and just not driving as good as they should. They would certainly fail any test driving like that.
Why is it that people make an effort to do different to what they were instructed? I though my lessons were valuable and they have helped me keep a clean licence and not have an accident. The weird driving styles I see around me make me all the more glad that I am not one of them and can keep safe. So have you integrated what you were taught with real world driving experience? Have you managed to keep safe on the roads when others are driving all cranky?
0
Comments
Personally I drive in a way that I feel is safe and comfortable. I'm not going to hold myself stiffly when there's nobody watching me to make sure I'm doing it.
I still remember doing my theory test with pen and paper, none of this touchscreen business.
Exactly.
I think power steering makes it easy to use just a couple of fingers.
I have never bothered with the handbrake on a 3 point turn though (unless there is some sort of gradient).
I suffered the effect of someone not being bothered with this when taking the family on holiday a couple of years back. Car was loaded and I was on a derestricted road and the person in front was wanting to turn into a cart track and would need to nearly come to a halt to do this. Sad thing was I got no signal at all apart from the brake lights...which did not mean much as the road was completely empty. I lifted off and covered the brake but soon realised he had braked hard - on an clear road. I braked hard and just about managed to stop but the car behind me had to take evasive action and was VERY angry.
Its a shame that 'developing your own style' or 'habits' are always negative traits. Why not make being more observant a habit - or being more courteous?
I wouldn't say I adhere to everything I was taught eg I don't always drive with my hands at the ten-to-two position.
I always use my mirrors before manoeuvering though, and indicate when necessary.
I can't abide drivers who don't indicate at roundabouts.
Non indication, drivers trying to barge through when it's not their right of way & drivers too close behind you are my main gripes!
Stuff like not indicating, no M-S-M and the like are down to lack of consideration rather than a conscious effort to drive like an arse..
I was taught this way as well, but lets be honest, does ANYONE actually drive like this?!!
I tend to feed the wheel still, but I have picked up a load of other bad habits...like singing along with Taylor Swift..
Its so that you are never at a point where you have less control of the wheel. This was more important in the days when you had steering kickback on rough roads (steering box, not rack and pinion). Reaching the point of 'crossed arms' is a point where your steering is limited. These days it is less important but it is still the only way to have both hands on the wheel and maximum control.
I'd say this is it. You are taught to pass the test, not taught to survive the 250000 miles you might drive in a lifetime. You dont get taught to drive on motorways, for instance. And boy, does that show! Something intensely irritating to more experienced drivers is people who dont progress, drive better with experience. You know why insurance companies prefer and give better rates to older, more experienced drivers? If you don't know, you probably shoundnt be driving, you lack humility.