Re Electronic hand brake/Geartronic?

[darbs]

Originally Posted by XC60Fan

Nothing. Trying to influence other drivers' actions is counter-productive. There will always be inconsiderate people on the road as there are everywhere. The best you can do is not to get wound up and hope that your consideration will rub off on others.

a very good point. i've often thought this country could do with a considerate drivers campaign. people like you would be the main contributors simply through having an unwavering considerate approach on the roads with the hope that some of your consideration would rub off on others. the initiative would be all road users too, including bicycles.

[volvorocks]

Originally Posted by darbs

a photo taken earlier today to illustrate this point. taken on the northern approach to blackfriars bridge. what would you anti-brake lighters do? fortunately, this doesn't wind me up in the slightest!

I bet London traffic jams do though!

[r-designbob]

Very good discussion guys, although I'm not sure my original question has been addressed properly by most.

For the life of me, I cannot see the difference in sitting on the road with EHB on whilst in Drive, as with putting my foot on the brake (causing blindness ) whilst in drive.

[wimorrison]

Originally Posted by r-designbob

Very good discussion guys, although I'm not sure my original question has been addressed properly by most.

For the life of me, I cannot see the difference in sitting on the road with EHB on whilst in Drive, as with putting my foot on the brake (causing blindness ) whilst in drive.

Apart from the brake lights the difference is that with your foot on the footbrake you are braking on four wheels, whereas with the EHB you are only braking on the rear brakes.

[darbs]

Originally Posted by volvorocks

I bet London traffic jams do though!

knowing all the rat runs and alternative routes, i seldom get in any. the traffic lights on this pic are pretty good and stay green long enough to let a fair few cars through.

[XC60MY12]

Originally Posted by darbs

a very good point. i've often thought this country could do with a considerate drivers campaign. people like you would be the main contributors simply through having an unwavering considerate approach on the roads with the hope that some of your consideration would rub off on others. the initiative would be all road users too, including bicycles.

Hi Darbs. A cynic might suspect sarcasm, but I'm not cynical so I'll take your comment at face value with thanks.

My guru while I was a driving instructor was a guy called John Farlam. His website, link below, contains a wealth of information for drivers, based on defensive driving techniques. In my view thinking in terms of "defensive", rather than "considerate" driving is helpful. Defensive driving is all about self-preservation, which is in everyone's interests. Considerate driving, on the other hand, suggests that a degree of altruism is required and not everyone subscribes to that.

Happily, there are many people in this forum who think along the same lines, as is clear from their posts. A good starting-point would be for us all to champion defensive driving at every opportunity. At the same time, responding to aggressive bluster in posts with good grace and a sense of humour might help to generate more light than heat.

This is not about being pious or holier-than-thou. My only interest is in avoiding situations that could result in, or increase the likelihood of, accidents. I doubt whether anyone would disagree with that aim.

http://www.smartdriving.co.uk/Driving/index.htm

[darbs]

Originally Posted by XC60Fan

Hi Darbs. A cynic might suspect sarcasm, but I'm not cynical so I'll take your comment at face value with thanks.

My guru while I was a driving instructor was a guy called John Farlam. His website, link below, contains a wealth of information for drivers, based on defensive driving techniques. In my view thinking in terms of "defensive", rather than "considerate" driving is helpful. Defensive driving is all about self-preservation, which is in everyone's interests. Considerate driving, on the other hand, suggests that a degree of altruism is required and not everyone subscribes to that.

Happily, there are many people in this forum who think along the same lines, as is clear from their posts. A good starting-point would be for us all to champion defensive driving at every opportunity. At the same time, responding to aggressive bluster in posts with good grace and a sense of humour might help to generate more light than heat.

This is not about being pious or holier-than-thou. My only interest is in avoiding situations that could result in, or increase the likelihood of, accidents. I doubt whether anyone would disagree with that aim.

http://www.smartdriving.co.uk/Driving/index.htm

oops. reading what i wrote again, i can see how it could come across as sarcasm. kudos to you for not being cynical.

i see your point about defensive driving vs a more altruistic approach. i think the former with some of the later is needed. i think it's essential not to get wound up when others don't have manners a "reasonable person" might expect, but at the same time, personally continue to show good manners to all others at all times. having said that, we're all human, and there are things that, unfortunately, still wind us up. my worst bugbear is drivers who don't understand "merge in turn". it's a major aspect to driving in london, but seldom observed outside the capital (in my experience). i figure i'll have overcome this personal issue of mine within the next 5 to 10 years!

[r-designbob]

Originally Posted by wimorrison

Apart from the brake lights the difference is that with your foot on the footbrake you are braking on four wheels, whereas with the EHB you are only braking on the rear brakes.

Ah yes, but it's no different to when I used to stop and apply my "old" handbrake (rear wheels only yes?)

[XC60MY12]

Originally Posted by darbs

having said that, we're all human, and there are things that, unfortunately, still wind us up. my worst bugbear is drivers who don't understand "merge in turn". it's a major aspect to driving in london, but seldom observed outside the capital (in my experience). i figure i'll have overcome this personal issue of mine within the next 5 to 10 years!

Absolutely agree we're all human (well, nearly all!). Yes we get wound up but what's important is how we respond. With regard to merging in turn I wonder if you're referring to the "lane ahead closed" situation? Merging in turn makes a lot of sense there but most people's perception is of master-bakers jumping the queue and forcing their way in at the last minute. The solution may be to have a lot more "Please Merge In Turn" signs, as they do in Guernsey. This would perhaps help to change attitudes.

Finally I admire your determination to overcome your personal issues while, at the same time, recognising your limitations

[darbs]

Originally Posted by XC60Fan

Absolutely agree we're all human (well, nearly all!). Yes we get wound up but what's important is how we respond. With regard to merging in turn I wonder if you're referring to the "lane ahead closed" situation? Merging in turn makes a lot of sense there but most people's perception is of master-bakers jumping the queue and forcing their way in at the last minute. The solution may be to have a lot more "Please Merge In Turn" signs, as they do in Guernsey. This would perhaps help to change attitudes.

Finally I admire your determination to overcome your personal issues while, at the same time, recognising your limitations

i've seen similar signs in jersey. there's a really fantastic 3 way "filter in turn" junction nr st aubins bay: http://g.co/maps/ajg9e. the traffic jams nr it can be horrendous but it's very quaint!