Overtaking...is it worth it?

[XCeed]

The art of safe overtaking seems to have been lost on single-carriageway roads these days. Anyone know why?
When I overtake (and I only do when it's safe and worthwhile, trust me!) I find that time and again the car ahead speeds up, drifts across the centre line and then gives me the full beam right on my arse. WTF?
If I am sitting patiently in a queue, not inclined to bother to overtake, (no point if the road ahead is busy) then the BM or Merc behind (for it is always one or the other) gives me the evil full beam, moves out to overtake in a totally inappropriate stretch of road and then is obliged to force his way into the safe space in front of me (which then isn't a safe space).
I always slow down so I can fully appreciate the fulsome hand gestures, and then off he goes again. Miles down the road, Mr GetAheadAtAllCosts is still only two cars in front, although steam is clearly coming out of his ears which is not good for his blood pressure.
One way or another, the overtaking manoeuvre seems to cause more trouble than it's worth. Or is it just me?

[Rossi-fan]

Yes mate, did you not know our roads are full of complete and utter ******s who need to carry out their "spirited" driving in their "drivers" car. There's no getting away from them, and the fact that they think this kind of driving is OK, tell's me we just have to try and let it go, cos they're here to stay I'm afraid.

[owyn]

I don't really share these experiences, it's must be quite a location based phenomenon. The roads are fairly straight and clear where I live so overtaking is fairly easy.

[T5R92011]

Unless the vehicle in question is a tractor doing 20mph on national speed limit then I don't bother overtaking on single carriage way.

It's not worth the risk and you don't know what reaction you'll get from leading vehicle. Also HGV's are fast enough (on a level surface) so don't require overtaking.

[DSK]

If the road ahead is clear and the vehicle infront is travelling reasonably slower and you can safely pass then yes. As long as its legal, safe and suitable to do so, then no need to take any notice of people who may not realize that its legal and permitted. However, I always hang back even when thinking of an overtake to ensure the driver ahead is not intimidated and you have a good view of the road ahead and can plan with ease.

For the drivers who overtake through bad habit, aggressive and rushed nature with unplanned, poorly though out silly or unsafe overtakes, that's another category.

[GreenBrick]

I have a few "emergency" recordings on my dash cam of BMW drivers making their own 3rd lane in the middle of a normal road, forcing traffic apart. Pity the police are not interested in the footage. Youtube it is then!

[CHARLIEDONTSURF]

Overtaking as such isn't in the driving test AFAIK. This leaves it down to the skill/experience/common sense of the individual.
Unfortunately common sense isn't a requirement of holding a DL.

When I am in charge , DL application forms will be completed by the state. One will be injected with a truth serum before the additional medical question


"Are you a bell end?"

On a more serious note how many new ( or 'time served' even) drivers know about contact area/rule of thirds/TED etc. overtaking being mostly about the planning and not the execution.

[owyn]

Originally Posted by T5R92011

Unless the vehicle in question is a tractor doing 20mph on national speed limit then I don't bother overtaking on single carriage way.

It's not worth the risk and you don't know what reaction you'll get from leading vehicle. Also HGV's are fast enough (on a level surface) so don't require overtaking.

This is the biggest problem round our neck of the woods. Plenty of slow traffic with people following not willing to overtake.

You end with great big queues with no chance to overtake, makes for pretty steady progress!

[Bonefishblues]

Typically, no, its not, but if you are getting that reaction consistently OP, you should have a look at how you're going about it as you may be the common factor.

[docjd]

Driving back on m40 Wednesday afternoon 12 august -two motorbikes driving at same speed lanes 2 and 3 approx. 75 mph just wouldn't move out of the overtaking top lane-caused quite a lot of irritation and anger judging from the reaction from the car drivers behind-I was in the bottom lane chilling-approx. 70(xc90)
Obviously no traffic cops to apply appropriate sanctions