JADAV

In the UK some sections have the lanes marked with large chevrons set at the appropriate distance for the legal speeds so that drivers can adjust their distance from the vehicle in front. This rarely works as drivers continually use the "spaces" to pull into from faster lanes thereby negating the whole safety measure. As you fall back to allow the proper distance you can bet money that another car will pull over into the slot you have left.

cincykid

I had been taught in Detroit to hold the wheel at 10 and two and did that for you.

A couple of years ago I had the chance to drive a number of BMW competition models on the Kentucky Speedway. During the pre-drive training the instructors said it was best to drive with hands at the 9 and 3 positions. European drivers are taught this way and the steering wheels accomodate keeping the thumbs on the notchs in the wheel.

I have found that driving this way is more relaxing on long hauls and have noticed that NASCAR drivers also do this. The comments about air bags also make sense.

Abo

Absolutely. I did an experiment that went as follows. I left a 2 second gap for 10 km... During that time
I stopped counting after 20 cars verged into my gap.

I live in Victoria Australia and am pretty sure that we have the worst drivers in the world.
I've driven in every state in Australia except the Northern Territory. The only place
that comes close to the incompetence, and discourteousness of Victorian car drivers
is Canberra. Perhaps the Canberrans are in a competiton with us down here to be
featured in the Guiness Book Of World Records under the classification "Worst Drivers".

The best drivers in Australia based on skill and courteousness is easily
Far North Queensland. (Townsville and Cairns)

The irony of this is; Victoria seems to have the most skilled motorcyclists...
the inept probably having been been unable to avoid being "culled" by the Victorian car drivers.

While up FNQ there's many motorcyclists wobbling around the roads that seem they
would have trouble piloting a pushbike, bless their cotton socks.

Anyway dear readers, the single most important thing for getting you and
your loved ones to your motoring destination without incident is simply
concentration...
Unshakable concentration on the job of driving ie. where you're going and the road ahead.

One day I was driving a friends car on busy roads; (with her in the front
passenger seat) she was incessantly pointing off
into the fields, shops, and other landscape telling me to look at this that and other things
(apart from where we were going). After ignoring her instructions for half an hour I had to say;
"Margaret, it's best for our well being if I watch the traffic in front and where we are going".

alawry Loc: Timaru New Zealand

Hi Abo at this time of year we look at our holiday road toll worth various agencies pointing fingers at road condition, lack of police presence etc. I maintain that 10 times the police won't help, and look at the road where fatalities occur it's not the road. It's what you say, keep your eyes on the road and pay attention to what you (and others) are doing. When your mind wanders to what you might have for tea tonight or whatever, it's obvious isn't it. Thanks for your input in this discussion, road safety is dear to my heart. Cheers. Andrew.

Stephan G

FWIW. The exit from vehicles was to move to the passenger door on right (USA) to exit onto the curb. However, the popularity of bucket seats forced the driver to exit on driver's side. The auto industry filled the center with consoles galore.

PSA for the day. Do not watch TV when driving.

Secondary PSA: Use ALL of your mirrors.

14kphotog Loc: Marietta, Ohio

In some states those Bicyclists are to stay next to the curb and NOT be passing cars on the left just for that reason.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

How do you do that if the cars are parked at the curb?

Abo

Thanks for responding Andrew... it's good to hear from you.

Alan.

scallihan Loc: Tigard, OR

I think in most states, one can open the car door into a traffic lane "only when safe". So a passenger in a car parked on the left side of a one-way street (U.S.) has to observe the rule. Portland is a very bike-centric city, and I always check my side view mirror before opening the door.

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

10 and 2 used to be the suggested way but is more unsafe when you need to react, than a better 9 and 3 position. 9 and 3 gives you the most control of steering and is the way it is done in racing.

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

Ummm, they don't, they are set to hold the wheel at 9 and 3, which IS the position for the best control of the vehicle. In the old days they used to suggest 10 and 2 but that is no longer the position for the safest control of a vehicle. It may have been a long while back when you had that training.

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

I think I knew her!

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

Another tip for all of you when driving along streets, especially where there are lots of houses along the street, is to keep looking (from time to time) underneath the front left section of the parked cars as you approach them and of course for those who drive on the right, like in the USA. When you keep your eyes on this part of cars you are coming up on, you will be able to see little feet and legs of young children that might be between the cars. If you see such a thing, be ready for the person to come running out in front of you.

It is a good thing to practice all the time and you will be surprised to sometimes see some little legs and feet, you would never have known they were there if you were not looking at that position under the car. This tip might one day save you running over a poor little child that darted out from between two parked cars. It also works in car parks as you drive down the aisles, looking for an open spot. Please remember and practice this for the rest of your driving days and pass it on to all the drivers you know.

Cyberkinesis70 Loc: Northern Colorado

I can agree with that. I was taught 10 and 2. I drove like that for 50 years (except when I was hotrodding my Road Runner. No air bags). I had an accident with my van and the airbags went off. Beside the impact of the bag cold cocking me and knocking my glasses to the back of the van, it left bruises all over my forearms and indescribable pain. Please drive with 8 and 4 to avoid the pain I went through.

Cyberkinesis70 Loc: Northern Colorado

I appreciate the intended humor, however, this is a serious proposal. Do you want to be the guy who gets his door ripped off at the hinges or causes injury to a cyclist? Beside that, if I were to open my fly with either hand... all you would see is panties.