Being chastised by a driving instructor who should know better

[osprey]

Yesterday, when travelling home uphill on a 30mph B road on which I am one of the very few who use the horn (as there are 5 blind corners / bends), I was shouted at by a driving instructor for using my horn and thus averting an accident as he was travelling far too fast around one of the said bends with three cars tail-gating him. He shouted that he had been using that road for 5 years and never used the horn as it was unecessary and against the Law!! He then drove off and I heard his tyres screech as he narrowly missed people and a dog walking towards him. I have been using that road for over 30 years and have ALWAYS used the horn and averted countless accidents due to others travelling far too fast for that stretch of road.

[bednobs]

so? you want a medal?
Sorry to be so callous, but what is your question?
There are plenty of idiots on the road, you were probably both right as i dont think there is any rule stating you must use your horn, or any against it. if you wwere going 30 mph, how did you have time for this long conversation anyway?

[kempie]

The Highway Code is the benchmark for a "reasonable" level of driver ability and by which the actions of all drivers are measured. In many cases, when applying the Traffic Laws, actions falling below a "reasonable" standard are prosecuted as offences of Careless Driving.

For example, the Highway Code (Rule 112) has this to say on use of the horn:

Use only while your vehicle is moving and you need to warn other road users of your presence.

There is also reference to a legal requirement:

Never sound your horn aggressively. You MUST NOT use your horn

� while stationary on the road
� when driving in a built-up area between the hours of 11.30 pm and 7.00 am

except when another road user poses a danger.

To not sound your horn (or to travel too fast) in the situation as described could be classed as Driving Without Due Care. For a driving instructor (obviously in name only!!!) to be unaware of this is indicative of the level of driving now thought of as acceptable on British roads.