Who should reverse?

[bikedog1969]

On a narrow country road, on a hill where it is not possible for two cars to pass, who should reverse? The car at the top of the hill or the car coming up the hill? Or should it be whoever has the least distant to reverse? Are there any hard and fast 'Highway Code' type rules on this? Thanks

[Ethel]

Common sense should prevail.

It would normally be easier for the car going up the hill to reverse, but if that means reversing into a sharp bend it would be better for the other vehicle to reverse.

And of course distance should be a consideration - it would be churlish for a motorist who has just passed a parking space to expect another vehicle to reverse any distance

[legend_mark5]

This is an age old question and the subject of a very funny comedy sketch , with i think terry scottt from terry and june .

[Buenchico]

An excellent answer from Ethel.

However, since you specifically refer to the Highway Code, I'll refer you to Rule 155, which states "Give way to vehicles coming uphill whenever you can. If necessary, reverse until you reach a passing place to let the other vehicle pass":
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport /Highwaycode/DG_070309

Chris

[mushroom25]

I don't know about Terry Scott's sketch, but this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7PT3YLjtCk
visits a similar theme......

[bikedog1969]

Thanks for all the brilliant answers, and so quickly too! You have more than backed up my own thoughts. In addition, I note that the Highway Code states in Rule 203: 'You MUST NOT reverse your vehicle further than necessary.' This was my first use of this site and on the strength of the answers, it will not be my last. Thanks again.

[sddsddean]

As Ethel said, common sense is the main thing, though it is often lacking in modern drivers! Obviously if you are in a car coming uphill and a truck, bus or tractor is coming down, its a lot easier for the car to reverse. However, not all of them do when I'm in my truck and they expect me to get out of the way. I'm not being sexist, but women in 4x4's on the school run are worst for this. I don't think they know that the car can go on the verge a bit. I find getting the paper out and pouring a cup of tea normally gets the message across!

[BarryBalls]

Ask the other drivers surname.

If your surname comes before his/hers in the phone book then its you that should reverse.

What if you are not in the phone book though?

I think phone books are becoming more and more redundant really.

118118 gets my vote.

If they are in the other car, you MUST reverse, because they are busy men!