"National Speed Limit" ignorance on last night's Fifth Gear

[SurreyGuy]

How worrying was it that so many people didn't recognise a basic road sign that they must see several times a day?

[craft1948]

devilspawn....I didn't say I used it.....I also know how the cooker works but.......

[Androcles]

New Judge,

From what you have said, I am interested in your view of people driving in lane 2 of the motorway at 45 to 50mph, when the lane 1 is clear. Would you describe that as " merely cautious", despite the impact it has on the traffic around them?

[ummmm312]

Have you read the manuals to them then craft?????

[craft1948]

no ummmm....I think it's an innate talent......aren't men boring when they talk about cars.....it;s hardly rocket science is it.......

[Coobeastie]

Seem to recall when I took my driving test many years ago that being overly cautious was a fail. If the road is clear, the weather dry and you're driving during the day then there is no reason not to travel at the posted limit rather than 20mph beneath it. Do these people ever wonder why the road ahead is clear and yet there is a tail back behind them.

[New Judge]

No Androcles I would not.

If lane one is free they should be in that lane (whatever speed they are travelling at).

[ChuckFickens]

I would agree with Androcles to a point..

if somebody doesn't feel comfortable or safe to be able to drive at a speed that would be considered a reasonable one for that road surely they are a danger?

[New Judge]

So what is a "reasonable" speed, then?

[Panic Button]

I was amazed that my professional lorry driver colleagues all told me I was wrong, when I said the speed limit for a car on a dual carriageway was 70.
They were all convinced it was 60.

They all felt a bit silly later.

[craft1948]

I thought it was 60 on a dual carriageway and 70 on a motorway......it doesn't really matter 'cos I never drive on either.....

[Panic Button]

Oh dear

[hc4361]

Even more frightening - how many people can properly identify a dual carriageway?

[craft1948]

okay I'll be the fall guy.....a dual carriageway has 2 lanes each way....and a motorway is signposted as a motorway....

[Panic Button]

I think HC isreferring to the fact that some people believe a bit of paint on the road can count as a central reservation.

[craft1948]

sorry Panic......I'm not very good but I am trying......

[Buenchico]

For anyone who's still not sure of the current rules:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport /Highwaycode/DG_070304

For those, such as Zacsmaster, who seem to think that 50mph is too slow:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/artic le5864847.ece

I don't mind sitting behind the elderly driver who does exactly 40mph, for mile after mile, on a single carriageway in perfect driving conditions. What does annoy me though is when we come to a 30mph zone. Invariably, as I ensure that my speedo reads 28 to 29mph immediately before passing the sign, the elderly driver in front of me disappears into the distance, as they continue at their 'regulation speed' of 40mph into the 30mph zone. GRRR!!!

Chris

[craft1948]

Thank you Chris.......very informative.

[LeMarchand]

@ Buenchico: I find that incredibly annoying too!

@ Androcles: I keep hearing about this "45-50 in lane 2" phenomenon, but can't remember the last time I actually saw it.