Safe Speed Forums

I noticed this today on the local paper's website:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-11924046

Very sad. That stretch of road is not far from me, on the main road between Cockermoth and Carlisle. I travel it regularly. It's a dead straight piece of road for a couple of miles (Roman, I think) and three figure speeds are perfectly possible in most cars. It's potency is compounded by the fact that it's the only overtaking opportunity for quite a while. There are a couple of smaller roads that T onto it, and a blind crest in the middle. There's also a garden centre on the other side of the road. It has always been an "accident blackspot" and, until recently, when they stopped having defined camera sites, it was a CSCP camera site. In the last few years, some of that hatching has been painted on the road - (the sort that still legally allows overtaking). I've no idea of the circumstances of this event, clearly we've had plenty of snow round here, but, camera site or not, it's patently clear that it made no difference to these two.

And not the first double tragedy on that road this week.
http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/tributes-to-young-women-who-died-in-crash-near-carlisle-1.787055?referrerPath=home




My wife has a 206 - it's a great car, but it's size and engine unit make it a poor car to handle in snow and ice - the throttle is very responsive in low gears and revs very quickly - and if anything goes wrong, there is very little car between you and anything outside.

I am self employed - if I don't work, I don't get paid, but if anyone thinks they should brave the conditions to get to work when it is not essential, they should err on the side of caution IF they are not experienced or confidant in their ability. At best you might end up having to repair an expensive dent or two, and this story shows you the worst that can happen.

As to the gritting, too many drivers see it as the green light to go out and drive like it was summer again! I was stood on a pavement in Kendal talking to a taxi driver when we heard on the news about this accident, and the comment about the road being gritted.
The pavement where I stood had been gritted - but just a couple of steps took me to a very treacherous patch which had been missed - and I observed that this was all it took to come unstuck.

Naturally enough, the CSCP "don't get caught speeding" message is extremely useful in this weather, and worth every penny spent on their activities!
They have been quick enough to claim credit for reductions of accidents of ALL causes, so they must shoulder the responsibility for the latest rise in fatals - after all they have had the money that should be spent on other measures!

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Time to take responsibility for our actions.. and don't be afraid of speaking out!

Yes, very sad again. I agree that CSCP are always quick to take the credit. It will be interesting to see how they try to "spin" their way out of this one!

It's funny what you say about the 206. I was talking to Mrs. M this morning on the way to drop her off at work and the kids at school. Normally, I'd take them in my VW Saran but it's the second worst car I've ever driven on snow - after a TVR! It only drives through its front wheels, weighs a couple of tons, has a high centre of gravity, an open diff, and ALL its (very impressive) torque arrives at 1500 revs! Below 1500 revs, it's like a bike - it will just stall. Above 1500, and it just spins its wheels! We were talking about how Cumbrian winters were always this bad (and worse) but people drove about in their Marinas, and Escorts quite happily. I think people forget that cars are so much heavier these days AND so much more powerful. They have less ground clearance and stupidly wide tyres. It's all a recipie for a lousy car in snow!

Incidentally, I was goign to revice that "Winter driving" thread sometime because I've actually managed to purchase a couple of cans of that "Tyre-Grip" stuff that they have in America. I haven't used it yet, but wil lreport on its efficacy as soon as I do. So far, I lent one can to a mate with a small front wheel drive van and he said it was useless...

The CSCP could try the "they're not due to speeding" tack - but that would bring up the causes of the accidents that they claim to have reduced!

I bought some "snow socks".

BRILLIANT! Simple and quick to put on and off - and £47.97 on ebay including delivery.
Also suit cars with ABS sensors etc. which make chains a pain.

Didn't need them on my weekend jaunt to (north of) Inverness though!

_________________
Time to take responsibility for our actions.. and don't be afraid of speaking out!

Been wondering about them. What are they like when you're driving on snow / ice and then you get a few yards of gritted tarmac, then back on snow, then another batch of bare road, and so on?

YOU don't feel much difference - but according to the blurb, they wear out quicker.

I'd guess that depends on whether you are gentle or not - I don't see how they would wear if you were not trying to transfer too much power to the surface via the fabric.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1xjo3FU0fU
It really is that simple! Mine are made by Goodyear.

_________________
Time to take responsibility for our actions.. and don't be afraid of speaking out!