Safe Speed Forums

Heading down the M66 Southbound at 7pm tonight (just an hour ago - I'm still shaking from it) I approached its junction with the M60. For those who don't know it, at this point it splits into 4 lanes - L1 and L2 for the M62 and M60 anti-clockwise, and L3 & 4 for the M60 clockwise. I had got into my required lane - L3, (no sliproad involved here - just a continuation of the old M66) and was cruising at a steady 65 - 70mph.
First thing I noticed out of the ordinary was a bit of haphazard movement of the rear lights of cars in front (probably about 200 yards ahead). This made me wary that something may be awry and I eased off. Next thing, I see a couple of cars' wheels lock and the car in front of me perform quite a dramatic swerve into L2 - revealing to me the cause. A pretty smashed up mini horizontally across my lane . My reactions were instinctive - hit the brakes bloody hard (may have locked the wheels - not sure but no ABS on my car), but was not sure I was going to stop in time, and even if I did, would I be hit by the car behind?? Now I knew L2 was empty behind me so managed to swing the car round into this lane, and as soon as I knew I was clear of the accident got my hazards on - fortunately cars around me had done the same thing providing some warning to following motorists. Was wondering whether to stop but by the time I'd passed it, a few cars had already pulled over to the HS, the van that was following me had stopped behind the accident and I'd already got passed and was still travelling around about the 30mph mark. I also seem to recall L4 was blocked by something; but it all happened so quickly and I was concentrating far more on avoiding being part of the accident than observing it so not sure by what.

Incidentally, the Mini involved I had let on at an earlier slip road - pulled over to L2 to allow him to join the main carriageway. Doing around the 75mph mark as he joined, I thought I'd make a quick burst up to 80 and pull in, in front of him. However as I accelerated, so did he, and more. Being very windy tonight I didn't fancy going more than 80 so let him go and pulled back in behind him as he went tearing off down L2. Now I'm driving a hefty Pug 406 and the wind was making driving that very uncomfortable even below 70mph. So no idea what a Mini must have been like in tonight's conditions - this was one of the older style Minis. And I know from my mate's old Mini how flimsy these things feel even at modest speeds, (he hated driving the thing at motorway speeds for this reason). I do wonder whether he was simply going too fast for the conditions in such a car. On the other hand, he could have been cut-up by some ignorant pillock randomly switching lanes (I know what this junction can be like for things like that). One thing's for sure - the motorway will no doubt be suffering tailbacks as I type this as a result.

Anyway if you've read this far, sorry for rambling. Just needed to get it off my chest as it was quite a frightening experience, (can't remember much worse in my 10 year driving career). Also think it's a very good learning experience in expecting the unexpected (esp as this stretch of motorway is pretty straight and wide). Don't know if there is anything better I could have done - was just glad to have avoided it and even now I don't quite know how I managed to.

_________________
Why can't we just use Common Sense?

Mate, glad you're okay!

Sounds like you had an escape route planned, knew it was clear, and used it, rather than putting your full weight on the brakes and hoping your skidding wheels stopped you in time!

Hope the mini crew escaped as lightly as you, regardless of their poor driving or otherwise. Can guarantee it would have been a whole lot worse if you'd tanked into them!

Cheers Robin. One thing I've always done on motorways is make regular checks in both wing mirrors even if I'm not planning on switching lanes, just so that I'm aware of my surroundings in case an emergency manoeuvre is required. Tonight was the first time I can remember that this strategy really came into play, so knew the inside lane was clear well before there was any sign of the impending emergency.

I think the Mini driver was OK - seem to recall someone running from it across to the central reservation in the midst of the escape manoeuvre.

_________________
Why can't we just use Common Sense?

I am sure the police accident investigators will be interested in this.

Which poses a dilemma, do you tell the whole truth, or were you travelling at 70?

Echo the comments above - well done for KNOWING what lanes you could migrate to.

I don't know the terrain, but wherever possible at on and off slips, I try to scan 10 seconds or so ahead to look for unwanted activity and if in the slightest doubt get a few extra football fields in front of me. I know they get filled and that you can attract tailgaters so it is a matter of fine judgement. Well done.