Safe Speed Forums

"Only a fool brakes the two second rule."

So how does anyone ever overtake?

Exactly! Although I do agree and obey the saying

'Only a fool breaks the two second rule and if it's wet then double et.'

I think that's how it goes but I have my own version of an add-on at the end lately..

If the road surface is new your journey's a farce
Cuz you will slip and slide and end up on your arse

Re http://www.safespeed.org.uk/forum/viewt ... sc&start=0

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The views expressed in this post are personal opinions and do not necessarily represent the views of Safe Speed.
You will be branded a threat to society by going over a speed limit where it is safe to do so, and suffer the consequences of your actions in a way criminals do not, more so than someone who is a real threat to our society.

Right, I will have a go at this.

Assuming a single carriage way, single lane in each direction.
When you are closing on a vehicle ready for an overtake you should be able to see* that the road in front is clear* in both directions. This means that as you close to less than a 2 second gap you have the option of moving to the right of the leading vehicle as well as just braking. Also bear in mind that the 2 second rule allows for a very slow reaction time to the vehicle in front braking and when you are closing for an overtake your attention levels should ensure a much shorter reaction time.

Having a powerful vehicle helps as you can make comfortable overtakes from well behind a leading vehicle - providing you know there are no scameras around of course.

All my opinion, whether the others on here agree we will find out.

* simplified

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Driving fast is for a particular time and place, I can do it I just only do it occasionally because I am a gentleman.
- James May

Broadly I agree 2 seconds is a good rule for sustainable driving. But for short bursts you can drive on about 1 second and you do! If you are all driving safe down a busy motorway and it all slows down Initially every bunches up to 1 second. Then after about 30 seconds everyone regains their 2 seconds.

I really hate those chevrons painted round Bristol. they cause a motorway that was congested 2 hours a day to clog up 10 hours a day.

They are something that appear to be a good idea, but in practice are pants.

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Speed limit sign radio interview. TV Snap Unhappy
“It has never been the rule in this country – I hope it never will be - that suspected criminal offences must automatically be the subject of prosecution” He added that there should be a prosecution: “wherever it appears that the offence or the circumstances of its commission is or are of such a character that a prosecution in respect thereof is required in the public interest”
This approach has been endorsed by Attorney General ever since 1951. CPS Code

Well they clearly must be fools, as shown by those who indignantly flash their lights after being overtaken, regardless of how safely the manoeuvre was executed.

Agreed, I notice the same effect on the M6 in Stafordshire/Chesire where drivers slow as they enter the chevroned zone to temporarily open up a more reasonable gap to the one they were previously maintaining. In heavy traffic this causes the old braking ripple to bring the traffic to a halt some distance behind.
I did notice on our way up to Blackburn the other day that they appear to have been burned off the carriageways just now, although the 'keep two chevrons apart' signs are still there.

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Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical, liberal minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.

If you apply the two second rule on the two lane dual carriageway A14, near Cambridge, then you will get an elephant racing lorry in front of you that will block your path for the next 10 miles.

Until they apply the nearside lane rule for HGV's on such roads, then the two second rule will not be observed.
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I have noticed that a lot of the chevrons on the M6 north of Jn 17 have now been removed.

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Good manners maketh a good motorist

I've seen this mentioned a lot on many threads so I thought when I have been flashed overtaking. The only times have been when I'm in my car. I overtake more frequently on the bike, because of the power toltec mentioned and the acceleration that fixitsan raves about, but I can't think of a time when I've been flashed.

Considering car drivers tend to dislike bikers, I wonder why that is and if other bikers have experienced the same?

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Prepare to be Judged