driving

june 2004

 

first up a list of cars i don't like
well, i think cars say a lot about the personality of their owners and with that in mind,
here's a list of cars i'm not fond of meeting on the road. roughly in order of dislike ...

mercedes benz - all models. they think they own the road and know better how to drive than you.

volvo - all models. they tend to exhibit a complete disregard for other drivers, stemming from the implied security of a volvo.

audi - A3, A4, A6. these drivers are too smug and think they own a touring car.

peugeot - 306/7, 405/6. these drivers also think they drive a sports car and seem the most aggressive road users, this side of taxis...

porsche - boxster. seldom seen with the roof down, need i say more ?

the rest of the list comprises of vw golfs, rover and saab, but i don't feel so strongly about these brands.

 

the speed limit

i often feel as though i'm the only driver who abides by speed limits in built up areas.
even if i go 35mph in a 30mph zone, i'll be pushed along by someone.
unfortunately for them, if i'm pushed along, i'll slow down.

 

indicators

"what are they for ?"
"hmm... indicate...ors... i dunno"
"perhaps they're meant to indicate something ?"
"nah, i drive a volvo, i don't need to indicate anything !"
i do wonder whether volvo ( and other manufacturers ) have made indicators optional extras.
so few people seem to use them. roundabouts are rendered dangerous without them.
i suppose mercedes drivers operate on a higher plane and communicate telepathically....

 

people crossing the road

yes, i'm one of these people too, but i have the common courtesy to avoid being run over.
some people cross the road, see you coming and make no effort to get out of your way.
thinks "i'll cross here. oh, there's a car. ahh, but he'll have seen me. i don't need to speed up"
BEEEEEEEEP!!

 

petrol

this in the news at the moment. terrorists cause instability in saudi arabia. speculators push up the price of crude oil.
the price of petrol goes up at the pump.
the everyman, with a flag attached to his car, gets angry.
then "people" want more oil to be "produced" to ease the situation.
but won't that mean that the oil will run out faster ?
has anyone thought what'll happen then ?
4 years ago, "people" protested, petrol was difficult to buy.
i was without my car at the time ( it was near newcastle, it's a long story ).
i'll tell you what, it was lovely having so few cars on the road.
this is the situation we should be aiming for, surely.
fewer cars on the road, more and better trains and coaches.
it's not a very popular view, but i don't object to the price of petrol going up.