Pulling off in lane (in a bus)
Discussion
Question for you all, i'm never really sure what is correct in this situation.
Scenario - there's two forward lanes. I'm in lane 1 stopped at a bus stop, I indicate to pull away in my lane and pull off. I let in the cars that have already committed to and are clearly overtaking me back into my lane as I try to drive as defensively as I can and basically not be a dick.
My problem lies with people that either pulled into lane 2 after I started indicating or pulled into lane 2 after i've pulled off. They also continue to do that once i've pulled off and i'm travelling at 20-30mph.
They then cut back infront of me without indicating, I expect them to do this so drive accordingly.
My question is - who is in the right here? My take on it is that as there is two lanes, I can pull off (in theory) when I like as long as it is safe to do so and it is the drivers in lane 2 that have to check if lane 1 is clear before pulling back in. As i've said I try to accomodate and understand people as much as possible - but some really take the piss and i've had some close calls lately with cars cutting back in.
Scenario - there's two forward lanes. I'm in lane 1 stopped at a bus stop, I indicate to pull away in my lane and pull off. I let in the cars that have already committed to and are clearly overtaking me back into my lane as I try to drive as defensively as I can and basically not be a dick.
My problem lies with people that either pulled into lane 2 after I started indicating or pulled into lane 2 after i've pulled off. They also continue to do that once i've pulled off and i'm travelling at 20-30mph.
They then cut back infront of me without indicating, I expect them to do this so drive accordingly.
My question is - who is in the right here? My take on it is that as there is two lanes, I can pull off (in theory) when I like as long as it is safe to do so and it is the drivers in lane 2 that have to check if lane 1 is clear before pulling back in. As i've said I try to accomodate and understand people as much as possible - but some really take the piss and i've had some close calls lately with cars cutting back in.
As an ex bus driver, your right & the average car driver is a total tard who'll force their way in front of a bus even when it's obvious there isn't room.
ETA: You don't notice the impact as the car spins off down the road because of how heavy a bus is, so I wouldn't worry too much about it
ETA: You don't notice the impact as the car spins off down the road because of how heavy a bus is, so I wouldn't worry too much about it
THe relevant part of the highway code is
223
Buses, coaches and trams. Give priority to these vehicles when you can do so safely, especially when they signal to pull away from stops. Look out for people getting off a bus or tram and crossing the road.
Not sure of the legal status but it should be taken account of if they mess up.
223
Buses, coaches and trams. Give priority to these vehicles when you can do so safely, especially when they signal to pull away from stops. Look out for people getting off a bus or tram and crossing the road.
Not sure of the legal status but it should be taken account of if they mess up.
You're pulling out into traffic and until you're established (ie in lane and flowing at the same speed as traffic), you are the manoeuvring vehicle and it is your obligation to not inconvenience the other motorists. It's like slip-road joiners and any other stationary vehicle moving of into traffic -- you yield to established vehicles. (Rule 159)
If you choose not to wait for a break in traffic then you will have to help the overtaking traffic slot in as best you can having stranded them out in lane 2 by accelerating as they performed their overtake. (Rule 168)
It's tricky as buses have to stop regularly so rather than wait all day for a gap, the key here is cooperation from the priority vehicles -- you can indicate (I notice some London buses indicate whilst their last few passengers are still boarding -- I think that's excessive and wrong) -- and you can show movement to alert cars to your desire to have them let you out (in accordance with Rule 223), but if they do not choose to give you priority then you can't take it from them.
If you choose not to wait for a break in traffic then you will have to help the overtaking traffic slot in as best you can having stranded them out in lane 2 by accelerating as they performed their overtake. (Rule 168)
It's tricky as buses have to stop regularly so rather than wait all day for a gap, the key here is cooperation from the priority vehicles -- you can indicate (I notice some London buses indicate whilst their last few passengers are still boarding -- I think that's excessive and wrong) -- and you can show movement to alert cars to your desire to have them let you out (in accordance with Rule 223), but if they do not choose to give you priority then you can't take it from them.
Far Cough said:
Dont they teach the 3 car rule anymore ?
They only teach to exam pass grade now did you not know that?Think childcare of the driving world as the OP has described, Sorry OP but what you describe was a basic concept when we were taught to drive and also when I took my then class1.
I wish it would change but I live in hope.
7db said:
...but if they do not choose to give you priority then you can't take it from them.
My understanding is; the op is referring to drivers who choose to pull out to overtake as he is moving off. Call me old fashioned but I like to identify the bit of road I will be rejoining before I commit to overtaking. The prospect of being behind any large vehicle is for many just unthinkable therefore they will do the most stupid manoeuvres to get ahead. The op has already given the only possible answer:folos said:
I expect them to do this so drive accordingly.
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