Expecting too much?

[brrapp]

I've always had a bit of respect for a car sporting the little red triangle and sometimes enjoy following one, just to appreciate some decent driving for a change.
Last night, I caught up with a Mazda3 MPS on a stretch of single track road that I know well. I'd been pushing on so caught up on it quite quickly but when I saw the IAM badge I was happy to back off and watch some skilful driving. I did this for a while and was really impressed with lines taken on corners, timing of breaking and accelerating and just general skill.
That was until we caught up with a 'dog' (doddering old git) in a battered Corolla. His driving was atrocious, braking where he didn't need to, swerving about, crawling round with poor observation of oncoming cars and I don't think he was aware of either of the two cars behind.
What I wasn't prepared for was the reaction of the 'advanced ' driver. She went from driving godless to aggressive tailgating and flashing lights as the old git passed passing places without letting us by. Eventually he dithered at a junction and she passed him one wheel on the verge.
I've been driven to frustration by drivers like this before and have some sympathy for her but I just felt let down a bit that my new found heroine should turn out to be human after all.

[Dave Hedgehog]

a very rare sight, an IAM driver who could actually drive lol

[james_gt3rs]

Doesn't sound like the worst driving in the world - might fail the test though

[angoooose]

That's why my IAM sticker is in the corner of the windscreen on the family bus, and there's nothing on my mid-life crisis

[7db]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I have a sticker on my windscreen -- it occasionally reminds me of the set of values to which I aspire. Although I agree with your first point -- if I were any good, I wouldn't need it.

[AH33]

She served an important purpose though, Mr Dodderer now thinks everyone is a "maniac" and is less inclined to continue driving. We hope.

[Red Devil]

brrapp said:

She went from driving godless to aggressive tailgating and flashing lights as the old git passed passing places without letting us by. Eventually he dithered at a junction and she passed him one wheel on the verge.
I've been driven to frustration by drivers like this before and have some sympathy for her but I just felt let down a bit that my new found heroine should turn out to be human after all.

Those who have driven in the Highlands of Scotland know just how annoying this is. The clueless visitors are the problem: locals know the etiquette and don't hang about. I once had the pleasure of being blocked by one of the numpty brigade in a camper van for 14 out of 35 miles of the A838 between Laxford Bridge and Lairg. This significance of this sign - https://goo.gl/maps/YVzuCA5RnD32 - was completely lost on him. He was totally oblivious to my presence. Headlights on - no joy. A flick of the main beams - still no joy. Headlight flash - no reaction. Rinse and repeat.

Eventually I got thoroughly fed up and gave him a prolonged blast of the horn which finally awoke him from his daydream.

[MarkwG]

AH33 said:

She served an important purpose though, Mr Dodderer now thinks everyone is a "maniac" and is less inclined to continue driving. We hope.

Sadly not, I reckon I was stuck behind him yesterday southbound out of Salisbury...unless there are two of them, of course...

[Tonsko]

The police drivers warn that 'the red mist' can strike anyone at any time, regardless of training. Useful reminder, I guess.