Unlit 'Smart' Motorways during darkness.
Discussion
Really? How do you use other unlit roads that are say 50mph or higher?
When using lane 2, when there's no need, do you pull into the nearside lane should someone comes up behind you? Or force them out to the offside lane to pass?
Can you not use the nearside lane and be pay better attention, raise your vision as far as light allows, use main beam as and when its acceptable, slow down or a combination of some/all?
When using lane 2, when there's no need, do you pull into the nearside lane should someone comes up behind you? Or force them out to the offside lane to pass?
Can you not use the nearside lane and be pay better attention, raise your vision as far as light allows, use main beam as and when its acceptable, slow down or a combination of some/all?
charltjr said:
I understand the idea, but I’m not sure that is especially logical because there is nothing special about smart motorways in that regard compared to some other roads. What do you do on dual carriageway A-roads?
How do you know there isn’t a stopped vehicle without lights in any lane?
How do you know there isn’t a stopped vehicle without lights in any lane?
Ryan-nunm9 said:
Really? How do you use other unlit roads that are say 50mph or higher?
When using lane 2, when there's no need, do you pull into the nearside lane should someone comes up behind you? Or force them out to the offside lane to pass?
Can you not use the nearside lane and be pay better attention, raise your vision as far as light allows, use main beam as and when its acceptable, slow down or a combination of some/all?
When using lane 2, when there's no need, do you pull into the nearside lane should someone comes up behind you? Or force them out to the offside lane to pass?
Can you not use the nearside lane and be pay better attention, raise your vision as far as light allows, use main beam as and when its acceptable, slow down or a combination of some/all?
Logical explanations certainly, but there is one potentially killer aspect, which you might not have considered.
There is a dangerous difference between many other roads and 'smart' motorways.
I have noticed extensive use of Armco type barriers on the nearside of 'smart' motorways, often positioned fairly close to lane one.
With most roads, an evasive swerve left could be an possibility to avoid a collision, but not on a 'smart' motorway with a barrier.
The situation of a stranded vehicle is of course extremely rare, although a relative did encounter a stationary car sideways across lane one in darkness on the M4. Very fortunately it was picked up at the last moment by headlights, no reflectors of course, and there was no other traffic nearby. The swerve was successful.
Another dangerous set of circumstances could occur whilst following other traffic, when there is a line of vehicles in lane two. Sudden emergency braking ahead. Being advanced drivers, I am sure that you always leave a sufficient gap to the vehicle ahead, but will the motorists following you be able to stop, before hitting your vehicle?
blueg33 said:
If a car is sideways, I suspect it’s just as likely to be in any other lane.
being in L2 gives you 2 escape options compared to hugging the armco. It ain't "correct" but I get it - although if "smart"(sic) motorway is in use aren't we operating at reduced speed and presumably heavy traffic meaning low risk of happenstancing on a stopped car in the gloom?There's so many "could happens" and "what ifs" though.
As an example....What if you're in lane 2, as you refuse to use lane 1, but the car in lane 1 swerves right into you.....are you not better of in the off side lane, you know, just in case.
There should be no need for swerving, eyes up, concentrate on what your doing and whats going on ahead and drive to the conditions. if you can't see far enough to do 70 in the nearside lane then the answer is...slow down, not make a list of "what ifs" to justify poor lane discipline.
As for the accident on the M4, that's very unlucky. Accidents happen for many reasons and affect all lanes of the motorway. Blinkering your self to a strict no nearside lane rule isn't good driving at any standard, let along belonging in an advanced driving part of the forum.
As an example....What if you're in lane 2, as you refuse to use lane 1, but the car in lane 1 swerves right into you.....are you not better of in the off side lane, you know, just in case.
There should be no need for swerving, eyes up, concentrate on what your doing and whats going on ahead and drive to the conditions. if you can't see far enough to do 70 in the nearside lane then the answer is...slow down, not make a list of "what ifs" to justify poor lane discipline.
As for the accident on the M4, that's very unlucky. Accidents happen for many reasons and affect all lanes of the motorway. Blinkering your self to a strict no nearside lane rule isn't good driving at any standard, let along belonging in an advanced driving part of the forum.
Jon39 said:
I refuse to use lane 1 after dark.
A stranded vehicle without lights may not be easy to see, and if lane 2 happened to be busy, it might not be possible to change lanes.
Do you do the same, for these reasons?
The things in your head are called eyes and the the bright things on the car are lights. In combination with driving at a sensible speed you should be able to see any obstruction on the the road.
If you cannot, stop driving at night until you can. Glasses may help.
Besides, any stationary object will cause the lane to be closed so you shouldn't be there anyway.
d because I stay in lane 1 unless I'm overtaking.Teddy Lop said:
being in L2 gives you 2 escape options compared to hugging the armco. It ain't "correct" but I get it - although if "smart"(sic) motorway is in use aren't we operating at reduced speed and presumably heavy traffic meaning low risk of happenstancing on a stopped car in the gloom?
You have got it, Teddy.
On your second point, perhaps you are thinking of the type of 'smart' motorway, where the hard shoulder is only used as a running lane during congested periods. I am not so concerned about those roads.
Have you ever used the M25, Godstone to Sevenoaks section after dark? Lane 1 is always a normal open running lane. You leave the lengthy brightly lit part of the M25, then continue in darkness. The 70 mph limit is usually applicable, and most light vehicles will be doing that speed during late evening.
I am not sure that I understood correctly, but one contributor appeared to suggest that I should use main beam headlights on motorways. I know that is normal practice in the Le Mans 24 hours race, but surely not very considerate for motorway driving. Is it a new rule in the Advanced Driver's Handbook?
Far Cough said:
You can dream up all manner of excuses for your poor driving and observation skills. Its very simple, stay on the nearside unless overtaking. Stop being a nuisance.
Goodness, rather strong rule book comments.
Lucky I am never one of the many lane 3 huggers, on 4 lane motorways. What do you say to those drivers?
Please go gently with me. I am more used to the polite approach on the Aston Martin forum.
Jon39 said:
Teddy Lop said:
being in L2 gives you 2 escape options compared to hugging the armco. It ain't "correct" but I get it - although if "smart"(sic) motorway is in use aren't we operating at reduced speed and presumably heavy traffic meaning low risk of happenstancing on a stopped car in the gloom?
You have got it, Teddy.
On your second point, perhaps you are thinking of the type of 'smart' motorway, where the hard shoulder is only used as a running lane during congested periods. I am not so concerned about those roads.
Have you ever used the M25, Godstone to Sevenoaks section after dark? Lane 1 is always a normal open running lane. You leave the lengthy brightly lit part of the M25, then continue in darkness. The 70 mph limit is usually applicable, and most light vehicles will be doing that speed during late evening.
I am not sure that I understood correctly, but one contributor appeared to suggest that I should use main beam headlights on motorways. I know that is normal practice in the Le Mans 24 hours race, but surely not very considerate for motorway driving. Is it a new rule in the Advanced Driver's Handbook?
Edited by Pica-Pica on Sunday 5th January 14:06
Jon39 said:
I refuse to use lane 1 after dark.
A stranded vehicle without lights may not be easy to see, and if lane 2 happened to be busy, it might not be possible to change lanes.
Do you do the same, for these reasons?
I don't buy into the term "two escape options" when being used to try to justify improper lane discipline. Instead, I prefer to maintain continuous observation of other road users ahead, around and behind me. I build a mental map of what and who is around me, so that I have a reasonable grasp on which bits of road space I can move at any given moment, should I need to.
In my experience, you are far more likely to encounter debris in the carriageway, whether it be an HGV tyre or an unsecured load - I once saw a bed on the M11. These aren't fitted with lights or reflectors, so your chance of seeing it early is far less than a broken down car. Debris is also likely to be in any lane, so sticking to L2 won't make you any safer, although it will definitely irritate other road users.
Not advocating, but 3 times last week (around 9pm on the M1 North between 34 & 35a) there were unlit cars broken down in lane 1.
As usual, no warning of these on the overhead gantries. God knows how long it takes them to spot stranded cars, but on that section it seems that whoever does is spends too much time in the toilet.
As usual, no warning of these on the overhead gantries. God knows how long it takes them to spot stranded cars, but on that section it seems that whoever does is spends too much time in the toilet.
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