It's been a while since my last post, but I thought I would do a follow-up on my in-car cameras!
Just before Easter, a pupil and I were practising some manoeuvres and had turned right into a side road only to find a Community Transport mini-bus had stopped in the middle of the road. To our right were parked cars and on the left, trying to come off a driveway was a taxi. We had stopped behind the mini-bus leaving about 10 to 15 feet and as soon as we had stopped, the mini-bus had gone into reverse gear and was reversing straight towards us, at speed! I only had time to reach across my pupil and sound the horn, but that made no difference! He hit us! I seriously thought the front of my car would be a right-off, but Gonzo the Fiesta has only superficial wounds!!
The whole event, leading up to the crash, including and just after was recorded on my in-car camera and has now been sent off to my insurance company as evidence! Any ideas the driver had (or his boss) of blaming the L-driver has gone out the window because of these cameras! Again, I would highly recommend that driving instructors have these cameras installed in their cars - it's worth the money!
Cameras aside, the other point I would like to mention is this. What the hell was a driver doing reversing his vehicle, at speed without looking behind him first? He was very lucky he only hit my car and not an elderly person or a child! We were, after all, in a residential area!
Sunday, 15 April 2012
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Smile! You're on camera!
I have just invested in two RoadHawk cameras for my car. The reason? Absolutely fed up with tailgating and generally bad drivers. I want backup in case of an incident. Plus my pupils get so stressed if other drivers get too close.
Anyway, they're not cheap but so far worth every penny!
I also have a magnetic decal on the back of the car that warns people, if they get too close, to pull back. Otherwise they would just see a '30' on the back of the car.
It's probably a combination of both but what a difference its made.
Drivers come rushing up behind you and if the magnetic decal doesn't put them off and they are close enough, once they've read my sign saying that cameras are fitted, they drop back! Even at traffic lights the other day, a car stopped so close to the back of my car I thought he wanted a lift. As soon as he spotted the camera, he rolled back (luckily not into anyone behind him)!
I would certainly recommend these cameras to all driving instructors for peace of mind!
Anyway, they're not cheap but so far worth every penny!
I also have a magnetic decal on the back of the car that warns people, if they get too close, to pull back. Otherwise they would just see a '30' on the back of the car.
It's probably a combination of both but what a difference its made.
Drivers come rushing up behind you and if the magnetic decal doesn't put them off and they are close enough, once they've read my sign saying that cameras are fitted, they drop back! Even at traffic lights the other day, a car stopped so close to the back of my car I thought he wanted a lift. As soon as he spotted the camera, he rolled back (luckily not into anyone behind him)!
I would certainly recommend these cameras to all driving instructors for peace of mind!
Friday, 9 September 2011
Things you don't see every day!
So there we were, driving down the road, pupil at the wheel...... "nothing usual there" I hear you say!
A car was coming towards us, indicating to turn left into a side road, at the same time as an elderly man was driving his mobility scooter across the same side road, but coming from our direction..... in fact, he was just getting to the other side of the road as this car was about to turn into the road. The woman in the car then decided to beep her horn at the gentleman, and I don't think it was in a courteous way!
Anyway, what was surprising was that this elderly man jumped out of his mobility scooter, waving his fists at the woman in the car, and started trotting (rather than running) down the road after her!
I did contemplate getting my pupil to do a turn in the road, so I could go back and see if the elderly man actually caught up with the impatient woman, but thought better of it.
But the one thing that I did find curious was, if the elderly man could jump out of his mobility scooter and pursue the woman driver by foot, does he really need the scooter in the first place?
A car was coming towards us, indicating to turn left into a side road, at the same time as an elderly man was driving his mobility scooter across the same side road, but coming from our direction..... in fact, he was just getting to the other side of the road as this car was about to turn into the road. The woman in the car then decided to beep her horn at the gentleman, and I don't think it was in a courteous way!
Anyway, what was surprising was that this elderly man jumped out of his mobility scooter, waving his fists at the woman in the car, and started trotting (rather than running) down the road after her!
I did contemplate getting my pupil to do a turn in the road, so I could go back and see if the elderly man actually caught up with the impatient woman, but thought better of it.
But the one thing that I did find curious was, if the elderly man could jump out of his mobility scooter and pursue the woman driver by foot, does he really need the scooter in the first place?
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Scotland!
I have recently come back from a week's holiday in Scotland, and even though I wasn't working, I still had my driving instructor hat on! I noted a few things whilst we were there, and thought I would share them with you.
Firstly, in a week, I only saw two driving school cars; one parked on a driveway, and the other negotiating a roundabout who happened to be driving in front of us. Husband was getting a little annoyed at his hesitation, so I had to explain what the poor lad was probably feeling i.e. under pressure from other drivers to move away quickly, and the fact he was probably still trying to communicate with his feet!
Secondly, I noticed 300 yard markers counting down to a change in speed limit. This proved effective, especially with my husband who actually slowed down and was doing the speed limit by the time he passed the sign. I haven't noticed that we have this here, but think it's a good idea to get people to focus on changing their speed in good time.
Thirdly, roadworks. The A74 extension was opening 9 months early and under budget. Wow! How often does this happen down here? Also, when you saw roadworks, men were actually at work and no sooner did they start, they had finished. Again, something we're not used to down south!
Fourthly, and the most surprising was that no matter how far north you go, you will still see nutters on the road! In the Highlands, it was a regular occurrence to see people overtaking on blind bends! Mad!
Firstly, in a week, I only saw two driving school cars; one parked on a driveway, and the other negotiating a roundabout who happened to be driving in front of us. Husband was getting a little annoyed at his hesitation, so I had to explain what the poor lad was probably feeling i.e. under pressure from other drivers to move away quickly, and the fact he was probably still trying to communicate with his feet!
Secondly, I noticed 300 yard markers counting down to a change in speed limit. This proved effective, especially with my husband who actually slowed down and was doing the speed limit by the time he passed the sign. I haven't noticed that we have this here, but think it's a good idea to get people to focus on changing their speed in good time.
Thirdly, roadworks. The A74 extension was opening 9 months early and under budget. Wow! How often does this happen down here? Also, when you saw roadworks, men were actually at work and no sooner did they start, they had finished. Again, something we're not used to down south!
Fourthly, and the most surprising was that no matter how far north you go, you will still see nutters on the road! In the Highlands, it was a regular occurrence to see people overtaking on blind bends! Mad!
Hints and Tips for full licence holders!
Today has been a very frustrating day and quite frankly, I'm surprised I'm here to tell the tale!
In four hours of teaching, I came across 5 instances of inpatient driving, and in two cases could have been serious accidents.
First thing this morning, a pupil and I had entered a side road to do a manoeuvre. Our first choice wasn't possible, so we decided to do the turn in the road. To do this manoeuvre, you need a Safe, Convenient and Legal Position! Half way into the manoeuvre, two vehicles entered the road. The first vehicle was happy to wait until we finished, and when we did we waved our thanks. However, the second driver pulled up along side us and told us that this wasn't a good place to carry out the manoeuvre! Why? My pupil and I then agreed that he was probably fed up because he had to wait a minute or two, and that was his real gripe.... Honestly, as if I didn't know what I was doing? Question is, would he have given me the same grief if I wasn't a learner car?
The next two incidents involved a roundabout and happened in quick succession. We were turning right, third exit and as we were approaching our exit a driver from our left pulled out in front of us which caused us to break to avoid hitting them, and a second later as we were just about to enter our road, another car from our left decided to pull out along side us before we'd got off the roundabout, forcing my driver into the right hand lane. Two things to remember when dealing with roundabouts...... it's usually customary to look and give way to your right on approaching roundabouts, and to actually let the car coming off the roundabout to pass you first before you proceed!
So, after an eventful morning, I make my way home for some lunch. On approaching my driveway, I indicate to the oncoming vehicle that I'm going to pull over to the right so that when they've passed me, I can reverse onto my drive. The oncoming vehicle signals to me to go ahead and do my thing and as I position myself ready to reverse, she changes her mind and heads straight for me.....
A similar thing happened later during the afternoon. I'm teaching a pupil right junctions and we come across a meeting traffic situation where I make my pupil stop to give way. The oncoming vehicle, again, signals for us to come forward whilst they wait. This then panics my pupil as she knows she must move as quickly as possible but is still learning to co-ordinate her feet so she's a little slow in moving off. The vehicle coming the other way gets bored and starts to move at the same time as us. This panics my pupil further and she stalls. As we're trying to get started again, the woman in the other vehicle indicates that we should get out of her way...... which obviously is going to take some time. Eventually she reverses, turns the car around and goes the other way!
So, if you're going to be kind enough to let a learner go before you, please bear in mind that they are not as experienced as you, will be slower and may stall. If you can't be patient and wait, don't bother letting them go in the first place - sometimes its kinder that way!
In four hours of teaching, I came across 5 instances of inpatient driving, and in two cases could have been serious accidents.
First thing this morning, a pupil and I had entered a side road to do a manoeuvre. Our first choice wasn't possible, so we decided to do the turn in the road. To do this manoeuvre, you need a Safe, Convenient and Legal Position! Half way into the manoeuvre, two vehicles entered the road. The first vehicle was happy to wait until we finished, and when we did we waved our thanks. However, the second driver pulled up along side us and told us that this wasn't a good place to carry out the manoeuvre! Why? My pupil and I then agreed that he was probably fed up because he had to wait a minute or two, and that was his real gripe.... Honestly, as if I didn't know what I was doing? Question is, would he have given me the same grief if I wasn't a learner car?
The next two incidents involved a roundabout and happened in quick succession. We were turning right, third exit and as we were approaching our exit a driver from our left pulled out in front of us which caused us to break to avoid hitting them, and a second later as we were just about to enter our road, another car from our left decided to pull out along side us before we'd got off the roundabout, forcing my driver into the right hand lane. Two things to remember when dealing with roundabouts...... it's usually customary to look and give way to your right on approaching roundabouts, and to actually let the car coming off the roundabout to pass you first before you proceed!
So, after an eventful morning, I make my way home for some lunch. On approaching my driveway, I indicate to the oncoming vehicle that I'm going to pull over to the right so that when they've passed me, I can reverse onto my drive. The oncoming vehicle signals to me to go ahead and do my thing and as I position myself ready to reverse, she changes her mind and heads straight for me.....
A similar thing happened later during the afternoon. I'm teaching a pupil right junctions and we come across a meeting traffic situation where I make my pupil stop to give way. The oncoming vehicle, again, signals for us to come forward whilst they wait. This then panics my pupil as she knows she must move as quickly as possible but is still learning to co-ordinate her feet so she's a little slow in moving off. The vehicle coming the other way gets bored and starts to move at the same time as us. This panics my pupil further and she stalls. As we're trying to get started again, the woman in the other vehicle indicates that we should get out of her way...... which obviously is going to take some time. Eventually she reverses, turns the car around and goes the other way!
So, if you're going to be kind enough to let a learner go before you, please bear in mind that they are not as experienced as you, will be slower and may stall. If you can't be patient and wait, don't bother letting them go in the first place - sometimes its kinder that way!
Saturday, 11 June 2011
To speed or not to speed!
So how many of you have been caught speeding? Did you opt to go on the Driver Awareness Training course or have points added to your licence and a fine?
A pupil of mine who rides a moped and got caught speeding opted to go on the course.
I asked her what she thought of the course, and she wouldn't stop talking about it!
She was the youngest on the course at 19 years old, but ages ranged from mid 20's, 40's and the elderly.
As well as watching some very sobering film clips, she learnt what your reaction would be travelling at speeds between 30 and 40 mph; speed awareness generally; stopping distances in bad weather; and what different road markings meant etc.
She thought it was an eye opener and agreed with me that it would be a beneficial course for all learners or newly qualified drivers to go on.
I asked her if the course organisers got the attendees to fill out a questionnaire on whether or not they thought the course was beneficial..... to my surprise they didn't! A missed opportunity there, I think, to get some useful feedback.
A pupil of mine who rides a moped and got caught speeding opted to go on the course.
I asked her what she thought of the course, and she wouldn't stop talking about it!
She was the youngest on the course at 19 years old, but ages ranged from mid 20's, 40's and the elderly.
As well as watching some very sobering film clips, she learnt what your reaction would be travelling at speeds between 30 and 40 mph; speed awareness generally; stopping distances in bad weather; and what different road markings meant etc.
She thought it was an eye opener and agreed with me that it would be a beneficial course for all learners or newly qualified drivers to go on.
I asked her if the course organisers got the attendees to fill out a questionnaire on whether or not they thought the course was beneficial..... to my surprise they didn't! A missed opportunity there, I think, to get some useful feedback.
Friday, 10 June 2011
Looks can be deceiving!
Now, having the general public criticise you and your learner is not uncommon, but when someone actually stops to help you, it's a lovely surprise!
Picture this..... pupil and I were practising reversing into a bay in a public car park... and we usually get looks from the public that say that they are not amused..... but when someone starts to walk towards you, you brace yourself for the abuse that is bound to follow.
Well, there was no abuse! The lady actually walked towards us with her dog to say that one of our break lights had gone! Obviously we thanked her very much!
Now I know I should have a spare bulb in my car and should change it immediately, but I didn't..... and you'll understand why later!
So, I then went straight to my next driving lesson and again, as we were coming to the end of the road to turn right, another driver pulled up alongside us and told us about the break light.
At the end of the day, on my way home, I popped into a well known car parts and accessories store to get my break light bulb. No problem in finding the correct bulb, but a shop assistant then offered to fit it for me. "Great", I thought, "this will save a lot of bother later, getting my husband to fix it!"
Anyway, how I was supposed to change this bulb on the roadside is beyond me! It took the shop assistant about half an hour to change it, plus you needed a special screw driver and gadget to replace the bulb! These accessories don't come with the modern car!
Picture this..... pupil and I were practising reversing into a bay in a public car park... and we usually get looks from the public that say that they are not amused..... but when someone starts to walk towards you, you brace yourself for the abuse that is bound to follow.
Well, there was no abuse! The lady actually walked towards us with her dog to say that one of our break lights had gone! Obviously we thanked her very much!
Now I know I should have a spare bulb in my car and should change it immediately, but I didn't..... and you'll understand why later!
So, I then went straight to my next driving lesson and again, as we were coming to the end of the road to turn right, another driver pulled up alongside us and told us about the break light.
At the end of the day, on my way home, I popped into a well known car parts and accessories store to get my break light bulb. No problem in finding the correct bulb, but a shop assistant then offered to fit it for me. "Great", I thought, "this will save a lot of bother later, getting my husband to fix it!"
Anyway, how I was supposed to change this bulb on the roadside is beyond me! It took the shop assistant about half an hour to change it, plus you needed a special screw driver and gadget to replace the bulb! These accessories don't come with the modern car!
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