General Chat

I always indicate to get on the outside lane when joining a roundabout, BUT unless I am going ALL the way round(180) i dont always use right indicators, BUT ALWAYS give good warning when I intend to turn left OFF the roundabout. I find it hilarious at Tesco's at Hampton the majority all seem adamant they are going right.(indicators on,) but dont seem to have the knack of telling others they are going to go left into the car park/petrol station...until AFTER they make their move...... Bob

I don't drive, but am frequently a passenger and I am also what every car dirver becomes when they get out of their car - a pedestrian!! As a passenger, all I can say to those who insist on driving on a clear night with their fog lights on - and their are quite a few - either get to know your dashboard better or, if you really need them - get your eyes tested!!! As for indicating not being mandatory - that makes a mockery of roundabouts - they don't work unless drivers indicate. I heard that some driving instructors say it's not necessary to use indicators if there is no other traffic around - maybe'it's not necessary but it's a good habit to get into. It also negates the poor pedestrian who want's to cross a road, and has to stand there until there is a gap, risk lifa and limb by believing as that car isn't indicating it is going straight on or waiting until some gentleman/lady indicates which way they are going!! Many drivers also don't seem to realise that if they are turning off a main road onto a minor road, pedestrians have right of way - especially if the pedestrian started crossing before the car reached the junction!! As for the plonkers who think that by parking mainly on the pavement with their hazard lights on it negates the double yellow they are straddling - where are the traffic wardens!! Twice I have been walking on a pavement when vans have mounted it in front of me,to park. One, which took up all the pavement, even 'backed up' in order to straighten his van. I had to quickly resort to the very narrow road to avoid being run over! When i pointed out the error of his ways, I got a mouthful of abuse. There needs to be a number we poor pedestrians can call when these egotistical morons decide the law doesn't apply to them. rant over Maggie - who is getting very nervous about walking now!!

My car has an auto setting for the lights which is brilliant, as you don't have to worry is the light fades. it is only the fog lights you have to switch manually. Oh and whilst on the subject, it is illegal to use fog lights unless the visibility warrants it - fog, falling snow etc - and you can get a fixed penalty ticket if you have them on otherwise.

Have to agree with you there Ann,basicly because there are ten times the number of males on the road than there are female,so ,the law of averages says -------------.This is also the reason why women are RECKONED to be safer drivers, there arn't nearly so many drivers on rthe road as males ,the insurance companies know their claims are nonsence ,but hey ,it keeps the lasses quiet lol Lights on any car should be in working condition at all times and any driver seeing bad light conditions should turn them on.,not running lights but dipped headlights,law states that fog lights can only be used in conditions of fog or falling snow.and should be adjusted so that they do not dazzle other drivers.. At the end of the day ,any driver causing an accident through non use of lights in bad conditionsor using properly adjusted lights will be hammered by the police,and rightly so. One last point ,the use of indicators is not mandatory but any driver causing an accident through none use is likely to be charged with driving without due care.Fred.

Oh no Ron, I wont accept that, I would say that the majority of people without lights that I could see, some I couldn't because they were the other side on a motorway, were males, and often older males. We did see some women but the majority were men. Ann Glos

I nearly pulled out in front of a car no lights on, one morning when there was thick fog. Recognised the driver as being a member of staff age about 50 where I worked. Tackled her about it and her attitude/answer was 'Well I could see alright' Yes, it is common for drivers not to use lights when they should and sadly to say the majority are women drivers. Ron

Have say, and may upset some In foggy weather I do not see the point of fog lights if you are in traffic, they are blinding, if you are only a couple of feet away 'I CAN SEE YOU'! And as for the BMW and Merc 'blue' lights they are a hazzard. rant over sorry Kim

I hate it when people seem to think indicators are optional extras.

It really WOULD help if motorists were compelled to keep their lights in good order.. these one eyed monsters are a MENACE!!! I would give a culprit a week to get something done about their defective lights, and if they were not repaired or action taken, then I would put that vehicle OFF the road.. another pet hate... why do people park up and leave their headlights blazing? and also in traffic queues.. and the anount of cars that have defective handbrakes...the mind boggles.....they MUST be broke because they have to use the footbrake to hold the car... Bob

Jeanette, visions of you frantically turning your lights on when youw ant to clean the screen with the washer. Joking apart, that is a good maxim. Ann Glos

I ride a bicycle to and from work and some dont have any consideration for cyclists They over take then turn left so I have to slam my brakes on. Never mind any signals or lights. I treated myself to an orange reflecting jacket to help them see me

When I was learning to drive my OH told me a saying that is so very true and I always abide by...... If you need your wipers, you need your lights Makes sense really!

Driving from Gloucester to Milton Keynes last week in the horrible fog I was appalled at how many cars didn't feel it necessary to put even their ordinary lights on let alone high intensity rear lights or fog lights............... Then driving down the motorway today in rain and heavy spray from lorries, there they were again those who think they can see OK so no need for lights. Don't they realise the lights are so other people can see them?? Ann Glos