Brian_Innes
Member
At the weekend, I read with more than a little amusement together with a nod of recognition at Jeremy Clarkson's review of the Lexus LC500 convertible in the Sunday Times. In the article he berates the increase in the amount of slow drivers encountered on single carriageway public roads these days, especially those who seem incapable of overtaking a 35mph vehicle in front, despite numerous opportunities to do so safely. The art of overtaking is lost on many drivers, Jezza declares.
I couldn't agree more. On a recent trip east on the A96 towards Elgin I came up behind a convoy of six assorted vehicles following closely behind a slow moving camper van doing 35 mph. The maximum speed limit on this stretch of A96 is 60 mph. I followed this platoon for more than 10 miles, hoping that a few cars would peel off at the next roundabout. No such luck. The Toyota Aygo following behind the camper van steadfastly ignored several clear opportunities to overtake, likewise the other five cars, vans, and trucks dutifully following in line behind. From local knowledge, I knew that after the next town, a mile long level straight without intersections was coming up.
My thoughts were, that if this straight section was clear of traffic coming the other way I would go for a firm and decisive overtake of all six vehicles. So, after negotiating the final roundabout at the east end of the town, in anticipation of a clear road ahead, I shifted the gear selector to manual and engaged 3rd gear. The platoon at this point was gradually picking up speed from 25, 30, and eventually 35 mph. As the view of the road ahead unfolded, to my relief it was completely devoid of traffic, and no visible camera vans. With the road bone dry and the weather bright, I decided to go for the overtake. Mindful of the danger of sleepy drivers in the platoon pulling out in front of me, I flashed my headlights repeatedly as in "I'm coming through". Following completing the mirror, signal, manoeuvre, routine, and having the twin turbos already fully spooled-up by pre-selecting 3rd gear, the engine responded immediately to the command for maximum power. No dithering delay while while the ECU mapping woke up and decided the appropriate gear. I was already on the move with no delay, and no power surging auto downshifts. The resulting overtake of all six cars was safely completed in a matter of seconds with minimum time spent on the opposite carriageway. At no time did I take my eyes off the road to look at the speedometer. My focus was solely to conduct the overtake as quickly and safely as possible and proceed on my journey at the lawful 60 mph limit. Instinctively, I knew by ear when to upshift to 4th gear during the overtake to ensure a safe and seamless power delivery. It is this art, that Jeremy Clarkson correctly identified as a lost skill for many drivers today. Many of whom possess neither the gear sense nor acceleration sense of their respective vehicles to conduct a safe overtaking manoeuvre with confidence. As I recall from my Advanced Driving Examination, safe overtaking manoeuvres are a requirement to be demonstrated during the IAM test.
As we "progress" into fully EV transport in the coming decade, I fear the skill of safe overtaking will be lost forever.
Brian
I couldn't agree more. On a recent trip east on the A96 towards Elgin I came up behind a convoy of six assorted vehicles following closely behind a slow moving camper van doing 35 mph. The maximum speed limit on this stretch of A96 is 60 mph. I followed this platoon for more than 10 miles, hoping that a few cars would peel off at the next roundabout. No such luck. The Toyota Aygo following behind the camper van steadfastly ignored several clear opportunities to overtake, likewise the other five cars, vans, and trucks dutifully following in line behind. From local knowledge, I knew that after the next town, a mile long level straight without intersections was coming up.
My thoughts were, that if this straight section was clear of traffic coming the other way I would go for a firm and decisive overtake of all six vehicles. So, after negotiating the final roundabout at the east end of the town, in anticipation of a clear road ahead, I shifted the gear selector to manual and engaged 3rd gear. The platoon at this point was gradually picking up speed from 25, 30, and eventually 35 mph. As the view of the road ahead unfolded, to my relief it was completely devoid of traffic, and no visible camera vans. With the road bone dry and the weather bright, I decided to go for the overtake. Mindful of the danger of sleepy drivers in the platoon pulling out in front of me, I flashed my headlights repeatedly as in "I'm coming through". Following completing the mirror, signal, manoeuvre, routine, and having the twin turbos already fully spooled-up by pre-selecting 3rd gear, the engine responded immediately to the command for maximum power. No dithering delay while while the ECU mapping woke up and decided the appropriate gear. I was already on the move with no delay, and no power surging auto downshifts. The resulting overtake of all six cars was safely completed in a matter of seconds with minimum time spent on the opposite carriageway. At no time did I take my eyes off the road to look at the speedometer. My focus was solely to conduct the overtake as quickly and safely as possible and proceed on my journey at the lawful 60 mph limit. Instinctively, I knew by ear when to upshift to 4th gear during the overtake to ensure a safe and seamless power delivery. It is this art, that Jeremy Clarkson correctly identified as a lost skill for many drivers today. Many of whom possess neither the gear sense nor acceleration sense of their respective vehicles to conduct a safe overtaking manoeuvre with confidence. As I recall from my Advanced Driving Examination, safe overtaking manoeuvres are a requirement to be demonstrated during the IAM test.
As we "progress" into fully EV transport in the coming decade, I fear the skill of safe overtaking will be lost forever.
Brian
