Regarding an increase in the number of vehicles during "blustery and water inclusive weather", and how they are often badly driven, I believe these vehicles are the ones owned by the people who ride motor cycles and pedal cycles in "better weather". Those people, especially the pedal cyclists, think the rules of the road do not apply to them, and believe when in a car they can drive with the same contempt for everyone else.
That’s funny because I’ve always maintained the exact opposite! Well, I’ve started so I may as well join in with the sweeping generalisations...
Bikers are more attuned to the road conditions and
have to be more spatially aware; their own life depends on it. Yes there are exceptions, as always, but as a rule I think it holds true. Sometimes I even ride on one wheel...
The very worst drivers I have encountered are generally those who pass their test in a car at a young age and that’s it then - set for life – all they know or want to know! They think they’re safely cocooned in a tank and often act with a total disregard for road conditions, (until they spin off). It would do these bed-wetter’s a power of good to get back on two wheels once in a while and understand the physical laws between rubber and Tarmac, or ice, or rain, or cold verses hot tyres etc. etc.
I have, and still do, ride a bicycle, motorbike, five different 'regular' cars plus a Kangoo and Transit Van. It’s what I feel makes me a good rounded user of private transport. I can’t see how anyone can be a good rounded driver without first hand knowledge of the different means of transport. For example: Until I drove a big Merc Van fully laden I never understood why you try to maintain every last mph. If you scrub a fraction of speed off, or someone forces you to slow down, it’s a pain in the arris and struggle to regain that momentum.
Showing courtesy to other road users should be the norm; the difference between a gentleman and an a
.sshole.
