I'm an advanced policed driver and we absolutely go offside when it's appropriate. We also straddle the centre of the road when the road is uneven. The rule is we do it only when it's safe to do so and if it gives us an advantage.
I thinking of a driving day with Reg, or ex Met instructor Chris Gilbert when passed my IAM. Chorley advanced motorists ban offsiding. They don't like it. However I offside where safe because it allows me to make progress.
I recently attended a talk by an IAM examiner who was advertising the "masters" programme to existing members, and he spent some time talking about offsiding, coming down on the side of NEVER offsiding, due to the potential dangers. His argument was that being offside would be very difficult to defend in court, should you have an incident, and on that basis, it was never worth the risk. I was quite surprised to hear this; there are clearly corners where it can be appropriate (at least to a degree), and it would be much better to teach people to do it safely, than say "never do it". I like Reg's clear approach to this topic. I do think the SLAP mnemonic is useful, and especially the final letter that isn't touched on too much in this video: "P"erception of other drivers. It's always worth considering how other drivers might perceive your manoeuvre, and in some cases, that may be reason enough not to go offside, even if the manoeuvre is safe and legal. Thanks for the great videos, Reg - they helped to get me a very good pass on my test in January.
Yes -- especially if that other driver happens to be a young Barry Nadbrains tailgaiting in his '09 Maxwell Asbo. The last thing you'd want is to give him ideas, or worse: appear to be inviting competition.
This is really surprising to me. Used appropriately, it adds to smoothness, stability and margin of safety. If ever asked to justify it, just explain that you saw an animal on the nearside verge and you wanted to give space to it. Much easier than explaining the technicalities of offsiding to someone who's either not interested or not at a sufficient driving level to understand it.
Sadly the iam and in my experience are very risk adverse, I have seen more recently the SLAP term used in a video of iam lesson. You are allowed to cross the centre line if broken and If done in a systematic manor I don’t see an issue,I mean you cross it to pass cyclists, carry out over takes I have been doing if for 15 years, 8 have also done it with a police behind in my own vehicle and they didn’t not know who I was and it wasn’t an issue. When I was trained we drove offside to get used to it,it also helps for overtaking as most people slingshot, not contact out with no additional power
Why should Reg mention Perception? The average drivers standard or driving these days is so poor they would have no understanding at all of the advantages so well put over by Reg. Great video.
I’m an IAM motorcycle examiner. This, in my opinion is spot on. Information very clearly imparted. It’s interesting to note that in terms of language the IAM use the term ‘offsiding’ to mean unsafe use of the right hand side of the carriageway on the approach to a left hand bend. The Adavantage of Safe, Legal and Advantage I have seen with the terms Appropriate and Achieve also. It is of particular significance to the ‘showboaters’ amongst us. I am aware of an additional letter being a P at the end creating SLAP. How other users may Perceive our actions. I prefer P for Provoke. Might our driving or riding Provoke a dangerous reaction from another road user.
Recently did my IAM with a serving police driver as examiner. He was pleased that I straightened out a double bend that had a clear view, although I did check mirrors and comment that the following driver may think badly of the manoeuvre.
Hello I'm a driving instructor. Have been for 11 yrs & I like to watch & take in Reg's experience to pass it onto my pupils for learning to drive . Think this guy is great
One other advantage to at the least a "wide" approach, if not fully OS, is that it helps to avoid the dangerous tendency for people, especially those going a bit fast and perhaps failing to read the corner severity correctly, to turn into the corner too soon, to "apex" too soon, and then find they run out of road to carry that turn all the way around the corner. Often at that point, the previously clear opposite lane has now become full of an oncoming car, perhaps one slightly cutting the corner, and a collision occurs
An excellent demonstration and it definitely emphasises the importance of good observation. I have just finished reading 'How not to crash' and would thoroughly recommend it. Scotland probably offers the best offsiding roads especially towards the West.
Great video used to get fed up with ADIs and some ROADAR or IAM drivers who thought the centre line was a brick wall. I was taught by met and it was 1) is it safe to straight line with no a additional risk, 2) does it afford as much or ideally increased view of the road finally 3) is it reducing steering input and it cornering forces on the vehicle which increases safety and reduces wear and tear. You also need to be able to smoothly sacrifice position for safety if an oncoming comes into view without causing alarm to the normal road user.
I was taught the same, back in the 60s, the ability to sacrifice position safely and without inconveniencing other road users is particularly important.
I've been doing this for years, as I've done a lot of motoring in Northern Scotland where there is a lot of winding and twisting roads and on similar local country roads, good to know that someone with Reg's knowledge and experience doesn't blindly condemn this practice,I'd also say, for me, it is only done when there is clear views both forward, behind and to the sides, and only when it is entirely safe to do so,the advantages are many,( with opening up a clearer forward vision not being mentioned.)it cuts down on driver input,it cuts down on tyre wear,it generally makes for a smoother and simpler drive,and it can improve forward vision when it would be otherwise restricted by upcoming bends and corners, ...similar to when taking an increased offside or nearside position on cornering to gain an increased view.fundamental to all this is,... it is only ever done when it is entirely safe to do so.
Thanks Reg, I think I’ve watched all of your videos now, especially the bike ones and have enrolled on IAM Rosdsmart, first ride done, had a few “ constructive” comments, looking forward to moving on and learning more. Thanks for the inspiration. If I pass, I definitely want to come up and ride with you, part with some cash, and throw in lunch as well 😅
Some time ago I was driving through East Anglia and some of those roads are as straight as a yard of pump water and give clear visibility for a mile or more. Both kerbs were badly broken up so it made sense to straddle the nearside and offside. If I saw a vehicle approaching, from half a mile or so away, I had alm the time in the world to move to the left.😊😊
I agree with ‘off-siding’ and ‘straight lining’, only if the technique is used properly and correctly. As I say... “it must be part of a planned approach”. As an IAM examiner, I often give feedback to candidates encouraging off-siding and straight lining bends & corners but always stress that this should only be done if they are comfortable in doing so. The IAM’s associate/ observer/ examiner ADC handbook does cover off-siding and straight lining bends and corners (although not in a lot of detail). I would encourage all observers in particular to read and understand the IAM’s stance before teaching it to associates. For IAM members - if you log onto your IAM account and view the magazine for Spring/ Summer 2018 (or dig it out if you still have it!) and read the article written by Shaun Cronin and Richard Gladman on pages 46/ 47 titled “the off-side rule”. Similarly to Reg Local’s top 3 points (Safe, Advantage & Legal) the article I’m referring to talks about SLAP... Safe, Legal, Achieve and Perception. Great video Reg Local (as always) - keep up the good work!
Thanks for another informative and common sense video, I feel driving standards are on a downward trend and the only answer from legislators is to reduce the speed limits further. I’ve also noticed that more and more drivers flash you when you’ve overtake them and i fail to understand why!!
When I used to live in a rural area, I would (when it was clear ahead) drive on the white line to give me more time to stop when a pheasant would run out of a hedge. I would also move towards the offside prior to a corner to give me a better view of what's beyond the hedge. I always have the mantra in my head, "horse's arse!", 'cos that's what might be just beyond my view. Right or wrong?
There is a bit of road between Denshaw and Huddersfield and there are some excellent corners for offsiding, loads of visibility, you can see absolutely everything.
I like and use this technique pursuant to those 3 factors, but check mirrors as part of Safety, giving passengers a better ride, the driver more enjoyment and also a better viewing distance around the corner esp left hand
Reg, a great balanced view on offsiding (or was some it straightening?). It would have been good to see you explain this also on some roads without the wide open views. The negative comments on offsiding comes from people seeing other riders/drivers who do this on approach to a left hand bend which has a limited view (unless you are well offside). My rule of thumb is that if I can maintain the excellent view I already have, I'm happy to do it. So maintain not gain (the view). If I'm on roads like you are on in this video, or the wide open and flat Fenns, then all bets are off and I'll use all the road (as long as I'm not confusing other road users). From the motorcycle world a late move to the offside on approach to a left hand bend to **gain** more view is why the term 'Offsiding' gets such bad press and the IAM feel the need to be very cautious in their statements. The view gained could be full of oncoming car. Sadly, some 'Advanced' riders feel the need to do it in a flamboyant 'look at me' style of riding.
Another great video. Explains AND demonstrates, with commentary. I do have a question. It seems that opinions differ between various professional drivers, including within the ranks of IAM Roadsmart, or even examiners coming from different police forces . If I go for an IAM Masters, should I ask the examiner at the start whether he/she permits off-siding (in the manner you have shown I.e. Safe, Legal, Advantageous plus the added factor of Perception for other drivers)? Or will the fact that I ask that question get me marked down? Another couple of reasons I use for offsiding: 1) Avoids any crud, water, potholes or manhole covers that seem to accumulate on the near side. 2) By keeping the car stable in a straighter line, an emergency brake is easier (if, for example, an animal suddenly runs out in front of you).
Asking the question won’t get you marked down. The IAM (as a road safety charity) are averse to going offside on approach to left-hand bends unless there is already a very clear view right through the corner. They are more comfortable with cutting right-handers as long as its safe, legal etc. This approach is the same for advanced and masters tests.
@@RegLocal Thanks Reg, very helpful. After posting that question I watched a video you did in Mrs Local's mini, where you DID actually have an animal run out in front of you (a little lamb). Impressive emergency stop!
Just completed a 4 week course which Reg might know about. We're not taught to offside as a matter of normal driving. I understand why you're showing it, but I don't think it sends the right message. IF it's marked, stick to your side of the road. The benefits don't outweigh the risks.
There's limited risk if you have a good, long view. I would say there are some tricky junctions with a limited view that are more risky than offsiding on a well sighted bend. You just have no choice but to use those junctions if they're on your route. I can think of some crown camber roads that are really uneven and broken at the edges where maintaining a central position avoids the car being thrown about and it keeps me away from the crumbling edges of the road.
As long as you offside as part of the system (taking that position following you utilising all available information) there shouldn’t be an issue. However you should never sacrifice safety for a more advantageous position.
Agree totally - and book a day with Reg ! Any thoughts on straightening roundabouts as these are in the 30/40 mph speeds or lower that you wouldn’t offside ?
My IAM car and motorcycle groups encourage straight-lining roundabouts if (and only if) if it safe to do so, i.e., there are no other road users already on the roundabout, nor any joining alongside you (who would expect you to maintain lane discipline). Obviously you've got to keep your wits about you if nearby vehicles are approaching or already waiting to join - in that situation I personally would err on the side of caution and not straight-line.
1) It has to be safe. No clear mention to always check your mirrors! Somebody behind might think the same clear view is appropriate to overtake in the same corner. Especially motorbikes. Or another driving god with a bigger hurry. Or just a nutter...
@amg4472 I don't agree, good teaching should cover all the bases (nr. 2 is hardly rocket science either). More importantly, I'm not sure I saw Reg properly check the mirrors. When going offside, one should check in the same manner as if was going to change lanes for any other reason, like overtaking. And I HAVE encountered slow drivers that I chose to overtake in a clear bend (as Reg teaches) who suddenly start wondering across the middle of the road to cut corners. Of course I am prepared for that, the point is that it should receive just as much attention as checking the opposite lane is free ahead as mentioned many times, which should be the obvious one....
Fundamentally wrong and counter productive message. I've followed Reg for a while now and find his approach is driven far too much by the methods that might be adopted in emergency response driving. As as an ADI, a very experienced driver and motorsport competitor l have every reason to appear to want to be able to carry more speed on the road, yet l don't. Why not? Because all the other drivers aren't me. Example - he mentions that by using this appriach you minimise what you ask of the tyres, the available grip, the suspension and the dynamics of the car's chassis. The result? You emerge/pass through a hazard quicker. You are now travelling out of step with the other road users, you arrive at the next piece of road quicker. The issue is that no matter how you apply his thinking, it is ONLY ever going to be appropriate in emergency situations. Why? Judgement. We all think ours is right, safe, defendable. I look forward to hearing the apology from the driver who used this technique only to find a car/bike/pedestrian emerged randomly from a position that could not have been predicted, causing the driver to swerve or take emergency action and killing a member of my family. It is no good to simply say "apply the criteria". Shit happens, and it kills.
Every time we overtake a cyclist, horse, pedestrian walking along the road or a slower vehicle we invariably have to cross the centre line to perform the manoeuvre. As with all driving there is always the possibility of something or someone appearing that you state 'could not be predicted. This is why as advanced drivers our observations and anticipation consist of 'what can I see, what can't I see and what can I reasonably expect to happen'? For emergency response off-siding is a skill of absolute necessity to make maximum progress, when needed and it goes hand in hand with excellent application of the system. This does not preclude that off-siding is advantageous to non-emergency response drivers as an advanced driving skill, which affords benefits on occasions within the higher end of speed limits on UK roads. Done properly and with the SLAP approach, off-siding is just another skill that if performed correctly is beneficial. Advanced driving is about excellent observation, making sound decisions, negotiating hazards safely and doing it in a safe and progressive way with the vehicle well balanced. As you say, shit does happen, not all risk cannot be eliminated from life.
I completely agree. Please stop encouraging offsiding to average Joe public. The benefits stated do not justify the risks when compared to the alternative option of slowing down. I live on a rural road where there is a broken white line, but it is completely inappropriate to cross it due to lack of visibility. I've seen numerous incidents and near misses as a result. This confirms to me that some people's judgement is not as good as they think it is. Off siding should only be used by trained response drivers where there is a genuine benefit to carrying their speed. For anyone who thinks they need to be off siding I would ask.. where's the fire?
I'm an advanced policed driver and we absolutely go offside when it's appropriate. We also straddle the centre of the road when the road is uneven. The rule is we do it only when it's safe to do so and if it gives us an advantage.
I thinking of a driving day with Reg, or ex Met instructor Chris Gilbert when passed my IAM. Chorley advanced motorists ban offsiding. They don't like it. However I offside where safe because it allows me to make progress.
I recently attended a talk by an IAM examiner who was advertising the "masters" programme to existing members, and he spent some time talking about offsiding, coming down on the side of NEVER offsiding, due to the potential dangers. His argument was that being offside would be very difficult to defend in court, should you have an incident, and on that basis, it was never worth the risk. I was quite surprised to hear this; there are clearly corners where it can be appropriate (at least to a degree), and it would be much better to teach people to do it safely, than say "never do it". I like Reg's clear approach to this topic. I do think the SLAP mnemonic is useful, and especially the final letter that isn't touched on too much in this video: "P"erception of other drivers. It's always worth considering how other drivers might perceive your manoeuvre, and in some cases, that may be reason enough not to go offside, even if the manoeuvre is safe and legal. Thanks for the great videos, Reg - they helped to get me a very good pass on my test in January.
Yes -- especially if that other driver happens to be a young Barry Nadbrains tailgaiting in his '09 Maxwell Asbo. The last thing you'd want is to give him ideas, or worse: appear to be inviting competition.
This is really surprising to me. Used appropriately, it adds to smoothness, stability and margin of safety. If ever asked to justify it, just explain that you saw an animal on the nearside verge and you wanted to give space to it. Much easier than explaining the technicalities of offsiding to someone who's either not interested or not at a sufficient driving level to understand it.
@@thefenlanddefencesystem5080 Agree, should not offside when being closely followed for a multitude of reasons it's risky
Sadly the iam and in my experience are very risk adverse, I have seen more recently the SLAP term used in a video of iam lesson. You are allowed to cross the centre line if broken and If done in a systematic manor I don’t see an issue,I mean you cross it to pass cyclists, carry out over takes I have been doing if for 15 years, 8 have also done it with a police behind in my own vehicle and they didn’t not know who I was and it wasn’t an issue. When I was trained we drove offside to get used to it,it also helps for overtaking as most people slingshot, not contact out with no additional power
Why should Reg mention Perception? The average drivers standard or driving these days is so poor they would have no understanding at all of the advantages so well put over by Reg. Great video.
Take advantage of Reg's offer of a day's tuition. Best money you will spend. Had a great day out, most importantly learned a lot, it's invaluable
Huw Roberts how much was it?
I’m an IAM motorcycle examiner. This, in my opinion is spot on. Information very clearly imparted. It’s interesting to note that in terms of language the IAM use the term ‘offsiding’ to mean unsafe use of the right hand side of the carriageway on the approach to a left hand bend. The Adavantage of Safe, Legal and Advantage I have seen with the terms Appropriate and Achieve also. It is of particular significance to the ‘showboaters’ amongst us.
I am aware of an additional letter being a P at the end creating SLAP. How other users may Perceive our actions. I prefer P for Provoke. Might our driving or riding Provoke a dangerous reaction from another road user.
Thank you Reg for talking sense about Off-siding! Hurrah!
Recently did my IAM with a serving police driver as examiner. He was pleased that I straightened out a double bend that had a clear view, although I did check mirrors and comment that the following driver may think badly of the manoeuvre.
Hello I'm a driving instructor. Have been for 11 yrs & I like to watch & take in Reg's experience to pass it onto my pupils for learning to drive . Think this guy is great
One other advantage to at the least a "wide" approach, if not fully OS, is that it helps to avoid the dangerous tendency for people, especially those going a bit fast and perhaps failing to read the corner severity correctly, to turn into the corner too soon, to "apex" too soon, and then find they run out of road to carry that turn all the way around the corner. Often at that point, the previously clear opposite lane has now become full of an oncoming car, perhaps one slightly cutting the corner, and a collision occurs
An excellent demonstration and it definitely emphasises the importance of good observation. I have just finished reading 'How not to crash' and would thoroughly recommend it. Scotland probably offers the best offsiding roads especially towards the West.
Great video used to get fed up with ADIs and some ROADAR or IAM drivers who thought the centre line was a brick wall. I was taught by met and it was 1) is it safe to straight line with no a additional risk, 2) does it afford as much or ideally increased view of the road finally 3) is it reducing steering input and it cornering forces on the vehicle which increases safety and reduces wear and tear.
You also need to be able to smoothly sacrifice position for safety if an oncoming comes into view without causing alarm to the normal road user.
I was taught the same, back in the 60s, the ability to sacrifice position safely and without inconveniencing other road users is particularly important.
I've been doing this for years, as I've done a lot of motoring in Northern Scotland where there is a lot of winding and twisting roads and on similar local country roads, good to know that someone with Reg's knowledge and experience doesn't blindly condemn this practice,I'd also say, for me, it is only done when there is clear views both forward, behind and to the sides, and only when it is entirely safe to do so,the advantages are many,( with opening up a clearer forward vision not being mentioned.)it cuts down on driver input,it cuts down on tyre wear,it generally makes for a smoother and simpler drive,and it can improve forward vision when it would be otherwise restricted by upcoming bends and corners, ...similar to when taking an increased offside or nearside position on cornering to gain an increased view.fundamental to all this is,... it is only ever done when it is entirely safe to do so.
Thanks Reg, I think I’ve watched all of your videos now, especially the bike ones and have enrolled on IAM Rosdsmart, first ride done, had a few “ constructive” comments, looking forward to moving on and learning more. Thanks for the inspiration. If I pass, I definitely want to come up and ride with you, part with some cash, and throw in lunch as well 😅
Good, comprehensive advice as always. Like the crafty edit at 10:50, going back the way you've just come!
Some time ago I was driving through East Anglia and some of those roads are as straight as a yard of pump water and give clear visibility for a mile or more. Both kerbs were badly broken up so it made sense to straddle the nearside and offside. If I saw a vehicle approaching, from half a mile or so away, I had alm the time in the world to move to the left.😊😊
I agree with ‘off-siding’ and ‘straight lining’, only if the technique is used properly and correctly. As I say... “it must be part of a planned approach”.
As an IAM examiner, I often give feedback to candidates encouraging off-siding and straight lining bends & corners but always stress that this should only be done if they are comfortable in doing so.
The IAM’s associate/ observer/ examiner ADC handbook does cover off-siding and straight lining bends and corners (although not in a lot of detail). I would encourage all observers in particular to read and understand the IAM’s stance before teaching it to associates.
For IAM members - if you log onto your IAM account and view the magazine for Spring/ Summer 2018 (or dig it out if you still have it!) and read the article written by Shaun Cronin and Richard Gladman on pages 46/ 47 titled “the off-side rule”. Similarly to Reg Local’s top 3 points (Safe, Advantage & Legal) the article I’m referring to talks about SLAP... Safe, Legal, Achieve and Perception.
Great video Reg Local (as always) - keep up the good work!
Thanks for another informative and common sense video, I feel driving standards are on a downward trend and the only answer from legislators is to reduce the speed limits further. I’ve also noticed that more and more drivers flash you when you’ve overtake them and i fail to understand why!!
When I used to live in a rural area, I would (when it was clear ahead) drive on the white line to give me more time to stop when a pheasant would run out of a hedge.
I would also move towards the offside prior to a corner to give me a better view of what's beyond the hedge. I always have the mantra in my head, "horse's arse!", 'cos that's what might be just beyond my view.
Right or wrong?
There is a bit of road between Denshaw and Huddersfield and there are some excellent corners for offsiding, loads of visibility, you can see absolutely everything.
I like and use this technique pursuant to those 3 factors, but check mirrors as part of Safety, giving passengers a better ride, the driver more enjoyment and also a better viewing distance around the corner esp left hand
Reg, a great balanced view on offsiding (or was some it straightening?). It would have been good to see you explain this also on some roads without the wide open views. The negative comments on offsiding comes from people seeing other riders/drivers who do this on approach to a left hand bend which has a limited view (unless you are well offside). My rule of thumb is that if I can maintain the excellent view I already have, I'm happy to do it. So maintain not gain (the view). If I'm on roads like you are on in this video, or the wide open and flat Fenns, then all bets are off and I'll use all the road (as long as I'm not confusing other road users). From the motorcycle world a late move to the offside on approach to a left hand bend to **gain** more view is why the term 'Offsiding' gets such bad press and the IAM feel the need to be very cautious in their statements. The view gained could be full of oncoming car. Sadly, some 'Advanced' riders feel the need to do it in a flamboyant 'look at me' style of riding.
On low traffic country roads I follow one golden road: Follow the line of the road, not the line on the road.
“We’re not looking to set a new lap time” I think some drivers are 😂😂
Another great video. Explains AND demonstrates, with commentary.
I do have a question. It seems that opinions differ between various professional drivers, including within the ranks of IAM Roadsmart, or even examiners coming from different police forces . If I go for an IAM Masters, should I ask the examiner at the start whether he/she permits off-siding (in the manner you have shown I.e. Safe, Legal, Advantageous plus the added factor of Perception for other drivers)? Or will the fact that I ask that question get me marked down?
Another couple of reasons I use for offsiding:
1) Avoids any crud, water, potholes or manhole covers that seem to accumulate on the near side.
2) By keeping the car stable in a straighter line, an emergency brake is easier (if, for example, an animal suddenly runs out in front of you).
Asking the question won’t get you marked down. The IAM (as a road safety charity) are averse to going offside on approach to left-hand bends unless there is already a very clear view right through the corner. They are more comfortable with cutting right-handers as long as its safe, legal etc. This approach is the same for advanced and masters tests.
@@RegLocal Thanks Reg, very helpful. After posting that question I watched a video you did in Mrs Local's mini, where you DID actually have an animal run out in front of you (a little lamb). Impressive emergency stop!
Just completed a 4 week course which Reg might know about.
We're not taught to offside as a matter of normal driving.
I understand why you're showing it, but I don't think it sends the right message. IF it's marked, stick to your side of the road. The benefits don't outweigh the risks.
Said someone about every tool worth using.
There's limited risk if you have a good, long view. I would say there are some tricky junctions with a limited view that are more risky than offsiding on a well sighted bend. You just have no choice but to use those junctions if they're on your route.
I can think of some crown camber roads that are really uneven and broken at the edges where maintaining a central position avoids the car being thrown about and it keeps me away from the crumbling edges of the road.
As long as you offside as part of the system (taking that position following you utilising all available information) there shouldn’t be an issue. However you should never sacrifice safety for a more advantageous position.
Agree totally - and book a day with Reg ! Any thoughts on straightening roundabouts as these are in the 30/40 mph speeds or lower that you wouldn’t offside ?
My IAM car and motorcycle groups encourage straight-lining roundabouts if (and only if) if it safe to do so, i.e., there are no other road users already on the roundabout, nor any joining alongside you (who would expect you to maintain lane discipline). Obviously you've got to keep your wits about you if nearby vehicles are approaching or already waiting to join - in that situation I personally would err on the side of caution and not straight-line.
1) It has to be safe. No clear mention to always check your mirrors! Somebody behind might think the same clear view is appropriate to overtake in the same corner. Especially motorbikes. Or another driving god with a bigger hurry. Or just a nutter...
@amg4472 I don't agree, good teaching should cover all the bases (nr. 2 is hardly rocket science either). More importantly, I'm not sure I saw Reg properly check the mirrors. When going offside, one should check in the same manner as if was going to change lanes for any other reason, like overtaking. And I HAVE encountered slow drivers that I chose to overtake in a clear bend (as Reg teaches) who suddenly start wondering across the middle of the road to cut corners. Of course I am prepared for that, the point is that it should receive just as much attention as checking the opposite lane is free ahead as mentioned many times, which should be the obvious one....
Does Mrs Local get annoyed when you go out for "a drive" and record the video and yet forget to bring home the milk ;)
No. By the time I’ve taken the milk for a bit if a drive, it’s usually Churned into cheese, so she’s stopped asking.
@@RegLocal made me laugh out loud. Nice one.
Always try to maintain visibility, NOT attain visibility.
comment for the sake of a comment ;)
Easy fix: make wider roads
Fundamentally wrong and counter productive message. I've followed Reg for a while now and find his approach is driven far too much by the methods that might be adopted in emergency response driving. As as an ADI, a very experienced driver and motorsport competitor l have every reason to appear to want to be able to carry more speed on the road, yet l don't. Why not? Because all the other drivers aren't me. Example - he mentions that by using this appriach you minimise what you ask of the tyres, the available grip, the suspension and the dynamics of the car's chassis. The result? You emerge/pass through a hazard quicker. You are now travelling out of step with the other road users, you arrive at the next piece of road quicker. The issue is that no matter how you apply his thinking, it is ONLY ever going to be appropriate in emergency situations. Why? Judgement. We all think ours is right, safe, defendable. I look forward to hearing the apology from the driver who used this technique only to find a car/bike/pedestrian emerged randomly from a position that could not have been predicted, causing the driver to swerve or take emergency action and killing a member of my family. It is no good to simply say "apply the criteria". Shit happens, and it kills.
One word - progress. If you take an advanced qualification, you have to make it.
Every time we overtake a cyclist, horse, pedestrian walking along the road or a slower vehicle we invariably have to cross the centre line to perform the manoeuvre. As with all driving there is always the possibility of something or someone appearing that you state 'could not be predicted. This is why as advanced drivers our observations and anticipation consist of 'what can I see, what can't I see and what can I reasonably expect to happen'?
For emergency response off-siding is a skill of absolute necessity to make maximum progress, when needed and it goes hand in hand with excellent application of the system. This does not preclude that off-siding is advantageous to non-emergency response drivers as an advanced driving skill, which affords benefits on occasions within the higher end of speed limits on UK roads.
Done properly and with the SLAP approach, off-siding is just another skill that if performed correctly is beneficial. Advanced driving is about excellent observation, making sound decisions, negotiating hazards safely and doing it in a safe and progressive way with the vehicle well balanced. As you say, shit does happen, not all risk cannot be eliminated from life.
I completely agree. Please stop encouraging offsiding to average Joe public. The benefits stated do not justify the risks when compared to the alternative option of slowing down.
I live on a rural road where there is a broken white line, but it is completely inappropriate to cross it due to lack of visibility. I've seen numerous incidents and near misses as a result. This confirms to me that some people's judgement is not as good as they think it is. Off siding should only be used by trained response drivers where there is a genuine benefit to carrying their speed.
For anyone who thinks they need to be off siding I would ask.. where's the fire?