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[Bigron]

That sounds like a good idea, DG. Do you mean signing up with the Institute of Advanced Motorists?

Ron.

[STEMO]

You’ve totally hit the nail there mate.

When I drive I’m constantly assessing everything. Probably to the point I’m actually on edge. But at least I’m aware of everything. It worries me how drivers lack concentration.

Just smoke a joint before each journey, Webby, it'll calm you down no end. 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

You’ve totally hit the nail there mate.

When I drive I’m constantly assessing everything. Probably to the point I’m actually on edge. But at least I’m aware of everything. It worries me how drivers lack concentration.

Just smoke a joint before each journey, Webby, it'll calm you down no end. 

The skunk of today is much stronger than the 'wacky baccy' of yesteryear. It might make him paranoid. Would that be a problem?

[Nick W]

That sounds like a good idea, DG. Do you mean signing up with the Institute of Advanced Motorists?

Ron.

That's one way.


Some more suggestions:


Watching some of the Youtube videos of commentary driving by trained drivers is a good example of what we mean by being aware of what is going on round you without being tense. Most of the stupid things that other drivers do are predictable well in advance - if you're paying attention - and can be planned for and smoothly avoided.


Your passengers should not be able to feel any of your control inputs - steering, throttle, clutch brakes. Just eliminating the nose of the car bouncing back up as you come to a stop is a good start.


Keep your temper under control! I suggest that much of the bad driving is due to poor temperament as a lack of concentration


Look in the mirrors(all 3 of them) a lot more often! You need to be almost as aware of what is happening behind you as in front.


Think about your signalling. Is it confusing(like indicating to move around a parked car when there's a turning on the right) or even necessary(pedestrians need to know what you're intending to do)


Make eye contact with other road users. If you can't then you KNOW that they haven't seen you, and can act accordingly.


Flow with the traffic, rather than forcing your way through it.


Adjust your seat properly! Your arms and legs should be slightly bent, and there's something wrong if you constantly have to move your body. Omegas are particularly good for this as they have a decent driving position, extremely good seats and well matched controls.




All of this has other benefits, your car will last longer and you spend a lot less on consumables: I got over 50,000 miles from the front brake pads, and 25,000 from the cheap tyres on my Omega and I make good progress; my old boss reckoned she could tell from the drop in fuel economy when other drivers used my truck when I was off and I got over 250,000 miles from the clutches; you and your passengers arrive at the destination relaxed and not tense.

[Doctor Gollum]

That sounds like a good idea, DG. Do you mean signing up with the Institute of Advanced Motorists?

Ron.

Not specifically, what Nick describes essentially outlines a course I recently did at work...

Watch the video in the centre of this linked page.

http://www.smithsystem.co.uk/training-solutions/onroad-training/

I don't know if they do private individual training*, but you can certainly ask. If they don't, try an advanced driving course and don't be afraid to ask if they are aware of the concept.

Also, as it's Christmas, a skid pan session makes a good Christmas present, and will give you a lot more confidence in the car and yourself. 

*Harold Smith, who founded patented this 5 step idea, is/was American. If you're over there, look to see if they have a training centre near your holiday base. The principles apply the world over whether you learn them from common sense or on a course...

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Certainly more people should see vids like this. I don't know about anyone else, but watching that it really didnt look like the Omega was going that fast/much lateral force. As has already been said, its all about driving within the vehicle's limits, whatever they may be.

Seem to remember Tiff of Top/5th Gear taking a Morris Minor powersliding round a track - making the point that any vehicle can be driven well, and actually a 'bad' handling car car actually offer huge rewards, and be driven well.

[Doctor Gollum]

Certainly more people should see vids like this. I don't know about anyone else, but watching that it really didnt look like the Omega was going that fast/much lateral force. As has already been said, its all about driving within the vehicle's limits, whatever they may be.

Seem to remember Tiff of Top/5th Gear taking a Morris Minor powersliding round a track - making the point that any vehicle can be driven well, and actually a 'bad' handling car car actually offer huge rewards, and be driven well.

Irrelevant if you're scared to drive it.

[Webby the Bear]

Crikey this thread ran away 😧😧😧😂😂😂😂

I didn’t mean to come across as a bag ‘o’ nerves 😂 to make clear what I meant.... I am always paying attention. And in certain situations especially with tailgaters they do make me a bit twitchy but if I get a retard up my batty I just ease off and control the pace until they get annoyed and overtake. Same with folk seemingly unable to decipher what a lane is and being 3/4 in theirs and 1/4 in mine. But other than that I’m a smooth driver.

One thing I will add...as the years go on with the omega I am more concerned with someone hitting it after all the hard work. Makes me ponder getting a cheap every-day run around and only bringing the omega out when it’s vauxhall fest 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[TheBoy]

When I drive I’m constantly assessing everything

The old me would say that unless you were exploring the absolute limits of everything all the time, you weren't trying hard enough...


...but obviously I'm a reformed character now.

[Auto Addict]

When I drive I’m constantly assessing everything

The old me would say that unless you were exploring the absolute limits of everything all the time, you weren't trying hard enough...


...but obviously I'm a reformed character now.

It's an age thingie