Drivers.

More and more drivers are appearing on our roads. All of them should have have passed a two part driving test, at least. That won’t apply to older drivers who only had to drive then answer a few questions. This should mean that today’s drivers are better, safer and more understanding. That is not the case.

I find that many drivers these days have a problem identifying colours. Something they were taught in pre-school. Maybe it is only difficulty with red, amber and green. A lot of drivers only being able to see green. Unless of course someone does something they don’t like then they see red. I either slow down to stop at the lights, or already stationary traffic, the lights being on red, and cars will pass me ignoring the colours, not only taking their own lives in their hands but those of the drivers and passengers coming the other direction correctly.

Equally annoying are those drivers who bought cars that don’t have indicators. I’m not sure why cars are being manufactured without them, they are an essential part of driving a car safely. They let other drivers and pedestrians know when a vehicle is turning. It seems that a lot of drivers haven’t found where these are located in their car or they’re just not there. I often wait at a junction expecting the car to go straight on as it isn’t indicating, then it turns. Annoying and frustrating.

As well as not recognising or knowing colours, which they were taught in school, drivers don’t know their numbers. Maybe it is a school problem, as lots of things that have been taught haven’t been learnt. How numbers? Speed limits.

It is very rare to see a driver following a speed limit, whether this be local roads or dual carriageways and motorways, fixed speeds or temporary ones for works. I get that it can be frustrating driving at 40mph on a dual carriageway in roadworks, but , unfortunately it has to be done. I do wonder if anyone ever gets a speeding fine whether from a police camera, average speed camera or static cameras, as they never seem to deter drivers. Connected to this are those drivers who drive too close. They must not value their lives or vehicles. Too impatient to drive at the correct speed they think that getting close will actually make the other driver go quicker. When it happens to me I drive slower!

Out of courtesy, if someone lets me in a gap or out of a side road, I make the effort to say thank you, either by waving, flashing lights or some other appropriate method of acknowledgement. I will admit that at times I forget, if the traffic is busy or it’s dangerous to do so. But I’m in the minority, finding that if I let other drivers in or out most of the time they just drive off, that is the ones who actually wait. Some drivers think it’s their right to pull in or out wherever and whenever they want.

Despite all of the issue highlighted, there are a lot of good, courteous drivers on our roads. Unfortunately they are becoming harder to find. For everyone’s safety and sanity I hope there will be more.