ScotVlog41 Bullying & a horrible journey

[@spinaway]

I Drive a 44 tonne articulated truck during the week and drive allover the UK, I also own a caravan and find I am subject to bullying from other drivers, even though you keep to the speed limit they still want to pass, one bloke pulled beside me in a mini and told me in no uncertain terms that I should be banned of the road as I was a menace to decent road users, 5 miles down the road I passed him, he had lost control on a bend gone through a hedge and landed in a ditch, I gave him a toot as I passed, keep up the great video, subscribed.

[@andrewjditton]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for the message. Yes, there are some super-aggressive twits out there, and there is good and bad in all sorts. Normally I find lorry drivers and bikers the most courteous, but there are exceptions just as I'm sometimes overtaken by a car towing a wobbling caravan at over 70mph... Give us a flash if you see us out and about! :)

[@spinaway]

Andrew Ditton will do thanks for taking the time to answer.

[@nannystatenonsense7419]

Ive driven that road past Adfern many many times. You're vehicle is the one exceeding the carriageway width, why would you assume everyone that isnt should give way to you? (It would appreciated and courteous if they did, but theres no requirement for them to do so, you're just upsetting yourself). As you came over that bridge (where its signposted the other traffic has right of way) you both approach the narrow section at the same time. At 1:15 you have clear line of sight of the approaching white van and ahead to your right is the passing place, but you continue on just expecting everyone else to stop? As for the "twat in the bmw", thats the last passing opportunity on that road until you get to the straight at Craobh. You, as you say are doing 50mph (briefly on the straight, and a lot less once it ends) so of course he, quiet rightly, overtook you. If you lived in Scotland you'd understand you have to take the opportunities to pass the slow moving vehicles when you can as quickly as you can. I find the standard of driving up here much higher and a lot more friendly than England. Sorry you feel victimised but it comes across as an attitude problem to me Andrew.

[@johngoochy1432]

I have been driving over 20 years and am a younger Motorhomer, I decided to do my HGV class 2 training and test to drive larger over 3.5 tonne vehicles, it has amazed me the fact that if I had retaken my car test before I had started retraining I would have failed!! If everyone had to pass a test to keep their lisense every 5 or 10 years maybe we wouldn’t be so impatient and take unnecessary risks.

[@balancedaudio]

Hey Andrew. Don't worry about those drivers behind. I come from all angles. I ride sports bikes and drive large 4 wheel vehicles too. The speed limit is a maximum and you pulling over is you being courteous. Do it when your happy to do it not due to being bullied. It's not a race track the others can wait. If I cant pass on my bike I understand that I don't own the road. Are we all in such a hurry to get to Tesco (or Asda in your case!) that we need to drive so rudely.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers! I also ride as you probably know, but sometimes it's really stressful when you have a queue behind you and there is just nowhere to pull in. More often than not it's for my own sanity that I like to let the drivers behind go past and get on with whatever it is that is worthy of such a rush. I wish everyone was as patient and understanding as you.

[@Sidetops11]

When towing along narrow roads, I switch the lights on, those together with the illuminated caravan road lights, seem to help on coming motorists see and react earlier. You may already do this, but if not it's worth a try. I agree with you about J. Clarkson.

[@pjcat3522]

Just locals trying to get to work, happens the country over. When I lived in Devon I had to wait for over 30 caravans before I could get onto dual carriageway. I learned and gave myself more time next bank holiday, but as a nurse it was a bit stressful being late. When I'm driving in my car on holiday I try and let cars etc pass me, but it's not always safe for them. We all need to take lots of deep breaths, life is getting very stressful for everyone right now.

[@pollyfoofoo8703]

I know i’m late to this video but i can so empathize with you! Though i don’t have a caravan, i find just driving a car these days is often so stressful due to aggressive drivers. I drive carefully and often get tailgated. I want to spend less time on the road the older i get.

[@andrewjditton]

It's a pity, but I think some of the 'toxic masculinity' that is peddled through some media channels doesn't help.

[@chazsach6594]

Same here, i obey speed limits sometimes reluctantly but get a perverse pleasure out of doing so when some thug tries to harrass me.

[@bigtoe333333]

I drive about 30,000 business miles per year as well as my private motoring, and a few years ago I adopted a more relaxed driving style, initially just to save a fair bit of money on fuel. Not an extreme change- just keeping enough distance from the car in front that I didn't need to instantly start dabbing my brakes if I saw their brake light go on, not hitting the accelerator quite as hard, and allowing engine braking to slow me down a bit more (if I could see a red light coming up ahead, for example). There will always be someone who wants to go faster and get past you, and many of them will take serious risks (not only with their own lives) to save a couple of minutes. But I noticed that my 'relaxed' driving style, despite saving money and (as I discovered) actually making journeys much less stressful, incited a fair bit of anger and tailgating from the speed merchants. Most of the time I can ignore it, but you do get the odd nutter on an A road who gets within ten feet of your bumper at 50 or 60mph, and those are difficult to ignore. But there is hope for the future. As part of our desperate global need to reduce carbon emissions and slow down the approaching climate disasters, there are now plans and ideas to make cars largely 'self driving', and I think the day is going to come when the tension-filled lunatics will be unable to get within 6 feet of the car in front- because that distance will be robotically controlled and limited, and their top speed and acceleration will also be governed depending on the location. I have a tinge of sadness about the fact there will no longer be any 'fast' cars (outside of track days), but on the whole I would much rather the would-be race driver idiots are kept seething and fuming but completely impotent, and at a safe distance behind me, prevented from their current aggressive behaviour by their own vehicle. I have to say though, when they no longer have the freedom to spew forth their anger and impatience on the public roads, what will these people do with all those toxic feelings?

[@andrewjditton]

I can tell you Tony - they will take out their self-hate and insecurities by leaving vile comments to KZbin videos instead!!! Yes, things are indeed set to change and I for one will miss the internal combustion engine when it becomes consigned to 'vintage'. All the best.

[@ColdestMoon_Channel]

You are right. The culture of bullying in todays society is everywhere. Top Gear is sadly just one example. The show was fuelled by bullying, from the "Cool Wall" to Audi "cock" drivers, to cyclists to anyone who towed anything. It was effectively open season for all of the different road users. Its a real shame that us caravaners are given such a bad name, and i honestly cannot see why the stigma sticks with us? sure we've all seen bad caravan examples, but I've seen bad truck drivers, bad car drivers, bad bus drivers etc etc.. Ive seen bad drivers full stop. We are all human, we all make mistakes, we all have bad days, good days and ok days. With all my geek hobbies, past times and things I do, the only thing that has polarised my friend base is the caravan. it either provokes hatred or pleasure and no in-between. its a real odd one. Keep strong Andrew, we love your videos - keep them coming.

[@andrewjditton]

ColdestMoon Thanks Dan! I think that's what was getting to me more than anything - that bullying is not just tolerated but encouraged. Being someone who's never gone with the crowd and followed my own path has lead to bullying for many reasons and in many forms during all stages of life. I guess that's why I feel so strongly about it and why it gets to me so. The irony is, we all know that bullies are the weakest cowards that exist.

[@yorkslad9589]

Hi Andrew, I know its a bit late but could feel your stress emanating from my laptop. I drive a Motorhome so share your pain although probably to a lesser degree. I was recently done for speeding which shows that all the moans about us driving too slowly are not substantiated. As part of my penance I attended a speed awareness course and brought up the feeling of being 'bullied' but as the guy leading the course said. You drive within the limit at the speed you feel comfortable at for the road conditions and those behind will either have to wait or overtake when safe to do so. after all another 5 miles an hour makes little differance to the average journey, an accident can make a vast one.

[@markmclellan7146]

0:46 This looks like the spot in the movie Local Hero (highly recommended) where the car stops overnight because of the mist. :-)

[@robinbanks183]

Enjoyed the vid Andrew. I have travelled all over England over the years and must admit when I am in Scotland the standard of driving seems to worse than anywhere else , could it be the lack of road policing. I'm worried at times when I can complete a round trip from Cumbria to Edinburgh and never see a police car. I agree its so annoying. Sometimes makes me think twice about packing in caravanning altogether. Must say I have now invested in a dash cam after a series of near misses.

[@matty6848]

hi Andrew great post i admire you towing a caravan in the Highlands must really take nerves of steel. towing on normal A roads and motorways can be stressful enough. i driven to Skye without towing and that was stressful enough i cant imagine what it would like pulling a caravan behind!

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks! A lot of people do it though. Not sure how much I would have enjoyed towing the 8ft wide caravan I recently had on loan in the Highlands though!

[@Gypsy415]

Where you're driving is similar to the roads around the Muir Woods in Northern California. My friends got similar bullying from speedsters when they were in a camper van with their two small girls. All two lane roads with about 20 degree grades. Unbelievably they were run off the road and the driver then pulled over in front, got out of their car, and then threatened them. It's just lunacy to bully someone into endangering themselves and others on the roads. Stay safe!

[@andrewjditton]

Wow, that's awful! :(

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

I don't know Andrew, I'm supposed to be uploading my own video and I see this on my sidebar. I have worked for companies that pushed me to hurry up, get there, deliver the load. Under pressure I managed to wrap a trailer around a gate post. From that moment on I decided to stick to the letter of the law, and drive courteously. After that I only worked for reputable companies, learnt how to calm down and ignore all the bullying from other motorists. Best wishes, ilona

[@Erin-Thor]

In my youth I drove a truck for a few million miles. It’s just human nature, most drivers aren’t ‘trying’ to bully you. Car drivers see something big, assume it’s slow, pass, pull in front and slow down. Excuse them for being mentally handicapped and forget about it. And your slowing down to let others pass... remember safety third! Only YOU are responsible for your vehicle safety, pull over or slow down only where it is VERY safe for YOU to do so, a pull out or passing lane for example. And where/when you had someone tailgating you (following too closely), just slow down so YOU allow them more reaction time should you have to stop unexpectedly. Putting your (AND DOUGAL’s) safety at risk so you don’t inconvenience someone else is just plain silly 🙃. Love your work bud! Keep trucking... I mean trailering. LOL!

[@blobby273]

dont look in your mirrors so much your allowing yourself to be intimidated you drive how you want at your pace and if you feel the tail behind is getting too long then pull in and may be even go make yourself a cup of tea have a break , but don't let yourself get stressed because you will always get some one behind wanting to get passed its part of being a large vehicle ,

[@Easty3735]

Hi Andrew I drive coaches for a living as well as tow a caravan with a car and also ride motorcycles and I'm subjected to it in all of these forms of transport you've just got to let the idiots go mate and do what you have to do to keep yourself and your rig safe. Loving the Vlogs, Chris

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Chris!

[@alanspence1716]

Would you have been less stressed in your current (January 2018) camper van? If so this might be a big factor in favour of a camper van in Scotland. The drive must be as enjoyable as possible if touring.

[@andrewjditton]

Probably so Alan!

[@ArtJourneyUK]

There’s definitely a culture of bullying and public shaming (and videoing it to share) these days which is sickening

[@davidclinch1358]

I know I am very late finding this vlog but I agree with so much of what you say about towing in Britain, Andrew. I've lived (and towed) in France for decades and find the attitude of French drivers utterly different to the Brits when I'm towing; the French seem so accepting of a caravan when either following or approaching from the opposite direction on a narrow road for example, unlike in Britain. I think one of your viewers may be right with his comment about the country's driving reflecting the nation's personality. Thank goodness the Clarkson has had no impact here !

[@patrickeh696]

I never realized just how narrow main roads are in Britain. I don't know if I would drive anything larger than a Mini on them.

[@Parknest]

Don't let the bastards grind you down. The speed limits are a bind but they absolutely MUST be adhered to. As long as you know you're safe don't give in to the bullies or worse still, bite back. My longest journey with a caravan was up and down the A1 and fortunately, I've not really had the problems you've had even though it was sometimes difficult to maintain a steady speed (I use the cruise control where I can).

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers!

[@RetroRatz]

We've owned both caravans and motorhomes! But I can no longer handle my nerves towing any longer..... the way you jumped when that BMW past is all too frequent now! I feel a tad more control in my Motor home, and yet even though I still pull over to allow traffic past, I do find less stigma towards me, than when towing a caravan 🤔

[@stevebrown6665]

Just caught up with this video.... A country’s driving can be said to reflect the personality of the nation - I hope not I get bullied driving my campervan and my work van, I stick to motorway speed limits and often get drivers in, shall we say, prestige German marquees, driving so close I can’t even see them in the mirrors If they total their car they will probably just get a hire car, if I had my work van with all it’s tool etc damaged I wouldn’t be able to earn a living The bridge used to be shared with a railway.

[@andrewjditton]

I think it was just a 'bad day' all round. But yeah, the German Prestige Car Drivers... don't get me started! All the best.

[@brianfield792]

Steve Brown do you mean drivers of cars from the,BARVARIAN MOTOR WORKS , are they the worst drivers ever, im ex HGV1 driver, I also drive a vw transporter for my work, I also ride a pushbike for fitness, problems I get from BMW drivers is unbelievable. Andrew ,you should not be pulling over like that to let drivers pass,you're making a rod for your own back,it's up to them to wait until it's cafe to overtake,look at the Highway Code .nothing about pulling over on single roads to let traffic pass. also you should have stopped for a break at least an hour before you did video,you were very tired and very stressed, to have kept driving like you did was wrong ,you were a danger to yourself .i sympathise with everything you said, but don't let drivers make your life a misery,you have every right to be there ,the same as them. Good luck ,brian

[@markc8956]

Live just outside of Oban - sad that some idiot drivers annoyed,Andrew. Thankfully they're not all like that in these parts.

[@franhiatt1]

I've found that many people who admire Mr Clarkson's comments are often the type who looked to school and work bullies for instructions and inspiration. They tend not to have an original thought in their heads, just like the man's two sycophantic co-presenters who feel obliged to laugh at every bigoted remark he makes (probably just to keep their personal gravy trains rolling). Let's just hope that the new breed of Staycationers who have now decided that UK touring caravan holidays with the family are not so uncool after all, will outnumber the road bullies. Like most people towing caravans and trailers, I always try and apply the five car rule; five cars or more behind you, pull over to let them pass (which is not always easy on our congested roads). Some thank you, most don't but it does help relieve towing stress.

[@Susan-ur2vd]

I know this video is long over with but I am just catching up on your vids. I am so sorry you have that to deal with. I truly thought only Americans were rude on the road. We deal with it every day everywhere. But, that said, it must make you truly grateful to get to a stop at the end of a hard drive. Even if just for a breather. By the way, I kept holding my breath because I really needed you to drive on the right side of the road. You know, the right side not the left side. That was really crazy to watch. Just think, if I were there driving I'd give the bullys a run for their money. lol...so not only being American I also don't see well enough to drive anymore. I'd sort those nasty drivers out in a hurry. Everyone else too though I reckon. Take care and may you have more great drives than ugly ones.

[@andrewjditton]

Indeed I do, it was just not a good day that day. And as we all know, there are bullies and there are nice people the world over :-/

[@SlogOnTheTyne]

If other drivers want to act like that, that is their problem not yours. Don't let your emotional state get affected. I don't

[@edwardcharles9764]

HGVs don't pull over while cars pass so my attitude is sorry mate, like me at times you have to wait. Don't let them bully you.

[@chazsach6594]

I wish i had never found this website as it has become compulsive viewing and is taking my life over.

[@andrewjditton]

Oh dear. Sorry. I'll get my coat... ;@)

[@lindaelizabethcole3675]

You wouldn't wish too many of those journeys, fully understand your frustration, could write a book after 34 years caravanning,a lot has to do with jealousy ,greed and lack of manners big style !! Now I realise why you love The Hebrides sooooomuch!!!

[@Linda-un6cg]

I've never driven a caravan in the uk, .driving and pulling an airstream in the States is a little less hair raising.! Chin up very bad day driving even I breathed in for you! Great attitude showed X

[@andrewjditton]

+Linda Thanks Linda x

[@myoriginalmusic6739]

I had verbal abuse all the time when I use to pull my caravan! too much speeding! I am a lorry Driver and u get it from other lorry Drivers!!

[@andrewjditton]

+My Adventures It's sad because it only leads to aggression and accidents. I still cannot get over being forced to scream to a halt towing the van by a dumper truck overtaking as the road narrowed...

[@steviedee8921]

Get your foot down son..😎😎 .

[@keithbradfield7825]

Not all caravaners are good drivers, not all other drivers are bad

[@AlasdairMacCaluim]

Is toil leum an abairt "na caravan facsists". Is e deagh ainm airson comhlan roc a bhiodh ann! Hello Cleveland, we are the Caravan Fascists! :£

[@andrewjditton]

Alasdair MacCaluim Cha do chluinn mi mu dheidhinn an abairt seo a-riamh. Chan eil mi cinnteach cuideachd mu dheidhinn ainm comhlan roic, chan eil mi airson am beachd seo a thoirt do chuideigin!

[@danfrost3043]

They only bully you because you allow them too. I personally wouldn't give a flying f**k about the cars behind me as long as I knew I was doing the speed limit. And why did you almost have a heart attack when that car overtook you? You seem to be very jumpy, perhaps driving an RV isn't for you.

[@stuartw969]

Having enjoyed so many of your videos - your ‘drama-Queen’ attitude in this video does you no favours. Chill man.

[@andrewjditton]

I take your point Stuart, but first off this is quite an old vid, and secondly I do keep it authentic, and sometimes it can all get a bit stressful!

[@jennyreddaway2666]

@@andrewjditton I love your videos and though neither a caravanner (now) nor a motorhomer, I think you weren't just tired (unsurprisingly - I know the Carradale - Lochgilphead road and indeed from the junction through Tarbert to Lochgilphead isn't a joy) but maybe a wee bit out of sorts? The A816 is a detestable road though with few decent pull-ins to let queuing traffic l through. Regulars know all the places with potential to overtake but you're always going to get the eejits. The other factor is the increase in vehicles on roads not suited for modern day purposes. On one of my regular journeys down to the Borders, the time factor in the tourist season can increase by up to two hours.

[@warwickwolf3999]

Have to agree👍🏻 only really watched more recent ones and quite shocked to watch this😮

[@frank1847]

Clarkson is a fool. I am a retired (34 years) firefighter, and I would bet good money he is responsible for causing death somewhere on our roads.