Nice Driving #32 | Reactions of a Cat

[@ChadKen]

Please don’t stop making these videos Ashley. You’re the only person on KZbin making them and they’ve 100% improved my driving. Keep it up :)

[@ChadKen]

Also that’s my local town at 5:36 That junction was awful for about 6 weeks as the main road into Horsham was closed for gas pipe work and was pushing alll the traffic into the narrow residential area

[@giggity4670]

Yea i can say the same thing after watching ashley's vid i think i have improved as well and don't get as stressed as i use to and give way a lot more and drive better.

[@thomaselliot2257]

That was what I said on Ashley's video Nice Driving #18/Best Flow on Tuesday 5/7/22 ,about improving my driving🙂

[@dar4061]

6:50 I love seeing genuine appreciation, that first nod was what society has said we should do, more than likely an automatic thing most of us do..the second he looks back and nods and that was a genuine appreciation of allowing his family to cross safety.

[@17XeviousGreen]

I can always hear Ashley's dulcet tones in the back of my mind when I'm driving. You really are making a difference to people here mate

[@ibs5080]

@@17XeviousGreen Same here.

[@thomaselliot2257]

That was my comment almost word for word from 2 years ago.😄 Nice driving #18/best flow from Tuesday 5/7/22

[@17XeviousGreen]

@@thomaselliot2257 no way! I swear I didn't copy it 😂

[@thomaselliot2257]

Your first reply to my first comment was that I totally echo your own sentiments, Ibrahim @Ibs5080

[@TheCatBilbo]

It does work! I want Ashley to do a sleep aid, or replace my navigation voice: "In 100 metres, take the first exit from the roundabout...& flooooow" 😊

[@raymondbenjamins5884]

The clip at 4:45 is a perfect example of the dangers of traveling too close to the person in front of you. Now imagine if that white car behind the blue car was travelling even a bit closer...

[@TheCatBilbo]

That's why it grinds my gears seeing an 'overtaking convoy' with cars travelling about a length apart, at 70mph, in the wet. I physically can't do it - it just feels SO dangerous. Why don't they realise?

[@andyuk2010]

Also a perfect example of why undertaking shouldn’t be frowned upon. All in lane 4 due to slow vehicles crawling by each other in lanes 1-3. Despite all the road space in lanes 1-3, everyone is bunched up in lane 4

[@CycleCalm]

And also a lack of ABS!

[@GeorgeFoot]

The slower progress at 09:40 makes a huge difference in your ability to take everything in without stress or risk, making for a much more relaxed journey, and it costs so little time - the only downside is other people's impatience, if only everybody understood.

[@BadDriversOfNapa]

I don't think the cammer in that case needed to yield to the BMW. Cammer had a clear path forward and the right-of-way. I would have proceeded on to the roundabout and cleared the path for the BMW driver by getting a move-on instead of slowing down. I'm not so sure his going slow was helpful there. It seems like he yielded for the sake of yielding and not out of necessity. That was totally unnecessary in my opinion.

[@cmagnos]

The bridge at 7:05 can only support 3T. I think most of the car drivers never pay much attention to those signs, but some cars nowadays weight more than that.

[@unsafevelocities5687]

I wondered about multiple cars following each other, or would that be accounted for? Did we just see the bridge taken to over 2/3rds of its weight limit? It's probably time for the bridge to be turned into a cycle-only route or replaced entirely.

[@andrewmfcrew]

Good job to the parents crossing the road too. Not only did the little child look at the car but he seemed to say "thank you"

[@izzyr3231]

I watched too many 'fails' shortly after I started driving, this series has really helped me get my confidence back appreciate the space for the nice clips!

[@raymondbenjamins5884]

Yeah, same for me. I was on the "Idiots in Cars" subreddit (which is a toxic hell hole to be honest), until I found Ashley. It was actually making me a worse driver because of all of the bad examples. The first year or so of driving I was a menace (always speeding, closing spaces down, etc). Then I found Ashley and now I drive much better (the clip at 4:58 is mine, perfect example of what I do now, which I wouldn't have done before). It's also way more relaxing as well.

[@TheCatBilbo]

It's like reading too many negative stories on news sites: you can forget that most people, most of the time - are fine. Same for drivers. We can get a negative, condensed view & naturally "everyone is okay" isn't a good headline 😊

[@irislam9027]

This is also my favourite series and the reason why this is my favourite driving education channel. Thank you very much!

[@luxin6235]

Went for a long drive between Luton and Exeter recently, and my friend who driving with remarked that out of all of his mates (20-22 yo), he felt by far the safest driving with me. He’s got you to thank!

[@huwlewis9059]

If your mate is from Luton, then the general standard of driving is appalling ( generic statement, not aimed at you 😊). Not helped by sh1t mini roundabouts that you can’t get around due to their size!

[@luxin6235]

@@huwlewis9059 don’t have to tell me twice… it’s appalling round there!

[@ibs5080]

Always nice to see Ashley's videos come in. It's a reminder that life goes on, despite the fact that I'm grieving for my dear mum who passed away on July 3rd. I promised my mum to always be the son she would be proud of and to never do anything she wouldn't approve of. Without wishing to sound too patronizing, that also very much includes my driving, for which she regularly complimented me for. Much of this is down to what I've learned from the master himself, Ashley Neal. Mum also often encouraged me to go for the IAM Roadsmart Advanced Test. I have so many other things to deal with at this time but will definitely look at that in the future, in her honour. Thank You for listening folks.

[@konradc12]

My condolences. I don't really know you, but always like reading you replies to videos. You seem a very sensible thoughtful person. You probably have done your mum proud already. Keep the good memories and stay positive.

[@ibs5080]

@@konradc12 Thank You very much for such kind words. You've lifted my spirits at this very difficult time. I have commented elsewhere above but if it interests you, my mum and I were interviewed in a YT video at a car show in 2022: In YT search for "Supercars, Exotics & Classics - London Concours 2022 [Walkaround & Interviews]" - Forward to 19:31 in that video. - You will see us there, though I am the one doing the talking to the camera - My mum's classic 1978 Mini Clubman also appears, in a thumbnail showing it on the driveway at home. She owned it since new and I have no intention of selling it. All the best to you and many Thanks once again.

[@smilerbob]

@@ibs5080 From what you have always written in the comments you are a very thoughtful driver and a more thoughtful person. Your mum was proud of you and still is proud as she watches down over you Take your time with your grief and know that everyone is here for you

[@kenbrown2808]

we have now penciled in that Mrs K's mum will fly to visit us, the day after we arrive home from Scotland. since it is around a 3 hour drive from the airport, and jet lag hits harder on the westward trip, I suggested we just rent a hotel room, and stay in town to pick her up from the airport, but apparently that won't work, because she pays some of her bills by check. I'm not sure how that stops us from skipping two, three hour drives, but far be it from me to challenge a woman's logic.

[@ibs5080]

@@smilerbob Thank You very much for all your kind words Bob. I very much loved reading your thoughts.

[@kenbrown2808]

at 4:46, that looks like your viewer won the game of "see the problem before they do."

[@Adam_Boots]

I feel that crossing points for people crossing at roundabouts like that one should be staggered. The crossing point for the lane that enters the roundabout being nearer the actual roundabout with the one for crossing the lane exiting it being set further back. This would make it so that vehicles would be able to exit the roundabout keeping it clear while still allowing them to stop for pedestrians. It would also hopefully show down those pedestrians who feel like they need to fully crossover in one go despite having somewhere to stop between lanes.

[@kenbrown2808]

that's an entirely sensible idea, so we know it will never be implemented.

[@a1an611]

I agree. I think that stopping right on the exit to a roundabout, where exit speeds can be high, especially where there are multiple lanes, is a recipe for disaster. I’ve just come back from a week in Northern France. They have a similar pedestrian priority rule at roundabouts. The difference is that there are painted crossings everywhere that pedestrians have priority. If, as happened in the UK, new rules were introduced but not well advertised, not signed and not enforced, the result was to be expected. The rules are ignored.

[@kenbrown2808]

@@a1an611 in the US, any junction is a crossing unless marked otherwise. any crossings that aren't at a junction are marked. motorists must give way at crossings, and outside of crossings, rules range from pedestrians not being allowed to cross at all, to pedestrians not having priority. the simplicity does have benefits.

[@1over137]

1:50 - I kicked the floor. LOL

[@imaner76]

I kicked a set of rudder controls. Note to self, don't kick metal rudder controls.

[@TheCatBilbo]

0:25 This is good because they also stop traffic behind them, allowing the ambulance to smoothly flow through the junction. Not everyone hears sirens well, or is aware enough! Your unusual position & pause can alert others - "something's happening here". You have to be careful what you do in these situations, don't want to be part of a problem!

[@two-countiesdashcam]

Thanks, that was my clip.

[@davel831]

Keep them coming Ash i think it is good to watch and reflect on my own driving.

[@christopherfanshawe1425]

5:56 The wonderful Ovingham Bridge near Prudhoe in Northumberland (It is one of the oldest steel bridges in the world). A regular feature of my lessons and narrower than it looks here. Nobody uses the wider part of the bridge to pass, so looking to the far end is vital. The other important part is that you can see the level crossing lights are flashing just beyond the end of the bridge. If this is the case, you should not start to cross irrespective of if there are cars going ahead, as queing traffic may stop you from clearing the bridge and result in you trapping the traffic waiting on the other side. It's worth noting a technique for crossing this bridge as it has uses elsewhere. Try not to worry about the sides, but concentrate on aiming the car to the centre of the gap at the far end (or the centre of the car in front). If you worry about looking towards the edges, you will steer towards or away and put your tyres at risk. The bridge is the same width all the way across, so if you got on, you can get off the other side. Don't bottle out, as one Range Rover driver did and spent 15 minutes trying to reverse back from over half way over.

[@davem9204]

I'm not a big fan of traffic lights, as I think far too many junctions have them when not needed. However, would this bridge benefit from having traffic lights with sensors to make it a bit easier for choosing who to go next?

[@christopherfanshawe1425]

@davem9204 It's one of these locations that is so well known locally that there are unwritten rules that everyone knows. I'm not aware of anyone in the area who wants lights on it, and it works perfectly well without.

[@stan7476]

I choose to avoid this bridge. I would rather park in one side and walk to the other, or use an alternative route so that I don't get Goosed.

[@phire0]

This is such a great series. Not only is it nice to see some positivity, but it's also really good at making me consider things I might not have thought of.

[@R04drunner1]

Another awesome set of videos, great work by everyone. Especially those who promoted safe flow. In the motorway example (where the blue car in lane 4 locks up and skids) I'd have been checking my mirror. If somebody had been storming up lane 4 behind, I'd have seriously considered slowing and going into lane 2 behind the HGV. 1. Too many cars could be swerving suddenly into lane 3 when they find lane 4 blocked. You really don't want to be in a lane that other drivers are swerving into at the last second. 2. My brake lights and change of direction would have alerted observant drivers behind that there was something wrong up ahead. 3. Putting lateral separation between yourself and a hazard is usually a Very Good Idea. Keep the videos coming Ashley, they are brilliant.

[@Dani-El.]

I love this series. Much more relaxing (and helpful) than watching bad drivers getting angry. Shout out to Ogmios' grateful joggers.

[@StefanVeenstra]

2:35 That's fine infrastructure, the cycling crossing a ways back, allowing motorists to make the turn/approach the junction and negotiate the crossing separately.

[@KXXULADavidOC]

0:29 Nice Aston Martin 😍 4:46 oh wow that was close 😧 Another great nice driving video

[@icbatothinkofaname]

After years of watching your videos, I have my first driving lesson in 10 min

[@mattlister]

I recently needed to deal with a Greggs lorry who had missed their turn. Luckily I anticipated it, which was a 5 point turn in the end. At the same time an ambulance had a. Emergency to get to. Thankfully this channel has taught me to be more calmer.

[@raymondbenjamins5884]

4:58 - Honestly, that was a no-brainer. Traffic wasn't flowing well in front of me, the queue from the side road wasn't going to be flowing anytime soon and with somebody on the opposite lane wanting to turn left across my lane, that lane also wouldn't flow well (just look at what the white car did). Best to just hold back a second so at least one bit of traffic can flow. It's always a bit awkward here if that bridge opens to let a ship pass. It's quite a busy road and the ships that go through there are generally long and slow, so you'll be stopped there for at least a couple of minutes. You can imagine just how much traffic builds up there. It would be even worse if everybody just thought about themselves and didn't help out. I always imagine what it would be like if I came from one of the blocked roads. Makes the decision to help out really easy.

[@AzguardMike]

2:40 - those bikelanes! I ride on those path ones in town where i live. Or rather, i USED to. They get used by mother with prams ad those box wheelchair scooters. And when I (and others) cycle in them, without fault, you get screamed at.

[@grahambonner508]

Just a couple of thoughts/suggestions - anytime we (cyclists) mix with pedestrians out speed should be low and be slower the closer we get. We should generally announce our presence if approaching from behind. I say this because I know that a lot don't, and it makes a big difference to many pedestrians.

[@p.a.1675]

4:45 I bet few people behind the wheel in the right lane woke up after that 😛 BTW: Defo the favourite series also.

[@TheCatBilbo]

4:46 When I drive, I've always tried to think of a 'plan B', when I can. Being aware of where other vehicles are & regular mirror checks, so in emergencies I can move left/right without checking & worrying about hitting anyone.

[@mikemetaled]

2:34 not to take away from the way both driver and rider dealt with the situation, but it was helped in part by a clear, unambiguous give way marking that helps direct traffic. As we move towards pedestrian priority in the highway code, we're going to have to re-think how we design roads like this to clear up potential meeting situations or slow down motor traffic so that proper priority can take its course.

[@s0ner01J]

I went on holiday to Scotland from Australia earlier this year. I'm grateful I didn't have to drive on roads as narrow as the ones in this video. I would've really struggled!

[@ClarkDroneFilms]

Really good of the viewer to give way to the train on the crossing. Great flow

[@stevenbrindley2469]

Can't believe that narrow bridge is not controlled by traffic lights.

[@frogsplorer]

Fair point. I wouldn’t want to have to reverse through that narrow gap

[@TheCatBilbo]

It's very strange. I wonder how many wings have left their mark on those narrow stones?

[@ImayBeMad]

I have used this bridge a few times with work over the years. you feel like you need to breathe in when you enter and leave. I did see a transit van using it one time, surprised me that it fit.

[@thamiluscake1926]

@@TheCatBilbo Quite a few, judging by the paint marks (i used to live near there).

[@thamiluscake1926]

I've wondered that also, but I suspect the level crossing is why there aren't any traffic lights.

[@Ep1cure]

About reactions of a cat: Sometimes I've pulled off amazingly quick reactions, but it wasn't due to me. Sometimes it's just instinct. You end up surprising yourself. It's not ideal to depend on instinct, but weirdly it can do things before you even consciously thought about it. This is why it's important to remain aware of what is around you, what is following or not and where the escape space is. Nature quite often does the rest.

[@thecrispymaster]

Agreed, a lot of instinct and gut feeling relies on your subconscious piecing information together and kind of "advising" you accordingly. I think being thoughtful of your surroundings only sharpens and improves those instincts.

[@johndd9140]

Love these videos - thanks Ashley 👍

[@thecrispymaster]

I love videos like this. I've heard people complain that they're "not eventful" but I think that's the whole point. People online just like getting angry at things a lot of the time, but I think we have enough content appealling to those desires already.

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

I think the wider section on the bridge was a pedestrian refuge from the time before the pedestrian bridge was built.

[@Nononoone]

Loving the videos as usual thanks for sharing ❤

[@MrGundawindy]

I agree with your comment about automated car systems and improved flow. I forsee a time (although it will require all vehicles to be automated) when there will be no need for traffic control signals, and the vehicles will negotiate well in advance of a interaction, to minimise interactions and maximise traffic flow. As someone that loves to drive, I do have reservations about allowing this, because it will mean no one can manually drive, but I think it will be beneficial overall.

[@FistOfFiori]

Love the Nice Driving vids! Channel is always quality but these are the best. That bridge looks nerve wracking but then I drive a 1.3l Yaris so will probably fit through nicely when it's clear haha.

[@dmac2573]

Agree with the view on autonomous vehicles and traffic flow. My university dissertation was partly on this topic. Instead of individual selfish behaviours resulting in worse flow for all, communication and coordination will prevent jams and will require less road space as human reaction times are removed and vehicles can communicate their intentions wirelessly before making any manoeuvre.

[@BadDriversOfNapa]

We're a very long ways (decades) before fully autonomous vehicles dominate the roadways.

[@dmac2573]

@@BadDriversOfNapa yep true. Not because of the technology though.

[@BadDriversOfNapa]

@@dmac2573 Exactly because of the technology. I watched an interview with an AI engineer that said that the self-driving technology is a very long ways off. Partly because AI tech can't always see, and does a terrible job at interpreting the social cues of other drivers. The tech also glitches frequently and fails to accurately read a lot of traffic situations. I personally witnessed a fully autonomous and driverless Waymo car steer itself right into a car next to it, as if the other car wasn't even there. Pretty scary. That could've been a pedestrian. Thank god it wasn't.

[@grahamnutt8958]

Although *Ashley's Sunday Roasts* can be fun to watch; this footage is much easier to digest - pun intended. Faith in Human Nature is at least partially restored...... Until the next dashcam 🎥 is released in which case we all know what to expect 😮.

[@1over137]

My friend got a new MG with all the bells and whistles. The way the "AI Assist" works for "lane holding" is that should the camera system determine you are encroaching on your lane marker it will give the steering a small nudge back towards the lane. It's not a hard nudge, but you do feel it. It's only 1 nudge at a time, repeats when the situation changes. My friend turns it off as she drives a lot of poor, narrow country roads and it's always pinging as crossing the white line is almost always necessary. For speed, while the car is in cruise control a car can already control your speed. However, something similar to the lane hold, when engaged, if the AI wants to suggest you reduce speed it could use a small servo to push the accelerator back up a nudge, obviously you can resist against it or wait for it to stop and reaccelerate, but the "suggestion" of the car to reduce speed could also easily be incorporated into your driving. Even having a throttle pedal which has variable resistance on it, such that you can set the assist mode on and as long as you are light on the pedal and move with it's suggestions, it's effectively automatic. However, if you wish to resist you can also do that. It will just require a little more force to move the pedal. Removing all force from the pedal or touching the brake pedal immediately idles as a safety override. So like cruise control, but it moves the pedal so you can adapt and collaborate with it.

[@Dudleymiddleton]

It's good to see there are sensible drivers out there - most drivers are really, but there's always a wrong'un somewhere!

[@sweetcorn1968]

More Smith And Sniff, on that side of things.

[@Dellvmnyam]

Lower speed gives you more time to perceive the situation around and to have control over that situation which are important thing when operating are motor vehicle.

[@davidpierce3217]

Just had to laugh at 9:40. The true nightmare scenario! lol

[@sebastien79a]

That turning across dual cycle lane is well designed to provide a space for a car to stop. The problem with some cycle lanes is they go straight and there isn't a space to slot. When the road and cycle lanes are busy those can be dangerous without that gap.

[@JiLoa13]

Nice driving. One doesn't need to have the reaction of a cat if they're vigilant and concentrating. I found a book 20 years ago about driving, they teach SIPD, If you constantly make a habit of this, it becomes muscle memory. Still good reactions from that driver. We all can learn and improve improve. SIPD: S - Search for hazards. I - Identify what type of hazard it is. P - Predict what the hazard will do. D - Decide on a course of action before you get there.

[@susanwestern6434]

Night driving in dark rural areas known for deer to cross roads, you do need to to have cat like reflexes. A herd of about eight started crossing in front of me, thankfully I stopped without hitting one. It was in the middle of very rural Norfolk, and I didn't know the road so I was travelling reasonably slowly. Perhaps Ashley could do a video on rural driving on twisty single carriage way roads in the dark.

[@JiLoa13]

@@susanwestern6434 If you were driving faster, your catlike reflexes would've meant much. Your wisdom, experience, being vigilant and the high concentration on your surroungings was an important contridbuting factor that avoided the deer. I credit you for the decisions you took leading up to that point. You drove sensibly, well done. 3 weeks ago I drove a neighbour to the airport at 4 am, there was a man walking in the road in full black, no street lights. The neighbour commented on how dangerous that situation was. We all saw him last minute, but same as you, I was expecting the unexpected. I knew that stretch of road had no sidewalk, it was dark and people are unpredictable. I drove slowly and once every few seconds I switched on the headlights (Couldn't have them on all the time). Although good reactions do help, there's still things that drivers can do to lessen the reaction time one needs.

[@brianfunt2619]

4:50 It looks like there is something wrong with the blue Citroen/Peugeot/whatever's brakes? Surely it is new enough to have ABS?

[@robg521]

1:27.. when you get this right you often find yourself solving a potential problem for someone even before they realise they have it.

[@RikAindow]

Did the cyclist have priority at that junction, though? The road had giveway markings, but so did the cycle lanes. The markings are contradictory so if it was conscious, it was a good decision by both users.

[@johncooper8040]

I wondered the same is it because of the hierarchy of road users? Pedestrians - cyclists - cars

[@grahambonner508]

My view, the cyclist should cede priority to protect themselves, the motorist should cede priority to protect the cyclist. If both parties use common sense and communication there should never be a problem. This said, this does appear to be a common question in the comments and I would be interested to hear Ashley's opinion?

[@jamesphillips2285]

@@grahambonner508 One route I take near my home (intended for Transit only) has a stop sign hidden from traffic facing a yield sign at the same junction. Those signs contradict each other. But works if the bus first stops and lets traffic (including pedestrian traffic) clear. Cars would then yield to the bus when it is safe to proceed. But in the case of ambiguous signs: the "road users must do everything they can to avoid a collision" rule applies.

[@DemiGod..]

Should call this episode the Carvertical + VIOFO advert

[@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391]

9:19 Now I want to know about the Reliant Scimitar in the scrap yard!

[@jeffjapes579]

Smith and Sniff podcast. Highly recommended if you like two people talking bollocks and occasionally about cars.

[@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391]

@@jeffjapes579 You make it sound like top gear. I will give it a go.

[@mascness_gaming]

@6:30 I had this situation before, the vehicle coming from the right cancelled their signal last minute and I started to turn right, nearly crash into me. if it crash it will be my fault I think. So now, I will let the vehicle start to turn first then I will turn right rather than trusting their signal. Am I correct ?

[@nbsf_]

These videos are great. My standards would start to slip if it wasn’t for watching these good driving compilations regularly

[@dyslexiksteve2488]

That was an interesting stop sign. Also that bridge more like a pedestrian foot bridge than a road😅

[@wudipest]

If only everyone thinks like these drivers. Recently, I held back to allow oncoming traffic to pass (due to cars packed on both sides of a narrow street) - furthermore there were temp lights in front that was red on my side. So rather than going up the narrow bit and get stuck at the lights, I decided to stay back to allow oncoming traffic the pass until my lights turned green. Unfortunately the 2 idiots behind me got inpatient and decided to overtake me and enter the narrowing. Surprise, surprise - the oncoming traffic got stuck and nobody could move without some major squeezing.

[@robg521]

4:35.. that’s a good hold back. The lorry is only just past the blind bend, so the chances of another large vehicle coming through behind him and meeting you at the apex of the corner is high. Back off, let the lorry go and if you then meet someone on the corner coming the other way you have options.

[@cupofcustard]

1:43 I cant be the only one who was expecting a literal cat to run onto the road? 😅

[@williamfence566]

Autonomous driving still has a way to go . My DAF truck in low sun still thinks I'm going to hit a bridge which is 30 foot above the carriageway and applies the brakes.

[@goodyeoman4534]

Driving on English roads now just feels like a constant battle. I'd love not to drive, but like many people I kind of have to for work. Trains? What trains? They never turn up and aren't available at the right times. And the yearly cost of running a car is cheaper than the increase in mortgage I'd have to pay if I bought near my workplace.

[@matthewsmith1162]

At 9:51 the bus completely avoids going around the painted mini-roundabout.

[@smilerbob]

Very few drivers or riders do go around that roundabout and the vast majority miss it completely effectively going the wrong way around the roundabout

[@smilerbob]

Another 4 way give way for vehicles and those crossing at 2:39. These appear to be popping up more and for some, they apparently cause confusion as to who should slow down to give way The answer is simple, everyone should be slowing which is the purpose of these types of layout in my opinion. As for who gives way to who? Personally I treat it is an unmarked junction…proceed with caution once it is safe Nice example in this clip of everyone slowing and working it out 👍

[@wrightwoodwork]

The cat like reactions are how the emergency stop should be on test . I ain't a fan of this modern way of pulling over and saying we are doing along this road . When I did my test 30 years ago it was at some point during the route. You didn't know where, they did check it was safe so not dangerous and much more realistic the emergency stop is about dealing with the unexpected in my opinion not the fact yiu can stop quickly

[@raymondbenjamins5884]

Yeah, I totally agree. In the Netherlands it's the same as you describe. I would much prefer to have it be a possibility at any point on the route (apart from the highway section of course). That way you don't know it's coming and they can actually see how you react.

[@Momofan69]

As long as there's a visual indicator, because there is irl (I guess the instructor doing a spot check would do that) it makes a bit of sense but the point of an emergency stop test is not to test you have catlike reflexes in the face of danger, it's to test you know how to stop your car quickly, close but not exactly the same.

[@theaikidoka]

​@@Momofan69Yes, there's no point in being able to INSTANTLY swerve and skid instead of stop fast and smooth after a fraction of a second.

[@brianfunt2619]

I'm not sure I see the benefit. An instructor raising their hand and exclaiming stop is never going to match the visual stimulus and adrenaline from an actual incident that requires you to make an emergency stop

[@tomroscoe4867]

Ashely- in the clip just before 7 minutes, when the driver stops before the near blind left turn to let the pedestrians cross- what should you do on your test? I get the slowing down but most instructors/videos I've seen suggest not letting pedestrians cross or other cars go before you if you have priority. Is this a case of explaining as you are driving to the examiner why you are doing what you are doing so it's showing you are still driving safely? Or could you be marked down as maybe the pedestrians, in another case perhaps it could be true, could cross when you let them even though it might not be fully safe yet?

[@dutchhondarebel]

That cyclist, no lights, in the dark.

[@susanwestern6434]

Also the cyclist on the narrow pedestrian section of the narrow metal bridge, not getting off the bike as instructed by the signs.

[@PedroConejo1939]

@@susanwestern6434 It's more of a request, and I find that not only am I narrower when on the bike, but I also have more control. People will walk into the pedals. No point in making a fuss when things are improved by the action.

[@COLLSWORK]

Two Transit Vans can pass on the bridge there, at @7:38 mins😊😊😊

[@iamjoestafford]

2:37 I'm really confused by the markings at this junction - both the road and the cycle path have give way markings, so surely neither the cyclist or the driver have priority? I'm not sure if design standards have been used correctly here - surely there should either be a continuous cycle path with give way markings on the road, or give way markings on the cycle path and none on the road...

[@grahambonner508]

It's quite common in the UK for early separated cycle paths to have give ways at every junction regardless of how minor. More recently with changes to planning and rules regarding priority the emphasis is shifting to encourage the motorist to cede priority, the presence of the existing giveaway markings should not cause any issues and if anything should reduce risk further, as is demonstrated in the clip.

[@iamjoestafford]

@@grahambonner508 But my point is that surely both sets of give way markings shouldn't be used at the same time - either drivers should give way to the cycle lane (as happens with newer infrastructure such as the new lanes in Glasgow), or cyclists should give way to the road (as happens on most existing cycle paths). It was fine in this clip as they both slowed down sufficiently and communicated clearly, but I can see it causing confusion in other instances - and it conflicts with the design standards set by Active Travel England.

[@brantnuttall]

2:46 and they also put their hand up to say thanks rather than a thumb up, but we've had this conversation before. lol

[@Techucator]

Not sure how the clip at 1:30 with the lorry trying to bully its way onto the roundabout fits into "Nice Driving". For sure the lorry was in the wrong but the driver seemed to assume his horn would fix the situation and didn't really seem to have a plan B in case the lorry didn't stop.

[@UlyssesChurch]

Its crazy that Ashley drives on all the same roads i do. Im always worried ill end up on a video. Not that my driving is bad, i just know i am able to make a mistake especially if its early in the morning My car is super noticeable too, so im glad i have saw myself yet in a video :) hahah

[@Exeunt-philae]

That bridge at 7 mins was terrifying

[@gazziboy]

clip at 8:55 looks like my hometown of Wakefield in west yorkshire

[@DasArab]

4:35 that lorry was coming through regardless lol.

[@greetmarketing]

4:47 shows the dangers of sitting right behind the driver in front. You don’t have to be 5 miles from the vehicle in front, but not 5 millimetres either.

[@brantnuttall]

7:57 I wonder if this route was used on a driving test, how many people would fail?

[@boozapup1284]

2:11 - the private hire was doing a u-turn, don't know if it's a legal move or not but possibly why the cammer thought they missed it.

[@bertjesklotepino]

The cyclist at 2:36 is approaching a junction and on the pavement i see this triangle painted. In the Netherlands that sign means you have to give way to crossing traffic. But there is also this triangle on the pavement in front of the car. This is very confusing to be honest. If the cyclists have priority then there should not be a triangle on the pavement. There should be a line of triangles on each side of the cycle lane for the car drivers. May i have your opinion on this one, mr Neal? As for the automated car services you speak about, i assume you mean something like ACC? It is nice, but it is not so nice when other people do not have a steady foot on the pedal, and not using cruise control. Because you will then speed up and slow down as they do. Perhaps a mile an hour but still. In a lorry this is very irritating.

[@smilerbob]

I commented myself on this and on other social media platforms where it was asked about the multiple give ways, in my humblest of opinions it slows everyone, or should slow everyone, down on approach. Cyclists shouldn’t be riding straight out just in case a driver hasn’t seen them and in the same light drivers shouldn’t be accelerating through in case they have missed someone more vulnerable. I see these as a hybrid halfway house of full raised junctions with parallel crossings. If everyone slows a little then that can only be good for safety…maybe…as not everyone slows for roundabouts 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@bertjesklotepino]

@@smilerbob i agree with what you say, but do not expect that to happen here in the Netherlands. Cyclists simply have priority because they follow the road and the car is turning onto a different road. The same applies in the UK i thought. Most cycle lanes in the Netherlands have been designed much like we see in this clip. And so there is this slight curve just before the junction. But most cyclists in the Netherlands just plow through a junction like that without slowing down too much. It is rare to see anyone almost completely coming to a stop like in this clip. AND these days with them fatbikes on the road which can travel at speeds of like say 25 kilometer an hour or more, you really need to be watching out for them because they for sure continue and TAKE priority without waiting for it to be given.

[@smilerbob]

@@bertjesklotepino Cyclists have priority along a cycle lane unless narkings say otherwise, in this example it would appear, either by design or laziness, the cycle lane does not extend across the road as it should. I wouldn’t expect anything different in the Netherlands as you have had many more years for everyone to adapt and adjust. Not saying that we cannot do the same in the UK but it takes time to change peoples mentality and I believe we will see more of these style junctions as we head towards “full Dutch” as they say. Our Government, and by extension the DVSA, are not particularly good at letting everyone know about changes. Pedestrian priority being a recent example of the shambles that was a rule change. This was alongside updates for cyclist priority that was to make things safer but instead made things worse in some situations due to poor infrastructure design around the rule changes As I said earlier, I do believe this is a hybrid junction which we will see more of as we head towards full raised junctions with full pedestrian and cyclist priority, just going to take a few years to get there especially with resistance from some not helped by the social media (and normal media) war of “Us vs Them” that seems to dominate rather than working together to get the message out that we all have to share to be safe Apologies, that turned into a little rant ramble at the end there and not directed at you in any way. I fully support the changes towards protection of the vulnerable and most of what is being discussed and implemented now should’ve been done long before I started driving 20+ years ago

[@bertjesklotepino]

@@smilerbob no apology needed. It shows passion for the subject, and i could not have said it better myself.

[@Landrassa1]

@@bertjesklotepino The concept of traffic leaving a road yielding to pedestrians/cyclists going straight on/parallel to that same road (rechtdoorgaand verkeer heeft voorrang) is not a thing in the UK like it is here.

[@Hitperson]

Ash, on the cycling clip do the priority rules still apply when the cycle path has give way marking as shown in the clip? Still nice driving shown by the Dacia driver but just curious as the priority rules have made a mess of things, understanding wise.

[@PedroConejo1939]

Yes, in a sea of poor performances, the Nice Driving series is a welcome relief.

[@shm5547]

1:30 to be fair, I think the lorry driver's view was obstructed by the A-pillar and those large mirrors. Or is that only when a cyclist is involved?

[@chunkyrabbit1032]

no, cars can also be hidden behind our mirrors

[@1hd3szfgrdm13]

That happens daily on that road. The cammers lane used to be left only, now you can also go ahead (which falls to the right so feels unnatural for a left lane).

[@BleachDemon99]

Quick question Ash, is there a procedure that a person with a very high nervous disposition can do a driving/riding test? I melt under test conditions once I see that high bud bike behind me I get so nervous I forget how to breathe let alone turn off my indicator 😖

[@John_B55]

As you're painfully aware, that's just a mind set that you've talked yourself into. Although there's a lot of lazy/inattentive driving out there, almost all of it isn't suicidal. To be able to get to a test level you must be competent - which is good. As these clips show, You get to help out the safety of those around you. So don't worry that people behind may do something daft, you have the power to keep them safe, just as you're doing for the passengers in your car. Try to think of it as an extension of the care you provide as a driver. The easiest tricks I could recommend is to be smooth in all your motions, and to leave a nice big gap for people to go off a be silly in if they want to. Oh, and do remember to breath, I've found that's helpful in general.

[@TheCatBilbo]

As mentioned above, which is very good advice. I found being able to control the car properly helped my anxiety - one less thing to worry about! I practiced the basics until I was better at steering, reversing, signals, clutch control, just feeling more confident in operating the car, without having to think as much.

[@BleachDemon99]

@@John_B55 screenshot to read when needed, thank you John I need to change my mindset from the negative to the positive. I can do this 🤔

[@waynerobertson511]

From your icon/channel links, it looks like you are a motorcycle rider. So, you are already a lot less fearful than most of the population! I can understand the fear of getting judged in a driving test. But, most people fear that, even if they won't admit it. Perhaps, you could get someone to help you simulate the driving test. Do that till you are totally confident. If all else fails, then you could see a Psychologist. They will have lots of ways of helping you though this. Also, everyone forgets to turn off indicators!

[@BleachDemon99]

@@TheCatBilbo i wasn’t very confident doing hill starts so I spent an hour solid practicing. It’s now my favourite thing to do so you’re definitely on to something there Thecat 👍🏻

[@JurivonStolzenberg14]

Didn y see THAT CYCLIST in dark, i was looking FOR A CAT!😅😅

[@jamesphillips2285]

These clips make the wide stroads in North America look like "easy mode".

[@NormSpupsEntertainment]

4:46 that Peugeot definitely had no ABS

[@loftyintentions1985]

I've said it before but as a motorcyclist, there's no way I'm going to be a sitting duck at roundabout exits so peds can cross.

[@kenbrown2808]

at 9:32, I question what the wheelchair group was doing. they weren't crossing, so were they unable to proceed on the footpath, because it was blocked by pavement parkers, or were they going to the car that was stopped in the traffic lane?

[@46rrodriguez]

yep they were goin into car

[@smilerbob]

It wasn’t a traffic lane, they were going to their vehicle parked in a marked disabled bay. Things would’ve flowed nicer had the taxi not double parked

[@kenbrown2808]

@smilerbob so it was a taxi that was the car in the traffic lane, but they were going to their own car and had to detour because they were also blocked by the taxi.

[@smilerbob]

@@kenbrown2808 The taxi was in the traffic lane but the pedestrians were heading to their vehicle which was facing the same direction as me. They were entering the passenger side The taxi made it awkward for the vehicle coming the other way and I held back so the roundabout didn’t get blocked, which was the reason I sent the clip but Ashley decided to use it as “go slow to see everything” clip

[@WayneTulip-zm9gw]

07:23 I always think of best flow for everyone.

[@BadDriversOfNapa]

What does "best flow for everyone" really mean, though? If you think about it, it's a zero-sum game. In order to make the flow better for other drivers coming toward you or to your sides, you have to sacrifice your own flow and of those behind you. Giving way to others means slowing down your own flow. Traffic flow is a give-and-take situation. To help someone else make progress, you have to cease your own progress. This is good when you're following prescribed traffic rules or doing so to avoid collisions. But to be doing it for the purpose of being "nice" and not out of necessity can often make the overall situation worse.

[@WayneTulip-zm9gw]

02:20 the private hire should be driving in lane 1 if he/she isn’t overtaking anybody or isn’t turning right.

[@smilerbob]

The viewer at 6:03 is my type of driver. Looking ahead to see where others are and how to keep everyone flowing. Too much selfish attitudes on the roads at the moment that we appear to have forgotten how to share. And by simply holding back a little when needed nost likely made their, and others, journey that little bit quicker overall

[@TheCatBilbo]

Amen to that, a bit of awareness goes so far in helping everyone flow through their journey. In this clip, I was half-expecting someone to overtake the cammer & snarl this up! That's happened to me before & you just think "What? Come-on!".

[@stan7476]

1:02 I think you need a snapper title for that game

[@RichO1701e]

Those narrow bridge clips are across the river Tyne near Prudhoe, it's not for the faint hearted. And yeah, that's a "passing place" half way across! 😂😂

[@jeffjapes579]

Have you passed anyone on it? I did years ago (in a Clio, so thankfully small) when some idiots pilled on from the North when I and another car were already underway. This was pre-refurb so was possibly even narrower.

[@Eric_Hunt194]

On the first clip (and the analysis from the driver) does anyone else find that with sirens being louder they're now harder to quickly determine the direction it's coming from?

[@robg521]

6:03.. what normally happens is some numpty behind you goes past and blocks the road 🙄

[@cordite7207]

Obviously money and existing infrastructure make it an impossible task but with good roads and clear markings, no human drivers just passengers and no pedestrians, cars could already be fully automated without much of a hitch.

[@stevenhughes6282]

I learned to drive in the UK in 1965 - I just can't believe how badly your road rules have deteriorated since then and for FS why do you leave a car space behind the car in front at traffic lights? It just clogs up the road, and now we have idiots doing the same thing in Australia, preventing drivers wanting to access the turn right lane from doing so. Roundabouts were designed to allow traffic to filter in, nobody had the right of way - makes sense! Now I believe that pedestrians have priority when crossing across the exit to a roundabout - good luck with that.

[@sparkymark68]

Hi Ash, love the videos, they're very useful. 5.20 on the clip, you said 'I think this is where automated cars systems will excel'. Not knowing much about automated car systems, would you explain what you mean by this please? Thanks in advance. 👍🏻

[@yorkshirebiker]

Whereabouts is that narrow bridge? Looks cool!

[@platypushatstand]

Dekra have been around longer and are used by the AA.

[@carlandrewbrace2926]

The priority one was 50/50. Cyclist was not waiting or actively crossing when the car reached the junction.

[@sendittothenewts]

I think perhaps you've mixed up the cyclist priority and pedestrian priority rules. Unlike H2, rule H3 doesn't talk about waiting and crossing as two separate things in the way you seem to be suggesting.

[@unsafevelocities5687]

What do you mean by "junction"? You did see the car had a give way marking, right?