Nice Driving #9 | The Wheels Are Coming Off

In this episode we see some genuine care for the wellbeing of strangers and we also look at improving air quality.
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#drivinglesson #drivingtest #education

[@johndd9140]

Love these "nice driving" vids, more than the "driving fails" because I want to become a nice driver too! Too many driving fail vids on YT, not enough nice driving - well done Ashley, and thank you!

[@Timooooooooooooooo]

I agree wholeheartedly

[@ianhill4585]

As an ex HGV and PSV, most Problem's are caused by too rushed driving, and not thinking ahead, we were taught, like James in a game of chess, think many moves in front, not the one or two, car drivers seem to use.

[@stationcolossus]

In the road sweeper clip, I used to work at the company that manufactured that particular sweeper. I designed the manufacturer's logo that you can see on it (very small, probably too small for most people to make out.) Every now and then I will see one driving around and see my little piece of graphic design out there in the wild. It's even crazier to see it popping up on one of my favourite KZbin channels :)

[@kanegordon9818]

Wow! Must be awesome to see something you made out in the real world. Well done!

[@johnny2hats330]

It's not about how fast you arrive at your destination, it's about how fast we arrive at our destination (cue soviet anthem music)

[@VictorKibalchich]

yes comrade! *red salute*

[@PedroConejo1939]

Too many think driving is competitive rather than co-operative. Of course, we do have a name for them.

[@Otacatapetl]

Da tovarisch!

[@TheDantheman12121]

Smooth is fast

[@mattwalker6133]

Oh dear

[@johnpoole8332]

I (a different John from South Wales) spotted those signs about emissions on the M4 when I drove past them last week, whilst under a large dark cloud emanating from the adjacent steelworks.

[@Asto508]

How dare you questioning this? Think of the climate, you evil polluter.

[@chrisward925]

Recognised that section of motorway and thought about how picturesque it is with Port Talbot steels works to the south, but didn't think about the comparison of pollution... good point well made.

[@theloveboxquartet]

@@chrisward925 Can you supply the relative pollution figures from the steel works and from the motorway?

[@ethanomical]

And ironically forcing lorries to slow down and drop gears and then speed up again after churns out even more pollution!

[@Azurren]

Ever thought that this may be the exact reason for the reduced emissions on this stretch of road? If the steel works are encroaching on "dangerous" levels of air quality then this stretch of motorway may just push it over the edge. Just some food for thought :)

[@davyfong]

Ashley, I'm officially upgrading you to legend status. Like many of your viewers, I've long thought I was "a good driver" and have had formal advanced training. I'm learning and being reminded of so much watching your vids. And am so glad someone is pressing the message of just being nice, considerate, thinking ahead and keeping your eyes open. Please keep it up.

[@ashley_neal]

Wow, thank you!

[@thromboid]

Fine sentiments - a good driver never stops being a learner driver. ;)

[@marklittler784]

6:50 Bet the bus driver spent a week recovering from the shock of the thoughtful hospitality ! 😀😁😂😃😂😁😀😃😂😁

[@paulcollyer801]

Your last message is spot on. I generally need to get places on time & know that delays can happen anywhere, so like to leave well early. I had a period where saving money in fuel was VERY important, and the difference between 56 & 70 meant 100miles extra in the tank at the lower speed. About 17% more fuel economy. In the year that equated to £180 saving... not much you may think but it’s significant when you’re on the limit each month.

[@andrewlong6438]

since this comment was written, price of fuel has gone through the roof and driving sensibly to save fuel is even more important. I agree with the comment about reducing speed where appropriate.

[@williamfence566]

40 years ago my father taught me " 50% of driving is anticipation" . Still true today.

[@nickmaclachlan5178]

I would say It's almost double that figure............

[@Zyphera]

@@nickmaclachlan5178 75% or 100%?

[@seberous]

Fair play to will clip 1 for putting the work into himself and improving. More people need to be like you mate and take things on-board for a better change.

[@grahamnutt8958]

A pleasure to watch these clips. It makes a nice change for us to see how it should be done - even when you're not there to instruct! Back in the days when I used the M25 it was usually a lot safer to remain in lane 1 (at 55-60mph) which, invariably, was empty. It was far more relaxing than being nose to tail in lanes 3 and/or 4. Stay safe everyone 👍

[@Jonc25]

A lot of people are nose to tail in 3 & 4. when 1 & 2 Are empty these days. 👍 Hope you are well Graham?

[@grahamnutt8958]

@@Jonc25 "Pootling" along...... Still waiting to get the old jalopy back which, unfortunately, hasn't been driven in over 6 months!! Garage has been chased up. Thanks for asking. You ok?

[@Jonc25]

@@grahamnutt8958 All good m8. The longer the wait the better it will be, when you get back in it.

[@kiradotee]

Love the thumbs up from the lorry driver!

[@hatchingdraggon8073]

That one with the lorry was scary I feel most people would have gone straight for the overtake

[@LakesGeek]

I honestly got the chills from that one. In the alternative reality where the overtake was done, that family would've got wiped out...

[@thromboid]

Yeah, I had to re-watch that section to confirm that the parked cars were even visible to the cammer - I hadn't spotted them! (Then again, I suspect the wide-angle camera viewed on a small screen does make distant objects particularly small.)

[@paulcollins7185]

Ashley, I've only just discovered your videos on KZbin. I'm a trainer for motorcycles for CBT and full licence ( A, A1, A2, AM) and the Enhanced rider scheme and advanced examiner for the DIA. I find your video's very informative and useful and essential for any type of road user and all can gain some great wisdom from your videos. I just wanted to tell you and your very obvious care about what you do is great to see. Thank you for your hard work and professionalism in being a ADI and road safety Teacher/Trainer/Instructor in this sometimes, seemingly, thankless occupation.

[@mrmoderatormrbobmoderator69]

Ashley Neil is a superbly switched on guy, improving the driving standard of his subscribers, in an informative, non preaching manner. A good adjudicator. Liking your work, and well respectable 👍 How about a video on you, and your history. (Both driving education and personal) Would like to get to know you as a person more! 😊

[@gardeningdianne]

Very refreshing to see good driving skills being highlighted. Unfortunately, the self entitled would not recognise good driving skills if it was put in front of them. Keep them coming please.

[@Will-it6ds]

Thanks for the video ash, loved some of the clips in there like the lorry slowing down, I’ll try and keep improving 👍

[@sillybait1329]

Your last comment is gold, I always try to leave earlier than required so I don't have to rush and yes going a few mph drastically reduces emissions and saves quite a bit of fuel, with no stress and feeling good after arriving

[@torresalex]

No favourites, personally. All these examples of thoughtful driving really help restore faith in humanity. I don't mean to sound melodramatic, but it's true. It's nice to know not everyone is all "me me me and" screw everyone else. "

[@justamanchimp]

3:30 I love spotting and helping with situations like this, it's so satisfying

[@Ep1cure]

If you want to give way to traffic against convention, or pedestrians so they can cross a busy road, make sure you've got plenty of time to plan it so you can stop early and give them plenty of visibility around your vehicle. Don't gesture. Let them do the checking. Your position and obvious stopping should be enough. Check oncoming traffic, your mirrors and blind spots before slowing to ensure there are no overtaking cars, bikes or motorcycles cutting through, or potentially doing so. If you haven't given enough time for these checks and to stop early, it's probably better to push on (unless stopping is urgent) to make it clear this is not a good time to go or cross. Impatience can be lethal, but half-patience even more so.

[@thromboid]

Agreed. Certainly, relying on "right of way" can lead to dangerously pushy behaviour, but breaking with convention can be risky. If both parties are uncertain, it can be like two people walking down a corridor trying to dodge each other. :D Coming to a full stop is probably a good idea, just to make it absolutely clear that you are giving way and not dithering. Perhaps hazards on, if appropriate for the situation. As you say, holding back might be worse than carrying on if it provokes a driver following you to overtake. One doesn't get a lot of time to make a judgement call on the road.

[@KahnuevsKrake]

Very good point on pulling over to compose yourself. On one of my failed driving tests the examiner had me do an emergency stop, which combined with test nerves, shook me up a bit. And literally 2 minutes later I had 2 occasions when the examiner had to stop the vehicle within 30 seconds. That made me realise it's ok to ask to pull over, because ultimately it's a test of driving safely and using your judgment. On my 6th attempt I got the emergency stop again, but I asked to pull over to compose myself and I passed.

[@MK-1973]

Excellent set of clips once again, thanks all for sending in to Ashley and thanks for sharing.

[@crickman76]

How refreshing to see some nice driving on you tube. I can just feel the calmness coming from these drivers.

[@combatwomble5584]

Coming here from road rage and driving fail vids this was refreshing for the soul, with some lovely commentary on strangers being nice to each other he shows Human beans have some hope after all.

[@slyfoxyandalifesaver]

Love the paramedic and number 7. It's unfortunate that people don't have the confidence or time to take a moment and help one another.

[@Frenchy-vs2zi]

Great video. John deserves some royalties from these clips.

[@Soruk42]

Hi, just stumbled upon your channel yesterday, and it's nice to have the commentary from a driving instructor over the usual dashcam madness. Possibly the most educational driving channel I have come across yet. Two thumbs up from me.

[@tessadawkins8010]

Love your videos! I passed just over a year ago and I am still watching your videos, learning all the time. Thank you!

[@marcuswalsh631]

This is one of the wisest KZbin channels I've come across. Thank you!

[@shaunleonard8146]

LOVE! the Guy ,who let the bloke get across the road, Safely with The Russell!

[@phillwainewright4221]

Nice little 'Thank You' from the lorry driver in clip #5.

[@swordtofdamocles]

8:40 depending on your RPM, still might want to drive faster or slower so you can get in the proper gear. If emission is the concern. RPM should be take into account because the RPM ultimatly decides the emission, not the speed.

[@callandy100]

Great to see good driving called out. Like the changing lane in anticipation of lorry. I try to anticipate always and am not happy with myself if I miss something that I could have made easier for all concerned. Ta again.

[@ladybird2222]

That was nice of the guy to check with the people, that had a problem with the tyre .

[@CED99]

Clip #9 - Lane 2 - Yes! Anticipated it before you even mentioned anticipation :D Clip #10 - Well done! Though a stupid place for the Red Mazda to park Clip #11 - The Renault overtook John, as he was doing 45mph in a 50mph zone and kept a decent space to the car in front as they slowed down, there isn't any space in lane 1 in front of that white van, there is a dark coloured ?Merc there. The road sweeper should be able to see all that and should have been holding back too.

[@kevinleesmith]

Thanks for putting it in my mind to record clips of good driving as well as bad. And recording clips of my good driving would probably make me drive better! Same for all, let's incentivise people to report good driving!

[@andyuk2010]

"Rather than doing 70 all the way throughout.." :o *Looks away sheepishly*

[@paulcollyer801]

Good result re Will (previous deluded driver), learnt & became a better driver, free of charge!

[@Met182]

Love the point at the end!

[@steves5172]

Hi Ashley, some really useful clips in this video. In clip 9 a night drive in rain on a motorway calls for extreme caution. Seeing the HGV signalling to come out combined with the car also wanting to come out I would be tempted to slow and allow the move rather than accelerate past. The car driver could well be new to the situation or even feeling intimidated by the HGV so the space could be a lifesaver! Also we cannot often see what a lorry driver sees and reacting to their signals is vital. Personally I love the clip where the bus is given room to pull out, well anticipated!

[@tugadashcamsuk5946]

Thanks for sharing. Good caught on dash cam.

[@colin8958]

I personally wouldn't recommend driving at 60 mph on a motorway when buses and coaches are being driven on their 100 kph (62 mph) limiter, and aren't allowed in lane 3 to overtake if you are in lane 2 overtaking an HGV. I would say the recommendation should be drive at 60 mph, if safe to do so and you are not causing a problem for other road users.

[@Otacatapetl]

You beat me to it. We all have a duty of safety to others, but what's often forgotten is we have a duty not to hold up others unnecessarily. And I do stress "unnecesarily"; sometimes it's unavoidable.

[@PedroConejo1939]

65 mph is a good compromise there.

[@Otacatapetl]

@@PedroConejo1939 Agreed.

[@rhythmace1]

Yeah I think the main point here is to be flexible with your speed; if you want to go a little slower than the limit then either match speed with the HGVs in lane 1 or go sufficiently above or below that speed to enable you or them to overtake promptly and move left again.

[@mahammad]

4:56 to be fair I was expecting the classic “ye can’t park there, sir”

[@Asto508]

This looks like a broken axle. Must have been ignored on the last 2 MOTs…also, french quality car. Should be a 1999-2004 citroen picasso, so roughly 20 years old. Way too young to have a broken axle like this unless the previous owners have been driving offroad with this thing. Or it was involved in a car accident and they bought it used without knowing.

[@scottlaaa]

@@Asto508 a bush or ball joint probably failed

[@kiradotee]

@@Asto508 why offroading would damage it this way?

[@Asto508]

@@kiradotee I explained it, sorry, KZbin randomly deletes my posts lately, interesting. It's generally because driving offroad is stressing all the components that are connected to your tires (axle, suspensions, joints, etc.) and if they aren't built for sustaining this stress, they wear out very quickly. Offroad verhicles are built much sturdier and have suspensions meant for offroad driving. Normal cars are meant for flat roads and will quickly break if you drive them offroad hard.

[@kiradotee]

@@Asto508 cheers. Interesting. Wonder if it's the same for road motorbikes going offroad.

[@Lemstrauss]

1:25 Hmm, i could not really see a good place for the guy in the mobility scooter to cross the road. Keep in mind, he needs to get off and on the curb and probably can't go over the grass. Accessibility is a very important aspect in urban planning and this stretch of road lacked curb cuts or lower curbs..

[@ashley_neal]

100 yards prior? 1:10?

[@Lemstrauss]

@@ashley_neal At the bus stop would be the perfect place for a barrier-free crossing. Thanks for the heart. :)

[@justanotherviewer4821]

I have to disagree with Ashley here. Stopping to let someone cross the road could have been very dangerous for the mobility scooter user for the approaching traffic on the opposite carriageway... there were only assumptions on what time it would have taken to cross the road and whether the van would speed up, coast or slow. Had he tipped over coming off the kerb or the dog pulled backwards... it could have been a different story. Fortunately it is a dropped kerb (never seen a drop kerb verge like that before!)

[@ashley_neal]

@Just Another Viewer it has to be situational.

[@mattc9005]

@@ashley_neal To me that's a worse place as it's very close to the roundabout, which is a junction with 4 directions to consider rather than 3. Also the signs and brick thing in the middle of the roundabout mean sight lines for both the guy in the mobility scooter and road users are worse than where he crossed. Finally where he crossed the second lane he crossed (the one the cammer was using) had good sight lines. Given the speed of mobility scooters that meant both the guy on the scooter can anticipate traffic better, and drivers have more time to react after he is committed to crossing. If he had crossed near the roundabout the second lane would have been traffic coming off the roundabout- with the low speed of the scooter he might have had to commit to crossing without a good idea of exactly where traffic on the roundabout was going (especially if he can't easily turn his head whilst seated to see the traffic coming from the road behind him), and drivers on the roundabout would probably spot him later as it is a generally busier visual environment with more to keep track of. If there was a traffic island on that crossing it might change things as then the road can be crossed in two chunks. Obviously good drivers would be able to check the exit and cope with this, but I don't like crossing roads near roundabouts because many drivers don't and just blindly accelerate. To me the big issue here is the poor infrastructure- infrastructure is how to get around via all modes of transport, but too often it's designed solely around cars with no though for other modes, in this case including people with disabilities. (Maybe this could be another series on how good driving can compensate for bad infrastructure).

[@alexhayward8996]

I enjoyed the analysing of good driving, breaking down what a good driver IS doing and not just what they should have done. Well put together and informative, I always come away from your videos feeling like I have learned something!

[@angrysloth1]

Great video., it's nice to see once in a while how good some of our drivers really are,

[@stephennield29]

Top marks to the Paramedic!

[@Jonc25]

Definitely. 👍

[@mimikm222]

John has enough clips to start his own channel to be honest:) Absolute star! moving to the country almost 10 years ago i observe road culture getting worse and worse, whats your thoughts?

[@kaybee5150]

I started reading the signs more after a speed awareness course I had the misfortune to attend after doing 34 mph about 10 years, I know there is no excuse. But I did relearn and learnt some good tips; like I do off your clips Ashley. I like them because seeing other drivers and your tips just brings me back into touch. I also play your game of trying to anticipate a drivers intended manoeuver following a lorry. Keep up the good work.

[@petetrundell5454]

Love your comment about reducing your speed on long journeys. I do this whenever possible, often picking a very early start so traffic is light and I can bimble along at 55-60mph without causing delay to others. The difference in fuel consumption is massive (70+mpg as opposed to 50+) and I arrive relaxed at my destination largely offsetting any tiredness from an early start. Seems contrary to extend an already long journey by going slower but being chilled for the trip means when you arrive there’s no wind-down time which, for me at least, was always longer than the time I’d have saved.

[@KomradeMatt]

5:20, nice to see a clip from Northern Ireland!

[@thomasknight1190]

Great video and good advice to all

[@R04drunner1]

Lovely nice driving clips, I think 3:25 was absolutely outstanding. Long forwards vision, consideration towards vulnerable road users and (all too rare) consideration towards the HGV driver. Those guys have enough on their plates without having smaller cars pushing past at inopportune moments. Excellent, whoever that cammer was!

[@davidrumming4734]

That traffic light incident. Some people would have not even bothered to look around for things like that, but also going too fast. The bus needed that road space-got a turning in my town like that. It’s a blind one too-the side road is obscured by old buildings. Too many people tail gating at the moment. See it on the other roads too.

[@Pinie-ue9mz]

My favorite was the overtaking ones. Nice driving once again Ashley, the seal is yours 👍

[@Teddy-vs5rw]

Love your videos Ashley, even though I don't live in the UK I still learn a lot from your videos. Takes a bit of time to get used to everything being on the other side, but it's worth it. In regards to the lowering of speed on motorways, many EU countries have a limit of 130 kph on their highways, so driving at 60 or 70 mph (97-113 kph) would really be quite slow, perhaps even unsafe, (as would driving on the other side of the road). The speed differential, especially in Germany, could even be deadly.

[@craZy_y0]

Honestly can't believe the Xaara clip was in Bristol! I recognized the long road where that roundabout is because my bus took that same road when I was on my work commutes. Honestly though, hope those two are all good, must've been real scary knowing the wheel was just wedged in there like that.

[@hughraynor8670]

Hi there, cammer here. This is Braydon Avenue, as you rightly said, in Bristol. There are a good number of significant speed bumps along this road, which I imagine aren’t too kind for any vehicle with a dodgy axle! Certainly took me by surprise seeing that around the corner!

[@cyrilheslop6917]

3:40 Nice thumbs up from truck driver!

[@iallso1]

I like clip 7, anytime a driver stops for an accident or breakdown to check on the well-being of another driver is a winner for me. Last year my partner and I bought a Hyundai Ioniq EV, I don't get to drive it that much, my partner takes it to work each day while I ride my bike, but she does let me drive at the weekend. I have found that setting the regeneration to maximum, and using the adaptive cruise control with the collision avoidance set to maximum results in me arriving at my destination calmer and less tired than I would have done in my previous car. In the older vehicle with cruise set at 100kmph (the max speed limit in NZ), I would have been frustrated behind slower vehicles, looking for overtaking opportunities all the time and looking to return to a point where I could re-engauge the cruise. Now the car maintains a good distance to the vehicle in front, speeds up when the opportunity presents and enables me to focus on 3 key area, potential hazards around me and junctions, roundabouts and traffic lights, where I have to override the vehicles controls. Add to these changes in speed limit, which is made simple by the cruise control reducing in increments of 10kmph. I am much happier to allow the car to reduce speed to match the vehicle in front than I was when I was taking more control, I also stress less about the drivers who want to exceed the limit and I'm happy to let them go past.

[@Barcisz]

Love thumbs up at 3:39

[@polopowered]

6:21 The PIES!

[@blademansw]

I love these videos of attentive drivers. As others have said, far more examples of bad driving are posted on YT. Interestingly if you watch some of the blue light vids on here, especially the training ones, you can immediately spot the drivers who are actually paying attention, and those who are totally oblivious to everything going on around them.

[@David-sw2fn]

The word “anticipation” in bold right at the start of the clip. Sums it up 👍.

[@davefitzpatrick4841]

I have to agree, I drive a Nissan leaf and because of the range on it I do 60-65 on the motorway, my yearly trip to Cornwall i have to do 4 stops, so my trip takes 7 hours instead of around 5 in a ICE car, but I arrive relaxed and the 900 miles I normally do costs around £32 !

[@Mybwain]

The issue with average speed areas are that if its something like 40mph the average car is actually going 37mph but the accuracy of the speedometer shows 40mph. In a large vehicle the speedometer is accurate in most cases 40 means 40. No excuse for tailgating but that is why people get overtaken on road works by hgv.

[@stevekenilworth]

id always sit at around 38-39 in a 40. rather be a tad slower than a big fine and points and being slightly slower gives you more get out of danger so u can give it more gas and still be within the average . m6 is the worst i found, can be at 50mph in high volume of traffic with a truck a foot of your rear bumper. since the so called smart motorways i avoid them fuel is still cheap so added few hours not an issue :)

[@apcherrys7]

It's not just road signs but all signs to pay attention to. At 2:59 on the outside of the bend is a large circular mirror - this tells me there is a high probability of a concealed entrance on the left hand side of the road at that point.

[@vonpupees]

the one at 5:00 is up the road from me. knew if i watched enough it would happen!

[@JohnDoesSports]

Some areas also reduce their speed limits to reduce noise pollution where I live, which is very nice when you live close to motorways with heavy traffic. You only realise you're living just a few hundred yards away from it when someone is accelerating with their sports car.

[@frazm3017]

They have average speed cameras for much of the A9 from between Perth and Inverness (Scotland). I’ve found people drive more sensibly when they know they’re driving is being monitored the length of the road and not just certain points along it. I wish they would use average speed cameras more often!

[@PPT75019]

8:30 I just bought an electic vehicle and I find myself having to drive 110 km/h on the motorway instead of 130 km/h because I wouldn't be able to reach my destination driving at the speed limit... While the energy saving is quite impressive (about 40%), I find this to be a lot more stressful than driving 130. At 110 km/h, I'm still going faster than lorries so I have to pass them often but I'm going slower than the rest of the traffic so it takes a ton of anticipation to insert myself in the passing lane without forcing anyone to slow down. If I'm passing a few lorries at once, it's likely that I will end up with somebody tailgating me. So much so that I speed up to 130 when I do my overtakes because it feels safer that way. May-be it's just a question of getting use to this kind of driving but I feel excatly the same way as I did when I was a learner, with lower speed limits than everybody else.

[@erniehogan2404]

At 110 you are legal in the UK; at 130 you're not! Maybe you are on the Continent, though.

[@catalinamariutei883]

Love to see some positive clips as well.

[@grahamwalker6395]

One of my cars is a Jaguar XKR, it's very quick but I don't feel the need to tear about everywhere to prove it. I live in rural Lincolnshire and generally stay a minimum of 10mph below the national speed limit on the country roads, constantly on the lookout for horses, tractors and poor road conditions. What does puzzle me is the occasional driver taking unnecessary risks over taking on bends and sections of road with poor visibility. Is it they feel the need to prove something ? It's nice to see recognition given for considerate and thoughtful driving, I hope I can say the same for my driving.

[@animationcreations42]

Driving at 60 instead of 70 doesn't just save the environment, it can also save you money since typically you'll use less fuel!

[@jensaugust743]

@@Asto508 the point is that driving 60 instead of 75 is better for pollution. Which it is. A car going 75 will have over 50% more drag than a car going 60, and that's not even factoring in the fact that a car going 75 will have to accelerate and decelerate a lot more frequent, than a car going 60

[@cupofcustard]

But then how will every road user know that you're the bollocks for going 70+ in your car?!?!?

[@dannyboyy31]

And also reduces tyre wear.

[@Timooooooooooooooo]

The difference in fuel use between 60 and 70 is quite big

[@Asto508]

@@jensaugust743 Drag increases, but that doesn't mean you have less fuel efficiency. As I said in my post (and which KZbin seems to have deleted for whatever reason), it depends on the engine, the gear ratio and the car as a whole where it's highest fuel efficiency spot is. It can be the case that 60 is more efficient than 75 for a particular car (it probably is quite often), but it has nothing to do with a linear relationship to speed. If you drop down to 40 mph, you can easily have worse fuel efficiency and thus pollute more, although the drag is way lower at the same time. You can also drive in a lower gear and have way higher rpms, but still have the "good" speed. It's just not that easy as people claim it was.

[@kevinmartin2516]

Clip 10 where the bus is correctly let out to go around the red car which is in a poor location. The 'reward' for the car behind the bus, is for the red car to pull out into the road, without looking and the car behind has to take avoiding action.

[@cupofcustard]

Clip #6 that's the a38 heading westbound into Plymouth and onto Cornwall. No idea why the driver ahead made such a meal out of that overtake. Especially when you consider the roads appear to be fairly chilled out and free of grockels/emmets!

[@nowillnoway]

Eastbound, headed Exeter way. But yeah, barely a soul on the roads, visibility for days. Knew it wasn't going to be the sharpest overtake the moment the guy hit the brakes before pulling out, but I definitely did not anticipate him hanging around in what must've been near (if not in) the lorries blind spot! Should've been a dead easy overtake, almost not needing any thought with the traffic level.

[@spacerockerlightyears]

60 for me on motorways every time, hybrid brings me 70/75 mpg all day long! Road signs. Read from top down, first hazard is the top one followed by the next down and sometimes another on the same pole. The clip shows two on same pole. Slow, how slow? Stop within the distance you can see to be clear! This last one is one that is not very well dealt with by the public, sometimes ignored completely, which may lead to ⚰️. Some great driving in the clips, nice to see the good rather than the poor.

[@gdwnet]

3:28 damn good spot - I have to admit that I'm not sure I would have seen that.

[@will4may175]

Average speed check sections are notorious for tailgators who refuse to do the speed posted, as if the speed is a minimum. I am now a bus driver, and on Stagecoach buses we have something called Green Road, the traffic light system to monitor how well we drive, and we get rewards for being good on it (badges etc), and we even have a phone app to see how we have done which I think is great, Royal Mail have a similar system but its not very accurate and doesn't have an incentive system to do well with it or an app to see where to improve, unless they added it in the last few months. I think the system has also created a better experience for passengers and made the roads safer.

[@will4may175]

@@anoncyclist2131 Ouch, though given the nature of Tesco Asda and Iceland etc they rag the drivers pretty badly for time, I wonder if it's the same for like DPD with how crazy their driving is, luckily at Royal Mail delivery they just ask for 19 parcels an hour but not strictly, an old m8 on mine worked for Iceland for only a few months and jacked it in because of the stupid timescale they had for each delivery.

[@will4may175]

@@anoncyclist2131 Yup I misunderstood, yeah bus driver wages are hourly for 39hrs a week but overtime a plenty, though we work on domestic driving hours which is a lot more relaxed than HGVs etc as we don't do trips over 50 miles or we hit the European rules so no Tachos for us other than the National Express coaches. Bad enough dealing with tacho times with traffic without having your employer trying to rip you off.

[@Stu81]

5:50 he’s not pulling over because he is shaken, he’s picking up his Maccy Ds out the footwell.

[@robg521]

8:40. Motorway driving fuel consumption. I have to drive a gas guzzling 4 x 4 for work reason and occasionally have to do a 4 or 5 hr motorway journey. If I drive during rush hr it’s a pain, traffic slows and speeds up repeatedly, if you pull into the inside lane and drive slow you get hassle by not being let out by other drivers to overtake lorries, causing you to repeatedly slow and speed up to fit into gaps.. so instead I usually leave home at 4 or 5 am, by the time rush hr hits I am already there. As you say because I’ve left home early there is no rush so I drive less than 60mph instead of 70. And my MPG rate goes from an average of 30MPG up to nearly 50MPG for that journey. I also arrive at my destination fresh, relaxed and stress free.

[@bobthedog3337]

Shhhh......DONT tell everyone. For years, bank holiday days out with family, or going on long drives say to Cornwall.......travel at night! The roads are empty and it seems like you earn yourself an extra day’s holiday, arriving so early and chilled. No accidents, tailbacks, lorries changing tyres.......

[@1obsessionafteranother794]

In the situation at 5:15 I would have been approaching the junction a little slower already with the mindset that my view of any turning vehicles from the opposite side is partially obstructed. I feel that it prepares me to react to such a situation at the junction.

[@bellshooter]

Ever since I started driving Electric cars I have been aware of the difference a few mph means in energy usage, my usual motorway meta is to set my Intelligent Cruise Control to 65 and following distance to to next vehicle, and follow either an HGV or Coach to my destination. Makes no difference to total journey times as I have to stop less to charge, and I am totally chilled.

[@busterboy7505]

Nice clips 👍.

[@margaretnicol3423]

Hi Ashley. I have a small challenge for you. Get yourself some earplugs. Ones that cut all sound. Put one in your left ear then go for a drive. Perhaps go near where there might be police/fire/ambulances. Then report on any difference it makes to your driving. 😉😘

[@josephmarsh8235]

My favourite clip Ashley was the final clip of the tailgating road sweeper lorry. What you said is what I do I drive 60mph instead of 70, and even on my next motorway journey next week I'm trying it out to see how much less fuel I use compared to last year when I last traveled. I do care more for saving money mostly on fuel, but I still like to help the environment a little. Lorrie's mostly I think they speed because they just want to get to their destination quicker and don't pay for fuel. I think motorways should be 60mph. What do you think

[@paulcollyer801]

Clip 9, always an idea to have a little speed limit in reserve for such things, I set my cruise control on the car @66, (63 in reality) so can do exactly what John did without exceeding 70.

[@HPsawus]

4:55 what a lovely gentlemen

[@madeljacky]

5:30 that happens a lot at that junction in Newtownards but most times they actually crash into each other.

[@marklittler784]

Flashing headlamps only warns those in front, wheras blasting the horn alerts all of those around you, there's a massive difference between the number alerted between the two.

[@untilthen7418]

They should widen these roads!

[@JazmanGames]

With the average speed zone for air quality, they do it on the M1 going by Sheffield. Last weekend they temporarily dropped the speed down to 60mph with the sign above saying "Speed limit to improve air quality". It was the first time I'd ever seen that. They certainly don't do it around here Leeds, which is a "motorway city" where the level Air Pollution is considered to be illegal.

[@MagicRat]

That section of the M1 isn't average speed so you just get drivers slowing for the cameras then booting it back up to 80... Total waste of time

[@maartenc6099]

When you are leaving for a road trip. Always start on time. Don't haste.

[@jamesmccann531]

I know that bit of motorway in the last clip well. What always puzzles me is why that section of motorway is limited because of air quality. For context, its next to the Neath Port Talbot steel works, a major bit of industry that I am sure causes plently of pollution (it does in the water). And its only the bit of motorway next to it that is limited.

[@microcolonel]

Well, I don't know about the environment; but I definitely enjoy taking the 75s and 80s at 65 and 70 around here, especially if there's a procession or convoy to join at that speed.

[@grahamstyles9129]

3:29 is the best driving. Very few people would even spot that potential hazard and know what to do.

[@marklittler784]

5:07 "Yeah it just went!" No doubt a supension component due to our superior roads.

[@cjmillsnun]

Likely the bottom balljoint. That would've had issues for some time. I would argue not down to our roads, but poor maintenance. If it had been a spring broken, then yes probably down to the road.

[@marklittler784]

@@cjmillsnun I'm guessing since they decided rather than put more tax on fuel we'll simply spend less on roads and nobody will notice, that cars have been failing mot's more often for more suspension related items which are going far quicker.

[@olivertunnah3987]

There is an issue with those lower speed lower emission areas in South Wales. During the night it may work, but when the motorways are busy they just cause an unnecessary bottleneck and thus congestion, especially the zone in Newport. All this does is create more emissions and increases stress and desperation. They realistically need to be scrapped as they do not do what they intend to do.

[@tomparsons5096]

I think we should all start driving down that stretch of road in South Wales in 2nd gear as a protest

[@theloveboxquartet]

As a protest against what?

[@CED99]

@@theloveboxquartet I'm guessing, in protest against the reduced speed to help emissions?

[@theloveboxquartet]

@@CED99 Yes, that's what I was thinking. Some motorists love pretending they're the victim...

[@johannesgutenburg6425]

@@theloveboxquartet reducing speed to reduce emissions is a noble pursuit, but there are other ways this can be achieved that don’t potentially endanger motorists.

[@johannesgutenburg6425]

@@theloveboxquartet its a joke referring to the van driver idiot who got frustrated at the speed check zone.

[@malgf4145]

Couldn't help but notice in the second clip the cammer approaches the roundabout in the left lane and then cuts straight across the roundabout to make his exit in the left lane again ! Wow

[@stevenallan5822]

A lot of drivers don't seem to compute that larger vehicles, buses, HGVs etc need room to manoeuvre.