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Overtake crashes

'Reduce the need to overtake, reduces the attempts to overtake, reduces the overtake head on crashes.' Keith Peat.

Reducing long queues and tailbacks will reduce attempts to overtake. To reduce attempts, will reduce these multi casualty collisions.

A queue is formed when every other driver in the queue was previously driving faster than the hold up driver, was able to drive faster and wanted to drive faster. The hold up driver is therefore in a minority of one.

 

To ignore a tailback the hold up driver is driving without reasonable consideration for other road users contrary to s3 RTA 1988. s2a 1991 Where death occurs as a result, they could be guilty of causing death by careless driving RTA 1988 s2B. s3a1991

 

In his book Mind Driving, Stephen Haley identifies a type of driver who he refers to as Slow Aggressives, rolling obstructers and civilian enforcers and defines each self appointed type on page 57 of his book.

How do we improve things?

1. To acknowledge that these aggressives exist and are common

2. The stats must include them in accident causes.

3. Police must prosecute aggressives when they see tailbacks

4. Media information and campaigns against imposing one's speed on all others & potential dangers.

5. Increase the 40MPH HGV limit on two way trunk roads.

6. Create Passing Places from existing lay bys and cheap road side verges to encourage slows to make way for others.

 

These work in Scotland and should be widespread in the UK.

How police are prepared to mislead politicians about this.

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