Differences between Canadian drivers and UK drivers?
Jan 15th 2012 | 5:32 pm
#106
Beep
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 8,311
From: Here
Re: Differences between Canadian drivers and UK drivers?
Well can I just say........I think UK drivers are shit! (It's a rant so read on)
Going to work, minding my own business in the second lane of two lanes. No one in front of me, clear lane behind me and passing stationary cars in lane one. I wasn't overtaking anyone, just travelling in my own lane slowing down for the traffic lights ahead. This numpty
in lane one decides to throw a u-turn from stationary and ploughs straight into me! It's of those things that you just couldn't predict, like a tree falling on you or being struck my lightening. I was even 3/4 of the way over in my lane, perfect textbook riding position. His excuse was "I needed to go back for my dinner money" - honestly, I'm not even making that up to get a laugh (although I think it will make me smile once I'm not hurting).
For those beady eyes out there, I wasn't overtaking on the hatchings (I was completely in the lane) and the line you can see is beading in the road, it's not skid my marks, they are further back. The accident investigation that was launched also backed up that fact that it was this guys fault and that there was nothing I could have done to avoid it.
Anyway, this knob has admitted full responsibility and full fault and I'm now bruised and torn and feeling quite pissed off! My bike is a complete write off.
Going to work, minding my own business in the second lane of two lanes. No one in front of me, clear lane behind me and passing stationary cars in lane one. I wasn't overtaking anyone, just travelling in my own lane slowing down for the traffic lights ahead. This numpty
in lane one decides to throw a u-turn from stationary and ploughs straight into me! It's of those things that you just couldn't predict, like a tree falling on you or being struck my lightening. I was even 3/4 of the way over in my lane, perfect textbook riding position. His excuse was "I needed to go back for my dinner money" - honestly, I'm not even making that up to get a laugh (although I think it will make me smile once I'm not hurting).For those beady eyes out there, I wasn't overtaking on the hatchings (I was completely in the lane) and the line you can see is beading in the road, it's not skid my marks, they are further back. The accident investigation that was launched also backed up that fact that it was this guys fault and that there was nothing I could have done to avoid it.
Anyway, this knob has admitted full responsibility and full fault and I'm now bruised and torn and feeling quite pissed off! My bike is a complete write off.
My wifes cousin is a cabbage now after a car pulled out in front of him last year. He was unfortunate to be wearing the North American safety gear at the time which comprises of flip flops, vest, jeans, and a skull cap on his harley davidson.
I choose not to ride bikes over here for my own safety........and my wife won't let me
Jan 16th 2012 | 5:44 am
#107
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 126
From: Near Tondela, Portugal
Re: Differences between Canadian drivers and UK drivers?
Ha ha, very bloody funny! 
I've got my eye on a nice ZRX 1200s actually!
That's sad and I'm sorry for your wife's cousin. I used to work physio in an acquired brain injury unit and have seen first hand the damage that accidents can do to people. I don't believe in 'you only live once, so sod it attitude' as it can often ruin any future you might have. I do believe though in living life and making the most of what you have and the opportunities that are put in front of you. Thankfully, I had all my proper kit on and it's top of the range so it helped cushion my fall. I'm a very lucky girl and I know it!
I've got my eye on a nice ZRX 1200s actually!Glad to hear you're in one piece. I have fond memories of a similar incident although i hit the car head on going pretty quickly.
My wifes cousin is a cabbage now after a car pulled out in front of him last year. He was unfortunate to be wearing the North American safety gear at the time which comprises of flip flops, vest, jeans, and a skull cap on his harley davidson.
I choose not to ride bikes over here for my own safety........and my wife won't let me
My wifes cousin is a cabbage now after a car pulled out in front of him last year. He was unfortunate to be wearing the North American safety gear at the time which comprises of flip flops, vest, jeans, and a skull cap on his harley davidson.
I choose not to ride bikes over here for my own safety........and my wife won't let me
Jan 16th 2012 | 5:55 am
#108
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,251
From: Toronto - I belong there.
Re: Differences between Canadian drivers and UK drivers?
Make sure your kids know that the red man does not mean it's safe to cross the road. I am very glad that I have quick reactions or I would have run over the woman pushing a pram and pulling a toddler. This in UK. GAH!
Jan 16th 2012 | 6:10 am
#110
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 126
From: Near Tondela, Portugal
Very nice and fast bike though!
Jan 16th 2012 | 6:42 am
#112
Seasoned Maritimer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,309
From: Fredericton, New Brunswick CA
Re: Differences between Canadian drivers and UK drivers?
I have been clipped a few times and nearly full on hit once.
Jan 16th 2012 | 6:52 am
#113
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 126
From: Near Tondela, Portugal
Jan 16th 2012 | 7:23 am
#114
Lowering the tone
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,154
From: Here and there
Re: Differences between Canadian drivers and UK drivers?
Ouch! Tough luck with the crash, but good luck with the new bike.
When we moved back to the UK I was determined to get myself another bike (never had one in Canada for the same reasons as above, plus no filtering and bloody freezing!) and had my eye out for a nice GSX-1400.
However, I have found myself driving on the wrong side of the road too many times (quiet country B-roads round near me) and have reluctantly accepted that my days of riding bikes are probably best left behind me.
When we moved back to the UK I was determined to get myself another bike (never had one in Canada for the same reasons as above, plus no filtering and bloody freezing!) and had my eye out for a nice GSX-1400.
However, I have found myself driving on the wrong side of the road too many times (quiet country B-roads round near me) and have reluctantly accepted that my days of riding bikes are probably best left behind me.
Jan 16th 2012 | 7:46 am
#115
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,251
From: Toronto - I belong there.
Re: Differences between Canadian drivers and UK drivers?
I think you need to read what I posted again. :-) She walked on red man for her!
Jan 16th 2012 | 9:49 am
#116
Beep
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 8,311
From: Here
Re: Differences between Canadian drivers and UK drivers?
Surely you've experienced this on your trips to canada? I#m surprised there aren't more injuries due to people in the area of Vancouver where i live walking nonchalantly into the road without checking.
Jan 16th 2012 | 9:55 am
#117
.
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 20,188
Re: Differences between Canadian drivers and UK drivers?
Jan 16th 2012 | 10:31 am
#119
.........................
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,615
Re: Differences between Canadian drivers and UK drivers?
I have never enjoyed the M25 / south M1 - the driving is agressive, even compared to the M62 which is no walk in the park.
I think it is a city centre driving thing - my friends from rural somerset had a hissy fit at my U turn on a wide empty road in Bradford
Jan 16th 2012 | 12:47 pm
#120
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,251
From: Toronto - I belong there.
Re: Differences between Canadian drivers and UK drivers?
Another thing I notice with UK pedestrians was that no-one uses hi-viz equipment at dark. Over here it's almost mandatory.
