As I write it is 23:13 and I have just finished a 155 mile journey along from Cambridge to Swindon on the M11, M25 and M4. I have been paying particular attention to the distances cars and lorries left between each others.
I have got to admit that on the busy stretches of the journey early one, I estimate that about 60% of cars were driving closer than 100 yards, and this was particularly apparent in the right hand lane. On one occasion when I was in the RH lane at the correct stopping distance (2 second rule) there were 3 cars in the space between me and the car in the front in the lane to my left. I would say estimate that 80% of lorries were closer than this to the vehicle in front, and seemed to be generally in bunches.
Onto the M4 and the traffic was less busy, and I'd say only 20% of cars drove within the recommended stopping distances.
So to Connor I apologise. I think that perhaps as I have seen such bad driving abroad, that I have over estimated driving standards in the UK on my return. While my observation is that driving standards here are generally better, this is still some room for improvement.
I found some interesting statistics while researching this thread. It seems that stopping distances for lorries are actually greater due to their air brakes. An explanatory article is posted here.
Cheers,
David
