146

Adapt your driving to the appropriate type and condition of road you are on. In particular

• do not treat speed limits as a target. It is often not appropriate or safe to drive at the maximum speed limit
• take the road and traffic conditions into account. Be prepared for unexpected or difficult situations, for example, the road being blocked beyond a blind bend. Be prepared to adjust your speed as a precaution
• where there are junctions, be prepared for road users emerging
• in side roads and country lanes look out for unmarked junctions where nobody has priority
• be prepared to stop at traffic control systems, road works, pedestrian crossings or traffic lights as necessary
• try to anticipate what pedestrians and cyclists might do. If pedestrians, particularly children, are looking the other way, they may step out into the road without seeing you

147

Be considerate. Be careful of and considerate towards all types of road users, especially those requiring extra care (see Rule 204). You should

• try to be understanding if other road users cause problems; they may be inexperienced or not know the area well
• be patient; remember that anyone can make a mistake
• not allow yourself to become agitated or involved if someone is behaving badly on the road. This will only make the situation worse. Pull over, calm down and, when you feel relaxed, continue your journey
• slow down and hold back if a road user pulls out into your path at a junction. Allow them to get clear. Do not over-react by driving too close behind to intimidate them
• not throw anything out of a vehicle, for example, cigarette ends, cans, paper or carrier bags. This can endanger other road users, particularly motorcyclists and cyclists

All good and much needed advice. However we have a whole bunch of drivers that drive at ONE SPEED. 40MPH. They travel at 40mph on open de-restricted roads i.e. national speed limit applies. Then, on approach to a residential area, clearly marked as 30mph, they continue at 40mph. In other words, they don't limit their speed to 40mph through safety concerns or out of consideration for others, they simply drive at their one comfortable speed ad infinitum.

TO ALL YOU 40MPH SPECIALISTS: when traveling on de-restricted A-roads and when conditions permit, I will over take you if you're traveling at your preferred speed. When I do so, there's is little point in flashing your lights and waving limbs at me.