What's worse with this? The owners cannot drive them for love nor money. I'm a motorbiker and ride in and out of London regularly. There's so many large vehicles that just act as immovable objects...
Exemplary
What's worse with this? The owners cannot drive them for love nor money.
I'm a motorbiker and ride in and out of London regularly. There's so many large vehicles that just act as immovable objects to anyone else on the road.
In the wrong lane? Not their problem.
Cover the traffic lights line? Not their problem.
Blocking the cycle lane? Not their problem.
Parking all over the shop? Not their problem.
It's endemic of a problem with these vehicles and their owners. There's just no understanding or skill on how to use them right. They just want to floor it down roads, make loads of noise, look really cool and probably end up hitting someone or something because of their stupidity.
There was a thread on here a few months ago where folks got into it over someone's remarks about "Gotta keep safe by having more mass than the other guy" logic. My bro got killed by an f150 on the wrong side of the road in the countryside four years ago because the driver didn't know how to control his vehicle (bro was on a motorbike)
The entire situation was swept under the rug because "Oh, it was a thin road". It's not. It's a main A-Road that's big enough for two tractors to pass... But the driver got a pass because of his stupid goddamn truck.
Sorry. That turned out more ranting than I wanted...
Here in the states the auto press repeats endlessly (as they are paid to do) that consumers want nothing but large cars. In the 1970s my dad would go to American car dealerships that would have...
Here in the states the auto press repeats endlessly (as they are paid to do) that consumers want nothing but large cars.
In the 1970s my dad would go to American car dealerships that would have some excuse why they didn't have small cars in stock or otherwise refuse to sell them.
By the late 2010s Japanese car dealers were up to the same tricks. After the 2008 crisis there was a short time when the government got car makers to clean up their act for fuel economy but after Tesla, carmakers convinced the government that they'd have to let them do whatever they want to be profitable enough to invest in the electric transition.
Which has us in the place where we are now, where electric vehicle sales are stalled because they refuse to sell anything that most people can afford.
Well there's also very little infrastructure for electric vehicles with almost nothing being done about it. Unless you're rich with a house she a garage where you could actually install a charger,...
Well there's also very little infrastructure for electric vehicles with almost nothing being done about it.
Unless you're rich with a house she a garage where you could actually install a charger, you can't own an electric vehicle because there's nowhere to charge it. Some workplaces offer a couple spots but there usually always taken. If you normally park on the street or a parking structure you have no way to charge your vehicle.
The problem in the US is political and legal, not technical. As I've understood it, when building a gas or oil pipeline you get one federal-level permit and just lay down your pipe, the land...
Well there's also very little infrastructure for electric vehicles with almost nothing being done about it.
The problem in the US is political and legal, not technical.
As I've understood it, when building a gas or oil pipeline you get one federal-level permit and just lay down your pipe, the land owners can pound sand if they disagree.
With the electric grid you need approvals on multiple levels (state, county, city, landowner) and pretty much anyone who can see the high-voltage line gets to appeal the build process...
The only real technical problem is the single phase (yes split-phase, but it's still crap) grid that just doesn't deliver the power needed even for electric kettles, never mind a full 3-phase charger for an EV.
Was in Australia recently and was talking to my father in law about this. The new Hilux is gigantic to complete with the American Trucks coming over and really pushing their wares. He's got a...
Was in Australia recently and was talking to my father in law about this.
The new Hilux is gigantic to complete with the American Trucks coming over and really pushing their wares. He's got a slightly older Mitsubishi Pejaro and it's a fantastic truck to do what we needs to do daily (They're in Rural Aus). His brother in the same town has a tank of a Dodge that is all flash, no substance and really has pushed these land yacht vehicles onto everyone else.
Yeah, I've definitely seen this trend. In fairness / full disclosure, I have a large vehicle myself... but I'm a contractor and have 4+ ladders and 1,000+lbs (~450+kg) of tools that I need to...
Yeah, I've definitely seen this trend. In fairness / full disclosure, I have a large vehicle myself... but I'm a contractor and have 4+ ladders and 1,000+lbs (~450+kg) of tools that I need to drive to worksites with. I may well be biased when it comes to myself, but I think I'm a legitimate use-case.
When I see people driving those new, huge trucks to get groceries with their kids, with an empty and clean / clearly not used for heavy loads back bed, I just sigh and shake my head. You don't need to be burning 14mpg (or worse) for that huge thing when a sedan would work just fine for less expense, or even a minivan if you need to seat a bunch of kids.
You're the dude who these things are for. You literally have to carry more kit than most people buy in a lifetime. All flash, no substance. They just want to look cool to their mates and feel...
Yeah, I've definitely seen this trend. In fairness / full disclosure, I have a large vehicle myself... but I'm a contractor and have 4+ ladders and 1,000+lbs (~450+kg) of tools that I need to drive to worksites with. I may well be biased when it comes to myself, but I think I'm a legitimate use-case.
You're the dude who these things are for.
You literally have to carry more kit than most people buy in a lifetime.
When I see people driving those new, huge trucks to get groceries with their kids, with an empty and clean / clearly not used for heavy loads back bed, I just sigh and shake my head. You don't need to be burning 14mpg (or worse) for that huge thing when a sedan would work just fine for less expense, or even a minivan if you need to seat a bunch of kids.
All flash, no substance. They just want to look cool to their mates and feel 'rich'.
These things are all about appearances. That's both "look how rich I am!" and an appearance of safety.
This is how my older brother is. He said he bought the truck to prep for kiddo's eventual activities (because he's going to be the "soccer dad" - maybe) but nephew is 3 and not interested in...
This is how my older brother is. He said he bought the truck to prep for kiddo's eventual activities (because he's going to be the "soccer dad" - maybe) but nephew is 3 and not interested in activities that need huge trucks to haul stuff yet, if he ever will be. Obviously it's an investment in the future, because he doesn't want to buy a new car when the time comes and they don't have the money for it, but right now, he looks like an asshole who is just using his truck to look cool. Now, my brother knows how to drive, and learned to drive professionally/racing style when he was younger on a track, but that doesn't really tanslate to a giant truck. Even in Texas where everyone has these massive cars.
I recently saw a video that made me even more afraid of all of these trucks being hit head on by a semi and almost none of them save for a few older framed trucks) even survived the crash.
You know what's the worst thing about that? He just doesn't need a truck for that stuff. I'm an Archer, I've got the biggest most complicated piece of kit for when I go to my range. I manage to...
You know what's the worst thing about that? He just doesn't need a truck for that stuff.
I'm an Archer, I've got the biggest most complicated piece of kit for when I go to my range. I manage to work it out and get it onto my motorbike.
The truck is just an excuse. He could easily throw a couple of bags of clean kit together for whatever the kid wants to do when he grows up. He just wants the cool truck.
There should be an engine or wheelbase tax for folks like that.
Oh definitely! He's a cool guy overall, but he really likes his toys. I figured he meant that he would be the one to haul all the soccer equipment like the goals and stuff, but even still. I...
Oh definitely! He's a cool guy overall, but he really likes his toys.
I figured he meant that he would be the one to haul all the soccer equipment like the goals and stuff, but even still. I managed a quidditch team and even with all the stuff we carried (pinnies, balls, headbands, "brooms", goals), we could fit it all into a sedan trunk. PVC comes apart.
I'm assuming he wants the kid to ride motorbikes or windsurf or something like that, where a huge board or messy bike needs to go into the back, but even still. I'm sure there are alternatives.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It highlights exactly why these cars are so dangerous. My immediate thought with that headline was “who cares about parking spaces, what about rural roads?!” I grew up...
I’m so sorry for your loss. It highlights exactly why these cars are so dangerous.
My immediate thought with that headline was “who cares about parking spaces, what about rural roads?!” I grew up in the countryside where a lot of the lanes are too small for even two regular sized cars to pass - someone has to back up into a gateway. Can’t imagine there would be a lot of room left if two of these giant cars needed to pass.
Same. I'm from a rural town and that's where my brother passed. First thought when I see these trucks and cars is around how they must have to really squeeze everyone off the road in the...
Same. I'm from a rural town and that's where my brother passed. First thought when I see these trucks and cars is around how they must have to really squeeze everyone off the road in the countryside to actually get around. Let alone when you see them in London / Birmingham / Manchester...
I’m so sorry for your loss. It highlights exactly why these cars are so dangerous.
larger vehicles are more dangerous to others in smaller vehicles, but riding motorbikes is even more dangerous. Being hit by a mini can kill you on a bike.
larger vehicles are more dangerous to others in smaller vehicles, but riding motorbikes is even more dangerous. Being hit by a mini can kill you on a bike.
It doesn't matter if it was a pushbike he was killed on. These vehicles are a threat to everyone on the road who isn't them. Owning them is selfish and deplorable. Look. We get on our bikes and we...
It doesn't matter if it was a pushbike he was killed on. These vehicles are a threat to everyone on the road who isn't them. Owning them is selfish and deplorable.
Look. We get on our bikes and we know we take a risk, we know that. I shouldn't have to fear some grossly incompetent boob smashing into me at 70mph head first because he doesn't have lane disciple in his tank.
You have yo fear that regardless. Getting hit on a bike by a truck or car is not going to make a huge difference, it's extremely deadly no matter what one hits you. My point isn't "trucks are...
You have yo fear that regardless. Getting hit on a bike by a truck or car is not going to make a huge difference, it's extremely deadly no matter what one hits you.
My point isn't "trucks are fine" it's motorcycles/bikes are dangerous when on the same road as all vehicles. Complaining about trucks while ignoring the very similar danger cars provide seems weird to me.
In the grand scheme of things, the trucks/large cars are the bigger threat. Not just to motorcyclists, but to bicyclists and pedestrians as well. Blaming motorcyclists for getting killed is the...
In the grand scheme of things, the trucks/large cars are the bigger threat. Not just to motorcyclists, but to bicyclists and pedestrians as well.
Blaming motorcyclists for getting killed is the wrong idea.
Motorbikes are dangerous for the people riding them, can't disagree there. But massive SUVs are far more dangerous for literally everyone else on the road INCLUDING motorcycles, due to their poor...
Motorbikes are dangerous for the people riding them, can't disagree there. But massive SUVs are far more dangerous for literally everyone else on the road INCLUDING motorcycles, due to their poor visibility.
I get what you're saying, but this actually does matter to an extent. These huge vehicles have much higher front bumpers and hoods which make it far more likely to go under the vehicle in a...
Getting hit on a bike by a truck or car is not going to make a huge difference
I get what you're saying, but this actually does matter to an extent. These huge vehicles have much higher front bumpers and hoods which make it far more likely to go under the vehicle in a collision (if you're a motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian) than a normal car. That makes them much more dangerous.
First off, I'm so sorry for your loss. To do everything right and get killed anyways is one of the scariest ways to go, and I hope he got the respect he deserved from those who loved him. Also,...
First off, I'm so sorry for your loss. To do everything right and get killed anyways is one of the scariest ways to go, and I hope he got the respect he deserved from those who loved him. Also, side note, but I wonder if they ever redid the road either to accommodate the large vehicles that can't drive either (or changed the rules to make it a one-way or something)? Y'know, cause the road was clearly the one to blame to them and must face the painful repercussions of changing for the betterment of everyone else. /s
Secondly, I'm not really knowledgeable in cars, so I guess here's to ranting with you.
Although, to be fair, I think most people would be ranting about this. Heck, I'm not even a car person, but I've seen this sort of stuff before and it infuriates me. It's so weird to me that people would buy a larger vehicle and then proceed to never learn how to drive a large vehicle. And having sat in one before, there's literally no way you can sit in one and think "hey this is definitely exactly like driving a small vehicle close to the ground :D", let alone when you're driving one. Then, they turn around and claim ignorance when it should be pride that's to blame.
Thanks buddy, been a tough few years. Hey the dude wasn't totally innocent. My brother did like to ride his bike quickly and technically. We just know that the truck driver wasn't 100% there, so...
First off, I'm so sorry for your loss
Thanks buddy, been a tough few years.
Hey the dude wasn't totally innocent. My brother did like to ride his bike quickly and technically. We just know that the truck driver wasn't 100% there, so who knows the truth right?
Either way. I lost my bro, truckie took someone out. Sucks all around.
Also, side note, but I wonder if they ever redid the road either to accommodate the large vehicles that can't drive either (or changed the rules to make it a one-way or something)? Y'know, cause the road was clearly the one to blame to them and must face the painful repercussions of changing for the betterment of everyone else. /s
It's a country road, that ain't ever getting touched. It's also not something you can do much about really. It needs to be wide enough for actual trucks (HGVs) and everyone else.
Although, to be fair, I think most people would be ranting about this. Heck, I'm not even a car person, but I've seen this sort of stuff before and it infuriates me. It's so weird to me that people would buy a larger vehicle and then proceed to never learn how to drive a large vehicle. And having sat in one before, there's literally no way you can sit in one and think "hey this is definitely exactly like driving a small vehicle close to the ground :D", let alone when you're driving one. Then, they turn around and claim ignorance when it should be pride that's to blame.
It happens a lot. The slow increase in size is problematic to say the least. It's just a different set of requirements that aren't ever really considered.
You should see the Northeast! Traffic in Boston used to be bad enough back in the day but getting around these days can get wild. Add in the fact that the drivers usually don't even know how wide...
We have wide roads in the US and the huge SUVs and Trucks are a problem here but it must be a nightmare on the narrower roads there!
You should see the Northeast! Traffic in Boston used to be bad enough back in the day but getting around these days can get wild. Add in the fact that the drivers usually don't even know how wide their truck is and you regularly have to full stop because a truck is just halfway in your lane.
I wouldn't really say the civil engineering failed just that, outside of the big dig which was often derided during its tenure, it was built with horse and buggy in mind. Everything else has just...
I wouldn't really say the civil engineering failed just that, outside of the big dig which was often derided during its tenure, it was built with horse and buggy in mind. Everything else has just been adding on to that problem and no one dares to recommend tearing down any of that history.
I like Boston post the big dig as expensive and late as it was. It’s so nice to walk across a park from Faneuil Hall to the old neighborhood where Paul Revere’s house is, then go walk across the...
I like Boston post the big dig as expensive and late as it was. It’s so nice to walk across a park from Faneuil Hall to the old neighborhood where Paul Revere’s house is, then go walk across the bridge to where the U.S.S. Constitution is. I remember driving down the ugly “green monster” as a kid and wondering about this strange inverted dome I could catch a glimpse of, now I know it is the historic Boston Harbor Hotel which is now in an environment worthy of its splendor.
London is actually a really decent city to ride in. The population are pretty switched on to the fact we're around... mostly. You still get clowns. It's the motorways that scares me. People just...
Hats off to you for being brave enough to ride a motorcycle through that, I have a friend that rides here but not in city's anymore after one bad crash and several close calls.
London is actually a really decent city to ride in. The population are pretty switched on to the fact we're around... mostly. You still get clowns.
It's the motorways that scares me. People just power down. The amount of people who swap lanes without a second look in blindspots / indicating is absolutely terrifying.
I do want a large car, but I want a car. Not a CUV or SUV or truck or any of those things. I want a comfortable to drive car with a comfortable ride and yet they basically no longer exist in US...
I grew up with big sedans but at least they were comfortable and fit their city environment more than an SUV/Truck.
Here in the states the auto press repeats endlessly (as they are paid to do) that consumers want nothing but large cars.
I do want a large car, but I want a car. Not a CUV or SUV or truck or any of those things. I want a comfortable to drive car with a comfortable ride and yet they basically no longer exist in US market. I ended up getting a CUV a couple years ago since it was noticeably cheaper than other options and I am getting rid of it this year. Even if I have to buy an older used car it will be a huge improvement in the quality of the drive compared to the garbage CUVs.
We're looking for a new car for me right now, and I want a hatchback like my current car. There are so few models that are hatchback now that it's almost impossible to find one with the features I...
We're looking for a new car for me right now, and I want a hatchback like my current car. There are so few models that are hatchback now that it's almost impossible to find one with the features I want (driver presets, hybris or electric being the main ones) unless I want an suv. I've been looking at the Bolt, because it's electric, is a hatchback and has the driver presets...... at the top range of the car for $35+K in my area, and to get the one feature I want, I have to sacrifice some of the other features I want like the sunroof (which I'm happy to give up, but come on!).
Driving in the US sucks as it is, and I hate doing it, if I didn't want a safer car, I wouldn't be looking at all. But I drive a tiny hatchback that only gets about 300 miles to the gallon and while I only drive a few times a week, somehow, that gas goes quick.
Slightly off topic, but the article is incredibly difficult to read when every sentence either starts or ends with Which? as it completely breaks the flow of the sentence. Otherwise, this is a...
Slightly off topic, but the article is incredibly difficult to read when every sentence either starts or ends with Which? as it completely breaks the flow of the sentence.
Otherwise, this is a growing trend throughout the western world and it's infuriating. Not just the SUVs are the problem, longer cars are becoming increasingly dominant on roads.
It’s kinda funny, my son got his first W2 job off the farm and he needed a car. He really hates the look of newer cars but also if you want a 2013 or something prices are too damn high. I helped...
It’s kinda funny, my son got his first W2 job off the farm and he needed a car. He really hates the look of newer cars but also if you want a 2013 or something prices are too damn high. I helped him find a 1996 Buick Park Avenue which was a large luxury car back in the day which is old enough to be distinctive (evocative of a 1970’s “boat”) but new enough to have airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, OBD II, etc.
Driving back from Norwich, NY and seeing him in the rear view mirror I couldn’t help but notice that his car looked dwarfed compared to the trucks and SUVs on the road behind him.
That’s kinda ICE centric. Autobesity is just as big a problem with electrics: (1) Western carmakers are outright refusing to make affordable electrics, (2) instead they are making oversized and...
That’s kinda ICE centric. Autobesity is just as big a problem with electrics: (1) Western carmakers are outright refusing to make affordable electrics, (2) instead they are making oversized and expensive electrics with all the problems of oversized gas cars, and (3) since electrics are heavier than gas cars for a given size there is fear that large electrics will cause parking structures to collapse (really!)
Just ban them... they aren't suitable for our roads or parking infrastructure, they are a danger to other road users and pedetsrians for various reasons, the people who own then invariably drive...
Just ban them... they aren't suitable for our roads or parking infrastructure, they are a danger to other road users and pedetsrians for various reasons, the people who own then invariably drive like they are a king and meer peasants in their flimsy normal cars should scatter before them.
I'm also for better enforcing traffic restrictions on other large vehicles in built-up areas. Even some established bus routes where the busses struggle to squeeze through should be rethought, either re-routed or smaller busses used. The number of times I've seen busses that have had to swing out across onto the wrong side of a main road to turn out of a junction, into oncoming traffic, it's mad how more accidents don't happen.
Another rant, the sheer number of parked cars lining streets, making using roads dangerous, some I'd wager where fire engines couldn't get to some houses if they were needed.
What's worse with this? The owners cannot drive them for love nor money.
I'm a motorbiker and ride in and out of London regularly. There's so many large vehicles that just act as immovable objects to anyone else on the road.
In the wrong lane? Not their problem.
Cover the traffic lights line? Not their problem.
Blocking the cycle lane? Not their problem.
Parking all over the shop? Not their problem.
It's endemic of a problem with these vehicles and their owners. There's just no understanding or skill on how to use them right. They just want to floor it down roads, make loads of noise, look really cool and probably end up hitting someone or something because of their stupidity.
There was a thread on here a few months ago where folks got into it over someone's remarks about "Gotta keep safe by having more mass than the other guy" logic. My bro got killed by an f150 on the wrong side of the road in the countryside four years ago because the driver didn't know how to control his vehicle (bro was on a motorbike)
The entire situation was swept under the rug because "Oh, it was a thin road". It's not. It's a main A-Road that's big enough for two tractors to pass... But the driver got a pass because of his stupid goddamn truck.
Sorry. That turned out more ranting than I wanted...
Here in the states the auto press repeats endlessly (as they are paid to do) that consumers want nothing but large cars.
In the 1970s my dad would go to American car dealerships that would have some excuse why they didn't have small cars in stock or otherwise refuse to sell them.
By the late 2010s Japanese car dealers were up to the same tricks. After the 2008 crisis there was a short time when the government got car makers to clean up their act for fuel economy but after Tesla, carmakers convinced the government that they'd have to let them do whatever they want to be profitable enough to invest in the electric transition.
Which has us in the place where we are now, where electric vehicle sales are stalled because they refuse to sell anything that most people can afford.
Well there's also very little infrastructure for electric vehicles with almost nothing being done about it.
Unless you're rich with a house she a garage where you could actually install a charger, you can't own an electric vehicle because there's nowhere to charge it. Some workplaces offer a couple spots but there usually always taken. If you normally park on the street or a parking structure you have no way to charge your vehicle.
It just isn't possible to own one
The problem in the US is political and legal, not technical.
As I've understood it, when building a gas or oil pipeline you get one federal-level permit and just lay down your pipe, the land owners can pound sand if they disagree.
With the electric grid you need approvals on multiple levels (state, county, city, landowner) and pretty much anyone who can see the high-voltage line gets to appeal the build process...
The only real technical problem is the single phase (yes split-phase, but it's still crap) grid that just doesn't deliver the power needed even for electric kettles, never mind a full 3-phase charger for an EV.
Was in Australia recently and was talking to my father in law about this.
The new Hilux is gigantic to complete with the American Trucks coming over and really pushing their wares. He's got a slightly older Mitsubishi Pejaro and it's a fantastic truck to do what we needs to do daily (They're in Rural Aus). His brother in the same town has a tank of a Dodge that is all flash, no substance and really has pushed these land yacht vehicles onto everyone else.
Yeah, I've definitely seen this trend. In fairness / full disclosure, I have a large vehicle myself... but I'm a contractor and have 4+ ladders and 1,000+lbs (~450+kg) of tools that I need to drive to worksites with. I may well be biased when it comes to myself, but I think I'm a legitimate use-case.
When I see people driving those new, huge trucks to get groceries with their kids, with an empty and clean / clearly not used for heavy loads back bed, I just sigh and shake my head. You don't need to be burning 14mpg (or worse) for that huge thing when a sedan would work just fine for less expense, or even a minivan if you need to seat a bunch of kids.
You're the dude who these things are for.
You literally have to carry more kit than most people buy in a lifetime.
All flash, no substance. They just want to look cool to their mates and feel 'rich'.
These things are all about appearances. That's both "look how rich I am!" and an appearance of safety.
This is how my older brother is. He said he bought the truck to prep for kiddo's eventual activities (because he's going to be the "soccer dad" - maybe) but nephew is 3 and not interested in activities that need huge trucks to haul stuff yet, if he ever will be. Obviously it's an investment in the future, because he doesn't want to buy a new car when the time comes and they don't have the money for it, but right now, he looks like an asshole who is just using his truck to look cool. Now, my brother knows how to drive, and learned to drive professionally/racing style when he was younger on a track, but that doesn't really tanslate to a giant truck. Even in Texas where everyone has these massive cars.
I recently saw a video that made me even more afraid of all of these trucks being hit head on by a semi and almost none of them save for a few older framed trucks) even survived the crash.
You know what's the worst thing about that? He just doesn't need a truck for that stuff.
I'm an Archer, I've got the biggest most complicated piece of kit for when I go to my range. I manage to work it out and get it onto my motorbike.
The truck is just an excuse. He could easily throw a couple of bags of clean kit together for whatever the kid wants to do when he grows up. He just wants the cool truck.
There should be an engine or wheelbase tax for folks like that.
Oh definitely! He's a cool guy overall, but he really likes his toys.
I figured he meant that he would be the one to haul all the soccer equipment like the goals and stuff, but even still. I managed a quidditch team and even with all the stuff we carried (pinnies, balls, headbands, "brooms", goals), we could fit it all into a sedan trunk. PVC comes apart.
I'm assuming he wants the kid to ride motorbikes or windsurf or something like that, where a huge board or messy bike needs to go into the back, but even still. I'm sure there are alternatives.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It highlights exactly why these cars are so dangerous.
My immediate thought with that headline was “who cares about parking spaces, what about rural roads?!” I grew up in the countryside where a lot of the lanes are too small for even two regular sized cars to pass - someone has to back up into a gateway. Can’t imagine there would be a lot of room left if two of these giant cars needed to pass.
Same. I'm from a rural town and that's where my brother passed. First thought when I see these trucks and cars is around how they must have to really squeeze everyone off the road in the countryside to actually get around. Let alone when you see them in London / Birmingham / Manchester...
Thanks buddy. Tell me about it.
Yes exactly and then I’m thinking if farmers don’t even need a truck that size, who does?!
larger vehicles are more dangerous to others in smaller vehicles, but riding motorbikes is even more dangerous. Being hit by a mini can kill you on a bike.
It doesn't matter if it was a pushbike he was killed on. These vehicles are a threat to everyone on the road who isn't them. Owning them is selfish and deplorable.
Look. We get on our bikes and we know we take a risk, we know that. I shouldn't have to fear some grossly incompetent boob smashing into me at 70mph head first because he doesn't have lane disciple in his tank.
You have yo fear that regardless. Getting hit on a bike by a truck or car is not going to make a huge difference, it's extremely deadly no matter what one hits you.
My point isn't "trucks are fine" it's motorcycles/bikes are dangerous when on the same road as all vehicles. Complaining about trucks while ignoring the very similar danger cars provide seems weird to me.
In the grand scheme of things, the trucks/large cars are the bigger threat. Not just to motorcyclists, but to bicyclists and pedestrians as well.
Blaming motorcyclists for getting killed is the wrong idea.
Motorbikes are dangerous for the people riding them, can't disagree there. But massive SUVs are far more dangerous for literally everyone else on the road INCLUDING motorcycles, due to their poor visibility.
I get what you're saying, but this actually does matter to an extent. These huge vehicles have much higher front bumpers and hoods which make it far more likely to go under the vehicle in a collision (if you're a motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian) than a normal car. That makes them much more dangerous.
The ridiculous part of this is that trucks aren't even safer.
They're also under way less regulation than many cars, which might be how we ended up with these boats in the first place.
First off, I'm so sorry for your loss. To do everything right and get killed anyways is one of the scariest ways to go, and I hope he got the respect he deserved from those who loved him. Also, side note, but I wonder if they ever redid the road either to accommodate the large vehicles that can't drive either (or changed the rules to make it a one-way or something)? Y'know, cause the road was clearly the one to blame to them and must face the painful repercussions of changing for the betterment of everyone else. /s
Secondly, I'm not really knowledgeable in cars, so I guess here's to ranting with you.
Although, to be fair, I think most people would be ranting about this. Heck, I'm not even a car person, but I've seen this sort of stuff before and it infuriates me. It's so weird to me that people would buy a larger vehicle and then proceed to never learn how to drive a large vehicle. And having sat in one before, there's literally no way you can sit in one and think "hey this is definitely exactly like driving a small vehicle close to the ground :D", let alone when you're driving one. Then, they turn around and claim ignorance when it should be pride that's to blame.
Thanks buddy, been a tough few years.
Hey the dude wasn't totally innocent. My brother did like to ride his bike quickly and technically. We just know that the truck driver wasn't 100% there, so who knows the truth right?
Either way. I lost my bro, truckie took someone out. Sucks all around.
It's a country road, that ain't ever getting touched. It's also not something you can do much about really. It needs to be wide enough for actual trucks (HGVs) and everyone else.
It happens a lot. The slow increase in size is problematic to say the least. It's just a different set of requirements that aren't ever really considered.
You should see the Northeast! Traffic in Boston used to be bad enough back in the day but getting around these days can get wild. Add in the fact that the drivers usually don't even know how wide their truck is and you regularly have to full stop because a truck is just halfway in your lane.
I wouldn't really say the civil engineering failed just that, outside of the big dig which was often derided during its tenure, it was built with horse and buggy in mind. Everything else has just been adding on to that problem and no one dares to recommend tearing down any of that history.
I like Boston post the big dig as expensive and late as it was. It’s so nice to walk across a park from Faneuil Hall to the old neighborhood where Paul Revere’s house is, then go walk across the bridge to where the U.S.S. Constitution is. I remember driving down the ugly “green monster” as a kid and wondering about this strange inverted dome I could catch a glimpse of, now I know it is the historic Boston Harbor Hotel which is now in an environment worthy of its splendor.
I've done that precisely once. I would rather drive in San Francisco again, and I get panic attacks just pulling into the city 😂
London is actually a really decent city to ride in. The population are pretty switched on to the fact we're around... mostly. You still get clowns.
It's the motorways that scares me. People just power down. The amount of people who swap lanes without a second look in blindspots / indicating is absolutely terrifying.
I do want a large car, but I want a car. Not a CUV or SUV or truck or any of those things. I want a comfortable to drive car with a comfortable ride and yet they basically no longer exist in US market. I ended up getting a CUV a couple years ago since it was noticeably cheaper than other options and I am getting rid of it this year. Even if I have to buy an older used car it will be a huge improvement in the quality of the drive compared to the garbage CUVs.
We're looking for a new car for me right now, and I want a hatchback like my current car. There are so few models that are hatchback now that it's almost impossible to find one with the features I want (driver presets, hybris or electric being the main ones) unless I want an suv. I've been looking at the Bolt, because it's electric, is a hatchback and has the driver presets...... at the top range of the car for $35+K in my area, and to get the one feature I want, I have to sacrifice some of the other features I want like the sunroof (which I'm happy to give up, but come on!).
Driving in the US sucks as it is, and I hate doing it, if I didn't want a safer car, I wouldn't be looking at all. But I drive a tiny hatchback that only gets about 300 miles to the gallon and while I only drive a few times a week, somehow, that gas goes quick.
Slightly off topic, but the article is incredibly difficult to read when every sentence either starts or ends with Which? as it completely breaks the flow of the sentence.
Otherwise, this is a growing trend throughout the western world and it's infuriating. Not just the SUVs are the problem, longer cars are becoming increasingly dominant on roads.
It’s kinda funny, my son got his first W2 job off the farm and he needed a car. He really hates the look of newer cars but also if you want a 2013 or something prices are too damn high. I helped him find a 1996 Buick Park Avenue which was a large luxury car back in the day which is old enough to be distinctive (evocative of a 1970’s “boat”) but new enough to have airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, OBD II, etc.
Driving back from Norwich, NY and seeing him in the rear view mirror I couldn’t help but notice that his car looked dwarfed compared to the trucks and SUVs on the road behind him.
That’s kinda ICE centric. Autobesity is just as big a problem with electrics: (1) Western carmakers are outright refusing to make affordable electrics, (2) instead they are making oversized and expensive electrics with all the problems of oversized gas cars, and (3) since electrics are heavier than gas cars for a given size there is fear that large electrics will cause parking structures to collapse (really!)
https://www.curbed.com/2023/04/parking-garage-collapse-heavier-electric-vehicles-suvs.html
Just ban them... they aren't suitable for our roads or parking infrastructure, they are a danger to other road users and pedetsrians for various reasons, the people who own then invariably drive like they are a king and meer peasants in their flimsy normal cars should scatter before them.
I'm also for better enforcing traffic restrictions on other large vehicles in built-up areas. Even some established bus routes where the busses struggle to squeeze through should be rethought, either re-routed or smaller busses used. The number of times I've seen busses that have had to swing out across onto the wrong side of a main road to turn out of a junction, into oncoming traffic, it's mad how more accidents don't happen.
Another rant, the sheer number of parked cars lining streets, making using roads dangerous, some I'd wager where fire engines couldn't get to some houses if they were needed.