Horse wrote:I've only heard of 'thirds' in the context of using the 'view' ahead:
1 Accelerate 2 Constant 3 Braking
I didn't get along with it - didn't like the focus seeming to be to ignore the mid-ground.
It's the above, as explained by Horse. Nothing to do with overtaking.
To elaborate just a little:
Firstly, "thirds" is a misnomer. If I divide something, anything, [eg. the road ahead], into thirds, I end up with three equal parts. That's not how it works. As you come off a bend you assess the straight piece of road ahead and mentally divide it into three discrete and distinct segments or phases, not necessarily of equal length, you immediately plan what you are going to do with each of these three segments/phases of road... then:
1. Accelerate: Use the first segment to briskly accelerate up to the safe, appropriate speed for this piece of road...
2. Constant: Use the middle segment to maintain speed whilst actively refining your driving plan for the bend which you will inevitably find at the end of the third segment...
3. Braking: I would prefer to characterise this as "dealing with the bend". It may necessitate braking; it may be sufficient to lift-off and then accelerate as the limit point begins to move through the bend and away from you. In essence the third phase is dealing with the bend for which you have given yourself time to plan during phase 2.
The real advantage of using the "thirds", or "three phase" rule is that it allows you time to consider and plan for the bend at which you are shortly going to arrive. If applied accurately it can make the flow of the drive much smoother. In my experience most drivers who don't use this approach will often stay on the power right up until the last second before the bend and then try and sort the bend out whilst transitioning through the apex.