Strangely Brown wrote:Another Bill wrote:Strangely Brown wrote:Another Bill wrote:All else being equal, if you are not inconveniencing anyone and you can see further ahead on a DC then why shouldn't (or indeed wouldn't) you be in L2 (or more)?
Because of Highway code, one of several mentions is 137 "On a two-lane dual carriageway you should stay in the left-hand lane. Use the right-hand lane for overtaking or turning right. After overtaking, move back to the left-hand lane when it is safe to do so."
I know that's not a "MUST" but it's a widely held public perception and it has a basis in HC. I'm all in favour of using dual carriageway lanes that way and do so when I think fit, but I'm generally aware of that perception, which sometimes makes me more reluctant. Last thing I want is for other traffic to "react" if they think I'm disregarding HC...
I refer the honourable gentleman to my previous post:
"What is the safest and most appropriate position for me to occupy on the road?"
Just because HC says to be in the left lane, that does not automatically mean that it is either the safest or most appropriate for the circumstances at the time.
As always, the answer begins with the words, "It depends..."
Exactly this, what SB says.
IAM examiners will suggest being in lane 2 of a dual carriageway on the approach to a left hand curve if it extends the view and doesn’t inconvenience or confuse other road users. I know of a number of d/c lay-bys, dangerously positioned on or just after a left hand curve, where lane 2 is by far the safest option on approach.
I recently had an IAM associate who got a F1RST. One of the techniques he used on test was to use lane 2 on a dual carriageway whenever the road ahead curved to the left, always observing the provisos regarding other road users noted above.
With regard to the Highway Code it’s worth remembering that it’s not an advanced driving manual.