Room for improvement: Driver behaviour and public transport
Getting from a-to-b in Britain is no fun on the roads or when using public transport.
Good day readers, the month of February is almost upon us, as 2023 continues where 2022 left off. Many people are dealing with the cost-of-living crisis, and uncertain times. In Eastern Europe, the war between Russia and Ukraine shows no signs of abating, as both armies prepare for a Spring offensive.
In this week’s edition of the Woz Report, I will discuss driver behaviour and the Elizabeth Line.
Recently, a colleague attended an online speed awareness course for exceeding a 30 mph limit. At the time he told himself he was in hot water and to expect three points. That’s exactly what the authorities thought.
On reflection, the course got me thinking. Once a driver has passed their test, it’s highly plausible they will not receive anymore formal training behind the wheel, unless they drive professionally. So in the 21st Century, why isn’t it mandatory to attend a period of online training, similar to the speed awareness courses?
I wonder how many drivers could correctly identify the speed limits for a car travelling on each type of carriageway? The stopping distance for a car travelling at 30 mph is 23 metres. The stopping distance increases to 36 metres at 40 mph. At 31 mph, a driver would hit a pedestrian at 8 mph from 23 metres. Food for thought.
My daily commute puts me behind the wheel for almost three hours per day, on a 60 mile round trip, and travelling along Essex’s A127 and A13 is not for the feint hearted. Average speed cameras are in place for everyone’s safety, yet some drivers forget their safety bubble, of the two second rule. Tailgating is common practice as drivers try their best to make up lost time on their journey, a futile habit.
What amazes me is how many people think it’s still ok to use their mobile while they are behind the wheel. The stopping distance at 70 mph for a car is 24 lengths, or 96 metres (21 meters of thinking distance). The next time you’re travelling on either a dual carriageway, or motorway, observe how many drivers are not paying attention to the road.
According to official statistics, road deaths have decreased 11 percent from 2019. Could it be that in car technology such as anti-collision detection helps to cut down accidents and fatalities? I would argue driver behavior is getting worse. We face a multitude of risks on the road, including drivers under the influence of drugs.
According to Crimestoppers UK, in 2019, over 12,000 people received a conviction for drug driving offences. The organisation reports a 299 percent increase in drug driver reports, from 5,028 in 2018/19, to 20,049 for the period of 2021/22. Those stats are astonishing.
There are many media reports of drivers being convicted for inhaling nitrous oxide (laughing gas) when they are in control of a vehicle. The act known as ballooning is ubiquitous among 16-26-year-olds. It’s alarming to learn of suppliers driving around the backstreets of Britain selling nitrous oxide canisters to anyone with a contactless payment card.
The authorities have got a mammoth task on their hands to improve driver behaviour, but the individuals have an equally important obligation to respect the laws of the road and other road users, which includes pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
Rail operators sell the idea of getting off the roads by taking an alternative method of transport is environmentally friendly, and less stressful. Or is it?
Two weeks ago on a Friday evening, my wife traveled from London on the newly commissioned Elizabeth line. Her first journey ended five stops short, when a points failure meant the driver suspended the service. On the following Monday, she tried again to get to her destination using the same line, only for the driver to suspend the service two stops short.
The Elizabeth Line is turning into a farce, which shouldn’t surprise you in modern-day Britain. Per the Evening Standard, passengers take 3.5m journeys per week on the Elizabeth Line, against the forecast of 2m passengers per week.
“I was expecting it to be a reliable efficient service, where I’d get on the trains no problems. That’s not what it is in reality. In reality it is a very stressful experience most of the time. It wasn’t what we were promised.” Sophie Meyrick, via the Evening Telegraph.
Reduced services, rail strikes and increased passenger fairs all add up to a less sanguine customer experience than imagined. My wife and I travel on the C2C line at least once per week, and thankfully, we don’t experience the same delays or disruptions as many other passengers face across Britain’s rail networks.
As a road cyclist I am envious of many European cycle networks. A typical week would see me climbing on my bike at least four times per week, but now I am content to spin the legs on my indoor trainer. It’s not only safer, I know that I am not going to become a government statistic by training indoors.
Official Cycling stats between 2004 and 2021:
fatalities decreased from 134 to 111 (-17%)
serious injuries (adjusted) rose by 27%
pedal cycle traffic grew by 62%
The government is encouraging people to get out and be active, but road safety must improve, and there simply isn’t enough cycle networks across Britain. I’d be more than happy to tackle the 30 miles to work, but there’s no way you’ll find my cycling down the A127 or A13.
Thank you for reading the Woz Report. The long rang weather forecast does not look favourable. Wherever you’re travelling this week, stay safe on the roads.