Discussions

Do you know what really grinds my gears? People who don't drive the speed limit on Hwy 1A. It's 100km/hr not 90, not 80 and not 70. This happens in all seasons not just winter for those that may respond that people are driving to the road conditions because yes, in winter you should always drive to the road conditions. People who don't drive the speed limit cause accidents. People are impatient and will then try to pass when it's not safe.

Anyone who drives long distances regularly on highways knows that slow driver may not cause accidents,but are the root cause of many highway accidents. They cause clusters of vehicles behind them and impatience leads to drivers behind doing stupid things.Proper passing etiquette of allowing the first vehicle behind the slow one to pass first and everyone taking their turn would solve lots of problems.Passing lanes now make highway travel a whole lot better.

Key word impatience. seen way too many "accidents" over the years. Whats the hurry. 23 yrs working for MB highways; 33 yrs as a Firefighter/rescuer. Seen too much because of impatience. It has to stop.

I will agree with the op. I have seen line ups of vehicles (8 to 12 vehicles) driving at speed of 80 because of the first driver at the front so after miles and miles of this so fed up of this I see some vehicles decide to pass a bunch of vehicle or a vehicle will pass right close to a hill when a car is coming the other direction.  
By the way this is me I don't do this crazy thing because I can feel their frustration.  
In my opinion I find the first slow driver should move over to the shoulder at times to let some vehicles go by (rarely but I do it at times) and then the 2nd or 3rd driver in line don't move they stay behind for miles so it does make harder for vehicles behind them to pass so make some drivers p*** off. It is the driver's choice to drive at speed 80 but I think it doesn't mean you have to make everyone else behind go to that speed so why those drivers do not move over to the shoulder and let some pass by because they are times it is difficult to pass because of busy coming traffic so you are stuck behind for miles and miles.

The idea is simple, but understanding seems to be complex. I believe in the three C''''s of defensive driving, and use it in daily driving, especially the courtesy part, but far to often acts of courtesy seem to be misunderstood . When pulling onto a hiway I look at it as a right hand turn on a red light, if traffic is coming and there is time to make the turn and get safely on the shoulder I do so. I''''m not sure what it is about a vehicle being on the shoulder that seem to confuse many drivers but it seem to have that effect. At times I wonder if people pay attention to the brake and signal lights of other vehicles, once on the shoulder I usually put on the 4 way flashers, this means that I am not moving at traffic speed and feel free to pass, once it is clear to get from the shoulder to the pavement I will signal my intention to do so. This way of driving seems to confuse a lot of drivers, and they slow down an refuse to pass, same seems to apply when going less than the speed limit, and taking to the shoulder to let people by.  
Mirrors and signal lights are on vehicles for a reason, don''''t just stare ahead and watch the road but check your mirrors and watch the signal lights of vehicles, and apply care, caution and courtesy.  
 
Edited by don brown, 2017-03-11 07:10:47

They do not cause the accidents.  
Read the comments: the drivers get frustrated and do stupid things, impatience.  
 
That is what causes the accidents. Obviously the slower driver is not in such a rush that they will get to their destination in time.  
 
There goes the selfishness and all about me attitude again.  
 
It is a maximum speed, not a required speed. We all get behind these drivers at some point in our travels, leave them alone. You never know, it could be one of your friends or family doing this, how would you feel if it was your impatience or bad decision that caused the accident and killed them?

Milky Whey said "They do not cause the accidents.   Read the comments: the drivers get frustrated and do stupid things, impatience.     That is what causes the accidents. Obviously the slower driver is not in such a rush that they will get to their destination in time.     There goes the selfishness and all about me attitude again.     It is a maximum speed, not a required speed. We all get behind these drivers at some point in our travels, leave them alone. You never know, it could be one of your friends or family doing this, how would you feel if it was your impatience or bad decision that caused the accident and killed them? "

Use cigarettes as s comparison to slow drivers.  
Cigarettes by themselves don't cause cancer! Put one on a table and look at it,it's harmless by itself, unlite. However, lighting a cigarette and smoking it (first hand or second) is a well known fact that it causes cancer. Slow drivers are the same in that they, by themselves do not cause accidents. A slow driver all by themselves on a deserted road will be safe and just like the unlit cigarette pose no problem whatsoever. Put this slow driver at the head of a 20 car lineup doing 20km/hr slower than the posted limit then "yes" that driver certainly poses a risk to the wellness of all other drivers around him or her. It's too easy to share the road and pull over a bit to let others by, but "no way" most of them think. I'm in my rightsto "hog" the road if I choose to do so as I'm not breaking the law! It's funny "Milky Whey" that you should mention that it's all about me society when it comes to impatient drivers. I look at it from the other side and I slso see the "it's all about me" when I see someone hogging the road with a mile long linup behind them. Just share the road!

Why is everyone in such a hurry?  
 
Impatience causes accidents, OP. Not slow drivers.  
 
Also, 1A is packed with deer. Some people may be travelling slower due to seeing a deer on their drive or having hit one before, they know better than to fly down that road.

Just a few reminders: The speed limit on Vic. Ave west in the intersection of 34th st. is just 60km per hour, not 70+. Passing right on the gravel shoulder because you are very impatient with those who may want to turn left to Fowler's for example is very highly illegal! For those who are coming into Brandon on 1A (Vic. Ave), please note what the speed limit is and not go 80+ . Finally, stop littering and throwing your garbage in the ditch. I wish the police were out that area a little more often and catch the speeders and those who think passing right on the gravel shoulder is smart.

Chewey85 said "Why is everyone in such a hurry?     Impatience causes accidents, OP. Not slow drivers.     Also, 1A is packed with deer. Some people may be travelling slower due to seeing a deer on their drive or having hit one before, they know better than to fly down that road. "

Is everyone in such a hurry? Good question. Maybe if we could walk in their shoes (impatient drivers) maybe we could understand better. Maybe they are younger and in the workforce and not retired like a lot of slower drivers. Maybe they'vebeen bomberbed by working demands all day, maybe had 100 emails to answer and some with action. Maybe they had to stay at work longer to put out the daily fires and now are running late for the children's after school activities or whatnot and are stuck behind someone who is hogging the road with a long lineup of cars behind them. Who knows why they're in a hurry? What gives us the right though to hog the road as if it's ours and be another thorn in their hectic day. Share the road everybody!

Isn't highway 1 speed limit 110kmph?

We are all busy in our own way. So, why don't you pass and cause a crash. Maybe that person driving slow has had a bad day as well and is trying to unwind before they get home.  
When you have crashed into someone, laying in a coffin or a a hospital bed is really going to get you home quicker.  
 
The busy war is a crazy argument. Everyone I know is "busy." Start eliminating stuff if it is that bad. The "busy" is all a choice.

Is off topic a bit, but still relevant to hogging a lane and I see it constantly wether on the number 1 or 10. For example cars on the number 10 using one the few passing "double lanes" to overtake another while going .5 km faster than the vehicle they are trying to pass. This also happens quite often on the number1 hwy. Again, I view this as selfish and not sharing the road. Pass then move over to the right to let others pass. Sounds simple, but not everyone understands this very simple concept. Also on the number 1 hwy there appears to be a fairly high number of drivers that do not understand the concept of a divided highway as I often see cars driving 90-100 Km/hr in the left lane. The left lane is for passing or turning left onto another road if that's the case. So many times I've seen dumb drivers staying in the left lane as if the own it while doing 10 km/hr below the posted limit. Mandatory driving tests every 5-10 years would be a good idea in my opinion. Make it a "similator" test to cut costs down. This would ensure that all drivers are kept educated on how to drive and share the road and how to use a signal light to indicate intent. Another pet peeve of mine is the number of drivers in this city that turn left or right without signaling intent. They, IMO are usually the "slow cautious drivers"!

RodiusZhaotheBrave! said "Isn't highway 1 speed limit 110kmph? "

No one is talking about #1 bud.  
 
1A from Brandon to Kemnay is what 10kms? So even if someone was going 70 the whole way it would take you a whopping 3 extra minutes to drive that distance. Impatient people are right. Traffic is never so heavy that one can't take a deep breath, have a look and safely pass if they so chose.

There is no doubt that one driver who is holding up the flow of traffic is a hazard.  
 
They do not use common sense nor their rear view mirror. If there is 5 or ten cars behind you find a safe place to pull over and let the speedsters go.  
 
This certainly applies anyone pulling a fifth wheel etc.  
 
Ignore the fact the you are doing "close" to the speed limit. The flow(majority) of traffic is faster. Yes you are a hazard. Just like the clown going faster than the flow and passes time and time again when patience is wise.  
 
It is ok to drive at your own pace but what is behind you matters. None of us own the road, we share it.  
 
Edited by Doug, 2017-03-11 09:17:01

Holy the 1A is not that long. So you get to your destination 1-2 minutes later because of a slow driver. The nerve (insert eye roll). I do agree that driving too slow can be a hazard like 50 in a 100 zone. But 90 in a 100 zone is hardly reason to complain. Is it frustrating when you get behind a slow driver? Sure. But driving recklessly to get past the 1-2 minutes they may delay you is ridiculous. I used to commute on the low road to Shilo and there was a truck that had to Mach 2 to race past everyone and almost cause accidents every day. Only to be two cars ahead at the stop sign 2 km ahead

The worst ones are the ones who cant make up their mind what speed they want to drive. One second their going 100 km/h then 90, then 80, then 95, then back to 80 and then when you get a chance to pass them safely, they drive 110 km/h or more and you cant pass them. I`ll never understand it.  
 
Edited by The_Young_Man, 2017-03-11 11:02:50

don brown said "The idea is simple, but understanding seems to be complex. I believe in the three C''''s of defensive driving, and use it in daily driving, especially the courtesy part, but far to often acts of courtesy seem to be misunderstood . When pulling onto a hiway I look at it as a right hand turn on a red light, if traffic is coming and there is time to make the turn and get safely on the shoulder I do so. I''''m not sure what it is about a vehicle being on the shoulder that seem to confuse many drivers but it seem to have that effect. At times I wonder if people pay attention to the brake and signal lights of other vehicles, once on the shoulder I usually put on the 4 way flashers, this means that I am not moving at traffic speed and feel free to pass, once it is clear to get from the shoulder to the pavement I will signal my intention to do so. This way of driving seems to confuse a lot of drivers, and they slow down an refuse to pass, same seems to apply when going less than the speed limit, and taking to the shoulder to let people by.   Mirrors and signal lights are on vehicles for a reason, don''''t just stare ahead and watch the road but check your mirrors and watch the signal lights of vehicles, and apply care, caution and courtesy.     Edited by don brown, 2017-03-11 07:10:47"

Im not sure why you would turn on to the shoulder in the first pace since you are not supposed to treat the shoulder like a lane (you can pass on it if someone is turning left tho) thats why people are confused. You may think you are getting on the hiway earlier but if it is confusing people you are actually not getting ahead at all.  
 
driving counts on predictability and what you are doing is out of the norm therefore causes issues, I would suggest you quit using the shoulder to pull out if front of people(really making drivers think you are going to cut them off).  
 
However Drivers can figure out that you are turning if you use a paved shoulder to turn on a gravel road from a hiway if someone is directly behind you but thats because of the turn signal, 4 ways really mean "hazard" and honestly if that is how you are making a right on a hiway you are a hazard but no one knows what hazard because they can not predict what you are going to do  
 
otherwise i do think courtesy goes a long way and that i:ncludes pulling over if you are slower then the rest of traffic and have a line behind you (in some places it is a ticketable offense if you dont) in that case its easy to see what you are doing if you put your turn signal on and move over to the shoulder  
 
i also dont understand why people think passing is so terrible, if it wasn't necessary sometimes it would be illegal, while you may not feel confident to drive faster or to pass why is it wrong if others do?

People can drive whatever speed they want.

4 way hazard lights (unless obviously laboring uphill) You have NO TURN SIGNALS when hazards are on and even though you "put on" your turn flasher it DOES NOT WORK.... THAT means YOU are unpredictable and a hazard! (contrary to what you espouse and think)  
Cautious drivers "know" your turn signals are "disabled" and thus unable to transmit intent.  
 
Edited by cam49, 2017-03-11 14:31:21

people cant actually drive "whatever speed they want" you CAN get a ticket for going to slow if there is no reason not to drive close to the speed limit.  
 
I understand 1A isnt that long but these courtesy's apply everywhere. if for whatever reason you can not go the speed of traffic you should move over when you're able and let others pass but while drivers are waiting to pass they should be patient and not tailgate, if everyone followed those rules we wouldnt have any issues

From what I was told by a RCMP officer, unless stated by signage, a shoulder can be used as an acceleration lane and travel is permitted on it, I was also told that if stopped, or traveling at a speed that was less than the speed of traffic, I should have my 4 ways on.  
I usually listen to them, they''re the ones who hand out the tickets. The information about using the shoulder as an acceleration lane is something that maybe only appies to heavily loaded vehicles that take some time to get to road speed, as in a loaded grain truck. As I''ve grown older, the balls to the wall idea has sort of lost it''s appeal, so I tend to take my time to get up to speed, also judging the speed of traffic, that is coming, sometimes is a crap shoot.  
As for pulling into the lane of traffic, I do shut the 4 ways off and then signal to enter the traffic lane. I have noticed more semi trucks using there 4 ways for more than just climbing hills under load, at the weigh station west of Brandon most truck use their 4ways until up to road speed.  
 
Edited by don brown, 2017-03-11 16:03:30

Its not illegal to go below the speed limit. It is illegal to travel on the shoulder to let others pass you, just as it is illegal to pass someone who is turning left to go by them on the shoulder. It is also illegal to pass someone and go over the speed limit to do so!  
 
Edited by gekko, 2017-03-11 17:46:46

don brown said "From what I was told by a RCMP officer, unless stated by signage, a shoulder can be used as an acceleration lane and travel is permitted on it, I was also told that if stopped, or traveling at a speed that was less than the speed of traffic, I should have my 4 ways on.   I usually listen to them, they''re the ones who hand out the tickets. The information about using the shoulder as an acceleration lane is something that maybe only appies to heavily loaded vehicles that take some time to get to road speed, as in a loaded grain truck. As I''ve grown older, the balls to the wall idea has sort of lost it''s appeal, so I tend to take my time to get up to speed, also judging the speed of traffic, that is coming, sometimes is a crap shoot.   As for pulling into the lane of traffic, I do shut the 4 ways off and then signal to enter the traffic lane. I have noticed more semi trucks using there 4 ways for more than just climbing hills under load, at the weigh station west of Brandon most truck use their 4ways until up to road speed.     Edited by don brown, 2017-03-11 16:03:30"

while RCMP do give out tickets many many of them actually dont know their legislation well. looking over the HTA for work i have noticed many things i didnt know as well as I thought too. taking courses with rcmp I have found their knowledge no better then people who work in other transportation jobs but anyway I understand why you would think if they say its ok then you could follow their advise. But if you look at the simple drivers handbook, or even phone MPI you will find driving on a shoulder is not allowed UNLESS it is to pass someone turning left. the problem about following what an RCMP officer told you is that if they are the ones that are misinterpreting the act or they just choose not to enforce that law, another RCMP could come along and enforce the proper rules, so in the industry's i work in I need to know because I come across many different enforcement agents and i want to do whats proper  
 
I have driven very large heavy vehicles so i get how they dont speed up as well but really you still should wait until you have enough time to accelerate enough to pull out in front of someone, if judging that is an issue then you need to change something, since you're "older" lol :D and dont feel the need to get up to speed quickly then you should also be patient enough to wait for an appropriate time, Plus even you admit you are confusing people  
 
as for 4 ways, yes if you are driving slower then the speed of traffic you should have them on (and turn them off to signal)but pulling out then moving to the shoulder makes people unsure what you are going to do. Are you going to merge? Can they make it by you before you want to move into the travel lane? do you see them? do you know where the lane is? Are you stopping? do you need help? thats why they are afraid to pass you, because what you are doing is not predictable to them

In the above two comments there seems to be conflicting statements, one says illegal to pass someone making a left turn by using shoulder. The other saying it is legal to pass a person making a left turn by using shoulder. Both making reference to the highway traffic act.

is not a lane to travel on or to pass on so passing a vehicle that is turning left is illegal to do so on the right hand side. No different than passing on the right anywhere on the highway. Don you will find your answer section 115 of the highway traffic act. I may be wrong with passing on the right, all how it is interpreted.  
 
Edited by gekko, 2017-03-11 18:41:00

Could that be the difference of being able to use the shoulder to pass someone making a left? Sorry, I have read the HTA, but that could be a possibility?

The first vehicle I registered was with MPIC, now that''''s a long timer ago, but since it was an older vehicle, I was asked if it could maintain a road speed of 45 mph, this was when the posted speed on most hiways was 60 mph, metric conversion would be 72 kph slow speed 96.77 kph fast speed. If the same applies today then no one can complain at a vehicle traveling at 75 kph, and if it illegal to travel on the shoulder then we must remain behind the slow vehicle until safe to pass reguardless how long the lineup gets. Now the next time you are in a lineup and a driver pulls on to the shoulder to let traffic by, be sure to take his number and report him. I am being extremely sarcastic here with the above comment, but what would courtesy entail in such a situation.  
Final comment. There is usually talk of the professional driver on the road, to me those are the people who drive semi units, my act of pulling onto the shoulder, which I consider an act of courtesy, has never gotten me a honk by an approaching driver in either direction, but usually gets an acknowledgement by, a wave, a flashing of break lights once they have gone past.  
Traveler, you made comments about the knowledge of RCMP officers and the law. Now maybe they don''''t know what the law always is, but I do believe they understand the actions people do take while driving that can create not a more dangerous situation, but a safer situation.  
Just my opinion, but sometimes laws and rules lack the most important part of creating a safe environment, and that is common sense.  
 
Edited by don brown, 2017-03-11 19:01:12

I should apologize for being sort of snotty with my comment.  
In my travels to Brandon I travel on five different types of roads. They are gravel roads, two lane roads without shoulders, two lane roads with gravel shoulders, two lane roads with paved shoulders and double lane roads with both shoulders paved. Also to me defining traveling does not mean pulling over to let traffic past, but going mile after mile on the shoulder. It would be interesting the definition of travelling, that the highway act refers to.  
On a double lane highway there is the traveling lane and the passing lane so unless you are having problems there is no need to be on the shoulder. If travelling on a road such as #10 south with paved shoulders , and #2 without paved shoulders the shoulder can have a twofold purpose, it allows slower traffic to move out of the stream of traffic on a temporary basis, it also allows a place to go if you become disabled.  
I guess I'm the type of person who believes that impeding the flow creates dangerous conditions, and using the shoulder for a short distance does not constitute traveling on the shoulder, some things are sort of subjective, and interpretation can mean a difference in ideas.

If you want to pass on the shoulder, be ware of the consequences of throwing stones onto the windshield of the vehicle you are passing.  
As for passing on the right of a vehicle making a left turn.  
are you positive there is not a on coming vehicle making a left turn also, not necessarily a car, but maybe a motorcycle that you can't see.  
As for impatient drivers, maybe they should drive the #1 in B.C. from Sicamous west to Kamloops.  
Single lane, big trucks, hills etc.  
And as for saving time, over a 20 km stretch, is miniscule.  
Maybe leave earlier would be a start.  
And it always far better to be patient and arrive vertical, than be impatient and arrive horizontal some place other than your desired destination.