My chosen subject at university was Computer Science, but as this subject was in its infancy when I went to Uni, I had to spend my first year also studying Statistics, which included queuing theory.
I didn't like Statistics but, a bit like my O-level Latin has helped my spelling in later life, the basics of queuing theory has proved helpful, and provide great insight into some of the phenomena that we encounter on congested motorways and roads. I've used that knowledge to help me through too many Motorway queues, and now I'd thought I'd share my hints, tips and suggestions for effective Motorway driving by writing a book and authoring this website.
As well as queuing theory, do I understand the technology involved?
Well, my career is in Information Technology where my main focus has been on the development of computer systems for use in the Public Sector, including Police and enforcement systems.
Police projects have varied from the first Command and Control system for New Scotland Yard, to systems for countries from Canada to Algeria. More recently I have had responsibility for ANPR systems installed in several Police areas, and the introduction of new technology for VOSA (the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency which has replaced by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency in 2014).
My work has involved many hours both commuting by car and travelling long distances on Motorways. Whilst I used to average over 35,000 miles a year, I'm pleased to say that recently this has dropped to under 20,000 miles per annum, although most of this mileage is still on Motorways – where I've been able to avoid all but one accident (where I came to stop in a queue on the M4 but a car three back from me didn't, and drove into the queue at a speed approaching 70 mph destroying his car and the car he hit, whilst also seriously damaging the next car and lightly damaging mine).
When we drive on Motorways we typically see a variety of strange situations, for example:
• One lane suddenly comes to a stop whilst the other lanes continue
• All lanes come to a stop, then restart, only to all stop again a few hundred yards down the road
• Yet after another short distance we sometimes accelerate away without seeing any reason for the hold-up
• 'Rubbernecking' by drivers causes a carriageway to come to a halt to view something (typically an incident on the other carriageway)
• Motorways that otherwise seem to be freely running always seem to clog up as you approach an exit
Surprisingly enough, all these phenomena can be explained by the science of queuing, and the aim of this book is to explain this in layman's terms, enabling readers not only to understand why queues develop, but also to try to predict such queues and to get into the correct lane in advance to get past the hold-up as quickly as possible.
We also see a number of different types of annoying driver on the Motorway, from 'Sunday Afternoon Drivers' to middle lane hogs, tailgaters and outside lane hogs. This book suggests the best ways to cope with these different types of annoying driver, including how to get a driver who won't move over, to move over - and without the use of flashing headlights or the horn (no, it's not guaranteed to work 100% of the time, but certainly over 50% of the time our canny approach can be successful).
The book also explains about Wingmen, Zoom-zoomers, Followers, IFTYs, INLYI's and other driver traits one finds on Motorways - together with the tactics to adopt to deal with these drivers.
Throughout the book we also point out how to make full use of the law to speed our way through lane closures or incidents; and how to make use of the techniques employed by other canny motorway drivers, such as 'slip-roading' and the (legal) use of the hard shoulder.
Finally, the book takes a look at how the whole process of Motorway driving could be improved by significant changes to the laws and rules in the UK, varying from a zero-tolerance approach (but based on realistic laws/rules/limits), to legalising such activities such as over-taking on the left and 'zipping it up'.
Título : Canny Driving on Motorways
EAN : 9781311150691
Editorial : Canny Driver
El libro electrónico Canny Driving on Motorways está en formato ePub
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