Any race encounters?

paul_y3k · Post by **paul_y3k** » Thu Jul 17, 2003 2:39 pm

intresting post actually ... nice to have something to think about rather than the usual jokes etc.
Although I've got plenty of 'races' to my name .... even hada play with a mercedes the other day ...... wont tell you the outcome though

CB · Post by CB » Thu Jul 17, 2003 3:45 pm

My sympathies go to Chris (Mr Harrod) its that kind of thing happening that make you re-evaluate things. One of my best mates died in an accident recently. He was minding his own business and a prick driving a souped-up Mitsi GTO coming the other way clipped the kerb and rolled into him.

as for Robbie (!!!) I just wonder how many people you pulled and fined/gave points to/took licenses off during your time as a copper? Or did you turn a blind eye cus you knew you did it yourself?

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Thu Jul 17, 2003 10:18 pm

Well its an interesting question CB and thankfully I was not in traffic division and never got involved with using speed guns so I never had to issue speeding fines. I had given a few tips though to guys doing what I guessed was well over double the speed limit in a busy built up area.

britboy · Post by **britboy** » Fri Jul 18, 2003 12:54 am

Deep down I reckon the traffic cops LOVE IT when they get in a good race! When someone 'runs' like off police, camera action!

I bet there's times when they think soom scooby or something is not going to pull over and they think 'YES - LETS GET IT ON'

Then they pull over at the next available space and the officers are secretly like 'dammit -- was looking forward to a good panning in the name of duty' !!! Tell me I'm wrong!!

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Fri Jul 18, 2003 2:41 am

You are right Britboy, on many occasions I was in the back of the area car on a Friday or Saturday night duty, it never was complete if we hadn't had at least the 1 chase. Adrenilin flows in buckets after the PNC check reveals a stolen vehicle in front and then shortly after, predictibly, the driver pulls away. Its then only a matter of time before the offending vehicle with usually 3 or 4 up crashes and the occupants all bail out. Its then a race to see whose the fastest or to bring the dogs in if they've gone to ground.

But its during these chases that I've watched many a police driver take too many risks, driving on the wrong side of the road at 80-90 mph in built up areas, and through lights without slowing adequately. I'm sure most of us have seen this sort of behaviour.

rob · Post by **rob** » Fri Jul 18, 2003 12:34 pm

Well thats got the forum going!

I'm 38, with a number of years experience.............having seen countless accidents.

You usually see them in your rear view mirror don't you Robbie???

Me personally think we need a review of the speed limits, raise them in certain areas, BUT make the penalty for exceeding these higher limits much harsher.

We can all go a little faster then and those who take it too far should be punished. Driving a car is not a right, I think of it more as a privillege.

Erm · Post by **Erm** » Fri Jul 18, 2003 1:44 pm

ok first off street racing is stupid when there are other innocent cars and people around.

Altho i really dont see the harm on a motorway at 2am when there isnt another car around.... It can be safe to do 130mph + on an empty motorway but just go over 100 and u get a ban...... stupidity.

I personally like the portugese motorway system..... each lane has a different speed limit. Works well there... but then having no speed limit on a motorway is an even better idea cause if you cant go fast cuz its busy you wont!!! If its clear and empty then go as fast as u want or ur car can take you

Also i think racing someone off the lights is ok too after all its only a small distance

Tigger · Post by **Tigger** » Fri Jul 18, 2003 5:59 pm

Having read everyones views on racing I think that there is a time and a place for everything, I don't agree with street racing in built up areas, or towns or anything and people are killed on our roads every day but speed isn't always the main contributing factor.

I drove home from Birmingham city centre yesterday during the rush hour, most of the roads were gridlocked, but there were still people driving on the wrong side of the road because they think that they can make the road have an extra lane, just cos they want to get home. I had at leat 3 people just drive at me when turning infront of me at traffic lights because they couldn't be bothered to wait until there was a safe gap.
My CC told me that my average speed on the way home was 13mph, and had I not been on my guard I could have quote easily been the owner of one nicely written off cc through no fault of my own.

I'm glad I've got that off my chest - was also annoyed because it took me 1 and a half hours to do 8 miles!!!! AHHHH

CB · Post by CB » Fri Jul 18, 2003 9:26 pm

I liked living in Germany - no speed limits on the Autobahn, but the speed limit in built up areas is lower than in England. works ok, although frustratingly slow when you're trying to get somewhere in a hurry, but i can live with that cus it protects little kiddies...