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Conference terri::cars_uk

Title:	Cars in the UK
Notice:	Please read new conference charter 1.70
Moderator:	COMICS::SHELLEYELD

Created:	Sun Mar 06 1994
Last Modified:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	2584
Total number of notes:	63384

2536.0. "RHD overtake in Europe??" by CHEFS::KERRISON_G () Tue Jul 30 1996 12:46

    
    
    Hello out there
    
    
    	has anyone out there happened upon a device that was called "Auto
    Pilot"? (I think)
    
    (or similar)
    
    	This device purported to assist us RHD vehicle drivers overtake
    whilst driving on the Continent (on the wrong side of the road)...In
    particular allowing a view forwards from the passenger seat of the road
    ahead to make overtaking safer and easier.
    
    	I seem to recall the device was a mirror containing box that
    clipped inside the windscreen either at dash or top of screen - and the
    driver had merely to glance over from his position to this box and
    could then see what was in front of the vehicles in front by edgeing
    out a little (rather than the whole car width!!)
    
    	cheers
    
    		Gary (just returned from Continental driving....)

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
2536.1	I'd rather wait!	BPSOF::BROWN	Chris Brown	`Tue Jul 30 1996 14:53`	21
	I have a similar device. Mine is simply a mirror with rubber sucker which should stick to the screen and enable you to look across and see around the truck in front. I found it absolutely useless. In order for this to be any use at all, it has to be pretty large. It is therefore heavy and cumbersome. On the odd occasions when it didn't fall off, my passenger invariably pulled it off, as it presents itslef to her as a piece of glass at almost 90 degrees right in front of her eyeline. Also, it is difficult to place it so as not to obstruct normal vision, and still be able to see through the part of the screen which is swept by the wipers. Much better to hang back, and get good visibility, look down the inside, underneath etc. In other words driving properly! If anyone wants to give it a try, you can have mine. Its free to a good home, but 'buyer' collects! - Chris -
2536.2		BIS1::MENZIES	Resume the Ceasefire!!!	`Wed Jul 31 1996 12:03`	5
	I agree with Chris, I've been driving RHD cars on the continent for 6.5 years now and I actually find them advantageous for overtaking as everyone else is peeking left when I have a clear view right. Shaun.
2536.3	overtake? Gotta get outa the car park first.	BPSOF::BROWN	Chris Brown	`Wed Jul 31 1996 12:52`	17
	Oen word of warning with this technique of looking down the inside, is that this can be isunderstood by following drivers, who think that you are moving over a little to let them past, or indicating that you have no intention of overtaking. Similarly, hanging back to get a clear view can be misinterpreted as not being interested in passing. You need to keep a clear watch on the b*gger behind too. Now when I think of what would be useful for RHD cars in Europe, it would be a device to take the tickets out of the machines at the entry to multi-storey car parks, and put it back in the other machine when you leave. Even with my fairly long arms, I often have to climb across the seats to reach the things. Of curse the solution to both problems is an LCC Rocket. Chris
2536.4		BIS1::MENZIES	Resume the Ceasefire!!!	`Wed Jul 31 1996 14:33`	6
	I have to agree again, every saturday results in an arm strain whilst windig down LHS window and taking ticket. It used to make me drive as close as possible to the ticket machine to reduce the stretch....well at least untill I knocked a wing mirror off! Shaun.