View Full Version : Slowing down to look at crashes!
WHAT IS IT WITH CAR DRIVERS!
On the way home this evening, a normally flowing section of road ahead of me looks backed up.
Reason? There had been a serious accident on the other side (two cars being hauled away, one of them had had the roof cut off). So the sickoes in cars all slow down to have a good look! At least those of us on bikes had the decency to keep going.
Soon as they were past the "Viewing Zone", they all got back up to normal speeds. Sick, sick people - and to make it worse, the ambulance had to come back in my direction (assume closest A&E my way) so the ghouls would have slowed him down.
People like that need a good slap, they really do.
Lou Girardin
7th July 2004, 06:41
It's because their lives are so mind-bogglingly dull that they grasp any stimulation they can. They do the same for breakdowns and coppers pulling people over.
Cretins!
scumdog
7th July 2004, 07:43
Try being at a crash scene, the risk of getting run over is high because the rubber-necked nongs stare at the pretty blue & red flashing lights on the cop-cars instead of looking at where they are going - and some DON'T slow down, they just treat the scene like a chicane.
What is it with people, do they WANT to see mangled bodies so they can tell their mates and say "eewww, it was gross"? or what :angry:
My pet hate as well. Happens all the time on my commute. Only consolation is it's the cages that get caught in the resulting jams.
toads
7th July 2004, 09:29
therein lies the difference between your roads and ours, I always slow down and look, if I see an accident, for the simple reason there might be someone who needs help, it's going to be a long time before emergency services reach them and may not even have been notified. I agree it's goulish to watch for the sake of it, but it's dependant upon time and place.
Ms Piggy
7th July 2004, 11:21
Yeah I think it's pretty perverted to slow down & gawk at an accident. :eyepoke: Unless of course checking if assistance needed but if Ambos etc are already there it's just not necessary!
Coldkiwi
7th July 2004, 13:21
yes its a pain but the clear road on the other side of the accident or breakdown is often a bit of light relief for a biker thats had to fight the traffic in lanes 1A and 2A through the backlog! Case in point, 18 wheeler crapped out in the middle lane at greenlane on the Sthn Mwy this morning... holds everyone up like buggery trying to get round him but I had heaps of space after picking my way through (I don't slow down!) and got to give the gsxr's legs a bit of a stretch over an almost empty newmarket viaduct!
Perverted? Sickoes?
Bloody hell, I though it was just a normal human reaction, like curiosity or something. How does that make them sickoes?
because why would a person go out of their way to watch some other buggers misfortune....
I dont get it - move on, or move aside and help, the only 2 options there are in my opinion.
scumdog
7th July 2004, 14:05
Perverted? Sickoes?
Bloody hell, I though it was just a normal human reaction, like curiosity or something. How does that make them sickoes?
I don't know if i would call them sick but I still scratch me head and wonder why do they stare? You generally can't see any bodies and if it's wrecked cars they want to see they can go to a wrecking yard.
Same when a fire engine, ambulance, police car goes past with its lights/siren on, people all turn to stare as if they have never seen one, or maybe they expect it to sprout wings or something? "nowt as strang as folk" :wacko:
whats that edit button under my message?
Motoracer
7th July 2004, 14:29
whats that edit button under my message?
You will see the "edit" button on your own posts only. You can click on it to use the edit feature that allows you to go back to your post and make changes.
It's saved me a lot in thoes "Ooops, I shouldn't have said that" moments.
F5 Dave
7th July 2004, 14:59
Yeah the other day we were pulling out of an intersection into SH2 below the Rimtakas & the traffic was slowed almost to a stop. As we were in the Van (it’s ok we had the dirt bikes in the back :sly: ) we were stuck. Paul spots a Bouncy Castle in the distance at the side of the road & opinions that people are gawking at that like they’ve never seen one before.
Course he was right. Baaaa. (we need a sheep emoicon here)
I need an ‘eyes-up screen’ video game with cross hairs, explosions & flying debris so I can smite some of the cretins that befoul this world with their ‘the world only exists in front of me’ perception.
Skyryder
7th July 2004, 15:04
Not knowing the stretch of road but maybe they slowed down for safety reasons. Usualy at accidents there's people all over the place. Some need to be there others may be witnesses. However if the accident happens on the other side of the meridian well that's another story. Bit like when a fight starts: you can get killed in the stampede..............but then when it comes to blood sports........we have not developed our voyerism much further than the Romans.
Skyryder
Wenier
7th July 2004, 15:34
I keep a safe pace past crashes or accidents and dont stop unless there are no emergency crews there and other ppl, as if there is noone else there then generally the emergency ppl dont no bout it so stop and help. But alot of ppl slow down too much when at the scene of an accident which interrupts the flow of traffic if not causing another incident itself.
KATWYN
7th July 2004, 16:06
Well I look, at the same time I am hoping and praying they are o.k.
Just like whenever I see an ambulance screaming along with its lights
on I get goosebumps and literally start feeling sick, cos I know someone
or someones families life is about to change.
I don't look to stare at someones misfortune -
It could even be someone I know, if I stare straight ahead to be PC and not a sicko,then what if I find out it was my family member,
or my freind, then what?
Thats why I look.
Posh Tourer :P
7th July 2004, 18:04
However if the accident happens on the other side of the meridian well that's another story.
Would that be the Greenwich or the Paris meridian that you are talking about?
... if I stare straight ahead to be PC ...
Don't think it's PC, in my case I see it more as a survival thing. Over here often multiple accidents occur (on motorways) following the original accident simply because drivers are not paying attention as they pass. I'd prefer not to be another statistic so I'm extra alert passing the site of an accident and that ususally leaves me no capacity to have a look.
KATWYN
7th July 2004, 19:41
Don't think it's PC, in my case I see it more as a survival thing. Over here often multiple accidents occur (on motorways) following the original accident simply because drivers are not paying attention as they pass. I'd prefer not to be another statistic so I'm extra alert passing the site of an accident and that ususally leaves me no capacity to have a look.
Yes that makes sense to carry on in that situation. Can imagine slowing down
would create further probs
therein lies the difference between your roads and ours, I always slow down and look, if I see an accident, for the simple reason there might be someone who needs help, it's going to be a long time before emergency services reach them and may not even have been notified. I agree it's goulish to watch for the sake of it, but it's dependant upon time and place.
In this case it wasn't a case of finding someone or seeing an accident - the police, fire brigade and ambulance services were already there (as I said, they were hauling away the two cars involved). This was on a major 'A' road - all dual carriageway, so there was no way over to the accident from 'my' side of the road.
I do agree though - if you see someone down and the authorities aren't there, always best to pull up and see if they need assistance.
It is possible to find quiet, relatively unpopulated areas over here as well (even if we do squeeze around 70 million people in an area the same size as NZ)!
Lou Girardin
7th July 2004, 20:25
Even if it were someone you knew katwyn, you wouldn't recognise them.
It's a much better idea to concentrate on your driving.
jimbo600
7th July 2004, 20:31
WHAT IS IT WITH CAR DRIVERS!
On the way home this evening, a normally flowing section of road ahead of me looks backed up.
Reason? There had been a serious accident on the other side (two cars being hauled away, one of them had had the roof cut off). So the sickoes in cars all slow down to have a good look! At least those of us on bikes had the decency to keep going.
Soon as they were past the "Viewing Zone", they all got back up to normal speeds. Sick, sick people - and to make it worse, the ambulance had to come back in my direction (assume closest A&E my way) so the ghouls would have slowed him down.
People like that need a good slap, they really do.
Was that on the M40? I used to work at RAF Northolt and we used to see this all the time. Lots of nose to tails too from the gawkers slowing down.
Was that on the M40? I used to work at RAF Northolt and we used to see this all the time. Lots of nose to tails too from the gawkers slowing down.
Friend of mine used to be in the RAF Auxiliary at Northolt! Small world etc.
But no, it wasn't the M40 (they're still trying to finish off the roadworks on there, btw - I've lost track of how many years that has been going on), but the 'new' section of the A12 that goes from the top of the East India Dock Road out to the start of the M11.
maybe
7th July 2004, 20:55
I used to be an Ambulance Officer one time we were at an accident some dick went past so close clipped the door of the Ambulance just missed us then went into the corner of the fire truck that was assisting us.
jimbo600
7th July 2004, 20:57
Friend of mine used to be in the RAF Auxiliary at Northolt! Small world etc.
But no, it wasn't the M40 (they're still trying to finish off the roadworks on there, btw - I've lost track of how many years that has been going on), but the 'new' section of the A12 that goes from the top of the East India Dock Road out to the start of the M11.
Yeah I know the road.
They are STILL working on the M40. Flippin' flip, I left there in '96
As long as my wife is happy to rack up some more motorway miles on her XV250 (not an ideal m/way bike, it'll do 75, but that is wringing the neck out of it), got to use the M40 next month.
If we do, I'll have to report back on how the roadworks are coming along! Haven't been on it for a couple of years, so maybe they finally got done (though I doubt it somehow).
Talking M40 - I've always been convinced that section that goes through a valley - around about Thame? - is the one they use in the opening scenes of 'The Vicar of Dibley'. Never been able to get this confirmed though.
As I slowly trundle past an accident scene I gawk too - but I'm thinking how the hell did this happen? skid marks,what hit what,where,tragectories,make,model,that's a nice arse on the ambulance chick...I find accidents interesting.
scumdog
7th July 2004, 23:53
As I slowly trundle past an accident scene I gawk too - but I'm thinking how the hell did this happen? skid marks,what hit what,where,tragectories,make,model,that's a nice arse on the ambulance chick...I find accidents interesting.
Me too, especially when a rubber-necker runs over a flare he hasn't seen 'cos he's too busy looking out his side window, you can bet he don't need a dose of Ex-lax for a month. :bleh:
Firefight
8th July 2004, 07:01
I used to be an Ambulance Officer one time we were at an accident some dick went past so close clipped the door of the Ambulance just missed us then went into the corner of the fire truck that was assisting us.
'
Sadly the same thing happened just north of H bridge a few years ago, drunk driver, killed a professional firefighter who was already working at another MVA, Then his co workers had to cut the drunken bastrd out of the wreckage while Jims body lay on the road next to the fire appliance covered with a tarpalin.
F/F
jimbo600
8th July 2004, 12:19
As long as my wife is happy to rack up some more motorway miles on her XV250 (not an ideal m/way bike, it'll do 75, but that is wringing the neck out of it), got to use the M40 next month.
If we do, I'll have to report back on how the roadworks are coming along! Haven't been on it for a couple of years, so maybe they finally got done (though I doubt it somehow).
Talking M40 - I've always been convinced that section that goes through a valley - around about Thame? - is the one they use in the opening scenes of 'The Vicar of Dibley'. Never been able to get this confirmed though.
You're absolutely right.
Ghost Lemur
8th July 2004, 13:11
'
Sadly the same thing happened just north of H bridge a few years ago, drunk driver, killed a professional firefighter who was already working at another MVA, Then his co workers had to cut the drunken bastrd out of the wreckage while Jims body lay on the road next to the fire appliance covered with a tarpalin.
F/F
Didn't happen to accidentally cut his head off while using the jaws of life? I would have been damn tempted if it was my mate who the *insert expletives here* had killed.
If the co-worker did it he needs mass recognition, as that is true professionalisim. :first:
Firefight
8th July 2004, 17:58
Didn't happen to accidentally cut his head off while using the jaws of life? I would have been damn tempted if it was my mate who the *insert expletives here* had killed.
If the co-worker did it he needs mass recognition, as that is true professionalisim. :first:
Like all of the emergancy services, we are expected to be able to detach ourselves from any situation, the guys in that Crew acted like the true professionals they were, however, I am not sure I could have acted the same.
A very graphic photo appeared on the front page of out union magazine,weeks later, it showed the drunk still trapped in the car, up against the side of the fire appliance , with the crews working to cut away the wreckage,, and Jims(now deceased) his feet sticking out from under the tarpulin, the only consolation he was killed instanly, I remember when the magazine was delivered to the stations , there were not many dry eyes.
F/F
RiderInBlack
8th July 2004, 18:19
The poor "professionals" don't have much choice. If they were see to do anything less they would be up to they necks in legial "shit". If there is an accident stop if only you can help, otherwise Fu*k-off and get those who can some space:kick: (as an ex-RN I slow only to see if I am needed and am only too greatful to fu*k-off if I'm not). As for speed, isn't there a 20KPH limit past an accident site?
spudchucka
8th July 2004, 23:47
'
Sadly the same thing happened just north of H bridge a few years ago, drunk driver, killed a professional firefighter who was already working at another MVA, Then his co workers had to cut the drunken bastrd out of the wreckage while Jims body lay on the road next to the fire appliance covered with a tarpalin.
F/F
I hope they took there time on him. F**ken sack of shit!!
scumdog
9th July 2004, 01:47
The poor "professionals" don't have much choice. If they were see to do anything less they would be up to they necks in legial "shit". If there is an accident stop if only you can help, otherwise Fu*k-off and get those who can some space:kick: (as an ex-RN I slow only to see if I am needed and am only too greatful to fu*k-off if I'm not). As for speed, isn't there a 20KPH limit past an accident site?
Yeah RinB 20 kmh is the speed limit past the site though I wonder how many know it ( about 10% by my nervous experience) and yeah again, if you can't help you're no help being there, clear off and leave space for those that CAN help. <_<
Lou Girardin
9th July 2004, 06:50
It's like the 20 km/h limit past school buses, who does it?
Several times when I've slowed for a school bus I've nearly got a Liberace.
On the other hand, it is funny seeing the puzzled looks from other drivers. They can't work out why you're slowing.
Didn't the Pleece operate laser guns from the back of school buses at one stage? That's something I'm in favour of. (Don't go into shock Spud)
Firefight
9th July 2004, 08:20
It's like the 20 km/h limit past school buses, who does it?
Several times when I've slowed for a school bus I've nearly got a Liberace.
On the other hand, it is funny seeing the puzzled looks from other drivers. They can't work out why you're slowing.
Didn't the Pleece operate laser guns from the back of school buses at one stage? That's something I'm in favour of. (Don't go into shock Spud)
Bigest problem in our District Lou, seems to get the bus drivers to put the standard approved "School Bus"sign up, and if they do put it up, to remove it after use., But I agree many seem to have forgotton what it means, and have had people give me a frustrated :finger: gestue if I have slowed to pass one.
F/F
spudchucka
9th July 2004, 08:35
It's like the 20 km/h limit past school buses, who does it?
Several times when I've slowed for a school bus I've nearly got a Liberace.
On the other hand, it is funny seeing the puzzled looks from other drivers. They can't work out why you're slowing.
Didn't the Pleece operate laser guns from the back of school buses at one stage? That's something I'm in favour of. (Don't go into shock Spud)
I'm not shocked at all, and I'm all in favour of hard policing around schools too.
Jinx3d
9th July 2004, 10:02
2 points :
1 : Speaking as someone who has seen an accident happening on the opposite side of the motorway I can tell you that a fuck load of debris fly over the barrier into the opposite lane. Flying glass, plastic bumpers etc.
2 : People are not slowing down to look, use the grey matter apparently in your skull. Did you slow down? You had to - and so did everyone else.
Once the first people slow down, the following distances decrease behind them, even if the people in front speed up the problem has been created.
Its the same with merging - its not that people cant merge - the fact is that the following distances have been halved and so has the speed.
F5 Dave
9th July 2004, 10:10
one point, you can't do math.
. . .Its the same with merging - its not that people cant merge - the fact is that the following distances have been halved and so has the speed. . .
So how has the speed halved exactly? Yes you have to slow down for a while to space out, but halved? Does not compute. People slow down because the road narrows & they don't feel as safe.
2 points :
1 : Speaking as someone who has seen an accident happening on the opposite side of the motorway I can tell you that a fuck load of debris fly over the barrier into the opposite lane. Flying glass, plastic bumpers etc.
2 : People are not slowing down to look, use the grey matter apparently in your skull. Did you slow down? You had to - and so did everyone else.
Once the first people slow down, the following distances decrease behind them, even if the people in front speed up the problem has been created.
Its the same with merging - its not that people cant merge - the fact is that the following distances have been halved and so has the speed.
2 replies (to keep to format):
1. Accident had already happened - as I said, as I went past, the vehicles were just been taken away on the back of a trailer. So no flying debris to worry about.
As you said yourself "Once the first people slow down" - given the time that must have elapsed (top cut off of car, both cars put on trailer - that takes time), the first lot of people that may have slowed down due to an accident occurring (again, as I said, on major dual carriageway with barriers in middle, so not single lane and potentially blocking the road heading in 'my' direction) would have been long gone.
The delay was parallel to where the accident happened. So why were people, even if it was just "the first people" slowing down? To have a look I would say. As soon as you were past 'viewing range', the traffic cleared up and you could get back to normal speeds.
2. Time and time again - and this is backed up by others comments here - an accident has happened, be it on the road, on the pavement or wherever - and people stop and gawk. I have no doubt that when Mr and Mrs Ugg were on their way back to their cave, they stopped to watch Mr Gnngg from the cave next door being eaten by the sabre-tooth tiger.
That still does not make it right, in my humble opinion. As far as I am concerned, if you can assist, then great. If you can't, get out of the way and let the emergency services do their job.
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