QUOTE (Logician @ Sun, 18 Jan 2015 - 02:39)
QUOTE
I could only slow down by gradually releasing the gas paddle rather than engaging break hardly.
So the driver behind did not even see your brake lights come on - not really the best way to get him to slow down. What you are proposing is to use the defence of necessity or duress of circumstances but I fear that is simply not going to be accepted by a court on the basis of what you thought the driver behind might do. Going to court is your only option if you want to try this and to do that you have to pass up the chance of a course or fixed penalty, and when you fail in court as I think is inevitable not only will you pay a larger fine to go with your 3 points but have to pay costs with a guideline figure of £620. Take the course if offered and avoid any points, or otherwise the fixed penalty.
Thank you for your help! I think I may just take the SAC if they offer me one. But don't know if I write an informal letter trying to explain these and send back with NIP gonna give me a little chance.
Like I said, I've understood that my story may not a good argument in court especially when I have no strong evidence (my dashcams were returned for exchange just 2 weeks before the "incident". what a pity!). But I also need to clarify that the reason why I still clearly remember what had happened one week later is because that one was reeeeeally close; and, I thought even a little break would end up with collision. Imagine that while driving at over 40mph and you could barely see flowing car's upper edge of boonet .... I drove over 7 years. Surely this is very short period of time compare with that of many forum users. But it is still long enough for me to see a lot of drivers tailgating especially when speed limit dropped to somewhere they deem unnecessary. I'm totally ok with them. But this one is toooo much. In fact, just after we passed the 30 gantry, that car overtook me by rocket-like acceleration and loud exhaust noise.
I worked for insurance company a few years ago. Although that's in another country, I've seen way too many unforgettable scene of bloody accident to make me drive careless. Thus, I always know that, on motorway, breaking too quick sometimes is as dangerous as speeding; and, not everyone know how to drive responsibly. They are also the reasons why I installed two dashcams (front and rear ) in my car.
I'm a little bit emotional now... Sorry for that. Anyway, thank you for your opinions. I'll take them seriously.
QUOTE (peterguk @ Sun, 18 Jan 2015 - 10:45)
QUOTE (iamwhoiam @ Sun, 18 Jan 2015 - 10:25)
However, in terms of the other driver's behavior, I have to say, in reality, predicting what other road users gonna do/react is always one of the most components while driving, isn't it? Otherwise, why they added a section called hazard awareness in the driving theory test nowadays?
In principle i agree, however, hazard awareness is generally hazards in front of you. e.g. junctions you're approaching.
Yes, I agree with you. Maybe I just thought too much.
Thank you!
QUOTE (Steve_999 @ Sun, 18 Jan 2015 - 10:55)
QUOTE (iamwhoiam @ Sun, 18 Jan 2015 - 01:05)
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
If I got a 2nd chance, what option should I take? Break whatsoever immediately when I saw 30 sign by taking the risk of my own and other people's life; or should I do the same?
In similar circumstances I would suggest the last thing you should be doing is driving at the national speed limit (presuming that was the case before the first restriction was reached in your narrative above) with another car following so closely.
I believe the suggested solution is to gradually slow down and encourage the following vehicle to overtake. If they don't (or can't), then pull over if possible or adjust your speed such that the distance they maintain from your tailpipe is safe for the speed (over which
you have control). In other words, if they drop back then you can increase speed.
Thank you for your suggestions! I'll try to handle this situation better next time by following your instruction. Thanks!