After almost 5 months, I drove out of the county yesterday on a 200 mile round trip. With only a few hundred local miles so far this year it was good to be back to a decent journey for someone who has been used to doing up to 30k miles a year.
I did notice I was somewhat 'rusty'. Both my observation, and my anticipation skills were certainly below par for the first part of the journey. It meant that my overtakes were not quite as precise as I would want them to be and my anticipation of road conditions ahead meant I actually used the brakes on a couple of occasions. I normally consider that if I brake in normal flowing conditions, then I have failed to anticipate correctly. Brakes are just for bringing a car to a full stop at low speed......
I'm certainly aware of the phenomenon of 'rusty' drivers from my time in motorsport, and the annual first ride of a motorcycle of the year. "OMG! This thing is quick!" followed by a little while later by "Could do with a little more mid range grunt" as you re-acquaint yourself with the performance available.
I wonder if you have spotted any rusty drivers on the road. For me, it is certainly the first time in 50 years that I have had almost 5 months off long distance driving.
I did notice I was somewhat 'rusty'. Both my observation, and my anticipation skills were certainly below par for the first part of the journey. It meant that my overtakes were not quite as precise as I would want them to be and my anticipation of road conditions ahead meant I actually used the brakes on a couple of occasions. I normally consider that if I brake in normal flowing conditions, then I have failed to anticipate correctly. Brakes are just for bringing a car to a full stop at low speed......
I'm certainly aware of the phenomenon of 'rusty' drivers from my time in motorsport, and the annual first ride of a motorcycle of the year. "OMG! This thing is quick!" followed by a little while later by "Could do with a little more mid range grunt" as you re-acquaint yourself with the performance available.
I wonder if you have spotted any rusty drivers on the road. For me, it is certainly the first time in 50 years that I have had almost 5 months off long distance driving.