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Conventional handbrakes are still in use in the majority of cars. Start/stop economy systems require continuous use of the footbrake in most cases. Driving schools (and it therefore follows that the driving test) now expect the footbrake in use when stopping at traffic lights. Some cars introduce a delay in releasing the footbrake from vehicle stationary to allow time for the foot to shift onto the accelerator. I can't see any value in using the handbrake during a temporary stop.Absolutely, also usually in combination with an electro/mechanical handbrake so no need to sit on the pedal.
Highway Code
226
You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves (see Rule 236). Law RVLR regs 25 & 27
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The value in using the handbrake is to
a) be a considerate driver
b) comply with the Highway Code rule 114
Anybody who has ever waited behind one of these lazy people and then not realised the effect of their own actions on the driver behind is obviously blind and/or brain dead!
Steve
Depends how long you are stopped for but a fully automatic handbrake system does it all but probably too expensive to fit to a delivery van!Conventional handbrakes are still in use in the majority of cars. Start/stop economy systems require continuous use of the footbrake in most cases. Driving schools (and it therefore follows that the driving test) now expect the footbrake in use when stopping at traffic lights. Some cars introduce a delay in releasing the footbrake from vehicle stationary to allow time for the foot to shift onto the accelerator. I can't see any value in using the handbrake during a temporary stop.
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How on earth do you dazzle the driver in a car that's stationary behind you? That's simply saying 'I don't like bright lights'. And which cars have the 'stupidly bright' headlights that should draw Police attention? I don't think I've ever seen a car with illegally bright headlights.Completely agree. I don't care how quickly you wear out your car. What annoys me is you not caring about other drivers and the consequences of your actions. High level led brake lights are designed to be so quick acting and so bright that they immediately notify other road users that you are braking. For that reason you should get your foot off the brake whenever possible to avoid dazzling other road users.
Oh and stupidly bright headlights ate illegal for a reason.. I wish plod would work a bit harder to get them all off the road..
Actually I don't entirely disagree about brakelights when stationary but things are moving away from use of the handbrake in these circumstances. Pupils are now taught to wait at lights on the footbrake and in gear (and have been for much longer during PSV tuition), vehicles are being designed that only shut off the engine whilst the brakes are on, so I suppose my point really is that it's not entirely thoughtlessness on the part of the driver in front. There are many issues with vehicle lighting that annoy me more such as the one about faulty lights that you mention, drivers following so close that their lights are in my mirrors, abuse of auxiliary lights, the requirement to use dip inside 30mph limits (I believe use of sidelights where appropriate would be more sensible - oncoming dipped headlights 'hide' cyclists and pedestrians), vehicles stopped / temporarily parked with their headlights on, vehicles parked 'against' the traffic flow at night, and more. Stationary cars with their brakelights on is something that hasn't bothered me ........... yet.OK, maybe dazzle is a bit strong! However if you ever have to queue behind one of these modern cars with LED brake and high level brake lights for 30 minutes, in the rain, you will understand what I mean! My interpretation of dazzle is when I look away and all I can see are red lights before my eyes. I know I am getting on a bit and this may affect my eyesight (still HGV standard though) and my tolerance but the regulation says "dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users". That seems clear to me. To think that anyone can defend their use of the brake pedal over the handbrake smacks of .... well - er - (looking for a good word) laziness and selfishness. I use my handbrake (even the Ducato one) and I can't think why others don't except for those two reasons.
And another thing (don't get me started - oops - too late) why do so many people drive around with lamps out, surely this means they are neglecting their vehicle checks, laziness again, and don't have the wit to realise the impact this may have on other road users. These people must see others driving with defective lamps and they still don't see the problem! They have completely forgotten their responsibilities as motor vehicle operators.
As it's the holiday season may I wish all Funsters the best time over Christmas and the New Year, I'm not a grumpy git, honest! I'm certainly not going in Jims "other" forum.
Steve
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I can think of another reason other than laziness or thoughtlessness for not using the Ducato handbrake much!OK, maybe dazzle is a bit strong! However if you ever have to queue behind one of these modern cars with LED brake and high level brake lights for 30 minutes, in the rain, you will understand what I mean! My interpretation of dazzle is when I look away and all I can see are red lights before my eyes. I know I am getting on a bit and this may affect my eyesight (still HGV standard though) and my tolerance but the regulation says "dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users". That seems clear to me. To think that anyone can defend their use of the brake pedal over the handbrake smacks of .... well - er - (looking for a good word) laziness and selfishness. I use my handbrake (even the Ducato one) and I can't think why others don't except for those two reasons.
And another thing (don't get me started - oops - too late) why do so many people drive around with lamps out, surely this means they are neglecting their vehicle checks, laziness again, and don't have the wit to realise the impact this may have on other road users. These people must see others driving with defective lamps and they still don't see the problem! They have completely forgotten their responsibilities as motor vehicle operators.
As it's the holiday season may I wish all Funsters the best time over Christmas and the New Year, I'm not a grumpy git, honest! I'm certainly not going in Jims "other" forum.
Steve