Speed van

S.G.M.

Was driving earlier and passed a speed van. I only noticed it at the corner of my eye as I passed it as I was shielding my eyes from the winter sun. The side door was open and amber lights flashing which I haven't seen before.
The sun was that strong that I veered over the speed limit, was driving at just under 105km/h in a 100km/h zone.
Will I be penalised? Is there a buffer zone with tight calls?
Frustrated but if I do get penalty points, I'll use it as a learning curve to mind the speed when facing strong sun.
Thanks

ednwireland

S.G.M. wrote: »

Was driving earlier and passed a speed van. I only noticed it at the corner of my eye as I passed it as I was shielding my eyes from the winter sun. The side door was open and amber lights flashing which I haven't seen before.
The sun was that strong that I veered over the speed limit, was driving at just under 105km/h in a 100km/h zone.
Will I be penalised? Is there a buffer zone with tight calls?
Frustrated but if I do get penalty points, I'll use it as a learning curve to mind the speed when facing strong sun.
Thanks

if you were doing 105 on the speedo you were probably well under 100. so you should be ok

ba_barabus

As the sun made you speed couldn't you just attribute the penalty points to them?

All joking aside, I'd say you'll be fine.

Larbre34

No you will not.

S.G.M.

Oh really? Thanks folks.
As a matter of wondering, what wud you have to be doing to get penalised in a 100km zone?
Don't worry, I will still be staying under 100km no matter the speed.

punisher5112

If door was open and orange light on he was only setting it all up....

They have to measure and set up outside for calibration.

Wouldn't worry at all.

ba_barabus

You're looking at it wrong. Speedometers in cars over read. Every car will do this slightly differently. If you go over 100kph you'll get points but as to how far over your car is reading I don't know. My 2013 Avensis reads 10kph over at 100kph according to Google maps.

silver2020

S.G.M. wrote: »

Oh really? Thanks folks.
As a matter of wondering, what wud you have to be doing to get penalised in a 100km zone?
Don't worry, I will still be staying under 100km no matter the speed.

People have been penalised at 105km - I didn't believe it til I saw the ticket.

The van records the speed of every car that passes. The guy / girl in the van literally just sits there and monitors the equipment.

The file containing the speed of all vehicles is then transferred to Thurles where a Garda reviews all vehicles over the limit and applies the penalty.

So whilst the van may have recorded you at 102kmh, its a human that decides whether a ticket is issued.

btw - speedometers are quite accurate these days, but usually they err purposely about a couple of percent.

Also, as the door was open and amber light was on, it was either setting up, or getting ready to go, so likely no recording was taking place

S.G.M.

silver2020 wrote:

Also, as the door was open and amber light was on, it was either setting up, or getting ready to go, so likely no recording was taking place

So it was lucky that was the case.
My car is very basic 2010. I was sure I was done last year as I was overtaking on a straight and the van was well hidden.
Didn't end up getting penalised so hopefully it will be the same result.

mightyreds

Was in an 80 zone a month ago , same as that took my eye off the speedometer and by the time I copped the van and checked I was doing 85 but heard nothing.

Any gps I checked has the car at 82 if doing 85 so must be a little leeway

AndrewJRenko

S.G.M. wrote: »

Was driving earlier and passed a speed van. I only noticed it at the corner of my eye as I passed it as I was shielding my eyes from the winter sun. The side door was open and amber lights flashing which I haven't seen before.
The sun was that strong that I veered over the speed limit, was driving at just under 105km/h in a 100km/h zone.
Will I be penalised? Is there a buffer zone with tight calls?
Frustrated but if I do get penalty points, I'll use it as a learning curve to mind the speed when facing strong sun.
Thanks

Suppose it's fortunate that it wasn't a cyclist that you only noticed in the corner of your eye;



https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/man-found-not-guilty-of-dangerous-driving-causing-death-of-cyclist-in-kerry-908096.html


How does the sun cause you to break the speed limit?

murphyebass

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Suppose it's fortunate that it wasn't a cyclist that you only noticed in the corner of your eye

Also fortunate it wasn’t another car, pedestrian, frog, group of nuns... what’s your point?

Just fancied getting a cyclist comment in did we? Poor cyclists.

AndrewJRenko

murphyebass wrote: »

Also fortunate it wasn’t another car, pedestrian, frog, group of nuns... what’s your point?

Just fancied getting a cyclist comment in did we? Poor cyclists.

I'd have thought the point was fairly obvious, but if I do need to spell it out for some, here goes.


The point is that if you don't have a clear view of everything on the road in front of you, stop driving.

punisher5112

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

I'd have thought the point was fairly obvious, but if I do need to spell it out for some, here goes.


The point is that if you don't have a clear view of everything on the road in front of you, stop driving.

That's terrible advice....

Obviously slow down and look down to the kerb at the left, if one were to stop this could well cause a pile up.

Clean windscreen helps plus don't ever shine a dash always have it Matt finish.

AndrewJRenko

punisher5112 wrote: »

That's terrible advice....

Obviously slow down and look down to the kerb at the left, if one were to stop this could well cause a pile up.

So it's OK to drively blindly once you slow down a bit?


I'd guess the family of Edward Duggan would disagree with you.


https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/man-found-not-guilty-of-dangerous-driving-causing-death-of-cyclist-in-kerry-908096.html

punisher5112

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

So it's OK to drively blindly once you slow down a bit?


I'd guess the family of Edward Duggan would disagree with you.


https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/man-found-not-guilty-of-dangerous-driving-causing-death-of-cyclist-in-kerry-908096.html

Every circumstance is different I'm not even going to bother....

You obviously have some agenda.

I haven't said it's right to go out and mow people down or whatever but perhaps a little common sense would go a long way and as I said each circumstance is different so you or I can't really comment unless we were there.

murphyebass

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

So it's OK to drively blindly once you slow down a bit?


I'd guess the family of Edward Duggan would disagree with you.


https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/man-found-not-guilty-of-dangerous-driving-causing-death-of-cyclist-in-kerry-908096.html

We get it be aware of cyclists on the road. Now go start a thread about it if you’re so concerned about them.

This was a thread about a speed van until you took it off topic.

scamalert

well OP wasnt driving blind folded and sun yes its a major hole if getting into direct sight and sun visor isnt covering properly, as case seems simple if hes done 5miles above he could get a ticket or not, only 2 weeks later he will know for sure - think its around 2 weeks when people get letter, its not massive break of speed limit and this crap happens, 2 points def suck. but take it as a lesson if it comes. plenty of decent roads where people dont stick to limits and drive or tailgate you at 20mph more then allowed is bigger issue in this country, as seems people cant leave few mins early and decide to catch up on the roads.
As many would hate those vans I kinda see this as actual prevention, if there were few more in each county and more random locations people would start taking driving well over speed limits seriously, no need for ridicilous fines - few of those points stacked up would straighten most drivers fast.

Akrasia

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

So it's OK to drively blindly once you slow down a bit?


I'd guess the family of Edward Duggan would disagree with you.


https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/man-found-not-guilty-of-dangerous-driving-causing-death-of-cyclist-in-kerry-908096.html

Should the driver of that car slammed on his brakes when the sun came out and blinded him? He was found not guilty of dangerous driving.

Should I stop my car every time someone drives at me with their high beams left on at night?

_Kaiser_

There are 3 types of drivers.

- Those who just ignore the rules regardless. Inappropriate and/or excessive speed, lane weaving etc

- Those who rigidly stick by the rules or drive at or below posted limit, and purposely try to police the behaviour of others regardless of what's going on around them

- Those who apply common sense to a given situation and adjust their speed or behaviour accordingly.

Now obviously the first group are a problem, and no sympathy should be given if they're finally caught... But the second group are just as bad in many ways.

The Rape of Lucretia

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

There are 3 types of drivers.

- Those who just ignore the rules regardless. Inappropriate and/or excessive speed, lane weaving etc

- Those who rigidly stick by the rules or drive at or below posted limit, and purposely try to police the behaviour of others regardless of what's going on around them

- Those who apply common sense to a given situation and adjust their speed or behaviour accordingly.

Now obviously the first group are a problem, and no sympathy should be given if they're finally caught... But the second group are just as bad in many ways.

The 3rd group is really just a sub group of the 1st group, only they think they arent.

silver2020

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

The point is that if you don't have a clear view of everything on the road in front of you, stop driving.

damn - I drove around a bend today. It was a sharp bend. Couldn't see much ahead at all as I approached it.

Maybe I should have stopped, walked ahead to check, then get back into the car and proceed.


It ridiculous comments like this from cyclists that makes motorists give two fingers to cyclists.

Sometimes the sun is very strong - so you concentrate on the actual road and you can miss the speed vans parked up off the road.

AndrewJRenko

silver2020 wrote: »

damn - I drove around a bend today. It was a sharp bend. Couldn't see much ahead at all as I approached it.

Maybe I should have stopped, walked ahead to check, then get back into the car and proceed.


It ridiculous comments like this from cyclists that makes motorists give two fingers to cyclists.

Sometimes the sun is very strong - so you concentrate on the actual road and you can miss the speed vans parked up off the road.

It's a bit embarrassing to have to explain the basics of safe and legal driving, but there you go.


You are explicitly required by law to drive in a manner that allows you to stop in the distance you can see to be clear. So when you come to a sharp bend, you are required to slow to whatever speed is required to allow you to see round the bound without putting anyone on the road in danger.



There could be anyone round the bend - a cyclist or two, a bunch of walkers, a crashed car, a horse or a cow or whatever. You need to be able to stop.

kirving

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

It's a bit embarrassing to have to explain the basics of safe and legal driving, but there you go.

You are explicitly required by law to drive in a manner that allows you to stop in the distance you can see to be clear.

It's a bit embarrassing to have to explain the reality of cycling in the real world, but there you go.

If I as a pedestrian, decide to unexpectedly run off the pavement, in front of you cycling at 30kph, there is absolutely no way you could stop in time either.

By all means, remind people of the vulnerabilities of cyclists, but people would take that advice on board far more readily if you weren't consistently argumentative and condescending.

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

The point is that if you don't have a clear view of everything on the road in front of you, stop driving.

That would be dangerous, and I'm sure I could pull up a law to state it's illegal too.

OP, in the case of low sun, keep your distance, don't brake heavily, make sure your lights are on, keep to the right of your lane just in case of pedestrians and cyclists, and of course watch your speed.

Make sure your window is spotless, you have polarising sunglasses, and raise your seat to make best use of the visor.

Vans consistently park in areas which they know are in shadow due to low sun in mornings and evenings.

AndrewJRenko

Kevin Irving wrote: »

It's a bit embarrassing to have to explain the reality of cycling in the real world, but there you go.

If I as a pedestrian, decide to unexpectedly run off the pavement, in front of you cycling at 30kph, there is absolutely no way you could stop in time either.

By all means, remind people of the vulnerabilities of cyclists, but people would take that advice on board far more readily if you weren't consistently argumentative and condescending.

Again, it's a bit embarrassing to have to explain the basics of good driving, but the general idea is that, whether you are cycling or driving, you expect the pedestrian to run out in front. You should have seen the pedestrian 15 or 30 seconds previously. You should have assessed their position, their location, their trajectory and how much damage they can possibly do to you. It's called anticipation.

You adjust your position and speed accordingly.

Kevin Irving wrote: »

That would be dangerous, and I'm sure I could pull up a law to state it's illegal too.

OP, in the case of low sun, keep your distance, don't brake heavily, make sure your lights are on, keep to the right of your lane just in case of pedestrians and cyclists, and of course watch your speed.

Make sure your window is spotless, you have polarising sunglasses, and raise your seat to make best use of the visor.

Vans consistently park in areas which they know are in shadow due to low sun in mornings and evenings.

Genius, what could possibly go wrong - except perhaps a cyclist or motor cyclist on the right of the lane preparing for a right turn.


The advice from the RSA is:"If dazzled by sun glare, watch out for pedestrians and cyclists, slow down and be prepared to stop".



If you can't see what's in front of you, stop driving, or indeed cycling.

Casey78

Nearly knocked down a cyclist myself today, the cnut went straight through a red light and only my quick reactions saved his life.
Toolbag then gave me the finger as if it was somehow my fault.

AndrewJRenko

Casey78 wrote: »

Nearly knocked down a cyclist myself today, the cnut went straight through a red light and only my quick reactions saved his life.
Toolbag then gave me the finger as if it was somehow my fault.

I hate that.


Isn't it funny though, how for all the stories we hear of cyclists nearly killed breaking red lights, no cyclist has actually been killed breaking a red light in living memory here. It's almost as it people exaggerate the risk and danger involved, and turn a blind eye to the 88% of red light jumpers that are on four wheels, not two.


http://kerrycyclingcampaign.org/but-all-drivers-break-the-lights/

punisher5112

Seen as it's now gone from a speed van question to a cyclist one here is a great one for you all.

Driving a bus is difficult and with all the blind spots this is even harder but then we have cyclists that think we can see through solid objects, simple rule is if you can't see my mirror clearly then I can't see you.

Anyway recently received a complaint from a person stating to be a cyclist, they described themselves as wearing a black hat, black coat, black bag and black trousers.....

It was dark as it was late evening and I've a clear road ahead using the bus lane as will be pulling in at the next stop only to have a fool walking his bike from a side road out onto the road I'm on while already mid way past....
He was very lucky I had left space and seen him in time so he luckily didn't go under the rear wheel.

The fool banged and punched the side of the bus at the rear 2 or 3 times and this was when he had swing his leg over to get on.

The complaint stated I had an altercation with the fool but this took me back as to have an altercation one would have to be involved and spoken or hit or whatever....

The only time I seen this fool was up the road sitting at a red light and he came along side calling names or abuse not sure as wasn't even listening to them see a finger and other gesture while he proceeds through the red light.....

There is just no winning with these type and I give cyclists all the room in the world and stay well clear as too many have made up all sorts over the years.

I've actually had passengers comment how courteous I'm to them and even cyclists giving thumbs up or saying how great most of us db drivers are.

Casey78

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

I hate that.

Yeah so do I.

raxy

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

I hate that.


Isn't it funny though, how for all the stories we hear of cyclists nearly killed breaking red lights, no cyclist has actually been killed breaking a red light in living memory here. It's almost as it people exaggerate the risk and danger involved, and turn a blind eye to the 88% of red light jumpers that are on four wheels, not two.


http://kerrycyclingcampaign.org/but-all-drivers-break-the-lights/

What a moronic statement to make!
Do you have some evidence to back this up or do you just like to spout drivel as fact? (From your previous posts obviously you do)
Even in the RSA report on accidents involving cyclists it states there is insufficient evidence to report on the actions taken by cyclists involved in accidents.
There very well could have been cyclistsnkilled while breaking red lights but it would not be reported as it would be insensitive to the cyclist & their families.
If your going to hijack a post with your own agenda at least try to be factual.

AndrewJRenko

raxy wrote: »

What a moronic statement to make!
Do you have some evidence to back this up or do you just like to spout drivel as fact? (From your previous posts obviously you do)
Even in the RSA report on accidents involving cyclists it states there is insufficient evidence to report on the actions taken by cyclists involved in accidents.
There very well could have been cyclistsnkilled while breaking red lights but it would not be reported as it would be insensitive to the cyclist & their families.
If your going to hijack a post with your own agenda at least try to be factual.

Every detail of every road death is reported in Coroner's Inquests, in RSA research, in Court if a party is prosecuted. No details are withheld for reasons of 'sensitivity'. We're not in the 1950s now.


No cyclist has been killed as a result of breaking a red light in Ireland certainly in the last five years, and probably since the turn of the century.

punisher5112 wrote: »

Seen as it's now gone from a speed van question to a cyclist one here is a great one for you all.

Driving a bus is difficult and with all the blind spots this is even harder but then we have cyclists that think we can see through solid objects, simple rule is if you can't see my mirror clearly then I can't see you.

Anyway recently received a complaint from a person stating to be a cyclist, they described themselves as wearing a black hat, black coat, black bag and black trousers.....

It was dark as it was late evening and I've a clear road ahead using the bus lane as will be pulling in at the next stop only to have a fool walking his bike from a side road out onto the road I'm on while already mid way past....
He was very lucky I had left space and seen him in time so he luckily didn't go under the rear wheel.

The fool banged and punched the side of the bus at the rear 2 or 3 times and this was when he had swing his leg over to get on.

The complaint stated I had an altercation with the fool but this took me back as to have an altercation one would have to be involved and spoken or hit or whatever....

The only time I seen this fool was up the road sitting at a red light and he came along side calling names or abuse not sure as wasn't even listening to them see a finger and other gesture while he proceeds through the red light.....

There is just no winning with these type and I give cyclists all the room in the world and stay well clear as too many have made up all sorts over the years.

I've actually had passengers comment how courteous I'm to them and even cyclists giving thumbs up or saying how great most of us db drivers are.

Good to hear that you're not one of the bus drivers who thinks it's OK to pass a child cycling within 20-30 cm.


https://twitter.com/Paul1980Reilly/status/1208049420215996416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1208049420215996416&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stickybottle.com%2Flatest-news%2Fboy-cycling-school-dublin-ireland-parking%2F