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Scottish Malts 2003
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Scottish Malts 2003 Scotland’s single track roads can be hazardous for drivers new to them, and unaccustomed to the etiquette of their use. When you are on a rally section - particularly a regularity - you must not simply plough rigidly ahead at the fixed speed, and expect other road users to pull over for you. Follow these tips, and you should drive more safely and with less annoyance to the locals. 1 Use passing places when meeting oncoming traffic. These are usually marked by signs; a white diamond, white square or black and white pole. 2 Remember that any oncoming vehicle will probably already have had to stop for a number of rally cars, and the driver’s patience may be wearing thin. 3 When you meet an oncoming vehicle, use the passing places as follows: • stop no later than the last available passing place before you would meet the other vehicle (unless it has stopped already to let you by) • if the space is on the LEFT, pull into it • if the space is on the RIGHT, stop OPPOSITE it (unless the oncoming vehicle is a large bus or truck, in which case pull off to the right to give it a straight run through) • ALWAYS give a wave of thanks and a smile 4 In my experience, a rally car usually loses less time by giving way to, or reversing for, other road users, especially if these are inexperienced tourists or angry locals. 5 At every blind bend or crest, be ready to meet an oncoming vehicle. Where there is a wider space or passing place at a bend or crest, keep as far to the LEFT as possible. 6 Remember that the road will probably narrow again to single track immediately after a wider bend or crest (and the narrow bit may be filled by an oncoming car!) 7 Do not hold up following ‘civilian’ vehicles, especially on regularity sections when your speed may be lower than that of other traffic; pull into a passing place and let them overtake. 8 Do not allow a procession of rally cars to build up behind you, as this is almost impossible for following vehicles to overtake - the one at the back may be a local in a hurry or a competitor who has been delayed and is catching up time. This also creates an instant queue (and therefore delays) at the next test or regularity start. Again, pull in to let following cars overtake. 9 If you are from a country where you normally drive on the right, be on your guard against pulling in to the wrong side at passing places or crests, or driving on the right after a single-track stretch of road. Continental visitors are seriously injured or killed each year in Scotland because they instinctively go to the wrong side in these situations. 10 Have a great rally - don’t let an accident spoil it. John Brown JB/s |
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Photos: John Brown
HERO – the Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation The Town House - Leigh - Worcester - WR6 5LA - UK tel (+44/0) 1886 833505 - fax (+44/0) 1886 833144 - e-mail [email protected] |
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