M5 crash

[corydoras]

Made me think

When I started driving petrol was 4 shillings (20p) a gallon.

I was being paid 3 pounds for a 48 hour week and a brand new mini cost less than 500 pounds

When I was about 14 or 15 I used to pump gas at an old fashioned filling station. They only sold petrol and oil. I can't remember how much it was for a gallon but it was about 40p or 45p for a gallon and you didn't have to get out of your car to buy it.

 

It came in 4 flavours 2 Star, 3 Star, 4 Star and 5 Star. Diesel was called DERV.

Edited November 19, 2011 by corydoras

[Phone]

Sportsman,

 

I thought petrol sold by the litre in all Europe/UK? That's about what I paid (in $$). We had what were called "gas wars" where one service station competed with nearby stations for your business. The lowest I remember was $.12 a gal.

 

Cory,

 

First, a lorry is what we call a "box truck" (I'm assuming). When two big trucks are drafting "safety" is not a big issue for the two (or more) drivers involved. Forget how inconsiderate and unprofessional it is on a public highway. The brake lights come on in plenty of time for the second driver to react. Rarely will a rear-ender occur between two big trucks of equal size and brake configuration. The "safety bumpers" match, front to back and there's little or no damage if they do 'hook-up". If you think about it they only wreck at about 1 - 2 mph in a straight line.

 

Not the point. Only a "jackass" truck driver would make a car driver risk bad judgement. Also, I might add, it's OK with the truck driver if you get in his air void area. He CAN"T SEE YOU! I had a driver litterally "pull" a guy on a bike about 60 miles. They thought it was cute - I didn't.

 

All,

 

Remember, it the truck driver can't see you in his mirrors - he can't see you AT ALL. In fact, it is NOT safe to drive a car directly behind or beside a truck - - - but don't risk your life. If you're both arceholes - big guy wins.

 

Phone

[Steve Walker]

Phone - yes, it's sold by the litre now, but it used to be sold by the (imperial) gallon. We still quote fuel consumption in miles per gallon, though.

[Worms]

Just to get back to the original story.....Driver error not fireworks!

[Steve Walker]

Too fast and too close, no doubt. Quite possible that the person who precipitated it was not even caught up in it.