Drive carefully now .... especially in Essex
09 April 2001 | 08:42 PM
#1
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Piece in papers about the National Association of Air Ambulance Service who've gathered accident data from across the country, showing there are at least seven dangerous roads which are getting more than their fair share of call-outs and to which the air ambulances are called out to most frequently.
All roads have claimed lives and, on average, air ambulance crews have to deal with accidents on them at least ONCE A MONTH.
1. Reading, Berks: Woodcote Road, Woodcote.
2. Essex: A12, Hatfield Peverel slip road.
3. Essex: M11 northbound between junctions seven and eight.
4. Essex: A120 between Dunmow and Braintree.
5. Lancashire: A565 Preston-Southport road.
6. Lincolnshire: A607 Harmston Crossroads.
7. Lincolnshire: Gringley-on-the-Hill, A631 Gainsborough to Doncaster road.
The A228 near Rochester in Kent would have made the list if it were based on deaths, rather than call-outs. This highway to hell has claimed the lives of 24 people in the last 16 years.
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09 April 2001 | 11:29 PM
#10
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The ones on the A120 usually involve junctions (I suspect someone has been following a slower car/lorry for about 8 miles, sees an opportunity to overtake and then runs into someone pulling out from a junction) or the 'wide enough for three cars' stretch that is the Braintree bypass. The latter seems to have the 'running into traffic coming the other way' and 'failing to see the roundabout at the end in time' variants. I often see flowers at the side of the road and think that was some poor bugger on their way to work.
The M11 between 7 and 8 (I think that's Harlow and Bishop's Stortford -- was always crap with junction numbers) is usually quite lightly loaded and an opportunity to get a move on after being stuck behind a load of stuff going up the hill from the M25 to North Weald -- I suspect this is contributory as well as the jam leading up the slip roads at Harlow and Stortford.
Don't know about the A12 at Hatfield Peverel, but it always struck me that the A12 seems quite narrow between Marks Tey and Chelmsford -- I've often dropped down to about 65 through that section in clear conditions.
BTW you can contribute to the Essex Air Ambulance service -- it's only a quid a week. Apparently their helicopter keeps breaking down because they can't afford a hangar for it. Well worth the money IMHO, particularly if you travel a lot.
[This message has been edited by carl (edited 09 April 2001).]
The M11 between 7 and 8 (I think that's Harlow and Bishop's Stortford -- was always crap with junction numbers) is usually quite lightly loaded and an opportunity to get a move on after being stuck behind a load of stuff going up the hill from the M25 to North Weald -- I suspect this is contributory as well as the jam leading up the slip roads at Harlow and Stortford.
Don't know about the A12 at Hatfield Peverel, but it always struck me that the A12 seems quite narrow between Marks Tey and Chelmsford -- I've often dropped down to about 65 through that section in clear conditions.
BTW you can contribute to the Essex Air Ambulance service -- it's only a quid a week. Apparently their helicopter keeps breaking down because they can't afford a hangar for it. Well worth the money IMHO, particularly if you travel a lot.
[This message has been edited by carl (edited 09 April 2001).]
10 April 2001 | 12:16 AM
#11
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From: Old Codgers Home
Oh for gods sake - lighten up
I was nearly killed on the Woodcote Road in 1977 - came out of a great party, pi55ed (yes ok) and promptly smashed my motorbike into the hedge - so, dont come the dont smile to me .... I have stared death in the face more times than most of you kiddies on here have had their nappies changed.
Come back and talk when you have lived life in the hard lane my friends.
In the mean time have a laugh, life is honestly too short and serious to stay grumpy for long!!
Pete
[This message has been edited by pslewis (edited 09 April 2001).]
I was nearly killed on the Woodcote Road in 1977 - came out of a great party, pi55ed (yes ok) and promptly smashed my motorbike into the hedge - so, dont come the dont smile to me .... I have stared death in the face more times than most of you kiddies on here have had their nappies changed.
Come back and talk when you have lived life in the hard lane my friends.
In the mean time have a laugh, life is honestly too short and serious to stay grumpy for long!!
Pete
[This message has been edited by pslewis (edited 09 April 2001).]
10 April 2001 | 12:23 AM
#12
As a regular M11'er I am surprised at between J7 & J8, hardly ever a problem there...
Between J8 & J9, well that seems for me, to be the worse. At least 3 fatals there & I'm talking big pile-ups
Between J8 & J9, well that seems for me, to be the worse. At least 3 fatals there & I'm talking big pile-ups
10 April 2001 | 02:12 PM
#13
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The Hatfield Peverel slip road is *kin aweful. It joins the A12 on a blind bend, so you can't see what is coming when you join.
A good tip, you go over the A12 before headind down the Slip, so take a look as you go over the bridge. Gives you a better idea whats coming.
Also, when on the A12, I always pull into the outside lane when approaching that slip road. Its a bit of a leap of faith and people will always pull out in front of you... especially if you are hoofing it
Don't know why something isn't done about it
.
Be careful out there...
James.
A good tip, you go over the A12 before headind down the Slip, so take a look as you go over the bridge. Gives you a better idea whats coming.
Also, when on the A12, I always pull into the outside lane when approaching that slip road. Its a bit of a leap of faith and people will always pull out in front of you... especially if you are hoofing it
Don't know why something isn't done about it
.Be careful out there...
James.
10 April 2001 | 05:30 PM
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pslewis,
I don't think your original post was appropriate for this topic.
And as for the "justification" :
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by pslewis:
<B>Oh for gods sake - lighten up
I was nearly killed on the Woodcote Road in 1977 - came out of a great party, pi55ed (yes ok) and promptly smashed my motorbike into the hedge - so, dont come the dont smile to me .... I have stared death in the face more times than most of you kiddies on here have had their nappies changed.
[This message has been edited by pslewis (edited 09 April 2001).][/quote]
...To be quite honest, It seems to me that the "it's all just a laugh" attitude you project is probably why you ended up in a hedge "staring death in the face" in the first place. Maybe there was more you could have learnt from that incident.
Whilst on the subject of "staring death in the face", was there any other traffic involved in your motorbike/hedge incident? I was just wondering if you helped anyone else to "stare death in the face".
Moray
(As me, not as my moderator alter-ego)
I don't think your original post was appropriate for this topic.
And as for the "justification" :
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by pslewis:
<B>Oh for gods sake - lighten up
I was nearly killed on the Woodcote Road in 1977 - came out of a great party, pi55ed (yes ok) and promptly smashed my motorbike into the hedge - so, dont come the dont smile to me .... I have stared death in the face more times than most of you kiddies on here have had their nappies changed.
[This message has been edited by pslewis (edited 09 April 2001).][/quote]
...To be quite honest, It seems to me that the "it's all just a laugh" attitude you project is probably why you ended up in a hedge "staring death in the face" in the first place. Maybe there was more you could have learnt from that incident.
Whilst on the subject of "staring death in the face", was there any other traffic involved in your motorbike/hedge incident? I was just wondering if you helped anyone else to "stare death in the face".
Moray
(As me, not as my moderator alter-ego)
10 April 2001 | 06:15 PM
#16
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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Rebecca:
<B>
Piece in papers about the National Association of Air Ambulance Service who've gathered accident data from across the country, showing there are at least seven dangerous roads which are getting more than their fair share of call-outs and to which the air ambulances are called out to most frequently.
All roads have claimed lives and, on average, air ambulance crews have to deal with accidents on them at least ONCE A MONTH.
1. Reading, Berks: Woodcote Road, Woodcote.
2. Essex: A12, Hatfield Peverel slip road.
3. Essex: M11 northbound between junctions seven and eight.
4. Essex: A120 between Dunmow and Braintree.
5. Lancashire: A565 Preston-Southport road.
6. Lincolnshire: A607 Harmston Crossroads.
7. Lincolnshire: Gringley-on-the-Hill, A631 Gainsborough to Doncaster road.
The A228 near Rochester in Kent would have made the list if it were based on deaths, rather than call-outs. This highway to hell has claimed the lives of 24 people in the last 16 years.
[/quote]
The Woodcote road has been known as the 13 bends of death since I learnt to drive on it back in 1978.....so no real surprises there..
<B>
Piece in papers about the National Association of Air Ambulance Service who've gathered accident data from across the country, showing there are at least seven dangerous roads which are getting more than their fair share of call-outs and to which the air ambulances are called out to most frequently.
All roads have claimed lives and, on average, air ambulance crews have to deal with accidents on them at least ONCE A MONTH.
1. Reading, Berks: Woodcote Road, Woodcote.
2. Essex: A12, Hatfield Peverel slip road.
3. Essex: M11 northbound between junctions seven and eight.
4. Essex: A120 between Dunmow and Braintree.
5. Lancashire: A565 Preston-Southport road.
6. Lincolnshire: A607 Harmston Crossroads.
7. Lincolnshire: Gringley-on-the-Hill, A631 Gainsborough to Doncaster road.
The A228 near Rochester in Kent would have made the list if it were based on deaths, rather than call-outs. This highway to hell has claimed the lives of 24 people in the last 16 years.
[/quote]
The Woodcote road has been known as the 13 bends of death since I learnt to drive on it back in 1978.....so no real surprises there..
10 April 2001 | 07:11 PM
#19
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From: same time, different place
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by jowly:
<B>Corse if you r in a scooby no bend is too difficult .[/quote]
Aha! Now I have the explanation! My Terzo mysteriously metamorphosed into something else a few nanoseconds before I pranged it!!
I can tell you this, it was certainly metamorphosed afterwards....
BJH
[This message has been edited by Brendan Hughes (edited 10 April 2001).]
<B>Corse if you r in a scooby no bend is too difficult .[/quote]
Aha! Now I have the explanation! My Terzo mysteriously metamorphosed into something else a few nanoseconds before I pranged it!!
I can tell you this, it was certainly metamorphosed afterwards....
BJH
[This message has been edited by Brendan Hughes (edited 10 April 2001).]
11 April 2001 | 12:26 AM
#20
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From: Old Codgers Home
Dear Miss Goody two shoes HorayMckenzie - are you the moderator that wears the skirt ... oooops sorry kilt! 
No other vehicles involved Sir, but I take exception at you 'preaching' to me - I was 19 at the time!!! Looking at how 'sensible' you obviously are begs the question whether you ever got out in your youth?????????
I do NOT make light of this subject, I have seen friends killed on our roads, I had quite a few accidents on a bike and in a car myself - its called having a youth, getting out, doing mad things, see? sensible or not it happened.
The night I held a young lad as his life ebbed away in a field where his car had overturned, his head crumbled in my arms. The 3 other youths were dead already.
This is the way of the world and I will NOT have some jumped-up **** telling me what I SHOULD or SHOULD NOT be saying ok??
Pete
No other vehicles involved Sir, but I take exception at you 'preaching' to me - I was 19 at the time!!! Looking at how 'sensible' you obviously are begs the question whether you ever got out in your youth?????????
I do NOT make light of this subject, I have seen friends killed on our roads, I had quite a few accidents on a bike and in a car myself - its called having a youth, getting out, doing mad things, see? sensible or not it happened.
The night I held a young lad as his life ebbed away in a field where his car had overturned, his head crumbled in my arms. The 3 other youths were dead already.
This is the way of the world and I will NOT have some jumped-up **** telling me what I SHOULD or SHOULD NOT be saying ok??
Pete
11 April 2001 | 01:58 AM
#21
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pslewis,
OK. I was just expressing my opinion, which, on the evidence of your posts, should not be an idea that is alien to you.
However much of a girly skirt/kilt wearing "jumped-up ****" you believe I am, I would still suggest that your original post was inappropriate for this thread.
Your reply has helped to further crystalise some more opinions of my own... thank you.
Moray
(Still without my moderator's hat on.)
OK. I was just expressing my opinion, which, on the evidence of your posts, should not be an idea that is alien to you.
However much of a girly skirt/kilt wearing "jumped-up ****" you believe I am, I would still suggest that your original post was inappropriate for this thread.
Your reply has helped to further crystalise some more opinions of my own... thank you.
Moray
(Still without my moderator's hat on.)
11 April 2001 | 09:55 AM
#22
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Know one like's bad news, but it can be an awakening.
I think in all fairness, most of us if not all, drive over the speed limit and out of our (not our cars) depths.
Rebecca's prompt should just be a gentle reminder, that sometimes the common sense button (NOT THE BRIGHT BUTTON!) should be used when you either don't really know the road your travelling along or you do not quite feel compos mentis!
Enjoy, but be aware, Jacko.
[This message has been edited by Jacko (edited 11 April 2001).]
I think in all fairness, most of us if not all, drive over the speed limit and out of our (not our cars) depths.
Rebecca's prompt should just be a gentle reminder, that sometimes the common sense button (NOT THE BRIGHT BUTTON!) should be used when you either don't really know the road your travelling along or you do not quite feel compos mentis!
Enjoy, but be aware, Jacko.
[This message has been edited by Jacko (edited 11 April 2001).]
11 April 2001 | 05:04 PM
#23
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From: Old Codgers Home
Point taken Moray
I love opinions - I was told off by Beccy in an earlier post and someone else also, no need for you to jump on the bandwagon too?? bah bah bah bah
Glad to see you have crystalised my friend - you needed to chill somewhat!
Pete
I love opinions - I was told off by Beccy in an earlier post and someone else also, no need for you to jump on the bandwagon too?? bah bah bah bah
Glad to see you have crystalised my friend - you needed to chill somewhat!
Pete
11 April 2001 | 06:00 PM
#25
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From: Essex
Chaps,
Going back to the point somewhat and regarding the Hatfield Peveral sliproad, I've lost count of the number of times I've seen the follwing;
Accellerate down sliproad
Spot Gap
Indicate
Pull out
Hesitate
Pull in.....Return to spot gap and repeat.
By this time the entire traffic flow has stopped due to the ripple effect.
I personally favour the slowly down the slip, spot a suitable gap then boooot it technique, it does of course rely on you having a relatively powerful car and therefore being a baby killer and public enemy number one.( or two if you count PSLewis at he moment
)
Just make sure you all take care of yourselves because nobody else will!
Going back to the point somewhat and regarding the Hatfield Peveral sliproad, I've lost count of the number of times I've seen the follwing;
Accellerate down sliproad
Spot Gap
Indicate
Pull out
Hesitate
Pull in.....Return to spot gap and repeat.
By this time the entire traffic flow has stopped due to the ripple effect.
I personally favour the slowly down the slip, spot a suitable gap then boooot it technique, it does of course rely on you having a relatively powerful car and therefore being a baby killer and public enemy number one.( or two if you count PSLewis at he moment
)Just make sure you all take care of yourselves because nobody else will!
11 April 2001 | 07:17 PM
#26
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From: Old Codgers Home
YES!!!
Public enemy No.1!!!
WOW I have made it
I DO love this BBS - and anyone who works on it for free like Moray has my honest thanks and respect - but that doesnt mean he cant get a piece of my tongue when same steps out of line (IMHO of course!!)
Pete (Public Enemy Number 1)
Public enemy No.1!!!
WOW I have made it
I DO love this BBS - and anyone who works on it for free like Moray has my honest thanks and respect - but that doesnt mean he cant get a piece of my tongue when same steps out of line (IMHO of course!!)
Pete (Public Enemy Number 1)
11 April 2001 | 07:47 PM
#27
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From: same time, different place
Pete - I can handle most things, but I'm puzzled about your Profile entry; Keeper of the Peace. Where do you work, Zimbabwe?
Dom - I'm carless (and careless) at the mo, but if all goes well I might be able to buy an MY01 with no VAT and Dip Plates (arriving at the end of the year)... meanwhile I lurk and make pointless comments... hope you and Kim are well. How I miss the ability to jeopardise my NCBs on ClangNBalls!
For 2p, my parents have their own little deathtrap nearby, A21/A268 crossroads. But it doesn't sound nearly as bad as this lot
Be safe all
BJH
Dom - I'm carless (and careless) at the mo, but if all goes well I might be able to buy an MY01 with no VAT and Dip Plates (arriving at the end of the year)... meanwhile I lurk and make pointless comments... hope you and Kim are well. How I miss the ability to jeopardise my NCBs on ClangNBalls!
For 2p, my parents have their own little deathtrap nearby, A21/A268 crossroads. But it doesn't sound nearly as bad as this lot
Be safe all
BJH
11 April 2001 | 08:35 PM
#28
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From: Old Codgers Home
Well I keep the peace on the doors of nightclubs see?? whoever pays the money gets the muscle - this IS my part time job just because I enjoy it so much.
My 'Grown up' job is at the Atomic Weapons Base see
My 'Grown up' job is at the Atomic Weapons Base see
11 April 2001 | 09:19 PM
#29
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As the person who started this topic, I think I'm going to have my tuppence worth of opinion.
Firstly, I posted this topic for the benefit of us ALL .... to make people aware that there are some nasty roads out there and to take care ... call it my public duty if you like.
However, I didn't take kindly to pslewis hijacking it with such a facetious remark which wasn't warranted in this forum ... fine for the muppet forum but not for this one. I have nothing against you Pete having your opinions ... but there is a time and place for them and it certainly wasn't here.
And finally, thanks to Moray for the comments.
I'm not trying to spoil anyone's fun ... life's too short
... but if you're driving a fast car, wouldn't you like to know where it's safe to use its power and enjoy it more as a result? OK, I'm off my soapbox now.
Bex
11 April 2001 | 09:34 PM
#30
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From: Old Codgers Home
How the hell can anyone, anywhere, at anytime on any bloody planet think that this:- (Most of the accidents in Essex are caused by the girls getting out of the cars in the lay-by on the wrong side!!) is lacking respect for the topic under consideration???? For GODS sake get a life those of you who do!!
You told me off first on here Beccy so fair enough - what really dicks me off is the bah bah bah bah sheep brigade having a pop.
They are EXACTLY the same people who strive to make their cars look like the next one, bah bah bah! oooooooooooo!! listen to my exhaust and buy one just the same - pathetic!!
Moan over - needed to be said!!
Pete
[This message has been edited by pslewis (edited 11 April 2001).]
You told me off first on here Beccy so fair enough - what really dicks me off is the bah bah bah bah sheep brigade having a pop.
They are EXACTLY the same people who strive to make their cars look like the next one, bah bah bah! oooooooooooo!! listen to my exhaust and buy one just the same - pathetic!!
Moan over - needed to be said!!
Pete
[This message has been edited by pslewis (edited 11 April 2001).]