[Closed] Bizzare Motorway driving habits, is this YOU???

Ahhh, so it's you Mr Annoying Middle Lane Driver.

To prove a point perhaps, that your slow?

Do you drive a beige coloured car?

The first one, I can only assume is that you're "passing trucks" with huge gaps between, and the driver behind feels you're hogging the road. If that's not the case, then what you've got there is a nob.

The second one sounds like a lack of forward planning. He's probably on the phone.

I can only assume is that you're "passing trucks" with huge gaps between,

No. Not big enough to keep pulling into.
I knew the first answer would be saying it was my fault for someone else's lack of planning and vision.

If I was my 95mph (As I will be tonight, Ducati equipped....) I'd see car pulling out, check mirror, pull out, not even back off.

MrsP gets wound up by #1 too - people who will roar up behind you in lane 2 & sit there completely ignoring lane 3 until you pull back in, then roar off to sit behind the next person they catch up. Odd.

Ahhh, so it's you Mr Annoying Middle Lane Driver.

No, not usually, but I once did an experiment (To amuse myself) maybe I'll tell you about this later.... 🙂

MrsP gets wound up by #1 too - people who will roar up behind you in lane 2 & sit there completely ignoring lane 3 until you pull back in, then roar off to sit behind the next person they catch up. Odd.

Yes. Thems the ones. Very well put. Glad someone else has noticed it. 🙂

Thinking about it, I've seen it happen in the inside lane as well, although nmot as often

1st example is probably other drivers that can't believe you're going that slowly. Right until the point they check their speedo in shock then accelerate away.....

Right, the ones that really get my goat are the ones that accelerate just as I'm overtaking them. What's that all about? Cruise control on at 82, (obviously) constant speed being maintained... Maybe they get upset about being overtaken by a Renault?

I knew the first answer would be saying it was my fault for someone else's lack of planning and vision.

That's not actually what I said.

1) - yeah I get this a lot and can never understand it. I don't know if they are not confident enough to venture into the 'fast lane' or what.

2) - I reckon this is because they have decided they WILL overtake you, even if it means for 30yds on a slip road before braking hard.

I will leave it there, otherwise I will spend the rest of the afternoon ranting about similar stupid behaviour.

1st example is probably other drivers that can't believe you're going that slowly

🙂

I'm certainly not the slowest by any means. I see lots of cars doing less than me these days, with fuel the price it is it makes sense (This is my main reason for the 65mph TBH, 42mpg in a petrol Focus proves it)

I've lost track of the number of times I've been sat in the inside lane with the cruise control set to 70 when someone sits behind me for a mile or two, finally overtakes then SLOWS DOWN almost immediately to 65... Why?!

I just imagine what the guy would look like sat on the toilet... with several gunshot wounds.

My wife does this. I have never been able to get a satisfactory answer as to why.

That's not actually what I said

I never said you did say that. But you did try and blame me, yes? 🙂

My wife does this. I have never been able to get a satisfactory answer as to why.

Oh Oh! Ask again! Ask Again! 🙂

the ones that really get my goat are the ones that accelerate just as I'm overtaking them.

You ever get the ones who want to drive in front of you, slower than you? You overtake them and they'll boot it to either block you or overtake you, then once they've got to the front they'll dribble along at 10mph below the speed limit? WTF?

Look, I don't care, you want to be in front, fine; you want to drive slowly, fine; but for the love of gods, pick one or the other.

I just sit in the middle lane these days with the cruise at 68., I let those in a rush pass me by whatever means they see fit. Often including in the inside lane with flashing lights, or the bird, which is one of my favorites.

Chill

I reckon this is because they have decided they WILL overtake you, even if it means for 30yds on a slip road before braking hard.

Same when you're on a bike. Some car drivers just have to overtake you, no matter the situation, as you're on a bike, and they're in a car, and must be in front. I've had people try to overtake me like 20m from a red light, it's ridiculous.

I just sit in the middle lane these days with the cruise at 68., I let those in a rush pass me by whatever means they see fit. Often including in the inside lane with flashing lights, or the bird, which is one of my favorites.

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No. Not big enough to keep pulling into.

I think some people definition of "big enough" is considerably different.

I remember having a conversation on a "middle lane hogs" thread here about how big a gap should be to make it worth pulling in.

Opinion was wildly split: some felt I/you should always pull in immediately, even if you'd have to pull out again more or less immediately - I suspect these are the kind of people that get wound up.

I never said you did say that. But you did try and blame me, yes?

*holds hand up* I thought I was the first, uh, replier? Replicant? Mea culpa.

I drive on motorways in a not-dissimilar fashion. Mostly I can't be arsed with the stress of going faster* - I'm not convinced you get where you're going significantly quicker (too much stopping and starting in concertina traffic). Driving fast on the motorway is not exactly exciting at any speed and it costs a lot more in fuel. As an aside I'm [i]very[/i] tight on lane discipline - helps give me something to concentrate on.

In answer to your questions, I'm convinced it's because people can't think more than 1 move ahead. As cyclists we're constantly trying to find the "flow" (tm) and avoid loss of momentum, so we're used to picking lines and planning several moves ahead, so we don't end up looking like f'kwits when we're driving either. I see it pedestrians too. They'll get to a kerb, and they genuinely don't know what to do. Their eyes are going everywhere, but they're still unsure about what's going on. They seem clinically incapable of turning their heads on their necks to get a better view and thus cross the road safely!

*this is not necessarily true for nice A- and B- roads 😉

I just sit in the middle lane these days with the cruise at 68., I let those in a rush pass me by whatever means they see fit. Often including in the inside lane with flashing lights, or the bird, which is one of my favorites.

I just sit in the middle lane these days with the cruise at 68

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069862

264

You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear. If you are overtaking a number of slower-moving vehicles, you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as you are safely past. Slow-moving or speed-restricted vehicles should always remain in the left-hand lane of the carriageway unless overtaking.

But you knew that, of course. You're just special.

I think some people definition of "big enough" is considerably different

Indeed it is. I asked on my IAM training, and the answer was that if you think you're going to be pulling in for any less than 10-15 seconds, it's not worth it. They need that long to overtake anyway, and there's no point blocking yourself in when the outside lane is empty, or has space, is there?

My own theory is that people only look at what's 20-30 yards ahead of them, and never sit there watching gaps 1/4 mile behind and 1/2 mile in front like I do....

"I'm convinced it's because people can't think more than 1 move ahead"

This ^

I drive in the fast lane at 95mph and flash all the plebs if they won't get out of my way, don't they know that I am a [i]very important businessman of international business?[/i] 🙂

I'm convinced it's because people can't think more than 1 move ahead.

I'm pretty sure you're right. I dodge drivers and pedestrians on a daily basis who've only looked left before walking off a kerb, not looked until they've reached the kerb themselves despite pushing a buggy three feet into the road first, failed to give way (like the woman in the Merc this morning who thought that give-way lines don't apply in ASDA car parks; she fair shit herself when she saw how close she came to getting T-boned, mind), or treat lane markings as white paint to make it look pretty.

Jon, totally agreed mate, spot on IMO. To me it's not just cycling though, I've been doing it in car (fnar fnar) for many years, and nearly as long on a motorbike. I've sort of developed a 6th sense for it.
But anyone who's been for a day with Jedi will know that basics of not looking 10 yards directly in front 🙂

Aaaarrrrgghhhhh! Can't help myself.

What is with the latest thing of roaring down a slip road with an "I will merge regardless" attitude?? No looking over the shoulder or using their mirrors........Gggaaaahhhhhh!!

I then pull out to let them in rather than have the side of my car stoved in and they either immediately try to undertake & nip in front or they pull alongside you and indicate to pull out. Aaarrrghhhh! I am going this speed as it is the speed i would like to travel at. You pretty much forced me to move into the middle lane. You now want me to either speed up/slow down/get out of your way again so you can proceed on your journey. Sorry sunshine it ain't gonna happen, you should have gone around me, so I could have pulled back into the space I was in before you pushed me into the middle lane....

Gggaaaahhhhhhh!

I drive in the fast lane at 95mph and flash all the plebs if they won't get out of my way, don't they know that I am a very important businessman of international business?

Well, if you're heading east on the M4 from Brizzle tonight, expect to be passed by a grey Duke with red wheels...... And I don't mind which side I go round you on... 😈 😉

You pretty much forced me to move into the middle lane.

I always pull out into the middle lane when there are cars coming on from a slip road anyway. Just courtesy innit?

Stumpy +1.

You should spot a gap and adjust your speed to fit into it.

This reminds me, I was passing the Basingstoke junction on the M3 recently. A few cars pulled out, so I pulled into the middle lane for them. This knob in a van then tried to literally force me out into the outside lane, where I wasn't going becasue there was fast traffic approaching. He went NUTS at me. He was giving me the finger, shouting etc. I'd given him one lane and he wanted another! He actually had his wheels over the white line. So I held my station and speed, let him pull out behind me and come past me in the outside lane (Inside lane was chokka, no pulling in or undertaking possible) then I admit to waving at him as he pulled alongside me (still effing and jeffing), dropping 2 gears and blowing him into the weeds. That did pee me off a tad, did that.

I always pull out into the middle lane when there are cars coming on from a slip road anyway. Just courtesy innit?

Very true. But some people, as above, want more....

I always pull out into the middle lane when there are cars coming on from a slip road anyway. Just courtesy innit?

Depends. If there's traffic behind you then by letting in one person you might be holding up a stream of others. If the road's quiet then absolutely, if it's busy then they should be filtering - you have right of way but of course there's a large braking distance in front of you so this shouldn't be an issue.

Pulling onto the M3 this very morning at Sunbury I was on the slip road with some guy an inch off my bumper as usual when a mini that was pulled over on the slip decided to start reversing back to the Sunbury roundabout. I had to pretty much stop as I couldn't pull into the second lane of the slip as there were cars there. So the guy behind almost rear ends me, waits for a tiny gap to the right pulls out cutting someone right up gives me the bird and tanks off beeping his horn.

Now if I were to chase him down and use my tyre iron to crack his sodding cranium open the police would arrest me.

It's not right I tells yer.

...blowing him into the weeds.

I find with drivers like that, blowing them a kiss is highly effective. They go [i]spare.[/i]

I find with drivers like that, blowing them a kiss is highly effective. They go spare.

My mum used to do that. I have tried it too, and yes, they go purple with rage!

In answer to your questions, I'm convinced it's because people can't think more than 1 move ahead. As cyclists we're constantly trying to find the "flow" (tm) and avoid loss of momentum, so we're used to picking lines and planning several moves ahead, so we don't end up looking like f'kwits when we're driving either

Absolutely agree. I use cruise control a lot. Most(?) people say you can't use it on UK motorways as they're too congested but thats the people who are continually having to brake in lane 3. Look far enough ahead and you can drive a long way at a constant speed even when its busy.

GrahamS - Member

I always pull out into the middle lane when there are cars coming on from a slip road anyway. Just courtesy innit?

Sometimes it's not possible if there are cars overtaking at the time. I quite often have to slow down/speed up to let people join as they appear to have no idea they are about to drive into the side of me. Pretty sure the highway code says the traffic attempting to join should merge, not that the traffic on the carriageway should adjust speed/take action to avoid unobservant people joining from the slip road.

And if I am being 100% honest, if the person looks like he is going for the aggressive "Outta My Way" approach, rather than the nervous, dithery approach I tend to stick where I am out of principle. It really winds me up when people try to bully you on the road. Incorrect, probably, immature, almost certainly. But that's how it is.

I always try to be courteous and expect the same in return; people who just bully their way around get on my tits.

PeterPoddy - Member

This reminds me, I was passing the Basingstoke junction on the M3 recently. A few cars pulled out, so I pulled into the middle lane for them. This knob in a van then tried to literally force me out into the outside lane, where I wasn't going becasue there was fast traffic approaching. He went NUTS at me. He was giving me the finger, shouting etc. I'd given him one lane and he wanted another! So I held my station and speed, let him pull out behind me and come past me in the outside lane (Inside lane was chokka, no pulling in or undertaking possible) then I admit to waving at him as he pulled alongside me (still effing and jeffing), dropping 2 gears and blowing him into the weeds. That did pee me off a tad, did that.

Just no need for people to behave like this. But you get it a lot.

Didn't read the whole thread buit my first thought was "almost nobody has any idea about forward planning and antisipation". That any everyone is out for themselves and assumes that everyone else who doesn't bend to their will or desire is wrong.

To be fair, it's been a LOOOOONG time since I got proper angry on the road. Last time was a couple of years ago when I was faced with a car coming the wrong way down a sliproad straigt at me. He stopped. I stopped behind him, marched round, opened the door and I think he really thought I was going to lamp him. (I considered dragging him out by his windpipe, TBH) He got my full repitoire of Anglo Saxon, one after another, he did. Bloke in his 50s, suit, in a newish Saab. He won't do that again.

with PP i often wonder how they get to the middle lane ..I however am doing 60 mph so it takes me much longer to pass the trucks. Very occasionally i still get to undertake some middle lane hogger even at that speed.

PP you slowed down to see what speed they actually change lane I got to 30 mph - very quiet motorway was young and stupid.

.blowing him into the weeds.
I find with drivers like that, blowing them a kiss is highly effective. They go spare.

Cougar - Member

I find with drivers like that, blowing them a kiss is highly effective. They go spare.

I did this to a lorry driver once who was giving me evils....he then proceeded to rant at me out of his cab that he wanted to stop on the hard shoulder & beat the poo poo out of me.
I just dropped a gear in the old Fiesta and gave him all 75 horses. That showed him. Vroom.

PP you slowed down to see what speed they actually change lane I got to 30 mph - very quiet motorway was young and stupid.

Like it! 🙂

So, the experiment I mentioned earlier....
What I actually did the other week when I got one was to deliberately hog the middle lane once I'd passed the trucks, to see if they'd ever pass me, on either side......

I actaully got bored after several miles. They just sat there, getting closer and dropping back, then nearly taking my rear end off as I eventually pulled in.... Not clever, no, or in the event even very interesting, just bizzare....

I drive in the fast lane at 95mph and flash all the plebs if they won't get out of my way, don't they know that I am a [s]very important businessman[/s] [b]middle manager[/b] of [s]international business[/s] [b]nothing very important[/b]?

What p's me off are these cretins who come blatting down the slip road at warp speed, fly across all the lines to the outside line and tailgate someone because they're "only" doing 85mph in the outside line. How on earth can they have carefully judged how everyone else is moving in relation to each other?
My view is that as long as IM going faster than the traffic in the lane to my left i.e. Im overtaking anyone else trying to push me out of their way can get bent.

Very occasionally i still get to undertake some middle lane hogger even at that speed.

see when i come across middle lane hogs, I tend to stay in the inside lane until i reach them, then overtake them properly on the outside, then go back to the inside lane* (as I should)

I kinda hope that they'll have an "oh im being a 'tard sat here in the middle lane" epiphany moment when they see me pull out across 2 lanes to overtake, then cross back 2 lanes in front of them.

But I imagine in reality they don't even notice...

*as long as its clear and safe enough to do so

I find with drivers like that, blowing them a kiss is highly effective.

A Friend of mine who is a fairly aggressive driver was having a shout at another driver once. The bloke calmly turned to him, put his finger to his lips and said "shhhhh". It made him furious and still makes me laugh.

amedias - I've known someone (actually no, not me) play 'squares' where they then drop back into lane 1, let them past & do it again. 2 wrongs don't make a right tho so be careful out there kids...

Yawn, can I be bothered? 😉

PP, you mention 'IAM training' - what training? Have you done the test?

BTW it's hard shoulder, then lane 1,2,3,4 from left to right, not inside, outside, middle, slow, fast, overtaking, lorry etc etc etc. 👿

see when i come across middle lane hogs, I tend to stay in the inside lane until i reach them, then overtake them properly on the outside, then go back to the inside lane* (as I should)

Technically, you don't have to do that. There is nothing wrong with travelling at a higher speed than traffic in a lane to your outside, assuming you adhere to the speed limit. Might be a bit shaky on safety grounds, but it's not undertaking. Undertaking is moving from directly behind someone to their inside, passing them and then moving back to the original lane.

#1 type drivers are even more irritating if you're going a bit faster. There you are sitting in the left lane doing 70 (honestly occifer), coming up on traffic ahead. #1 type driver comes past you, then slows down as they're alongside you due to the traffic in front. You have to slow down in order to pull out behind them, into the right hand lane to get past them and the traffic, only for the whole thing to repeat a little while later.

the undertaking is an odd one if there is a hard shoulder [escape route]I assume it is sfaer to just carry on than cross three lanes at 60 to just get past one fool who has generally sat there for along time as I creep up on them... i now have a plausible defence from the Flying Ox are you a legal bod or copper? That is would my defence really work?

To be fair, it's been a LOOOOONG time since I got proper angry on the road. Last time was a couple of years ago when I was faced with a car coming the wrong way down a sliproad straigt at me. He stopped. I stopped behind him, marched round, opened the door and I think he really thought I was going to lamp him. (I considered dragging him out by his windpipe, TBH) He got my full repitoire of Anglo Saxon, one after another, he did. Bloke in his 50s, suit, in a newish Saab. He won't do that again.

*swoons*

I have seen this many times on the motorways and I sympathise with you. Yeah theirs slow drivers out there and some sit in the middle lane but if your a normal person you just go round them on the outside. People should just drive their own cars and not use them to give others driving lessons by intimidating them. It's actually quite dangerous.

1) a lot of people are pretty stupid
2) see 1) above.

The thing is, a great many, if not the majority of people are really not looking at their speedos or concentrating on what's around them - they are just looking at the road tunnel-vision style not thinking much.

The bloke accelerating up the slip-road, almost EVERYONE does that and I drive at the speed limit. It's almost instinctive, and people usually just respond to their instincts like animals instead of thinking about what they are doing. You've made him drive slowly for a few seconds, so he pushes the loud pedal for a few seconds to reassure himself that he is still powerful and strong - all subconsciously.

Personally, I lift off as early as I can on sliproads to coast up them 🙂

Personally, I lift off as early as I can on sliproads to coast up them

No, the game being to use as little fuel as possible without pissing other drivers off. I usually do have to brake before the roundabout of course, but I don't need to be using any fuel on it like most people seem to be.

The national hand signal for drivers sniffing your exaust, before ragging off when you clear the middle lane is right hand out of window, fist clenched then extend your index finger and thumb about 2 inches apart, and wave slowly, seems to really work, as they usually reciproccate with one finger or even two.

The OP is Surfmat and I claim my £5

In answer to number one, if I actually write something down, a sales order for example, I need the car infront to act as a guide and stop me from crossing the white line. Hands free is fine, but trying to get it all written down or use the iPad is a real PITA. So I simply latch on to a car with an appropriate speed. Simples.

PP, you mention 'IAM training' - what training? Have you done the test?

Yep. Motorcycle advanced test.

It's worth doing if only for learning the finer interpretations of the Highway Code, all the ins and outs of it. And it does make you a faster, safer rider. I didnt't agree with everything they teach, some of it is still just to pass another test IMO, where I prefer to be a bit more fluid and think for myself. But on the whole it's worth it.

Everyone should have to sit it before they're allowed out in a car with more than about 100bhp/tonne IMO 🙂

You really start to notice those who start to speed up when overtaking, when your employer fits a 68mph limiter to your van. After a week I got so tired of being marooned in the middle lane that I changed driving habits and now drive at around 56mph with the trucks, but still occasionally I will creep up on someone, pull out and then 30 seconds later, find myself on the limiter and struggling to pass. Shortly after pulling in they will fall back to their earlier speed and they will drop out of site.

[i]What is with the latest thing of roaring down a slip road with an "I will merge regardless" attitude?? No looking over the shoulder or using their mirrors........Gggaaaahhhhhh![/i]

Came close to a crash last month in that situation, I'm descending a steep hill on a dual carriageway at 50mph in a big white van, with an even bigger big white heavy trailer. Traffic passing on right, car joining on left. She doesn't check her mirrors, let alone the blind spot, dead level with me. I sound the horn to give her an early warning, she glances at me. I get uneasy, I have no real acceleration, (only 115 bhp to move up to 6.3 tons) and can't brake too hard as the trailer is a horsebox, and I don't want to end up stopping in lane one in a stalemate like you occasionally see. I sound horn for about 5 seconds as we get to the give way markings, she makes eye contact and I flash and gesture with my arm that she should push the go pedal. She looks ahead again for another couple of seconds, I use the horn again and she glances at me but still doesn't take any action. Another blast and a glance. At this point she's almost at the end of the slip, I'm on the cats eyes to keep some space between us. I hit the horn again and fully expected her to either drive onto the grass or just drive into my passenger door, she suddenly slows down whilst giving me a dirty look, tries to tuck in behind me and then scares herself ****less when she finally notices she has managed to join and share lane one alongside a big trailer. During this I have slowed to 40mph, but it appears she has realised her mistake as she sheepishly refuses to pass me all the way down the hill and even holds back as she joins a long slip road until trees block her from view. Probably the same person that caused a friend to do an emergency stop in a 7.5 ton horse lorry a few months earlier at the same slip, sending the horse through a steel breast bar and into the bulkhead. Luckily it appeared the horse was tougher than the lorry 🙂

I'll let you into a secret. Hardly anyone can drive worth shit.

A Friend of mine who is a fairly aggressive driver was having a shout at another driver once. The bloke calmly turned to him, put his finger to his lips and said "shhhhh". It made him furious and still makes me laugh.

my commute home involves joining the m3 from the m27 travelling west lane 1 becomes lane 2, and the lane 1 from the west becomes an exit lane 2 becomes lane 1. basically 2 lanes either direction join 2+2=4.

it's not difficult (apart from to explain) most people CANNOT do it. especialy people who can't read the signs and indicate from lane 2 into lane 3 as they think their lane is a slip road. soon enough they merge back across to lane !!

or the people who enter motorway tailgating but can't/ won't identify a space and merge in!!

most driving is shit!

When my old man learnt to ride a motorbike his instructor suggested you treat everyone else on the road as if they are a dust bin that is about to roll into your path.

Trust no one.

Oh and anyone who does'nt understand how to give way on a sliproad joining a motorway deserves a hot poker up the ass..

When my old man learnt to ride a motorbike his instructor suggested you treat everyone else on the road as if they are a dust bin that is about to roll into your path.

Trust no one

This ^^^ is how I treat other road users - assume they are all idiots/blind/irrattional/stupid.

I'll tell you something that irks me and it's taking things in the opposite direction.....

People that seem out to make a point that they are a good driver, by driving really badly. By this I mean they will come from lane 3 after overtaking into lane 2, then into lane 1 even though there is a lorry 50yds ahead, so back out, then straight back in again only to be back out in lane 3 10 seconds later. No need to make a point, try driving smoothly and that would be more impressive.

STR, perhaps they're trying to tell you that you're hogging the middle lane 😆

Can't say I've really noticed #1 happening but a couple of possible explanations:
- I occasionally find myself on auto-pilot where I've matched the speed of the car in front and done a couple of miles before I've realised I'm either going slower or faster than I wanted to. It only happens if the speed difference was small when I initially got close though (I don't roar up behind people at 95 then sit behind them at 65 :p ).
- Possibly they know it's near a popular cop spot (or their sat nav speed camera sonar is pinging) so they pull in behind for a bit until they think it's safe. Or possibly you drive a white car with a roof rack on so they panic and think you're a cop car so pull in before they realise you aren't then shoot off again :p

indeed what Rich penny said they are telling you that you are crap and inconsiderate

Not at all - I don't hog any lane, but on the contrary I don't pull into a slower lane when I'll be pulling out again 5 seconds later - constant lane switching can cause more chaos than sensible lane choice.

I don't pull into a slower lane when I'll be pulling out again 5 seconds later

I will sometimes do that if someone's approaching from behind and the speed differential is enough. Good manners, no?

Slower lane WTF is that lane? Unfortunately, for you, the highway code says the near lane is your lane and all the others are just for overtaking, but hey you know best. Forcing cars across three lanes to get past you seems to prove your point about how well you have chosen your lane. When they then obey the highway code afterwards, returning to he nears side NOT THE SLOW LANE of course they are still wrong and you are right to stay in an overtaking lane.

RichPenny - Member

I don't pull into a slower lane when I'll be pulling out again 5 seconds later

I will sometimes do that if someone's approaching from behind and the speed differential is enough. Good manners, no?

No, not if it means frantic manouevering and I will have to pull out straight away again, if lane 3 is free. Two changes of direction for me, or one for the following vehicle - which makes more sense?

There is a difference between going out of your way to abide by what you perceive to be the rules of the road and sensible driving. Having an awareness of what is a few vehicles ahead, what is behind and what is to your right and left is the key, not just being as far left as you can at all times.

Junkyard, have a word with yourself, then when you have, actually bother to read my post properly.

Stop being a tool for the sake of an argument please. Swerving erratically across 3 lanes is obviously safer than taking a sensible line according to you?

Two changes of direction for me, or one for the following vehicle - which makes more sense?

Surely its two for them as well, since they'll pull in after overtaking you. I agree there's no need for frantic manouevers, but if they're approaching at a speed where I think I can get in and out again with no dramas then I will move over. Sometimes I misjudge it slightly and I have to brake 😯

No, not if it means frantic manouevering and I will have to pull out straight away again, if lane 3 is free. Two changes of direction for me, or one for the following vehicle - which makes more sense?

There is a difference between going out of your way to abide by what you perceive to be the rules of the road and sensible driving.

Can't say I've really noticed #1 happening but a couple of possible explanations:
- I occasionally find myself on auto-pilot where I've matched the speed of the car in front and done a couple of miles before I've realised I'm either going slower or faster than I wanted to. It only happens if the speed difference was small when I initially got close though (I don't roar up behind people at 95 then sit behind them at 65 :p ).

If you change lanes, surely it's only common sense and courtesy to match your speed to that of the traffic already in that lane?

Rigidly sticking to your self imposed speed limit will only lead to bunching as everyone slows behind you, won't it?