why does this weather make people drive like absolute idiots!!!!

The only idiots I've seen are the ones who are driving too fast for the conditions!
I'm not normally a slow driver, but when the roads are like this I am cautious. I'm also happy to give extra space to other drivers who are going at the speed they feel comfortable with. I know we all think we're ace drivers, but have some common sense!

The best one I've seen so far was on my way home from work yesterday - my side of the road was queueing behind a tractor who was clearing snow off the road. A lorry came far too fast down the other side, which had a fair coating of slush on it, with this ear glued to him mobile phone!
 
Glad I just pootle along in my tinny van and so was the cyclist in front of me, because when he fell off and slid into the middle of the road I didn't run him over !! Why on earth he thought it was safe to ride a bike on the road on packed snow/ice I have no idea.
 
From what I've seen in the last few weeks there are a lot of over confident drivers about. To drive at 60 mph on a road which looks clear is asking for trouble. You don't actually see black ice (which is why it's called, black ice), until its too late and you have lost control and taken out a much better, albiet slower driver.

4x4's can be a bit of a laugh as well when they speed through the snow. They are heavier and take longer to stop on ice, which is probably why I passed a smashing new Range Rover in the canal this morning.

Yes the OP is right this weather does make people drive like absolute idiots.
 
When I was learning to drive last year, my driving instructor took me out when most main roads were cleared. My street was still snowy and icy, we were doing less than 10mph and he told me to stamp on the brakes to feel what it was like to skid. This was on an empty road if anyone is wondering!

We did skid a little way and not very quickly but I don't think I'll ever forget the horrible feeling of the wheels locking up and having no control. And that was just at that slow speed.

I think the real idiot drivers are the ones thinking they can drive at normal speed because the road "looks ok". Even if its not icy you still need to be cautious of very wet roads as well.
 
OP I really disagree with your comments - I had to park a good distance away from work in Belfast city centre today and whilst walking ON THE ROADS, which appeared clear, I was sliding all over the place. I only walked on bits of the road as the footpaths were two inches of solid ice.
Anyway, I'm not a slow driver in good conditions but even on the main roads here which have been gritted and look clear, they are still slippy and dangerous so I'm taking it easy as are most drivers.
Black ice, as has been said, is not visible and deadly if hit at speed.

OP, feel free to drive like an idiot, but show some concern for the innocent bystanders you may mow down on your way.
 
I used to live in Herefordshire and the standard of driving in rural area's was awful, there were certainly a lot of fatal accidents involving young drivers. It was nearly always put down to speed and inexperienced young drivers losing control on bends and such like. Heaven knows what these conditions and this type of driver will result in.
 
Santas New Little Helper said:
driving at 20 on an otherwise safe fast road puts other drivers at risk, especially in bad weather, as it forces other drivers to take evasive action ie braking harshly which heightens the risk of skidding, and for some agressive drivers can piss them off and cause them to drive aggressively and put others in danger.
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If anyone has to brake harshly, they were going too fast!

And as for aggressive drivers, you put a picture in my head of a little old lady being hunted down to take responsibility for carnage caused by an "aggressive driver" cos she had p|ssed him off lol! Seriously. We all have to take responsibility for people who can't handle their tempers and take it out on other road users now? Think about it OP!

What they say about cars being weapons is bang on I think. And they're not measly weapons either.

If this is happening so much that it's annoying you, then just maybe the majority is in the right here. No idea what it's like near you OP and I'm no snail (mainly because I'm always late, I'll be honest) but the thought of going anywhere at 60 at the mo (and you talk about bends too eek!) just fills me with dread. Get a good CD on, allow more time, and don't get wound! :)
 
My OH did this... I did warn him that it wasn't safe to drive above 20...

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