Driving distances

I don't enjoy driving, I've never driven further than 60-odd miles on my own, rarely drive on motorways so avoid them if I can and I have poor night vision. I drove less than 4000 last year.
Obviously if I had to I would drive longer distances but I would get very stressed out ?
DH would drive all day if he could and so I leave it to him.
I opt for trains quite happily to visit DS, DDIL and DGSs.

wot your post at 8.31 this morning gave DH and me our first good laugh of the day. We used to live in Brighton many moons ago and we had friends who looked down their noses when they said that they lived "In Hove actually" as against Brighton. Made me wonder if it was just us that found it amusing or is it general? Took us right back to very happy days and we are still smiling.
Sorry that you find driving so difficult but we returned for a visit a couple of years ago and I found the traffic absolutely horrendous. No pleasure in driving there at all and I am so pleased to be a country mouse again. The problem comes when there is no alternative but I would think that you would be well served with public transport "in Hove actually" so you should be ok. It costs money to have a car just sitting doing nothing so if I was not travelling long distances, which is certainly very expensive, I would not keep a car if I could walk or use public transport. I guess "you pays your money and takes your choice"

MawB, I'm happy to drive as far as I need to go. Love it but I would certainly temper my journeys with more stops nowadays rather than doing it in a 'oner' I drive alone and, with time at my disposal, would probably turn it into a smallish holiday by choosing my stop(s) strategically. If there was a time pressure, e.g. funeral, I would try to use public transport and taxis if necessary. Agree with you, not so pleasant and more expensive. I still enjoy driving very much. Admittedly some modern practices on motorways chill me but I try to maintain my braking space and let them all fly by. No, that is not to be interpretated as a slow frustrater. I like speed, recognise the limits but cling to my braking space if I can. I am currently fortunate in that my regular motorway drive is on a comparatively civilised one and I only do 67 miles. Other child who lives further away prefers to do the journey. As for inner city, I really try to use P & R and enjoy the walking/bus experience.

Still smiling at 'interpretated'. Pretty good, eh?

I put the sat nav on for company

Since we live away from family, up to 350 miles away in one case, I’ve always had to drive long distances. The only difference is, if I’m on my own I stop more frequently than if I’m with DH or someone else. Not so keen on driving long distances when we go abroad-prefer just short trips then and the traffic on the motorways in Holland was scary!

Definitely agree with the slippery slope Maw, hubby is going to play golf in Tenerife later this year and I’ve always wanted to explore the Southwold area and he’s not that fussed. I’ve decided to book somewhere nice and go while he is away. First thing he said was “it’s a bit far for you to drive”. I thought “ he’s right I can’t do it”. I mulled it over in my head and came to the conclusion I definitely can. I’ve always driven all over the place so why should things change.

Two or three times I've driven to and from the West Country to the East Midlands but I didn't really relish it. I managed all right but found it very tiring despite taking breaks. These days I prefer to use public transport for anything but local journeys. I expect that's cowardly, isn't it? It's what I feel happy with.

I can't do more than about 2 1/2 hours, but then, I've never put it to the test. Anything longer than that and I take the train.

I drive 150 miles each way to see my family and grandchildren as I moved to Hornsea from Cambridgeshire
I am 71 year s and it does not bother me at all.
Joe

Maw I will be 72 tomorrow. I love driving and always have as I love the freedom it gives me. My husband died over 10 years ago but I always did the bulk of the driving. I go to Scotland twice a year to visit his family, and that is 450 miles. I usually only take one break, (for loo, bite to eat and top up petrol). However, as time is my own, I am happy to take as many breaks as I want. I used to drive in France but haven't been over there since my husband died, so think I would lack a bit of confidence to do that again.

Don't give up, just take everything at your own pace. We all have to take account of changing circumstances, and of course age takes its toll also! Don't beat yourself up - be kind to yourself!

I love driving. Until I retired, I used to do a 50-mile round daily commute, so have always been used to longish journeys. I still regularly drive over 50 miles to see DD and well over 100 miles to DS (mostly on M-ways) so wouldn't feel bothered about long journeys.
I've cut back on driving at night recently, as many roads in my area are unlit, and I know that my night vision isn't as good as it used to be - but other than that, I'd be lost without my car, as public transport is a joke in this area..!

I will happily drive as far as needs be. I regularly drive alone between the south-west of France and the UK and think nothing of it. I actually enjoy long trips.

I drove my employer from Petersfield (Hants) to Alnwick (Northumberland. It took 5 hours NON-STOP. The only downside was that when I got out of the car, I felt as if I was still moving forward...a very weird feeling. 2 days later I did the reverse journey.
I regularly drive to visit my daughter in mid Wales, a 4.5hr drive. I've been by train on two occasions but with 4 changes, an 8am start and arriving at the final station at 4pm, it was no joke although a pleasant journey and 1/3 the cost of petrol.
When I was in my second job after retiring, I drove from Newbury to Warrington quite regularly and from Chester to Mortimer. Also driven sportsmen around from venue to venue when they've been banned. They were very well paid jobs.

Just about to head off on a two and a half hour drive to meet up with school friends. I can't say that the prospect of driving halfway round the M25 and then up the M1 fills me with pleasure but it has to be done. I'll just take my time and stop whenever necessary. As someone else said 'use it or lose it'. I'd hate not to be able to drive especially as my OH had to surrender his licence due to health reasons. Designated driver is now firmly part of my life! Good job that I enjoy driving

Synonymous, thanks for your reply but unfortunately I moved up to Norfolk with my parents in 1972! Brighton/Hove is my spiritual home still though. About 20 years ago, I moved to a very rural area in Norfolk, into my dad's cottage. I rue the day I did that. It is peaceful though.(too bloody peaceful) ?

I don't drive...never have and I have plenty independence because of it! Sitting in traffic on a hot day is NOT my idea of independence thanks. Long live public transport and Shank's Pony!

By the way..... My daughter not long ( 1 year)... passed her test and has been driving since ( she's 40)....before that she was running for buses and trains and taxis in an emergency ..... she's one 1 stone heavier in one year. I'll leave you to do the maths!

Hi Maw, I don't envy you the M25 or any driving in London. My son drove me through London from Walthamstow to Kew and I was totally stressed even though I had none of the driving to do!

I'll happily drive 150 miles from here to Lancaster this summer, as I do every year. However, I won't do it all in one go. I'll have a couple of stops on the way. Last year I had a little nap at the services because I felt a bit dopey. I avoid driving to Bristol (325 miles) because even the idea of it is off putting. I hate even being a passenger for that long.

I find that there is far less stress driving if I have a tom tom sat nav with a nice kind female voice telling what to do next. also when i changed cars I got automatic and air conditioning. this all makes a lot of difference. Then if driving a long way I stop every 2 hours to read my Kindle and drink a cold drink or hot one depending. do not give up because of one experience.

Unlike most people I am happiest of all driving around London - mostly because of the speed of the traffic. I am unhappiest on motorways and won’t go on them. I have now made myself drive to my son’s in Herts as long as I go on the A10. I also have to have the Satnav on as some kind of security blanket! I know quite a few women of my age who won’t drive at all now so I am better than them.

I am happy to drive 150 miles back to Wales to stay with friends. I am better on familiar routes whether A roads or motorways. Currently doing 2 jobs 3 days a week. I day on A road 25 mins about 10 miles each wayOther job 2 days on motorways and dual carriageway 30 miles each way morning traffic in rush hour can meaner least an hour sometimes more, 40-50 mins on the way back because not rush hour . I used a sat nav for reassurance in case there was a road/junction closure as when I moved down here (Surrey) it was a completely unknown area for me. I was really anxious finding my way at first, 2 day job is in West Sussex and I am planning to give that up soon . However if the route is familiar I am fine driving on any road, quite enjoy it and particularly love the independence it gives me. Going back to Wales is usually a 2.5-3 hour journey and I usually do that in one go.

Until about six months ago I was quite happy to drive 120 miles from Essex to Leamington to see DD1, A127/M25/M1. I’ve now become very anxious when driving long distances. I still drive 50 miles to DD2 in Kent but absolutely hate the drive back through the Dartford tunnel. I don’t know where this sudden anxiety has come from.
I now take the train to Leamington, £15.00 return with Trainline and senior rail card. It takes 3 1/2 hours door to door but I do get to sit, relax and read.
I think roads, especially motorways, are so busy these days and long journeys become very stressful.

Must say I love my little car. Always used to say I felt like a tortoise, which the car as my shell. Drive all around London (avoiding rush hours, where possible), quite happily. Not as happy about night driving, except on roads I know pretty well.
For past two or three years I have been using the coach to go from London to visit daughter and family in Somerset. However, have now decided that the faff of getting from my house to Victoria Coach station is just too much for me. (walk to bus stop, bus to underground, underground train, then walking from there to coach station and sitting and waiting at gate). It is actually easier to return to driving this distance, during the day, and being prepared to take breaks as I feel I need to at service stations. At least, that way, I do not have to worry as to how heavy a case I can manager, etc.
These days on motorways I tend to stick to the inside (driving lane) at about 60 mph. Best for fuel performance, and quite relaxing. I always have audio books in the car and use these on long journeys, so that even if there is a traffic hold-up, I really do not mind.

You are being quite hard on yourself Mawbroom; a long journey in the heat today on busy motorways would tire anyone . Congratulate yourself on having done it and reward yourself with something nice to eat and drink, with feet up.
Clever girl!