A savvy motorist has been branded an “immoral driver” for employing a clever “slingshot” manoeuvre to beat traffic at roundabouts, with some claiming the technique is “super efficient.”
Sharing her strategy on the Dull Men’s Club Facebook group, Ryoko Attwell shared how she dodges queues by cleverly using an alternative lane. She has since attracted debate after her husband criticised the move.
She posted: “Well my dull husband thinks I’m an immoral driver. I disagree. There is one big roundabout of which left turn lane towards London get so busy depends on the timing of the day. When it’s looooong queue (of which many try to cut in last moment which is naughty IMO) I go out to the right lane, turn all the way around the roundabout and take priority (see my poor picture).
“It was the first time hubby was sitting on passenger seat when I used this method and he was totally appalled. As far as I’m concerned I’m not against any Highway Code!?”
Devotees of the drive-around shared their familiarity with the “slingshot”, noting they “use it at every opportunity” while another stated that veering into the right lane to overtake stationary cars “makes perfect sense”.
Some users defended the “slingshot” method, calling it “sensible” as it prevents further congestion on the roundabout. One user commented: “Sensible and stops queues building up in the left lane.”
Another user agreed, saying: “That’s a slingshot, do it every time and not against any rules.”
A driving instructor even chimed in, stating: “I even teach this method. It’s super efficient and helps traffic flow! ” However, others strongly disagreed, arguing that it worsens the queue as drivers following the Highway Code (Rule 186) must give way to those using the slingshot method.
Some pointed out that it actually adds to the existing queues, as drivers must yield to those re-entering the left lane after circling the roundabout. One user concluded: “It doesn’t do anything to reduce the queue in the left lane, but there’s nothing wrong with it.”