A woman has sparked debate online after revealing the cheeky 'slingshot method' she uses to beat traffic at a roundabout.
Nobody likes wasting precious minutes marooned in traffic if they can help it, which is why most us will try to avoid travelling during rush hour. However, driving during busy periods can't always be steered clear from, which is why one woman uses a particular technique to make sure she's not sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic for any longer than needs be.
Sharing the technique on social media, Ryoko Attwell revealed that she often uses the slingshot trick to get across roundabouts quicker.
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For those unfamiliar with what she means (myself included), the slingshot method is where a driver planning to turn left enters the roundabout in the right-hand lane and goes the whole way around before exiting at their intended junction.
On paper this may sound needlessly complicated, but Attwell states going the whole way around the roundabout is quicker than sitting in heavy traffic, which is fair enough.
However, one person who didn't agree with the technique was Attwell's husband, who referred to the technique as 'immoral' after witnessing her use the manoeuvre.
Surprised by her husband's aversion to the technique, Attwell asked the people of Facebook's Dull Men's Club for advice, and to see if others used the same method.
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"Well my dull husband thinks I’m an immoral driver. I disagree," she wrote, before going on to explain how slingshotting is a great way to jump traffic near where she lives.
"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.
"It was the first time hubby was sitting on passenger seat when I used this method and he was totally appalled," she added.
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"As far as I’m concerned I’m not against any Highway Code!?"
The question sparked plenty of debate amongst group members, with most being in favour of the manoeuvre if used safely.
"Slingshot is top tier, along with zip merging - few master the skill," one person commented, while a second agreed that minimising traffic was always a good idea. "The faster you get through and on your way, the less time you are impeding other car’s progress. By not further backing up traffic by waiting in the left lane, you’re improving the overall flow of traffic," they wrote.
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"Is hubby not miffed because he didn't think to do this," a third person added.
Some others weren't so relaxed about the idea, with some pointing out that slingshotting will just cause a build-up of traffic in both lanes.
Some even questioned the legality of the technique altogether, with one person writing: "Driving offences are not dull!"
"I’m with your hubby on this one," another added. "We all know doing this is possible, but as others have said it’s frowned upon. Just wait your turn."
Brenna Cooper