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Comments
I am sure that stater was looking out for safety and not for money or quota, as the end of the month approaches.
My fav from yesterday was the idiot in an Azera slam on his brakes and make a right hand turn into a gas station from the middle lane of a three lane road (with a 50 mph SL).
Oh and the Land Cruiser that decided to swerve off the exit ramp at the last minute and get back on the highway.
And for an even three, the loser doing 45 MPH in the left lane of the NJ turnpike.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
Actually, I say that only half-heartedly. He didn't give any of us who were driving along with me any issue at/near 60. Some folks do fly through there at 70+, which is unacceptable given the quality of road surface and the fact that there is a relatively popular (for the area) intersection just beyond the hill crest. I have turned left from that road a couple times and nearly been T-boned by some bozo kid driving 80-100 as they popped over the hill. There's plenty of sight distance at 55-60... not so much when you go faster than that.
This is one of those roads where 55 really is a reasonable limit, so I wouldn't have lost any sleep over seeing someone zip past me at 65 and then get pulled over for speeding. If that happened on the expressway connecting this road, that would be another story.
Not a trip goes by on I90 in my area where one or more drivers just has to be on my bumper while in the fast (left) lane and many vehicles immediately ahead of me. Even happens at times when I decide to use the right-most lane, but not as much. In 3-lane I90, these drivers will jump around in middle, right lane, get ahead slightly, get back in left lane and do the same tail-gate stunt to the driver ahead of them.
Should keep a log, but most times seems mostly to be drivers in full-size pickups, large suvs. Now, the taller the pickup, the closer they tailgate, seems like less than a car length. I think there is a formula for figuring their IQ. It is inversely proportional to the height of their truck.
I'll need to put the driving to music or something though, or my narration will make me into some kind of new "Winnebago Man" :shades:
When I left the parking lot at approximately 8pm, there was a fairly new red Dodge Dakota, with body damage (that should have been a clue!), driving a short way behind me on the 4-lane road (two in each direction). Over the next half-mile or so, the vehicle managed to slowly creep up to my rear quarter in the left lane, then sit there for a good distance. Eventually, the driver blasted by me and swerved in ahead and again matched my speed, which was about 42 in a 40.
A little later, we come up on a stop light after the SL decreases to 35. Upon leaving the light, the driver, a middle-aged gal who was engrossed in a conversation with her passenger, managed to make it up to maybe 35 before settling in at that speed. I was going closer to 40, so I took the left lane and began passing her.
When I was about even along side, the car ahead of the Dakota signals a right turn and starts slowing dramatically. The Dakota driver didn't slow, but actually sped up to match speed with me, then a little faster than me, and just pulls into my lane (while I'm still there!). As much as I tried otherwise, I still managed to dodge that Dodge through swerving left, braking hard, then swerving right to avoid both her and the oncoming car, while she *barely* missed me and the car turning right.
While the rest of us were cleaning our shorts, this gal just nonchalantly veers back into the right lane and continues on her way. It didn't look like she ever missed a beat in her conversation either. Get a phone in that woman's hand and watch the mayhem ensue! :surprise:
Happily, I made it home without further incident, but -my goodness- did it seem like folks were having a heck of a time keeping their vehicles between the lines.
I don't recall any significant collisions at that intersection since I have lived out there (ten years now), but there were a few alcohol-related collisions. Nothing fatal, mostly drivers rear-ending others who slow to turn left from the main highway. Of course, the last one of those was a few years back, and this Trooper-over-the-crest phenomenon is a more recent thing. You don't see too many drunks during the morning commute.
Really? Fairbanks must have tamed way down. :P
Don't tell me they don't let the bars stay open to 5 am anymore.
btw, does your horn work? Maybe you need an air horn.
My horn does work, but it didn't last night - there wasn't time for that because she didn't drift into my lane, she just yanked the wheel left to avoid the turning car (rather than slowing down as the other car slowed, which would have been the intelligent thing to do), and I was left to deal with the repercussions. What I *wanted* to do (afterward) was hold my ground and let her hit me (I was in the Escort, so I would have been okay with that), but I'm trained too well for that and did the whole duck and hide maneuver. When I ducked (which was swerving left into the oncoming lane), the oncoming car did honk, but it didn't seem to phase Ms. Dakota.
Afterward I just chuckled and silently cursed yesterday's post to this topic. :P
Road hazards happen. Little kids jump into road sometimes, you know. Happened locally in Boston this week. The kid is dead and the driver fled.
Once on new years eve (day) at 1AM, I had an especially great/leisurely/informative conversation with the Florida trooper after he detained & cited me on a remote part of I-95 north of jacksonville. He seemed a bit bored & lonely. Not many cars on road then!
In Florida and many other sample states *except one*, I have received excellent/professional/courteous roadside detentions and sometimes citation. Never a drunk-test, never asked to step out of vehicle. Each time well worth the tiny cost-per-mile, and tiny cost-per-minute saved, to ignore the posted limit on highways, and drive at the best speed for optimal safety and maximum alertness (above the posted-highway-limit, that is).
btw, Florida has fine online traffic school program. Be there, aloha!
Respect the cops. They don't come to your workplace and tell you that you are doing your job wrong. But if you disrespect the cop or argue against detention or citation, that's what you are doing to him.
I've seen them - they are usually dawdling/weaving in the *middle lane* of 3-lane-highway. I've noticed that inconsiderate or drunk or otherwise unskilled drivers tend to drive in the middle highway lane.
Evidently it's encouraged in some states, and illegal in other states, so it's no surprise that even well-meaning people can be confused about whether to keep right or keep-middle!
Also a nice observation - what is it with lifted truck drivers and late model M3 drivers? Both always seem to floor it off the line in all situations, no matter the traffic density they are approaching. Even the immature WRX crowd isn't so bad.
I've barely ever had to deal with cops - I am an attentive driver so I usually avoid traps, and I don't drive recklessly. 95% of cops are upstanding respectable and respectful people, but there's a small minority who really kill the rep of the entire profession.
About the workplace thing, not many non-executive private sector workers can get away with what they can pull off before an eventual firing...I can't feel sorry for them there. If they'd call out their bad brothers, I would feel different...but as it is now, they give people reason to lump the good with the bad.
Maybe not at your job.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
And, it is not only directly in front, but what is going on many vehicles ahead of that.
I like the old rule of one car length for every 10 MPH. When in fast lane, there are some drivers, idiots, who rush up, tailgate and in essence try to coerce me into following at one car length, or less, just like them. Won't happen. They are idiots. One can observe them more easily from the usually less intense, less stressful right lane of say a 3-lane interstate. They coerce, intimidate, jump from lane to lane, get back in left fast lane and intimidate the next driver. In fantasy, would be nice to have a James Bond equipped car with "heat" available in the back.
The best tailgater treatment is just to let off the gas. Especially good in cars with tall gearing/heavy engine braking.
Turned out, over a 2000-mile road-trip, that this was actually far less stressful, and easier on the car (I was babying EVERYTHING: brakes, valve gaskets, steering rack, suspension, maximizing gas mileage to save $$$). It was MAGIC. I'd never driven like this before, assuming the middle lane was optimal on a 3-lane-in-the-same-direction highway.
I did go middle-lane when the traffic wasn't too bad, and in more congested areas. Just didn't mind people zooming around me on either side.
Within limits, the slower you go, the more time you have to react, the easier it is on the car, and all the crazies usually cluster together and fight each other on each others' bumpers as an amusing road-show up ahead. Just keep the roadshow far up ahead so when they blow each other up, you're clear of the shrapnel.
Seriously, you don't need to be a road obstacle to do this, neither does it really change overall driving time that much; and it REALLY reduces stress.
I drive this way all the time now, even with a new car now, and it's great. The ones who need to justify spending money they don't have on power and luxury they don't really need to impress people they don't really know or care about can all go on up ahead and bug each other out, it's fine with me.
Too bad that around here, simply going the limit is often enough to get the left lane much of the time.
When I was leaving, I saw a Focus lay on its horn because an SRX turned left out of the parking lot in front of it, like the Focus wasn't there. A couple minutes later I am on the road, and who do I get behind? Same SRX, going about 25 in a 35, driver probably a War of 1812 vet. Time for some age-based testing, methinks.
Also got behind a G37 coupe with that hoary drone (and hideous aftermarket gold wheels) driven by someone I won't describe, who would tap their brakes almost like clockwork every other block. It was weird.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
Must be some newer requirement by those city planners you think so highly of. :shades:
There's a fix for the narrow lanes now:
"Straighter, neater parking means more space for all.”
Ford's Active Park Assist Plans to Save Us from Curbs and Body Shops Everywhere (Straightline)
Now you'll get to wait an extra 5 minutes as everyone backs into those spaces.
Funny thing, someone who parks a couple spaces from me has a new 370Z, and it seems quieter than those Gs.
I have no problem backing into spaces, in both of my excellent visibility cars I even only have to turn my head at the very end. But in this age of 3" tall windows and tall isolating overweight CUVs, I suppose the help is needed - the skill level of the average driver isn't high in a nation where you get a license if you can fog a mirror.
Be a good one for a caption contest. :shades:
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Also had a car lurch into a crosswalk and then stop while I was in it - pearl white IS250 with a driver I won't describe.
Even the ghosts of WalMarts past can come back to haunt you. There's a boarded-up one in Glen Burnie, Maryland, at the west end of a shopping plaza that also contains a Giant grocery store. We were up that way Sunday, and leaving the Giant, went over to the WalMart side, because it was easier to get out at the traffic light on that side of the parking lot. Well, my buddy drove properly, staying in the main aisle that ran in front of the store, and then made a left turn onto the aisle that goes out to access another road that goes to the traffic light.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, comes this mid-90's Silverado cutting across the parking lot at a 45 degree angle. Neither of us was going very fast, and I guess my buddy figured the guy would slow down and cut in behind us.
Nope. Dude came right across, just looking straight ahead the whole time, and it was like a slow motion trainwreck in progress, or the death-dance between the Andrea Doria and the Stockholm. Dude ended up cutting across so close in front of us I could almost tell what brand of cigarette was hanging from his mouth!
And then the dude starts to run the stop sign, but stops, about halfway through it. My buddy didn't honk his horn, but I reached over and laid into it! Dude looks about like he's disoriented, and slowly pulls forward.
We had to make one more turn, this time a left, to actually get out to the traffic light, and there was another stop sign here. If you went straight, you just went back into the WalMart parking lot and had to circle back around. Well, this guy started to go straight, but then just stopped. My buddy went around him. I'd like to say I simply stayed quiet, but no, I rolled down the window as I went back and shouted a few choice words that I won't repeat here because I'm too genteel. And stuff. :P
Oh, and speaking of the people of WalMart...I think that curse might have extended to the Giant grocery store in that plaza. When we left the store with our shopping cart, there was an '03 or so Crown Vic, fading gray, and its windows tinted with cigarette smoke, parked across the wheelchair/shopping cart ramp and crosswalk. They had their shopping cart positioned in a bad spot, too, with the husband who, at the rate he's going, will probably need a Hoveround in a few years, with a basket up front to hang his belly, getting stuff out of the cart, and handing it to his heifer of a wife who was loading up the back seat, totally oblivious to the fact that they were effectively blocking the exit. Dunno why they had the shopping cart so far away from the car. In its condition, another parking lot ding or two wouldn't have made a difference.
We just kinda pushed on through them with the cart. And I really had to fight to keep my mouth shut on this one...main thing that stopped me was my buddy begging me not to make a scene. I obliged...that time. :P
Well, we came to one such dead traffic light, where we had to make a right turn. However, the right turn is from a small merge lane, so it has a yield sign. Well, a 2003 or so Altima comes blowing through the intersection like the light was green, so my buddy stopped. And suddenly, we felt the tap from behind, and jerked ahead a few feet. Unfortunately, the girl in the 2000-ish Hyundai Elantra didn't quite stop in time.
Thankfully, damage wasn't too bad on my buddy's '06 Xterra. It pushed the center part of the bumper into the spare tire that hangs underneath, and knocked out one of the license plate lights, which we were able to just push back in.
In contrast, I have the feeling the Elantra's a total. Hood and grille got smashed back, headlights cracked, fenders damaged, and it started leaking coolant. It also had prior body damage on the passenger side back door, where it looked like it had scraped up against something.
Thankfully, nobody was hurt, and the teenage girl who was driving was very apologetic. Police arrived on the scene in about two minutes. At first it was just one county cop, but then suddenly there were FOUR of them! And soon thereafter two city cops.
At one point I saw a Bentley run through the intersection without stopping, and I just muttered to myself, but not all that quietly "Oh, he has a Bentley, so I guess he doesn't have to stop at that intersection!" One of the cop-ettes heard me, but was looking away at the time, replied "Oh, he'll stop alright, when he gets T-boned!"
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
Well, also, the people of WalMart/Giant just seemed more comical in their pigheaded jerkiness. I felt kinda bad for the girl in the Hyundai.
I was also a bit annoyed that the cops showed up, but in the long run it may have been for the best. This girl didn't have her insurance or registration info on her, and it was her sister's car. So, without a police report (police verified the insurance and registration info), I guess it could've been a bit messy reporting it to the insurance co.
And also, I'll admit that it's not often that I have much of anything nice to say about the police. But this time, around, every single cop was very nice, courteous, helpful. Non-judgemental, didn't try to talk down to any of us, make us respect their authoritah, etc.
Between the idiot drivers, the poorly designed parking lots, and the sheer amount of traffic I stay away if I can (or go really early which my Fiance hates)
Most Walmarts are just so large and busy they seem to be the worst.
Yesterday's winner was actually in a parking lot. I pulled out of a row of parking spots onto the exit road. The SUV driver behind me decides I am not going fast enough (I had no where to go traffic in front) and attempts to pass me on the right. Well.... she didn't realize the lane ended and had to slam on her brakes and sneak back in behind me. Oh, and I didn't speed up in order to not let her in.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
large BMW sedan. I entered the left turn lane with the BMW behind me. When the left turn arrow
turned green I made the left turn and moved over into the right hand lane. The BMW proceeded
to pull ahead and crowd me out. I shifted to second gear and pulled ahead of the accelerating BMW by at least five car lengths, not shifting to third gear, and only at 5500 RPM. At the next light the BMW M5 pulled in behind me in the right lane rather than pulling alongside me.
My BOSS 302 is rated at 444 HP @ 7500 RPM, the BMW M5 is rated at 500.
I rest my case!! BUY AMERICAN MUSCLE!
:shades:
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
large BMW sedan. The BMW proceeded to pull ahead and crowd me out.
Do some bmw drivers have an attitude? The commercials might encourage certain behavior. Such as ripping up sand on a beach by a bmw suv. Or, getting a coffee refill through the sunroof while driving from a low flying tanker airplane with long boom.
That reminds me of something that happened years ago. I was in my '69 Dodge Dart GT, which just had a 225 slant six. My then-girlfriend was in the passenger seat, and her spoiled, princess best friend was in the back. We stopped at a traffic light, and a Porsche pulled up beside us. I didn't even notice it, but naturally the princess did!
Well, light turns green, and I just happen to take faster than the Porsche. To which the princess exclaims "Ooh! Andre just blew off a Porsche!!" And she actually said it seriously...no sarcasm at all.
-TX drivers get into the far left lane and drive below the speed limit. Seems the rule here is slow down in the passing lane, believe they do not know the far left lane is for passing. Often the person is on the phone.
-Never, I mean never use a turn signal to change lanes. Or make turns. Why tip anyone off about your plans? Typically the larger vehicles such as pick-ups randomly change lanes, never signalling as they aggressively cut you off. Luckily you can often hear them coming because these types love to use the loudest exhaust system they can get.
-Don't mess with Texas? What a sad joke. This state has the most littering of any I've ever been through. Last summer my son and I drove across country from NY, NJ, down to the Houston area, then to SoCal and NoCal; later in the summer from the Bay Area to Ithaca, NY. TX was far and away the most littered.
Am sure the Texans in these parts would respond with a "why don't you leave?" Well, I'll tell you -- this is the best eating state I've ever been in, bar none. And generally, Texans when not behind the wheel are among the finest people I've ever met.