It would be nice to know the previous owner of one's car, or at least know of them, if one is inclined to buy used. Inconsiderate drivers make bad used cars.
I wonder if the ABS thing exists in places with more skilled drivers.
It would be nice to know the previous owner of one's car, or at least know of them, if one is inclined to buy used. Inconsiderate drivers make bad used cars.
Absolutely. I figured that one out real quick after I bought my Subaru. I spent countless hours repairing problems caused by previous owners, and am actually quite surprised that I have been able to keep it running as long as I have (202.5K today, bought it with 83.3K in 8/2000). I would guess that I have spent about $2500 on it in what I would consider to be non-normal maintenance - and that is doing all work myself! I would guess it to be closer to $10,000 if there was an actual labor cost involved. And, it was all stupid stuff that was caused by either neglect or a "hmm, what is that sound? I think I will get rid of the car and not tell anyone" attitude. The funny thing is that the darned thing worked perfectly for about 7 days... just long enough to get back to Alaska, before all the poo hit the fan. Hahaha... the lovely memories!
Places with more skilled drivers? So.... outside the U.S.?
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
It would be nice to know the previous owner of one's car, or at least know of them, if one is inclined to buy used. Inconsiderate drivers make bad used cars.
That's easy. Only buy used cars from private parties in want ad listings in city/metro newspapers. You will meet the owner at his/her home. Don't go to look at if not at their home. You can tell by address if you want to change your mind and not go. If address place would be like scene from COPS, obviously don't go.
I have sold many of my vehicles this way and I never had anyone call me back or come back to see me. I make sure that I thoroughly explain the condition of the vehicle, provide maintenance record, show any problems. One of the most interesting sales was an 86 Accord with 247K Mi to the first guy that called and came out. That was a surprise. Thought that I would have trouble getting rid of it.
Many years ago, bought a vehicle used from a guy who owned a small business that lived in a high-class suburb. The vehicle, his yard, house inside and out were spotless. He invited me into house. Had vehicle for many years and it served well. Yes, I could have got fooled by appearances of vehicle, house, etc. and person could have been abusive. But, that was not the case and had vehicle for a long time.
All of that is the kind of thing that makes me very leery to buy non-local cars from auctions, especially lease auctions. I think many who lease have no incentive to be nice to their cars, and in fact, might be harder as it is a short term relationship. An interesting study would be to compare driving styles of those who own vs lease. Not saying that all leasers are inconsiderate drivers...but they might not be so careful either.
My two latest cars have been purchased from dealers, but were both one owner local cars with full documents to prove it. The cosmetic condition and mechanical cleanliness gave me good enough feelings to proceed. With both cars I also thought I would have fun and checked out the residences of the previous owners on Google Earth. I was impressed.
Fun in the sense that it was like something straight out of TV, where the good guy tries to block the bad guys from getting away. If you enjoy watching police chases on TV, you would understand what I mean.
At 20cents a mile, 5 mph is a $1 an hour. The faster you go the more you make. Get to high gear, hold it to the floor until the governor kicks in and set the cruise control. If anybody gets in your way, its easier to just let them bounce off then to have to get up to speed again.
Why so many truckers are still paid by the mile in this day and age absolutely floors me.
It gives them every incentive to break all the laws in the books about speed and hours of service.
I know if they were paid by the hour like most other workers, it would lead to higher costs of goods and services, but wouldn't the tradeoff in lives saved be worth it?
Doesn't really serve the average trucker's purposes to be a menace on the road. I'm sure he's trying just as hard to keep costs down. Getting tickets and causing accidents don't do anything for the bottom line.
his clothes and appearance looked like he walked from the gutter,
Possibly.... though if you catch me on the weekend, I think I would fall into the "looks can be deceiving" category.... what with my "play clothes" on and all. :P
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Yep, me too. Inconsiderate truckers are sure a lot more rare than other drivers on the road, and that is even factoring in relative % of each group. I think fatigue is the biggest problem I have witnessed amongst truckers. I drive a lot of night hours on my cross-country trips, so I see fatigue quite a bit.
Not that driving too fast for conditions is something to shrug off as an isolated incident. An 80,000# vehicle driving anywhere near a speed limit on icy roads is just asking for a horrendous crash the moment something goes wrong. The driver is just hoping nothing does go wrong.... :surprise:
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
had a nice birds-eye view of drivers Saturday. I got to drive a Ryder rental truck from NJ to PA and back, through the wonderful highway network in and around Philadelphia. This was the biggest truck I think they rent to the public (24' beast of an International, GVW of 26,000 lbs). Needless to say, you sit high, but it is nice to look Semi drivers in the eye.
Anyway, ride over (in the AM) was fine, not much traffic, no one did anything stupid. On the way home, lots of traffic, and it was raining. Not too many fools, but a couple that decided that cutting of a truck that size was smart, better at least than missing their exit. Had to swerve a bit to avoid a few.
My favorite was the dope that decided to go around the right side of me, on the shoulder, at a point where the right lane ended (so we merged left). I did it right at the end of the lane (where I finally was able to), but a dope in a small car (only saw the roof!) couldn't be bothered to pull in behind, so he cut around my right side on the shoulder, and practically hit the RF of the truck trying to get back on the road.
If the guy ahead of me had stopped suddenly, he would have been a pancake. But, the Ryder people probably wouldn't have even noticed the extra scrape on the front bumper.
Actually, to tell the truth, I feel out of place when I wear my nice "work" clothes! Hahaha.
I guess it depends on your perspective. My other two vehicles are original '69s... so while mechanically sound, they are in line for restorations and aesthetically (paint) they may not look so hot. On that note, neither does my "new" car, but then I am more into mechanical soundness than babying scratches, nicks, scrapes, and the occasional ding. They get their washings/waxings at least.... Then the house, well, we are still building it, so if you are not opposed to raw construction then it looks great! The yard? I keep it religiously mowed. Granted, it is all a construction site, so other than my lovely green front lawn "patch", it is all weeds. But they are nicely manicured weeds and it looks lush and green... And, I am big on landscaping and really like how the yard is coming together, but I also like "natural" so I am blending my exotic additions with the natural plants and features. It certainly is not your typical lower 48 cookie cutter home - and I like it that way! But, if you purchased a car from me, you would get a great car and know it going in. I wear no masks and I certainly do not dump my problems on anyone else. :P
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
I don't know facts or figures, but it would be nice to see some facts or figures that state how often a truck driver is the cause of the accident,...
That's the key, let's cite some facts and figures before we decide one way or another. If we are talking anecdotal evidence, I have seen too many incidents where the trucker was charged with manslaughter. Speaking of which, does anyone know what happened to the trucker who wiped out a whole family in Florida recently? If it was upto me, I would lock him and throw away the key.
Railroads, that's we need instead of trucks. Try driving I-81 near Harrisburg if you don't believe me.
Big intersection, two lanes each way with two left turn lanes each way on both roads. Guy is stopped in the left lane (not a turn lane just the left lane) first at the red light. The light cycles through and the traffic on the street s/he is on gets a left turn light (so s/he still has a red light) and this idiot starts to go through. Of course the traffic making the left turn also goes through and s/he stops. But this idiot keeps on inching their way forward trying to get through the traffic making the left turn in front of them (on a left turn light even).
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Your insurance company could have pursued it, but it would have boiled down to "uninsured motorist" and they would probably have to take the kid's parents to court to collect damages.
Yeah way to many times I have almost taken out bicyclists because of their stupid moves such as running stop signs and such :mad:
One road I used to drive down has a bike path that crosses it. The bike path actually has a stop sign at the intersection with the road (the road has no such signage) and people still just fly past it into the road without looking.
Many bicyclist follow the rules of the road, but many do not and they are also inconsiderate drivers.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
This reminded me of something that happened to me about 9 years or so ago. I was on Canal St. in Manhattan, approaching an intersection with a left turn lane. This was a one way street (lots of those in Manhattan.) There's a truck stopped at the head of the left turn lane, waiting for a break in oncoming traffic to make his turn.
As I approach the back of the truck in the left most through lane, out pops a courier on a bicycle from the front of the truck, in the crosswalk!! I slammed on the brakes, but couldn't really stop in time, and actually the cyclist rode into the side of my car. I pulled over, the cops and ambulance came to haul the guy away.
So to be clear, the bicyclist ran a red light, was going the wrong way on a one-way, and hit ME.
When I moved a year or so later and switched my insurance coverage, I found out my insurance company PAID HIM, with out me even knowing :sick:
Don't be too sure your insurance company would go after him.
Yep, me too. Inconsiderate truckers are sure a lot more rare than other drivers on the road, and that is even factoring in relative % of each group. I think fatigue is the biggest problem I have witnessed amongst truckers. I drive a lot of night hours on my cross-country trips, so I see fatigue quite a bit.
I'm speaking from experience here. I drive a route daily (Hwy 347 to people from Phoenix) that is a BIG truck route. They are the WORST drivers, bar NONE. They intentionally cut people off and pass at 1MPH (only to drop back and try again), pull out and block both directions of traffic, pull out when there isn't anywhere near enough room causing everyone to slam on their brakes, drive on the shoulder, drive too slow/fast, ride people's tail closer than is safe for the best braking car and driver (I've seen them so close to my rear-view mirror that I can see nothing but their front end). Honestly. I can be the only car coming up in the left lane (no one behind for at least a mile) and see a truck ahead tailgating the car in front of it. I continue to approach and just as I'm about to get near their them, they cut me off and hold me up. I actually have to use an acceleration lane to pass them as they will just sit there for miles. So I go through all this to get to I-10. I get on and find what? Two semis, side by side going 60 in a 65. In the left lane is another semi next to the one in front of it. What happens when there gets to be three lanes. Ding ding ding, you guessed it, three semis all next to each other going 60 in a 65. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: Learn the d*** rules of the road!
Yeah way to many times I have almost taken out bicyclists because of their stupid moves such as running stop signs and such
You should see the campus of Arizona State University. The mindset of students and professors alike is "We own the place, get the h** out of our way!". I have nearly taken out dozens of people because they cross in the middle of heavy traffic, against lights, before lights switch to walk (there is a period where the light is changing and I have a red but it is clear for a right on red, but the idiots on the sidewalk jump the gun for their walk), long after lights have turned to no walk. That is just pedestrians. I regularly encountered bikes that would just cruise through red lights (we have bike lanes so they can ride through), swerve across all the lanes, swerve out into my lane and (this one takes the cake) go the wrong way. I nearly killed several bikers doing this. I would pull out from a side street and look only in the direction of one flow of traffic. The biker was coming the other way so as I started to pull out, there was the biker. I usually got the finger.
I would pull out from a side street and look only in the direction of one flow of traffic.
You really should look both ways when pulling out from a cross street... there could be a pedestrian attempting to use the crosswalk in front of you.
I almost got run over by a COP who was about to cross a one way street from a secondary street. He looked only to his left, the direction that traffic would come from. I was in the crosswalk approaching from his right. The instant he started to roll forward, I slammed my hand down on his hood. He looked up, realized what he had almost done and gave me a sheepish shrug. Oops.
I hit a kid once and wasn't at fault. But at the time Georgia had "no fault" insurance so my insurance had to cover the kids medical bills. I wasn't penalized but it still ticked me off to think that I had to pay a $500 deductible but the kid got free medical care.
Oh..... absolutely! Looking both ways has saved me more than once, but I'd say that being observant always and as one approaches the intersection is an even better way to go. That way, there are rarely if ever any surprises once you get to the intersection.
Ironically, I had an instance the other day where I almost rear-ended the Subaru in front of me by not looking both ways before going when:
We pulled up to a T intersection and were both turning right onto a 4-lane divided expressway. The gal driving the Subaru ahead was at the front of the line. All of the traffic on the intersecting road was driving in the leftmost lane. This gal stops, looks down the road, then goes. So, I pull up to the crosswalk, look down the road, then go. As I turn my head back toward my direction of travel, THERE SHE IS! Stopped... fully in the intersection. I managed to stop just in time as I thankfully was barely more than rolling forward, but what the hey? Why would she go, then stop in the intersection? Well, the light turns red for the oncoming traffic and she goes..... directly into the leftmost lane. Oh... I see.... incapable of proper lane changes... so her lane really was not clear! :sick:
So, that was a good reminder to look left and then right BEFORE moving.
As for riding bicycles, if I am riding on a roadway that is 40mph or less, I will usually pull out into the lane of travel when crossing intersections (if traffic is stopped when I get there) rather than crossing at a pedestrian crosswalk simply because I find it is more dangerous to cross at the crosswalk (because of right-turners)than to just go with the flow of traffic. Starting from a stop, I can keep up with traffic flow well through the intersection until I can duck back off to the shoulder on the other side and I find that I am much more noticable when I am out in the middle of a lane. Any time I am riding on a roadway where I am riding at or above the speed limit, I will also ride in the middle of the lane so that drivers must pass me like any other vehicle rather than sideswiping me. I find that drivers often times get this superiority complex like, oh, well, he's going 27 in a 25, but I'm not going to let a bicyclist ride as fast as I'm driving!
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
There are some kids that live in a rental place right near my home. When they first arrived, they would play out in the middle of the road all day long. The first time I drove up to them while they were playing, they didn't move out of the way! I just treated them like dogs - slow down and drive cautiously, but do not stop or swerve for them. After I naerly bumped the first one out of the way, they got the picture and moved off the roadway when cars approached. I am accustomed to watching for children running into the roadway on a whim, but for them to be playing there and refuse to move? :surprise:
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Your right, I actually got in an accident once because I didn't look both ways and some jerk was going the wrong way on a one way street. To quote the cop that showed up "Yes Ma'am you are absolutely correct you don't have a stop sign thats because you were going the wrong way on a one way street".
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
You really should look both ways when pulling out from a cross street... there could be a pedestrian attempting to use the crosswalk in front of you.
I almost got run over by a COP who was about to cross a one way street from a secondary street. He looked only to his left, the direction that traffic would come from. I was in the crosswalk approaching from his right. The instant he started to roll forward, I slammed my hand down on his hood. He looked up, realized what he had almost done and gave me a sheepish shrug. Oops.
I've learned that lesson now. I can see pedestrians through my peripheral vision so that was never a problem (there were way more pedestrians than bicycles), but I never expected bikes going the wrong way on the road. So I started looking both ways since I knew they weren't going to change their behavior.
We pulled up to a T intersection and were both turning right onto a 4-lane divided expressway. The gal driving the Subaru ahead was at the front of the line. All of the traffic on the intersecting road was driving in the leftmost lane. This gal stops, looks down the road, then goes. So, I pull up to the crosswalk, look down the road, then go. As I turn my head back toward my direction of travel, THERE SHE IS! Stopped... fully in the intersection. I managed to stop just in time as I thankfully was barely more than rolling forward, but what the hey? Why would she go, then stop in the intersection? Well, the light turns red for the oncoming traffic and she goes..... directly into the leftmost lane. Oh... I see.... incapable of proper lane changes... so her lane really was not clear!
I had the same thing happen to me, almost exactly. I was at a stop light behind the first car. The first car starts to go right on red, so I started moving forward and (here was the shortcut I was taking) looking left to see traffic. Luckily I looked back and stopped just short of their bumper. So I no longer look left until I'm up to the front of the line.
the Campus of ASU - how bout the entire Valley of the Sun?? And it's not just bicyclists and pedestrians. On my way home from work I go down Broadway just past Gilbert rd (for those of you who live in the PHX area) and it's like the entire street is one huge crosswalk. Every time there is at least 3 or 4 people trying to get across the road. They are standing in the turn lane and they wait for traffic to clear and the they keep going across the street. If you're lucky you'll catch one saunterig like he has all the time in the world and not caring that traffic has to slow to make sure they don't hit him...
Yep, sounds just like ASU. Where I usually drive, down where Awhatukee, Chandler and Tempe meet, there are almost no pedestrians and little bicycle traffic. Still, as I come up to a right turn lane I'm looking under the car in the next lane to see if someone is walking. After all, no one ever stops before the crosswalk if they don't have to.
This reminds me. There is this guy that I work with that flys in from Texas every several months. Every time he is here is worried he is going to take out some pedestrians because they walk all over the place. :surprise: Guess things are better in TX.
...that is a BIG truck route. They are the WORST drivers, bar NONE. They intentionally cut people off and pass at 1MPH
Absolutely. I see that here in NC as well. Moreover, I see that as a nation wide phenomenon. Recently I was in NJ/PA and was driving I-78 E going into NJ from PA. The speed limit drops to 50 mph for construction and I was doing about 60 in the right most lane. This big truck followed me literally at 6-7 feet behind me. NJ state troopers, if any of you are reading this stuff, I will need a police escort if you want me to drive anywhere near the limit in that area.
I think there are both polite and impolite truck drivers out there, just as there are both in cars. The difference may be perceptual, as most of us are far more likely to remember a 50000 lb vehicle driving aggressively rather than a jerk in a 3000 lb coupe.
I see so many jerks and idiots in cars, that I just tend to ignore them as "background noise". When a Peterbilt is eight feet behind me at 75 mph or pulls in front of me with three feet to spare, I tend to remember it.
Mis-use of the center turn lane is a pet peeve of mine. It's not a merge-lane (although I will admit I have used it as such when traffic was so heavy that there was no alternative way to make a left turn), and it if definitely not an additional traffic lane, although I have seen people drive for BLOCKS in the turn lane.
Recently I was driving on a one-lane-each-way +center turn lane street. As I was approaching the entrance to my grocery store on the left, some genius pulls onto the road and proceeds to drive in the turn lane along side my vehicle.
I have cars behind me, so to slow down is to inconvenience them. Alternatively I have enough room to speed up and cut in front of the center turn-lane driver (before slowing for my turn), which would be EXTREMELY inconsiderate and potentially dangerous (he could rear-end me).
Mis-use of the center turn lane is a pet peeve of mine. It's not a merge-lane (although I will admit I have used it as such when traffic was so heavy that there was no alternative way to make a left turn), and it if definitely not an additional traffic lane, although I have seen people drive for BLOCKS in the turn lane.
Recently I was driving on a one-lane-each-way +center turn lane street. As I was approaching the entrance to my grocery store on the left, some genius pulls onto the road and proceeds to drive in the turn lane along side my vehicle.
I have cars behind me, so to slow down is to inconvenience them. Alternatively I have enough room to speed up and cut in front of the center turn-lane driver (before slowing for my turn), which would be EXTREMELY inconsiderate and potentially dangerous (he could rear-end me).
Oh, what to do ???
james
I hear ya, but here there are areas where there is no other recourse. When I have to do this, I try to stay stopped until there is sufficient room. Then I'll accelerate and move over into traffic quickly. Sometimes traffic is so heavy, I wait for ten minutes just to get the chance you are describing. Oddly enough, AZ law specifies roads where there is one lane in each direction and a center turn lane as the center lane also being a passing lane.
I think there are both polite and impolite truck drivers out there, just as there are both in cars. The difference may be perceptual, as most of us are far more likely to remember a 50000 lb vehicle driving aggressively rather than a jerk in a 3000 lb coupe.
While you are probably correct, the truck drivers are definitely worse. A truck following 8ft back is undoubtedly worse than a Civic 8ft back. The car behind me might well have the braking capactiy to match, but the truck definitely doesn't.
Trucks and tailgating are a major danger. We haven't had a major semi accident on the interstates in this area for a while; we're due for one. We've had construction at the intersection of I70 and I75 for a couple of years now. The lane shifts and vehicle controls have been fairly well thought out. But the truckers don't like the 50 mile per house speed limit through weaving lanes side-by-side. Too slow for them; they need to be in DC by 8 tomorrow morning or something and can't slow down. The State Patrol has done some policing but not enough.
This incident happened some years back in Phoenix where Grand Ave was 3 lanes each directon separated by a center turn lane. Cars on either side had lunged to the center lane and kept on rolling slowly as each waited for a break in the traffic to complete their respective merge to continue in oposite directions. Each driver was looking for that merge oppertunity to his side and rear, not what was in front of him as seen from my perspective directly to the side of all this.The two vehicles rolled right into each other. I took that lesson to heart and have used the left turn lane only for left turns and not for passing, acclerating for merging, or other momentarily convenient but ultimately risky maueuvers.
Yesterday I am on my way to work, lolly-gagging at about 40 (SL35) on College Rd (4 lane, 2 each direction). I see a white Taurus approaching me from behind in the left lane going about 45. As it passes, I realize it is a coworker. So, a bit up the road she is stopped by a red light and I pull up next to her in the right lane. After I stopped, I looked over and waved (I drive a green '96 Subaru, but it has driving lights on top and is therefore quite distinguishable from all the others out there and she KNOWS I drive it!) expecting her to have noticed it was me. She is just sitting there with a zombie-like expression on her face staring down the road. So, I figured I would get her attention. When the light turned green, I zipped out of there like only a Subaru (or similar AWD) can do on ice. At this point the SL is 40 and I am running about 45. Pretty soon, she comes zipping up at about 55! So, thinking she must know it is me now, I put this determined expression in my body language like I am really trying to outrun her (without varying my speed) just to horse around, then as she passes, I look up and wave my fist in the air in defeat. Again, she has this zombie expression on her face and is just staring down the road.
Well, this sends me into a fit of laughter for the remaining mile to work and I pull into the parking lot about 30 seconds behind her. I get out and say, "Hey there, zombie!" Nothing. I yell her name and she finally looks back, slowly realizes what happened, and busts up laughing. The scary thing was that she was so incredibly zoned out! Hahah.... I guess that is a good case of "auto pilot." :P
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Ok I thought I would put this out there. I am driving home one afternoon and a perfectly straight and long street with a 35 MPH speed limit. I am the only one on the road and I am doing right around 40. Up the road I see a goose starting to walk across the street, it was far enough ahead that it should cross before I got there. But no it stopped and just stood there in the middle of the oncoming lane.
Well since its standing in the other lane I figured I could just continue like nothing was there. Well that $#@& goose decides to start running the rest of the way across the road just as I got to that point. I just barely missed that goose.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I was going down the highway in the left lane today and I come up to a Ranger in the right lane, with a long skinny box in its bed. One end was resting against the tailgate and the other was in the air extended over the cab. One strap near the tailgate held the thing in. So I'm getting ready to pass and I was almost creamed! It rotated down the cab towards me and I could see it flexing; it nearly flipped out of bed. Would have at least totalled my car. :surprise:
April exposes the fruits of bad cartage all during the winter months here! Once the snow melts, the roads are literally lined with jetsam for several weeks until we have our community-wide liter patrol day! :sick:
pallets, shipping crates, whole bags of trash, car parts, tires, water tanks(!), you name it and it is there.
I came across a bundle of 4x8 sheets of 4" foam insulation (total height of the bundle was about 6', so about 20 sheets?) that had fallen from a load last winter just about a minute after it happened. It was literally a slalom to avoid them! I stopped, gathered it all up (amazingly, none was broken though many were dinged) and loaded it on top of my Subaru. Then I strapped it down (well) and headed off, intending to contact the place that sold it and some radio stations to give contact info for claiming (this stuff is expensive!), but about a 1/2 mile down the road I passed a truck/trailer that had about 8 bundles loaded on. As we passed, I saw brake lights, so I turned around and we met at a pull out. The fella was giddy that none was broken and even giddier that I had both picked it up and stopped to give it back! I helped him load it back up and resecure it... and didn't see it again on the return trip home (which I hope means he got it there intact!).
I'd say the fact that he even noticed he lost it before arriving at his destination was a rarity. Most people are clueless... or could care less...
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Saw a few pet peeves on the way home tonight. First was an old man in a new-style Jag XJ who got that baby up to about 33mph when merging on to the freeway. Then on a surface street I got behind a Saturn that would get to maybe 29 in a 35.....if the road was straight. Then I got behind a scarily short woman in a Focus...I couldn't see her head at all, it was below the headrest!
Comments
I wonder if the ABS thing exists in places with more skilled drivers.
Absolutely. I figured that one out real quick after I bought my Subaru. I spent countless hours repairing problems caused by previous owners, and am actually quite surprised that I have been able to keep it running as long as I have (202.5K today, bought it with 83.3K in 8/2000). I would guess that I have spent about $2500 on it in what I would consider to be non-normal maintenance - and that is doing all work myself! I would guess it to be closer to $10,000 if there was an actual labor cost involved. And, it was all stupid stuff that was caused by either neglect or a "hmm, what is that sound? I think I will get rid of the car and not tell anyone" attitude. The funny thing is that the darned thing worked perfectly for about 7 days... just long enough to get back to Alaska, before all the poo hit the fan. Hahaha... the lovely memories!
Places with more skilled drivers? So.... outside the U.S.?
That's easy. Only buy used cars from private parties in want ad listings in city/metro newspapers. You will meet the owner at his/her home. Don't go to look at if not at their home. You can tell by address if you want to change your mind and not go. If address place would be like scene from COPS, obviously don't go.
I have sold many of my vehicles this way and I never had anyone call me back or come back to see me. I make sure that I thoroughly explain the condition of the vehicle, provide maintenance record, show any problems. One of the most interesting sales was an 86 Accord with 247K Mi to the first guy that called and came out. That was a surprise. Thought that I would have trouble getting rid of it.
Many years ago, bought a vehicle used from a guy who owned a small business that lived in a high-class suburb. The vehicle, his yard, house inside and out were spotless. He invited me into house. Had vehicle for many years and it served well. Yes, I could have got fooled by appearances of vehicle, house, etc. and person could have been abusive. But, that was not the case and had vehicle for a long time.
My two latest cars have been purchased from dealers, but were both one owner local cars with full documents to prove it. The cosmetic condition and mechanical cleanliness gave me good enough feelings to proceed. With both cars I also thought I would have fun and checked out the residences of the previous owners on Google Earth. I was impressed.
At 20cents a mile, 5 mph is a $1 an hour. The faster you go the more you make. Get to high gear, hold it to the floor until the governor kicks in and set the cruise control. If anybody gets in your way, its easier to just let them bounce off then to have to get up to speed again.
It gives them every incentive to break all the laws in the books about speed and hours of service.
I know if they were paid by the hour like most other workers, it would lead to higher costs of goods and services, but wouldn't the tradeoff in lives saved be worth it?
Possibly.... though if you catch me on the weekend, I think I would fall into the "looks can be deceiving" category.... what with my "play clothes" on and all. :P
Not that driving too fast for conditions is something to shrug off as an isolated incident. An 80,000# vehicle driving anywhere near a speed limit on icy roads is just asking for a horrendous crash the moment something goes wrong. The driver is just hoping nothing does go wrong.... :surprise:
Anyway, ride over (in the AM) was fine, not much traffic, no one did anything stupid. On the way home, lots of traffic, and it was raining. Not too many fools, but a couple that decided that cutting of a truck that size was smart, better at least than missing their exit. Had to swerve a bit to avoid a few.
My favorite was the dope that decided to go around the right side of me, on the shoulder, at a point where the right lane ended (so we merged left). I did it right at the end of the lane (where I finally was able to), but a dope in a small car (only saw the roof!) couldn't be bothered to pull in behind, so he cut around my right side on the shoulder, and practically hit the RF of the truck trying to get back on the road.
If the guy ahead of me had stopped suddenly, he would have been a pancake. But, the Ryder people probably wouldn't have even noticed the extra scrape on the front bumper.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Actually, to tell the truth, I feel out of place when I wear my nice "work" clothes! Hahaha.
I guess it depends on your perspective. My other two vehicles are original '69s... so while mechanically sound, they are in line for restorations and aesthetically (paint) they may not look so hot. On that note, neither does my "new" car, but then I am more into mechanical soundness than babying scratches, nicks, scrapes, and the occasional ding. They get their washings/waxings at least....
That's the key, let's cite some facts and figures before we decide one way or another. If we are talking anecdotal evidence, I have seen too many incidents where the trucker was charged with manslaughter. Speaking of which, does anyone know what happened to the trucker who wiped out a whole family in Florida recently? If it was upto me, I would lock him and throw away the key.
Railroads, that's we need instead of trucks. Try driving I-81 near Harrisburg if you don't believe me.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
james
One road I used to drive down has a bike path that crosses it. The bike path actually has a stop sign at the intersection with the road (the road has no such signage) and people still just fly past it into the road without looking.
Many bicyclist follow the rules of the road, but many do not and they are also inconsiderate drivers.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
As I approach the back of the truck in the left most through lane, out pops a courier on a bicycle from the front of the truck, in the crosswalk!! I slammed on the brakes, but couldn't really stop in time, and actually the cyclist rode into the side of my car. I pulled over, the cops and ambulance came to haul the guy away.
So to be clear, the bicyclist ran a red light, was going the wrong way on a one-way, and hit ME.
When I moved a year or so later and switched my insurance coverage, I found out my insurance company PAID HIM, with out me even knowing :sick:
Don't be too sure your insurance company would go after him.
I'm speaking from experience here. I drive a route daily (Hwy 347 to people from Phoenix) that is a BIG truck route. They are the WORST drivers, bar NONE. They intentionally cut people off and pass at 1MPH (only to drop back and try again), pull out and block both directions of traffic, pull out when there isn't anywhere near enough room causing everyone to slam on their brakes, drive on the shoulder, drive too slow/fast, ride people's tail closer than is safe for the best braking car and driver (I've seen them so close to my rear-view mirror that I can see nothing but their front end). Honestly. I can be the only car coming up in the left lane (no one behind for at least a mile) and see a truck ahead tailgating the car in front of it. I continue to approach and just as I'm about to get near their them, they cut me off and hold me up. I actually have to use an acceleration lane to pass them as they will just sit there for miles. So I go through all this to get to I-10. I get on and find what? Two semis, side by side going 60 in a 65. In the left lane is another semi next to the one in front of it. What happens when there gets to be three lanes. Ding ding ding, you guessed it, three semis all next to each other going 60 in a 65. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: Learn the d*** rules of the road!
OK, I'm off my soap box. :shades:
You should see the campus of Arizona State University. The mindset of students and professors alike is "We own the place, get the h** out of our way!". I have nearly taken out dozens of people because they cross in the middle of heavy traffic, against lights, before lights switch to walk (there is a period where the light is changing and I have a red but it is clear for a right on red, but the idiots on the sidewalk jump the gun for their walk), long after lights have turned to no walk. That is just pedestrians. I regularly encountered bikes that would just cruise through red lights (we have bike lanes so they can ride through), swerve across all the lanes, swerve out into my lane and (this one takes the cake) go the wrong way. I nearly killed several bikers doing this. I would pull out from a side street and look only in the direction of one flow of traffic. The biker was coming the other way so as I started to pull out, there was the biker. I usually got the finger.
OK, I'm now down from another soapbox. :shades:
You really should look both ways when pulling out from a cross street... there could be a pedestrian attempting to use the crosswalk in front of you.
I almost got run over by a COP who was about to cross a one way street from a secondary street. He looked only to his left, the direction that traffic would come from. I was in the crosswalk approaching from his right. The instant he started to roll forward, I slammed my hand down on his hood. He looked up, realized what he had almost done and gave me a sheepish shrug. Oops.
james
Ironically, I had an instance the other day where I almost rear-ended the Subaru in front of me by not looking both ways before going when:
We pulled up to a T intersection and were both turning right onto a 4-lane divided expressway. The gal driving the Subaru ahead was at the front of the line. All of the traffic on the intersecting road was driving in the leftmost lane. This gal stops, looks down the road, then goes. So, I pull up to the crosswalk, look down the road, then go. As I turn my head back toward my direction of travel, THERE SHE IS! Stopped... fully in the intersection. I managed to stop just in time as I thankfully was barely more than rolling forward, but what the hey? Why would she go, then stop in the intersection? Well, the light turns red for the oncoming traffic and she goes..... directly into the leftmost lane. Oh... I see.... incapable of proper lane changes... so her lane really was not clear! :sick:
So, that was a good reminder to look left and then right BEFORE moving.
As for riding bicycles, if I am riding on a roadway that is 40mph or less, I will usually pull out into the lane of travel when crossing intersections (if traffic is stopped when I get there) rather than crossing at a pedestrian crosswalk simply because I find it is more dangerous to cross at the crosswalk (because of right-turners)than to just go with the flow of traffic. Starting from a stop, I can keep up with traffic flow well through the intersection until I can duck back off to the shoulder on the other side and I find that I am much more noticable when I am out in the middle of a lane. Any time I am riding on a roadway where I am riding at or above the speed limit, I will also ride in the middle of the lane so that drivers must pass me like any other vehicle rather than sideswiping me. I find that drivers often times get this superiority complex like, oh, well, he's going 27 in a 25, but I'm not going to let a bicyclist ride as fast as I'm driving!
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I almost got run over by a COP who was about to cross a one way street from a secondary street. He looked only to his left, the direction that traffic would come from. I was in the crosswalk approaching from his right. The instant he started to roll forward, I slammed my hand down on his hood. He looked up, realized what he had almost done and gave me a sheepish shrug. Oops.
I've learned that lesson now. I can see pedestrians through my peripheral vision so that was never a problem (there were way more pedestrians than bicycles), but I never expected bikes going the wrong way on the road. So I started looking both ways since I knew they weren't going to change their behavior.
I had the same thing happen to me, almost exactly. I was at a stop light behind the first car. The first car starts to go right on red, so I started moving forward and (here was the shortcut I was taking) looking left to see traffic. Luckily I looked back and stopped just short of their bumper. So I no longer look left until I'm up to the front of the line.
Yep, sounds just like ASU. Where I usually drive, down where Awhatukee, Chandler and Tempe meet, there are almost no pedestrians and little bicycle traffic. Still, as I come up to a right turn lane I'm looking under the car in the next lane to see if someone is walking. After all, no one ever stops before the crosswalk if they don't have to.
Absolutely. I see that here in NC as well. Moreover, I see that as a nation wide phenomenon. Recently I was in NJ/PA and was driving I-78 E going into NJ from PA. The speed limit drops to 50 mph for construction and I was doing about 60 in the right most lane. This big truck followed me literally at 6-7 feet behind me. NJ state troopers, if any of you are reading this stuff, I will need a police escort if you want me to drive anywhere near the limit in that area.
Trucks are a menace on our roads.
I see so many jerks and idiots in cars, that I just tend to ignore them as "background noise". When a Peterbilt is eight feet behind me at 75 mph or pulls in front of me with three feet to spare, I tend to remember it.
Recently I was driving on a one-lane-each-way +center turn lane street. As I was approaching the entrance to my grocery store on the left, some genius pulls onto the road and proceeds to drive in the turn lane along side my vehicle.
I have cars behind me, so to slow down is to inconvenience them. Alternatively I have enough room to speed up and cut in front of the center turn-lane driver (before slowing for my turn), which would be EXTREMELY inconsiderate and potentially dangerous (he could rear-end me).
Oh, what to do ???
james
Recently I was driving on a one-lane-each-way +center turn lane street. As I was approaching the entrance to my grocery store on the left, some genius pulls onto the road and proceeds to drive in the turn lane along side my vehicle.
I have cars behind me, so to slow down is to inconvenience them. Alternatively I have enough room to speed up and cut in front of the center turn-lane driver (before slowing for my turn), which would be EXTREMELY inconsiderate and potentially dangerous (he could rear-end me).
Oh, what to do ???
james
I hear ya, but here there are areas where there is no other recourse. When I have to do this, I try to stay stopped until there is sufficient room. Then I'll accelerate and move over into traffic quickly. Sometimes traffic is so heavy, I wait for ten minutes just to get the chance you are describing. Oddly enough, AZ law specifies roads where there is one lane in each direction and a center turn lane as the center lane also being a passing lane.
While you are probably correct, the truck drivers are definitely worse. A truck following 8ft back is undoubtedly worse than a Civic 8ft back. The car behind me might well have the braking capactiy to match, but the truck definitely doesn't.
A major truck accident will happen here.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Well, this sends me into a fit of laughter for the remaining mile to work and I pull into the parking lot about 30 seconds behind her. I get out and say, "Hey there, zombie!" Nothing. I yell her name and she finally looks back, slowly realizes what happened, and busts up laughing. The scary thing was that she was so incredibly zoned out! Hahah.... I guess that is a good case of "auto pilot." :P
But I'll save it for the chat tonight
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2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Well since its standing in the other lane I figured I could just continue like nothing was there. Well that $#@& goose decides to start running the rest of the way across the road just as I got to that point. I just barely missed that goose.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Sorry, I couldn't resist!
April exposes the fruits of bad cartage all during the winter months here! Once the snow melts, the roads are literally lined with jetsam for several weeks until we have our community-wide liter patrol day! :sick:
pallets, shipping crates, whole bags of trash, car parts, tires, water tanks(!), you name it and it is there.
I came across a bundle of 4x8 sheets of 4" foam insulation (total height of the bundle was about 6', so about 20 sheets?) that had fallen from a load last winter just about a minute after it happened. It was literally a slalom to avoid them! I stopped, gathered it all up (amazingly, none was broken though many were dinged) and loaded it on top of my Subaru. Then I strapped it down (well) and headed off, intending to contact the place that sold it and some radio stations to give contact info for claiming (this stuff is expensive!), but about a 1/2 mile down the road I passed a truck/trailer that had about 8 bundles loaded on. As we passed, I saw brake lights, so I turned around and we met at a pull out. The fella was giddy that none was broken and even giddier that I had both picked it up and stopped to give it back! I helped him load it back up and resecure it... and didn't see it again on the return trip home (which I hope means he got it there intact!).
I'd say the fact that he even noticed he lost it before arriving at his destination was a rarity. Most people are clueless... or could care less...