Inconsiderate Drivers (share your stories, etc.)

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  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I hate to say this but I was one of those people that overdrank when I was up there. Figure its an island off the coast of alaska with one TV station, two radio stations and one movie theater, With all that and the lack of girls not much to do in the winter except drink.

    In 83 I came back home and the White Sux were going into the play offs so a friend of mine had a party to watch one of the games. Someone gave him a case of Bloody Mary mix so he bought a fifth of vodka to make bloody marys. Well to make a long story short I was the only one drinking vodka and all but finished it off. My friend thought I was stone sober, but in reality I had to have been way over the legal limit,

    BTW I lived walking distance so I walked there and home.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I expect that the 2000 number is likely how many times a driver might, on average, have driven with any alcohol imbibed before receiving a DUI;

    I can live with that (and it gets me off the hook nicely, lol).

    I used to go to the bootlegger with my daddy back in Mississippi when it was a dry state, but boozing must have been a generation skipping thing. My father was one of those who went for 20 years without getting a DWI (but things were laxer in the 60s to 80's). Except for one memorable outing on the ski train, my years in Alaska didn't destroy my liver. It's certainly a huge problem up there though.
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    Skiing & drinking: Curious: Where is your favorite Mahogony Ridge? ;)
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,761
    Except for one memorable outing on the ski train, my years in Alaska didn't destroy my liver. It's certainly a huge problem up there though.

    Sure, it is, like anywhere else. I have a sneaking suspicion that much of the reason alcoholism and "drinking" in general seems more prevalent in Alaska is due to the relatively small number of roads and the small pockets of people. As such, the ripple effects of alcohol-related incidents tends to surface much more readily than amongst larger populations.

    Having come from a small community that was near larger communities outside Alaska, I can say with confidence that the use of alcohol was no less prevalent in those places than here. But, even with the larger overall population, the number of DUI arrests was perhaps the same as here.

    My brother and parents even came within an inch of being killed by a drunk driver when I was in high school. My brother was able to swerve just enough; my parents' 1992 Camry and this drunk fella's 1970-something tank were so close (at 60 mph and 80+ mph, respectively) that the tank skimmed the paint off the side of the Camry without denting the metal, and the cars' mirrors hit each other, shattering the Camry mirror and actually pitting the metal and glass along that side of the car with the fragments of it. The tank's driver was headed straight down the middle of the road.... how would that have been for a nice frontal offset collision?
    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
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,761
    Speaking of collisions... Snakeweasel, is it safe to assume that the collision you suffered a few weeks ago was yet again in your Elantra? How did it fare this time?
    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
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I like the Aussie reds, but the ski train involved lime Margaritas made with snow gathered along the railroad track where it was parked by the glacier, plus some peppermint schnapps in hot chocolate, nicely jumbled in a rocking polka car that was so packed you could only dance up and down. (another link and a great YouTube video).

    I wound up riding backwards in a club car the last 20 minutes back to town singing "I am turning Japanese, I really think so" by the Vapors. My wife stuffed the skis in the Tercel and considerately drove us home. Haven't touched schnapps since.

    Sorry Wes, I think Alaska has more drunks per capita than anywhere in NA. Or perhaps they are just more visible.

    Enough war stories - heck, I was even asleep in bed by 11:45 this past New Years. :shades:
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    Cross Country skiers are appreciated because there are fewer skiers in my lift line.

    At my age, Alpine skiing is all downhill. ;)
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,761
    I think Alaska has more drunks per capita than anywhere in NA. Or perhaps they are just more visible.

    Have you been to many reservations? ;)
    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
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Yeah it was in the wagon. Nice dent front passenger side just behind the lens of the turn signal. About the size of a football pushed in maybe an inch. The insurance adjuster says about $850 in damages. We are just going to take the cash and put it in our car replacement fund.

    image

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I have a sneaking suspicion that much of the reason alcoholism and "drinking" in general seems more prevalent in Alaska is due to the relatively small number of roads and the small pockets of people.

    Well where I was at there was about two dozen miles of paved roads, one TV station, two radio stations, one movie theater far more single guys that women and to go anywhere else you have to either get on a boat or plane. Add to that cold rainy nights that seemingly last forever there is not much more to do than sit in one of the many bars and drink. But hey the alternative was going crazy, which a few did.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,761
    That is far less damage than I imagined. I agree that banking it is the way to go. Heck, let that spot dirty up again and you would hardly notice it there. I half suspect that some light taps to the back side of the panel and a good buffing would all but erase that blemish.

    At least it was not the Caddy!
    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
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    Another advantage in not fixing the damage is that the next time it is hit at the same spot, no damage to pay for.
  • davethecarnutdavethecarnut Member Posts: 248
    Yeah...but don't tell the insurance company that...cha-ching ;)
  • davethecarnutdavethecarnut Member Posts: 248
    Here is a question for the psychologists/psychiatrists out there (not you patients): What's the magnetic draw for some drivers to hit vehicles parked on the side of the road? I cannot fathom it. I read in our local paper about a guy who ended up killing his family in a car wreck. He lost control and flipped his car numerous times. The paper quoted him as saying " he had to make a sudden correction with the steering wheel to avoid hitting a car parked on the side of the highway, causing his vehicle to flip at least five times killing his wife and two toddler sons". Yeah....to avoid hitting the vehicle on the side of the highway...I almost started to laugh at his stupidity, but then thought about his family, which just made me angry. Apparently he was sober too. I even watch those "World's Scariest Police Chase" shows and people are even sideswiping or crashing into the police car or the other vehicle that the cop pulled over. What's up??? :mad:
  • wesleygwesleyg Member Posts: 164
    a very interesting question you make there, I'm certainly not a medical person but I have been involved in the problem professionally to some degree. I'm now retired from an urban police dept. but we had a period that caused great concern, a large number of our cruisers were struck in the rear, only on the interstates, while making traffic stops.

    We purchased the best "laser" overhead lights for the light bars, increased the flashing lights from four to six, repositioned roof strobes, none of it did any good. Final determined result--- motorist hypnotism during the dark hours with the flashing strobe lights.

    New orders went out-any cruiser stopping a vehicle at night on the interstate had to have at least 14 feet from the travelled lane edge or no stop and no voluntarily traffic stops made on the center median, the only way you could do that was if you were behind a disabled auto and assisting.
  • m6vxm6vx Member Posts: 142
    Simple -- you go in the direction you're looking.

    If you're riding a bike in the woods and you look at that tree just to the right of you...... you WILL hit it. If you look straight down the trail, you'll miss it.

    So..... NO GAWKING! ;-)
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,603
    Fun morning here. Yesterday it poured, then turned to a icy sleet snow, then snow, then it all froze. My street is closed, it is a skating rink. A plow/sander went up it last night, but of course nothing since. There were about 10 abandoned cars on my hill earlier. The cops have roadblocks at the top and bottom...but if someone tries to go through, they aren't really stopping them.

    I went for a walk earlier and helped another guy push a big 2WD dually truck out of the way of hitting a parked car, as the truck couldn't make it up the slight incline. So, I guess I am a considerate walker.
  • oregonboyoregonboy Member Posts: 1,650
    Gee, fin. I know you are in the Puget Sound region, but here in Tacoma it wasn't nearly that bad... just a few slick spots.

    james
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,603
    We have about an inch of snow/sleet on top of the ice layer here. But with the sun it is breaking up - they finally sanded my hill and it is reopened. The sanding truck had to back up the hill at about 3mph.
  • gerrawrdgerrawrd Member Posts: 1
    I just want to post something that happens all too often, and is very simple and easily frustrating. and it may have already been mentioned, but i dont have the time to poruse all 609 pages of this thread!

    but the one thing that i see so much and hate so much cause its so simple, is indicators, signals, turning signals, blinkers.... whatever you wanna call em... i dont care what car you drive, but im positive that no more than the movement of 3 of your fingers is all it takes for you to let me know that i can turn infront of you, instead of me waiting till you make it to the intersection and turn, with no indicator, HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW YOUR TURNING??

    i dunno maybe its stupid, but its just annoying.
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    It is a Control Issue with the other driver. If he doesn't signal, he freezes you which then makes him feel "in control of you" and "powerful". He doesn't want you to know he is turning. He's inconsiderate and pleased that you are annoyed.

    That same driver moves towards the curb in the rain to splash mud water on either the biker or walker or both.

    He's divorced, unemployed, plagued with an STD, & driving a dumpster while scratching his permanent itch. :sick:
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,603
    I still don't trust them even when they do signal. I wait to see the car enter the turn before I react. I won't risk pulling in front of someone who could be lost or just clueless, and doesn't complete their indicated turn.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,603
    Fun pseudopsychology, but I think most non-signallers are so unaware of their surroundings that they don't even realize there are other cars around them. Ignorance rarely has intent.
  • oregonboyoregonboy Member Posts: 1,650
    Funny that you should say that, because that happened to me once.

    I was stopped at a light on a country road; a single lane on both the road that I was on and the cross-road. There were no dedicated turn lanes, but the shoulders were wide. My light was red and I was signaling to turn left. There was an old Mustang directly across the intersection from me, also signaling a left turn.

    When the light changed to green, I began my left turn, then realized that the Mustang was no longer signaling and was rolling straight forward. I stopped, but the left corner of my vehicle was about 4' into the oncoming lane. The Mustang was barely moving at this point, yet continued straight into my vehicle without slowing or attempting to change direction. A witness in the car behind the Mustang said that the driver appeared to pause when I stopped, then proceeded forward. :surprise:

    The Mustang driver was a guy in his early twenties who appeared to be somewhat "mentally challenged". After the collision, which was really little more than a "bump", we each drove forward to opposite sides of the intersection and parked on the shoulders. The witness and I both saw him kicking the front of his car and cursing (!?). :confuse:

    Coincidentally (?) the Mustang driver's father was in a pickup truck two cars behind him at the time of the "accident".

    Mustang driver's insurance paid the claim for the (minor) damage to my vehicle. :shades:

    james
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,097
    I almost snuffed out a police car that didn't take its turn at a stop sign. Even though I was in the right, I'm sure that would've been an adventure. :surprise:
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,603
    Another little dose of snow here overnight....not so annoying is the typical round of ditched SUVs, but the idiots who go out and drive after clearing a 2x2 spot off their windshield (as so many people here don't garage their cars, due to a lack of garage or lack of space due to junk hoarding) - and clear off no other window nor the roof or trunk. Lazy idiots.
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    Makes one wonder to see a double car garage filled with hoarded junk worth $250 while sitting outside is a vehicle or two worth $25,000 each. And the garage doors have automatic openers. I can understand when the owners are Mormons as they have to hoard a year's supply of food in their garages. :(
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,603
    Ha, I was thinking the same thing the last time we had snow - I saw many higher end cars out driving around still covered in snow - late model Lexus, new Escalades, etc. Either they can't afford a garage, or they have so much crap there is no room for the car. Or the cars are leases, as so many are, and the driver just doesn't care/ One reason condos aren't so bad, they force you to thin out the herd. Of course, I do know at least one apartment dweller spending about $75/month to store $200 worth of old DVDs and books.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    With a horizontal paint job costing a min of 2000 per car, it makes you wonder what they are protecting in the place of the vehicles garage space!?
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,097
    At my old condo, there were eight units in our little court, each with a one-car garage. Most people just stored stuff in them. Only one resident actually parked his daily driver in there. One garage had a pop-up trailer in it. One had motorcycles. One had a late 80's Cavalier with no tags. One had a pool table. Two of them were usee for storing boxes, junk, etc. And in mine, I alternated between my DeSoto and Catalina.

    I hate to say it, but even at my house, with my 4 car garage, you couldn't get 4 cars in there now. I don't fully understand the reproductive process behind it all, but it seems like if you have a lot of junk, but suddenly find yourself more space, said junk will multiply and expand until it fills that newfound space. :blush:
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,603
    I could never do that. My old condo only had carports, which I hated as the water could get in, and they would drip on frosty mornings.. When I moved, one of my main requirements was for a garage - luckily I live in an area with a lot of modern low-midrise buildings with underground parking. I also moved from a ca. 1200 sq ft unit to a 600 sq ft unit, so I got rid of a lot of stuff. It was a liberating feeling. Some crap sold on craigslist, donated, and a few trips to the dumpster. I had only been there 4 years, and as you say, the crap multiplies.

    I'd kill to have a garage like yours, or even half the space. I have to rent a garage for the fintail, but it isn't a bad deal - it's less than half the price as an additional space in my building, the place is only about 4 miles away, and the guy gives me a discount if I prepay for a year. The thought of leaving my cars outside does not appeal to me.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,603
    Go to the average garage sale to see the valuable treasures people are protecting. Go back to the garage sale 10 minutes before closing and see 95% of the stuff remaining.

    But hey, it gives me something to gripe about, this time the little peepholes people clear in the snow.
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    On the way to work a few days ago, I was minding my own business in the right lane of a 4-lane divided highway. I became aware of a bright green late-model Ford Mustang (pre-2005 model) behind me in the left lane slowly catching up. Directly behind the Mustang was a Chevrolet Express cargo van. Then the Mustang suddenly slowed down for no apparent reason. The van driver responded by whipping into the right lane, cutting off a BMW X5, whose driver flashed her high-beams.

    Then as the van started to pass the Mustang on the right, the Mustang accelerated. I realized now that the Mustang driver had brake-checked the tailgating van. Now the two were in a race of sorts to get ahead of one another with me dead ahead in the right lane. Fortunately, the van backed off and passed me on the left behind the Mustang. Then after passing me, the van driver returned to the right lane and this time was able to go around the Mustang.

    I caught up to the Mustang at the next red light. The car looked to be in immaculate condition with shiny aluminum wheels. The driver appeared to be around 50 or so, with a beard, and casually dressed. The kicker was the car's vanity plate. It read (I've spelled it out) "one not to push!" So does this guy purposely "camp" in the left lane just to annoy drivers who get on his rear end?
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    The issued plates sound like an advertisement to PUSH the buttons. It makes you wonder if the issuing authority employs people who can READ. (and presumably interpret!? )
  • xrunner2xrunner2 Member Posts: 3,062
    Another little dose of snow here overnight....not so annoying is the typical round of ditched SUVs, but the idiots who go out and drive after clearing a 2x2 spot off their windshield

    I think some people have trouble clearing snow, especially when its wet, with those flimsly brushes. I have found in past that a plastic shovel, approx 18" wide, with wood handle, gets the snow off easily and quickly.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,603
    I usually carry a long-handled squeegee in my trunk, and when I've been out and my cars get stuck in the snow, I find those to be effective too.

    I don't know if the people here have trouble, or rather just don't bother at all. When the side windows and rear windshield are untouched..it's just being clueless.
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    I found additional storage space in our garage by having a storage bay built. It is made of 2X4's as frame work secured through the ceiling plasterboard and connected to the base of the stringers in the attic of the garage. It comes out 4' from the side wall (the flooring is 4X8 sheets of 1/2" plywood) and runs the width of the garage. I call it the crap cupboard.
    When I need the step ladder to retrieve something then it's the S_ _t shelf! :)
  • xrunner2xrunner2 Member Posts: 3,062
    I hate to say it, but even at my house, with my 4 car garage, you couldn't get 4 cars in there now. I don't fully understand the reproductive process behind it all, but it seems like if you have a lot of junk, but suddenly find yourself more space, said junk will multiply and expand until it fills that newfound space.

    Our 3.5 garage was overflowing years ago. Had storage area built above including retracting stairs, but still was not enough. Built a pole barn (36x48) with stalls for horses and soon it too was overflowing with stuff including vehicles.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    so I got rid of a lot of stuff. It was a liberating feeling.

    My wife and I sold or gave away just about everything accumulated over 15 years in one house and went walkabout for a year in '99/'00. We lived out of the minivan, having put a cedar chest, some files and some artwork in a closet sized storage unit (and only filled a third of it up). It was great while it lasted but when we settled back down, it took us less than six months to fill up a 1700 sq. ft. house with all the usual household junk.

    On topic, we've had exceptional snow the last couple of weeks and the roads are slick. Tonight I popped down the 2 miles to get some groceries and leaving the parking lot I thought the oncoming driver had his turn signal on to enter the store lot. So I pulled out in front of him. Luckily the Subaru found plenty of traction as I goosed it since he was locked up and sliding towards my door. I think I mistook his parking light for a blinker.

    Rather inconsiderate of me. :blush:
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    went walkabout New term to me, what does it mean please?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The Australian Aborigines go walkabout in the bush at age 13 as a rite of passage, and the term has been expanded to include quitting work and going traveling for a period of time. The original version means you actually walk, but let's not get carried away.
  • tazerelitazereli Member Posts: 241
    Anyone ever experience this?

    Your at a stop sign about to make a left turn. some one on you left is also making a left turn into the direction you were traveling or straight ahead. i go and about halfway through the turn the person on my left starts and every time i think they are going to take out my left rear fender. happens more often than I'd care to notice. doesn't anyone have patience to wait about another 2 seconds and then perform their turn? not sure if its inconsiderate or just stupidity.

    Kyle
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,357
    "...not sure if its inconsiderate or just stupidity..."

    Both.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    CHAINS REQUIRED

    While hanging iron on the shoulder other drivers splash by drowning you in slush.
    They could move to the Left, but don't. (Rather inconsiderate)

    After plowing up the hill with the chains helping you go, you encounter the S.A. who blew by earlier splashing slush on you spinning all of his four wheels and slipping downhill at the same time. He finally stops in the middle of the road, gives up and proceeds to install his chains while the rest of us have to stop and wait. (Most inconsiderate)
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,722
    Be sure to click on the "Watch this story" under the byline KOMO Staff. IT shows the actual video tape the dummies made!!!

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,761
    Yeah, stealing the car was certainly inconsiderate, but at least they picked a mundane place to practice rather than out on the streets where other people are 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
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    First one was yesterday early evening I was stopped in a line of cars waiting for a light to change. Now approaching the light the road is two lanes going in my direction of travel however the right lane turns into a right turn only lane. So I am in the left lane with several cars infront of me waiting for the light and a few cars behind me the right lane was clear. Well as soon as traffic started moving, me included, some idiot in the right lane (remember turn only) pulls up next to me and slightly ahead and starts to merge over. I tooted my horn slowed down and drifted to my left. And that idiot was upset with me. :sick:

    Second one was earlier this afternoon. I am on a road two lanes divided in each direction. Its snowing pretty good and the roads are very slippery, I am in the right lane doing a bit under 30 in a 35 a few car a bit ahead of me and no one behind me. When what happens? at the very last minute some yahoo pulls out of a parking lot. Oh I slipped and I slid and man I was sure I was going to hit that idiot. I missed him by only about a foot or two. :sick:

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,761
    Oh I slipped and I slid and man I was sure I was going to hit that idiot. I missed him by only about a foot or two.

    He probably did not see you because you were in a black car. Those are extremely difficult to spot in the snow, you know. ;)
    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
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,722
    >Apparently, my truck has a feature that issues this "alert" when the turn signal is left on for an extended period.

    It may tell if you have the driver's manual in the glovebox, but for my LeSabres, it's 1/4 mile IIRC. It's based on distance traveled.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

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