Inconsiderate Drivers (share your stories, etc.)

xwesx

That's amazing. I have to wonder how much speed differential there was between the two cars that initially collided in order to cause injury to the driver of the car that rear-ended the CR-V.

imidazol97

>If the 2 now-dead-guys really were LeftLaneHogs,

I see nothing in the article at all to suggest they were blocking the left lane by driving below the speed limit. They have NOT been labelled "left lane hogs" in the article.

>I doubt they they felt smug & self-righteous during the few seconds before they died.

Sounds like an unusual emotion to have towards someone a person never knew based only on a phantasy that they were representing people who go slower in the left lane than that person might like. Sounds like floating anger.

imidazol97

I was watching the 2nd and 3rd lanes of I75 as I rolled evenly toward an appointment in Cincinnati a few days ago. If the left lane were reserved only for those actually passing while passing, that means the lane would statistically be empty about 60% of the time in the 2nd half of the Dayton-Cincy area commute traffic I was in. Having three lanes with one empty about 60% of the time means the other two lanes are stacked up even more, more crowded, more lane changes, and inherently the driving becomes more dangerous--all to keep the left lane open for those chosing to speed, so they don't have to wait while some lesser being gets out of their way? :sick: Horse hockey pucks. :P

jensad

I agree Steve. When I drive the freeway here in Disneyland, I also avoid the left lane when I drive. The right lane many times on a four/three lane freeway can be a way to open the thottle and get going. However, I am always looking for the sloooow moving car which I obviously have to avoid.

Good luck to all and stay safe on this Labor Day weekend.

jensad

ruking1

You guys have to stop giving away the secrets of the real universe !!!!! :surprise: :shades:

stever

Jensad probably watches the pedestrian signals so he knows when to speed up or ease off to make the green or coast to the red light. :shades:

ruking1

Well for sure with the new pedestrian signals/crossing markings and very high car/pedestrian accident/fatality rates, ALL of us should pay more attention !?

Or to look at it more directly, those that have hit pedestrians crossing LEGALLY should have taken the time to not have gotten into the accident. :sick:

The municipality I live, holds the distinction (some would say... dubious) of being #1 on the CHP's list of issued moving violations in the whole STATE. In those circles, it is well known and... well,... documented. Knock on wood, I have never gotten a moving violation in the municipality in 23 years.

tallman1

I don't think anyone is suggesting that you not use all lanes on a freeway during heavy traffic. That only makes sense... at least to me.

I also don't think anyone can get upset if a driver uses the far left lane to pass even if they hold up someone who wants to go faster.... as long as they move over after making the pass.

The inconsiderate part (and illegal in my state) comes when someone drives in the left lane (at any speed) and won't move over when someone approaches from behind. Some are oblivious (like the woman on I-90 eastbound yesterday who was holding up stacks of cars in eastern Washington driving about 60 on a 70 mph road.) Others feel it is their "right" to drive the speed limit in the left lane when the other lanes are clear. To me, that's much different than what I described in the first two paragraphs.

I've had people tailgate me while I'm driving the speed limit in the middle lane when there is no one in the left lane. I guess they want me to move to the far right. Again, that makes no sense to me.

tallman1

Knock on wood, I have never gotten a moving violation in the municipality in 23 years.

Oh-oh... you shouldn't have said that.

ruking1

You are probably right, I will look for the "dangling sword".

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but the way I read the KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT to pass boiler plate are that ALL lanes, sans the extreme right lane (hopefully for obvious reasons) are subject to it. Again like LLC'ers, the other lanes are even LESS enforced than the campers in the #1 or extreme left lane !!

stever

As a driver, you can watch the pedestrian signals and most will clue you in on when the light will be changing.

So when approaching an intersection with a green light you can watch the pedestrian signal to figure out when it the light will turn yellow. That info can tell you to start coasting to the (upcoming) red light and keep you moving more smoothly to your destination. Saves gas too.

ruking1

So ...no, we spend a lot of time idling. I am glad the TDI's have ZERO fuel draw when idling in DSG mode. It is further exacerbated by the fact that inter city synchronization of traffic devices is still years away and of course billions of dollars are needed to trigger it...........why does it feel like an outdoor casino...............?

When there are pedestrians, and more importantly, if they activate the signal by functioning the pedestrian buttons.

They have a timed sequence to cross, but the fact of the matter is if you hit them while they are in the intersection , even if they exceed the time sequence... well ....you get the drill. However, if you really get to study how a particular intersection handles the sequences, they normally function by vehicles functioning the ground pressure sensors. So for example the pathway with "no sensor demand" will not be functioned for "no one to pass", if there are demands from other sensors. I hope I am not being vague. Leo's, fire /ambulances and other so called "emergency vehicles" can strobe function over ride signal sequences.

The latest trend in so called pedestrian cities are the camera installation for remote ticketing. I talked to one guy who paid $400. for a so called CA stop.......

stever

The technique I'm describing has nothing to do with hitting pedestrians. It has everything to do with taking clues from your daily route to pick a faster route and timing the lights.

ruking1

Your post was very clear. Perhaps mine was not. In this neck of the woods, the lights time YOU (aka, ME) .

The interesections (key ones anyway) have evolved into a structural bureacracy and revenue casino?????

jensad

Dog gone it Ruking1, you caught me giving away my driving modus...I guess I love to drive fast, which is a throw back from my CHP days. However, my wonderful wife is my "cruise control' when I get a little out of bounds.

Good luck to all and stay safe this Labor Day weekend.

jensad

jensad

Now after reading Steve's and Ruking1's posts, I thought you two were harrassing me but really you two are allowing me laugh and enjoy this fine group of posters. (Just kidding about the harassment...)

And yes Ruking, the area where you reside is a hot bed very much like the Oakland area, where speeding has become an art. Glad I am retired from the insanity of doing the old job.

If you are stopped don't try the old, "I guess my speed control is broken", or "was I really speeding', and finally, and this is true, if anyone has over sized tires, it will make your speedo off about 5 mph for each size larger. I.e. if your speedo read 65, you may be going about 70 mph.

I appreciate your comments and also value everyone's comments. Its amazing to read posts from all over the USA from so many interesting posters.

We all have much to offer, and thank all of you for allowing me to laugh today.

Good luck to all and stay safe.

jensad

stever

Glad I am retired from the insanity of doing the old job

And are your job experiences out on the highway the reason why you're not driving this weekend? :shades:

fintail

I don't know if this is inconsiderate...but yesterday I was on a 2 lane road on the commercial semi-developed region of suburbia - usually deserted, a cross street maybe once every half mile, posted at 30mph. I was alone on this road, save for a bendy bus ahead of me - one of those gigantic articulated things. Anyway, I was going about 40 in this 30....and the bus was putting significant distance between it and myself. He was probably going about 50-55. We all know this thing would never receive a ticket. If a huge bus with zero accident avoidance ability can cruise along at such a speed, does it mean a road is woefully underposted? Could the underposting have to do with revenue collection? FWIW, I have seen speed traps on said road, but they are rare and obvious - nowhere to hide, so if you miss the revenue enforcement cruiser parked alongside the road, maybe you deserve a ticket for distracted driving :shades:

Oh, and regarding using the walk/don't walk signals as timing for lights, I do this all the time, perpetually. Some modern lights where I live even count down the seconds on the walk/don't walk display. Very handy...lets you know when you need to floor it or you can amble on through...as the well-compensated traffic planners can't get the lights to run right.

jensad

Yes indeed Steve. Too many 4th of Julys and Labor Days proved to me that driving on these days are no fun, when everyone is on the road, or beside the road fixing their car that just backed up traffic for 1-2 miles.

Besides if I left the house my wife would not have someone to do the "little extras" i.e. clean the garage, put a new lock on the front door, (here in Disneyland we have thieves and miscreants who love to "visit" homes.) Or build a fence to keep our new goldie pup in our yard and not the neightbor's yard. Hey, its nice to be retired.

I hope all are enjoying Labor Day and are staying safe.

jensad

ruking1

Life is good !! I came back from seeing a client on a local freeway and was going 85 mph in the SLOW lane (aka #4/4 lanes) and the WHOLE batch of cars that I was following in other lanes literally forwardly disappeared !!!

jensad

Be careful ruking1, you might get a ticket for driving too SLOW . Take care and have fun on the freeways of Disneyland.

Good luck to all and stay safe.

jensad

ruking1

Well my only advice about getting old is.... don't

ruking1

You know you are right! I was on another freeway and I see this motorcycle coming up FAST in the distance (#1 lane) It looked like a CHP, but to tell you the truth it streaked by me (#3/4 lane) SO fast, I really could not tell if it was REALLY a CHP or a funeral motor bike. For a second or two, it felt like the autobahn. :shades:

imidazol97

I've noticed a pattern if I'm backing out of a space carefully in a parking lot. Someone turns into the aisle and then toots the horn if I dare continue backing out of the space. I was backing out before they turned into the aisle; so just hold their horses. When I have cleared out, they might want to park there since I'm usually in one of the spaces close to the store.

tjc78

Today leaving the office. Gridlocked traffic (as usual) on Rt 73 in south jersey. Guy in a huge Ford F something or other gets into with another driver in a Malibu (for what I don't know) decides to stomp on it squeeling tires and jumps into a lane that ends and tries to cut everyone off to get 3 cars ahead. After that he continued to ride everyone's tail as traffic started to move. The ending was him running a red light only to get stuck at the next one 1000 feet ahead :sick:

xwesx

Yep, that's another par for the course. I wait in these situations (as the driver entering the aisle), and often get 'tooted' myself by the next impatient in line. It's a parking lot for cryin' out loud! One lady, about three weeks ago, actually honked at my son and I as we were pushing a cart into a local box store. Nevermind that we were in a parking lot and she was driving ~20 mph. I ignored her and she just had to wait a few seconds. :sick:

jensad

Good for you and your son xwesx. I think there are many driving around that think they are the most important person on the earth and that they are the only people that have 'rights". I.e. "this is MY freeway", or "this is MY turn to get out of the parking lot first".

I believe that when people, includiing me, fall into "this is MY lane, roadway, turn, fill in here, then there are problems.

We were in line to get into a parking lot to attend a football game last year when two men got out of their cars right in front of us and began punching each other out regarding who would get the parking lot space. They lasted about 30 sec and both then discovered that "their space" had been taken by another driver. Plus they were so worn out after 30 sec, they HAD to stop and rest.

When I think it is MY lane, MY car should be first in line, ect I need to slow down and relax and mentally "slow down". Don't do "MY stuff much anymore, as I aware of my insanity, and yes ruking, I too am old(er) but the MY stuff is sure prevalent on the roads today.

Hope all have a wonderful weekend and all stay safe.

jensad

ruking1

Well I hope I don't trigger a road rage incident for doing this, but when someone cuts me some slack,(merging, anyone of a bunch of stuff) I usually try to do a wave of THANKS.(lamp flicker) To be probably more honest than I should be, all I have done is try to keep my driving mistakes to a minimum by refining the practice. I also try to thank folks who cut me some give when I do make mistakes, and cut at least some slack for other people who do not necessarily have or demonstrate the same goals.

xwesx

Noble, for sure, and I strive for this as well. I certainly know myself well enough to know that I make mistakes out there too.

jensad's comment got me to thinking about an incident that happened last Saturday. This was after a long day of installing massive windows in the front of my house, and I was taking a quick trip into town to return some vacuum cups to a local rental shop before they charged me an extra day. My grandparents were here visiting (and my grandfather has some major temper issues when driving! It is embarrassing, really), and so I had my son (five years old) and grandfather in my van with me. Shortly after pulling onto the feeder highway that runs near my house, a current model red Mustang GT passed us, probably going 65 in the 55. After four miles, at the end of this highway, we went to turn left onto the Steese highway, which feeds into Fairbanks. As I navigated the short turn lane, I noticed this Mustang on the right side of the road just past this intersection, with its left turn signal on. As I began my left turn, the Mustang spins a quick U-ie, and barrels up the right side of the on-ramp (which has a yield sign for left turners... me), cutting me off. I actually had to slam the brakes and swerve to miss his left rear quarter.

Knowing my grandfather, I felt exceedingly calm and collected about it. I just backed off and let the other driver on his way. My grandpa said something about him being a jackass, but otherwise was also quite calm - moreso than he ever would be as a driver. Oddly, though, the other driver then stopped his acceleration onto the highway at 50 mph, which meant I caught up to him and then changed into the left lane to pass. As I pulled up along side, the other driver matched speed (60). I did not see what he wanted, due to window glare and tint on his rig, but my grandfather lifted his hands and said, "What?" At this, the other driver zipped off, and I saw him looking back at me with a scowl on his face. :confuse:

With irony, we were both stopped at the next FOUR stop lights, side by side (him in left, me in right). At one point, I noticed his passenger looking my direction and making hand gestures, so I looked over.... it was a young lady (early 20s?) and she was playing with my son. :shades: They both seemed to be having a good time, so I just laughed and that was the end of that.

I am not sure whether the driver felt like the close call was my fault or not, but, regardless, he did not push the issue and I held no offense.

ruking1

..."Noble, for sure, and I strive for this as well. I certainly know myself well enough to know that I make mistakes out there too. "...

A counter point might be:

there might be an "unintended consequence here" as it might reinforce good driving behavior. Jensad can explain the non standard reward system going on here. Since he has now been in that biz for a while.

So for example, the last guy that actually let me merge. Perhaps he was expecting me to indicate or actually do nothing, to at worst give him the italian salutation. Instead I say (hopefully it is taken this way anyway) thanks !! Since the overwhelming road responses are neutral to negative this "positive" sign is seen on very RARE occasion. ...

snakeweasel

My question is were you walking down the center of the parking isle blocking traffic like some of the idiots I come across?

Another thing that drives me crazy are the idiots that sit there in their cars blocking the isle waiting as someone loads up their car with their kids and the stuff they bought just so they can park 5 spots closer. :mad:

oldfarmer50

"...they were so worn out after 30 sec., they HAD to stop and rest..."

If you can't win a fight within 30 seconds you shouldn't have started it in the first place.

xwesx

Nope, we were just crossing the home stretch to the store. Courtesy goes both ways, of course.

snakeweasel

If you can't win a fight within 30 seconds you shouldn't have started it in the first place.

Then I guess most professional prize fights should never have been fought.

ruking1

Dozens of Motorcycles Crash on Freeway

fintail

Harley idiots travel in packs...they watched too many of those dopey biker gang movies 40 years ago. Rebels! At least the sportbike squids travel in smaller clusters.

Today I had an idiot who I won't profile pull right in front of me as I was on a 35mph road, with nobody behind me. They were in a Corolla, which seems to be a favored car for an unskilled driver segment. I was wondering had I just plowed into them in my Panzerwagen, if I could have removed them from the realm of motoring for good?

euphonium

We left Walnut Creek Thursday morning, planning to spend the night on the way home, but traffic was allowing us to drive straight through to home. Had we stopped for the night along the way, we would have been in that 4 hour parking lot.

While traversing the area we were kept busy navigating from 680 to the DunBarton bridge to visit relatives in Menlo Park. Found Rossmoor to be quite the place for Seniors and Walnut Creek drivers are very helpful in going from Olympic Blvd to N Main at night. Young lady in a Black SUV escorted us right up to our motel! How good is that?

stever

We had a woman lead us to a restaurant here in July that we were having trouble finding. And I couldn't find a Marriott down in Alabama last week (too new for my NAV) and I asked a shopper in an auto parts store if he knew where it was. He didn't but he got out of line and called his wife on his cell. Turned out we were about 3 blocks away.

Didn't have any trouble finding the Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek this summer.

Maybe we need a considerate direction-giver forum. People sure seem willing to help if you just ask them.

oldfarmer50

"...Then I guess most professional prize fights should never have been fought..."

How many professional prize fights have you seen over who gets a parking spot? :P

Would you argue with Mike Tyson ?

fintail

Today I saw an ancient man in a Toyota Highlander going about 20 in a 40. Literally. And this is another underposted road where traffic moves at 45-50 any time volume permits it. Can anyone say this isn't as bad as going 60 in a 40?

I also saw an oblivious trophy wife in a new Denali playing with her phone as she went about 22 in a 30. Actually, I was stuck in the lineup behind her. Right behind her was a Porsche 928, which was trying to make some noise to wake the parasite out of her irresponsible stupor. It didn't work.

The woman tending to the kid in the back of her 4-Runner as she went about 45 on I90 was pretty cool, too.

euphonium

I 90 up to MM 17, Issaquah, is a speed trap according to isellhondas & I agree. It is were the SP are on M/C's & they can be very busy.

Driven through Medina lately? Smile for the Surveillance cameras.

fintail

I drove by the WSP office in east Bellevue yesterday when cruising in my old car...I saw a 2 wheeled revenue collection officer pulling in as I drove by. I rarely go east past that area, but I do know 405 between Bellevue and Kirkland can be a speed trap nightmare too.

I actually go through Medina a few times a week - it's only a few minutes from home, I like to walk their park, and my old car likes to cruise its low traffic streets. Those cameras have actually been up for a couple months - but the media just jumped on it. Doesn't hurt me....I'm a cleancut guy in a shiny MB, so I probably won't be hassled :shades:

snakeweasel

How many professional prize fights have you seen over who gets a parking spot?

The statement was if you cannot win a fight within 30 seconds, there was no qualifying statement.

Would you argue with Mike Tyson ?

Last time I got into a fight with a professional boxer (a middle weight) it was over in a second. He threw a jab and I took him down with a nifty little move perfect to defend against a jab,

fintail

Sounds like a fight that was over in under 30 seconds :P

fintail

Got behind some scaredy cats last night in an Elantra who wouldn't take their free right turn, and held up traffic. I knew this didn't bode well for the future. They then decided to enter a free flowing 60mph highway at about 32mph a few blocks later. Chaos with everyone dodging them. This has to be as harmful as going 100mph on the same road.

Also saw another awesome Harley rider with absolutely no gear - no helmet, no jacket, nothing.

xrunner2

Also saw another awesome Harley rider with absolutely no gear - no helmet, no jacket, nothing.

Well, that was a "potentially" inconsiderate driver. Inconsiderate to the doctors and nurses that have to clean up his skin, clean out dirt, pebbles, patch broken bones, etc.

The craziest scene in good summer weather is seeing late teens, early 20's girls riding as passenger with boyfriend/husband on motorcycle. The crazy part is many who are in shorts, tank top, sneakers. They need to see videos of drivers/riders being patched up in hospital operating rooms.

fintail

Also inconsiderate as the rest of us has to pay one way or another for the work done by those doctors and nurses (and roadway cleanup crews) once the rebel without a clue lays down his loud machine.

I just can't grasp MC riders who shun gear, especially helmets - or stupid girls who will ride with no gear at all while the driver has gear. These people often get what they ask for.

Heck, around here it seems wise to use a helmet while driving a car :shades:

tjc78

I just can't grasp MC riders who shun gear

My cousin laid down his bike and slid across the road, you should have seen the "leathers" he was wearing and think without that it would have been his skin.

As for inconsiderate... on the way in this morning some guy in a Colorado P/U backs out of his driveway causing me to slam on the brakes and then rides 10 under and quickly turns left with no blinker. Naturally, no one behind me :confuse:

jipster

He threw a jab and I took him down with a nifty little move perfect to defend against a jab,

You stabbed him? :sick:

Seriously though, if you're serious... I didn't think accountants were that tough. :surprise:

british_rover

This past weekend saw a guy and girl step out of Victori'as secret towards a CBR900R.

No gear for either one jeans, yeah those last about 3 seconds, sneakers and sweat shirts.

They get to the bike and obviously didn't think how they are going to hold onto the bag of stuff they bought at the store. He gets on first then she rides pillion wih the big pink Victoria's secret bag stuck between them.

Yeah that is going to end well.