...Here in upstate NY, I have noticed a growing number of drivers, who, apparently not content with DRLs, are now driving around on high beams at full "blast". Of course, that would be inconsiderate in my book, especially early in the morning and at dusk, when the brights can really dazzle.
What's next: Flashing strobes at all corners?
Being a fan of all things automotive, I have just about of run out of patience with the way lousy driving is being done, and perpetuated, and even DEFENDED. And some people are downright pathologically passive-aggressive when it comes to good driving habits.
Our government is a guilty party to all this too, because enforcement is too closely tied to revenue generation and thus extremely selective.
... by running out of patience is that I have started to pay more attention to the important things in driving in order to preserve my sanity: listening to radio, talking to passengers, thinking about the day's calendar, picking my nose, in short ANYTHING legal to dull the anguish I get if I pay attention to what is happening around me.
Hey, as long as I don't get any speeding tickets, it is okay isn't it?
I talk on my cell phone, do less than the speed limit, and wander in and out of the left lane in my SUV to keep from paying attention to other's poor driving habits. I never speed, either.
I talk on my cell phone while taking notes on my handy-dandy dash mounted notepad, do less than the speed limit, and wander in and out of the left lane in my SUV to keep from paying attention to other's poor driving habits. I never speed, either.
You will be happy to hear that I purposely did not have my hands free cell phone in its cradle transplanted into my new vehicle from my previous one. I now pull over if I have to use my cell phone which I leave in my center console, OFF See, even old dogs can learn new tricks. BTW I still do no more than the speed limit in my neighborhood and obey school zone speed limits, too. Now give this old dog a bone.
You know, you can always come to the Subaru Crew chat and bring up some of these things in real time!
The Subaru Crew meets every Thursday at 6PM PT/9PM ET... stop by and join us to talk Subaru or anything else automotive that might come up! Hope to see you there tonight!
You get a big bone from me. I used to shake my head when you made comments about driving while talking on your hands-free. I congratulate you for changing your habits (and, furthermore, for owning up to it in a public forum).
Education teaches most of us to keep an open mind. It is usually the less educated that are closed-minded and refuse to change, even when presented evidence contrary to their way of thinking. I have always been one to be open to changing my viewpoints and admitting that I was wrong. A famous man once said "Half of being smart is knowing what you're dumb at" :~)
P.S. My comment was a general statement. Any resemblance to any person, alive or dead, is strictly coincedental :~P
With todays non-standardized, more powerful headlights, it is often difficult to be certain if a car has its "brights" on or if they are just aimed a little high (or cresting a rise, or on an inside corner).
But I SWEAR that there are more drivers who feel it's ok to drive on brights on divided highways (like interstates), regardless of oncoming traffic OR vehicles in front of them.
One of my favorite automotive-memories is of a drive I made between Sweet Home and Lebanon, Oregon one night many years ago (like in the 70's). Highway 20 coming into Lebanon is 5 lanes: two each way with a center turn lane. I was heading west in the right lane and a State Patrol car was in the left lane a few car lengths ahead of me.
An on-coming car approaches on highbeams... clearly evident by the "quad" style lights (this is the seventies, remember). The cop flashes his brights... no response. He flashes again... nothing. The oncoming car passes, the cop hits his overheads and makes a U-turn. YESSSSS... the is SOME justice in the world.
So I know at least one "inconsidarate driver" got his due.
Thanks for the tip! I don't drive after I drink but I really don't drink at all but dont want to get stopped under someone elses mental profile of being DUI or DWI due to high beams on!
IMHO.............. There IS an etiquette to follow in driving, as in most activities we, as humans, participate in. Whether it's standing in line, shopping, talking, eating, playing sports...whatever....to get along socially we should all try to adhere to some certain 'rules'. Many of these are unwritten and/or not necessarily imposed by laws, but are, or should be, applied as common sense guidelines so that we may all get along as well as possible. Another thing to consider is that some laws, like some of the etiquette rules, have some acceptable range of tolerance. Non-driving examples of etiquette....not cutting in line, not pushing or shoving to get past, saying 'please' and 'thank you', not interrupting, waiting our turn, etc. Or in sports like skiing and others, as someone pointed out, moving out of the way of faster or more experienced skiers/skaters, runners/joggers, bicyclists, walkers. I play golf and, although not a law, it is recommended, and proper etiquette, to allow faster players to 'play through' as a single foresome can back up an entire golf course and cause those behind them to take 5-6 hrs to complete a round vs maybe 4 hrs. Driving examples....using our turn signals, yielding the right of way (similar to waiting our turn), not cutting other drivers off, not tailgating, turning on our lights in inclement weather or at dusk/dawn, driving in a manner that does not endanger anyone , staying in the proper lane to suit our preferred driving speed as to not impede the flow of traffic.
No matter what the activity, if everyone adheres to these common sense 'rules' and laws, or stays within the acceptable boundaries, then life flows along more easily and everyone is happy.
There will always be some that are not considerate though, but to react in a like manner has a chain reaction that, if followed , would soon have everyone acting incondsiderate, which could lead to total chaos. However, thankfully, enough people follow these 'rules' to prevent this from happening. It's not as good as it could be if everyone followed the 'rules', but it's better than the alternative. So, having said that, I believe we should all strive to show by example otherwise we add fuel to the fire and start the scales towards the side of chaos. Not intending to beat a dead horse, and in an attempt to add some finality .... but, since this thread is about 'Inconsiderate drivers', and, one of the hot topics seems to be , whether it's getting old to some or not, LLCing, I would like to say this. Even though the speed limit on most highways is 65mph, this is one of the laws I referred to which seems to have an acceptable range of tolerance. The HP, at least from my observations, seem to definitely tolerate AT LEAST 7mph over(72mph), and, in many cases up to 15mph (80mph), depending on the circumstances. The 80mph tolerance is certainly debatable but where I live, given decent road, traffic and weather conditions, 80mph in the fast lane is not only the average but is also acceptable in MOST cases. Now, considering this PLUS the guidelines in the DMV issued drivers guide regarding keeping right except to pass, it IS proper etiquette to move right, whenever traffic allows, in order to let faster traffic by. By saying 'whenever traffic allows' means that if the flow of traffic in the fast lane makes it unreasonable for anyone to want by, then etiquette would certainly not require you to do so. This is where the 'common sense' should apply to all concerned. Bottom line is that if the HP, as enforcers of traffic law, allow a range of tolerance, then we as private citizens, who are not expected to enforce law in the first place, should not attempt to be less tolerant. That' my story and I'm sticking to it :~P
As a very small percentage of a city uses the public golf course, but frequently perhaps, I deem the land used for those few individuals is a blunderous use of the public's property. Private Golf Clubs? You Bet. Public Courses do not pay property taxes, but are supported by our taxes. Fore!
I guess that answers your question....but if he did, i betcha they'd be backed up behind him to the freeway. But skiing is DIFFERENT! BTW, I betcha there are more golfers in this country than skiers! :~P
I would agree....golf is more leisurely and the comraderie works into the equation, although you still don't want to be out there ALL day. On the other hand serious skiing and driving usually involve getting from point A to B expediciously...hence the reason for the beginner or person who's not in a hurry to politely move out of the way. I KNOW we agree there
to talk. Ski another 100 yards. Talk. Having skied since '48 my ability enables me to avoid the frequent stops. There is a lot more to it than just getting from point A to point B expediciously. Comraderie, for me, is reserved for Mahogany Ridge. My style is GS on wide, steep, and long runs and not on the weekends. No bumps anymore thank you. Started out on 10th Corps W.W. II Army Surplus wood slats with bear claw bindings. Today, Salomon XScream 10 Pilots and a lot shorter. Skiing is the 3rd greatest thrill.
then stopping to talk. Ski another 100 yards. Talk." LOL! Very good....that's funny! I guess you just can't teach an old golfer new tricks! I remember when I lived in Wash. as a youngster. I used to caddy at the Country Club and in the winter when it snowed all the skiers would hop the fence and head for this long, down hill par 5. Made a pretty nice run I guess.
"Started out on 10th Corps W.W. II Army Surplus wood slats with bear claw bindings." Hmmmm....G.I., 2 each?
When Im trying to use the passing lane to do, well, you know, an actual pass. I know, to some it may sound crazy, but this is the main reason I get into the left lane. And Im behind somebody that wants to pass another car at about the rate of continental drift, and stay to the left even when the right lane clears. So as soon as the rolling globule of fat gives me enough space to pass the car and get back over, I squeeze to the right and continue at my cruising speed, which of course has me pulling away from the slow poke on the left.
But then of course they see me approaching the next car I want to pass so they speed up because even though they felt no need to to go fast before, all of a sudden they decide they dont want me in front of them. So I get in behind them again and of course all sense of urgency is lost once theyve stopped me from getting in front of them.
I will play this game for miles and miles sometimes. After awhile when I get sick of it I will start cutting in front of the person and making them stop accelarating every time I need to make a pass.
they were there FIRST and you are being rude to want to take their place in the lead. They also prolly think you're just moving to the right to get around THEM...not cause it's the proper thing to do. They don't see it as you completing your pass, moving to the right as you should, then coming upon another obstacle and moving left, as you should, to pass again....it's all about THEM. You're telling them that they're not making the grade....which they aren't....they are just to ignorant of driving etiquette to understand. Does that help??? :~P
One type of driver that annoys me is the speeder in such a hurry that he will not let others be courteous. A couple month ago I was heading north on I-39 at about 75 mph. The speed limit is 65, and I came up behind a multiaxel vehicle going less than 60. I looked back, signalled, pulled left and proceeded to pass. As I was nearing the cab a car came up rapidly on my tail, even though I had accellerated to just under 80 to complete the pass quickly. This person rode less than a car length from my tailgate, and although I signalled right as I cleared the bumper of the large vehicle, he cut right barely clearing the front of the semi preventing me from moving over. ( I wait till I have a couple car lengths clearence before moving right). At nearly 20 mph faster than the semi, I would be well clear quickly, but he would not wait.
As things usually happen, I caught up with him in a couple miles while he waited on the tail of an elderly Cadillac leisurely passing the next semi. I stayed back a couple car lengths, as tailgateing him would prove nothing.
Sometimes I kind of go off into la-la land and when I snap out of it I get back up to speed, so yeah, some people who speed up after being passed may just be waking back up, not realizing that they had slowed down.
oldharry...yeah...I don't like the impatient ones either...that is the few times someone wants to go faster than me :~)....sometimes they don't even give you time to move over.
Is caused by the cruise control. Driver A is in the right lane with his cruise control set on 70. Driver B is "pushing the envelope" and set's his cruise control on 72. As driver B creeps up on driver A, he moves left to pass. Unfortunately, he forgets that his right foot can temporarily override the cruise control and leaves it comfortably on the floorboard, away from the gas pedal. He then inches up alongside driver A...but in his mind he is "passing" him.
In some of those cases, if I am driver A and driver B tends to linger in my blind spot as he "passes" me, I'll use my accelerator for him and run about 80 for a minute, putting some distance between him and me. Usually, he will move over to the right lane, allowing faster traffic to once again proceed.
of the unintended consequences of those who hog the left lane even though they are traveling at speed the limit.
I'm on a three lane highway yesterday afternoon with my two-year old and six-month old in the car. Heavy traffic but moving. I get in the left to pass, leaving plenty of room in front of me. A big Chevy pick up enters the highway, immediately accelerates and gets behind me. He's right on my bumper even though he's going nowhere since I've got several cars in front of me. We're all moving at about 65, the posted speed limit. I want this guy off my tail, I so move to the middle lane at the first opportunity. Turns out there is clear sailing in the middle, so I kick it up a little to get past the moron leading the parade in the left lane. Of course Mr. Chevy gets off at my exit several miles later and proceeds to ride my bumper on the secondary road, too....
Explanations about the rules of driving or the logic that proves they will only get to their destination 2 minutes sooner will not sway these morons. Many of them drive the way they do because they have a big chip on their shoulder. Driving like a jerk somehow removes feelings of inadequacy that they carry in other parts of their lives - they hate their wife, job, life, etc... Do whatever you need to do to put as much distance between them and you.
about any driver who wants to control others. I agree that the above probably applies equally as much to LLC's. Maybe they can't control their lives, their kids, but gosh darn it, they are going to control traffic and speeders as much as humanly possible.
I usually try to wave at a person in front of me that moves right (to let me pass in the passing lane). Of course, the next move when safe is to keep right, which demonstrates that you will return the action in kind. And if someone else wants to pass, they can. This is really the intention and design of the law: KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS. Most times, it sure makes for a smooth flow of traffic!
Every once in a while, I come on a situation on the road that reminds me that the (seemingly) vast majority of people are idiots.
This morning, I had to travel through a stoplight intersection, each direction being two lanes plus a left turn lane. The lights were blinking red, so as everyone should know, it is now a four way stop.
The normal pattern is left turn lanes first, then the through lanes, back to left turns on the perpendicular lanes, and so on.
Well, it was so freaking willy-nilly, I couldn't believe it. The people in the through lanes kept jumping out in front, out of order, of those trying to go left. Some were running the stop sign by going with the car in front of them.
When it was my turn to go left, I had to blow my horn at this huge truck who barrelled out pointing right at me. He did not try to slow down, and I had to goose it to get past this guy before we intersected.
What the heck is wrong with these people? Are they in such a hurry, or just ignorant of the rules of the road. I am in a very developed suburban area, so are they so dependent on lights that they don't know how to handle a 4-way stop?
If it was just a few knuckleheads, I wouldn't of given it another thought, but it was nearly every single person. And those that tried to assert proper driving, put themselves in danger.
Left turners have to wait until another left turner across from them wants to do the same and they each turn left in front of each other. I have always yielded to oncoming traffic and have had to wait long times while doing so. Rather than wait so long I've been known to go another block, make three right turns and then straight through the intersection. No way will I try to bluff a big truck. With those guys, might makes right.
If we're both on cruise and someone is passing me very slowly on the left, then I will actually slow down a bit so that his pass completes sooner, thus clearing up the traffic block. Also, this insures that I won't simply have him passing me again in 5 minutes. Now, this ASSUMES that we will both maintain the same cruise speed after the pass as well. After he has passed me, and the traffic block is clear, I resume my regular cruise speed. By "cruise" speed, I am referring to the speed maintained when not passing someone or not otherwise responding to some other situation.
This brings me to another annoyance: people who cannot maintain a consistent cruise speed. I'm not saying, "Never change speed in response to the cars around you," but I'm talking about people who "cruise" at 85, flying past everyone, and then suddenly you pass them and they are doing 65. Then they fly by again. Then you pass them again... etc.etc. When I pass someone/get passed by someone, I like to do it once and only once.
If I come upon a driver who I find myself repeatedly passing, then I will usually overtake them and then take off to put a lot of distance between us.
"Left turners have to wait until another left turner across from them wants to do the same and they each turn left in front of each other"
I should of mentioned that all lanes were backed up. So the most efficient, proper and legal way to proceed would be to go in the pattern I originally mentioned. This would result in what you described above.
Some of us have radar detectors. Depending on terrain and radar frequency, mine may give me over a mile warning. If I am over the speed limit doing 85 I will slow to 65 if that's the limit. This may appear that I have arbitrarily slowed down, when actually there is a police radar operating close by. Once past the radar, I'll resume my speed. I have noticed very few people will maintain 80-85 consistently. I frequently average over 75 MPH on long trips. That includes fuel and rest stops.
"...Mistake #9: Killing your Momentum in Traffic While this driving mistake does not apply to autocross racing, it is most definitely one of the most common and frustrating problems for inexperienced race drivers. Getting boxed in. Losing your momentum. Getting stuck behind a slower car. Being unable to pass for a lap or two. Does this sound familiar? The best solution to this problem is early recognition of the slower driver. Notice where he is on the track now and where he most likely will be when you want to pass him. Depending on your race pace, you may either need to speed up or slow down to pass him at the point where your momentum will not be diminished dramatically. You may have to hustle and out-brake the lapper before the next series of slow "S" turns, or you may have to lay back a little and build momentum off a turn to pass him on the next straightaway. This is perfecting the art of looking ahead to the max. If you get extremely proficient at this technique, you can use it to strategically sandwich a car that you are passing between you and a car that is in hot pursuit of you. Not only can looking ahead be used to maintain your own momentum, but it can be used to kill someone else's momentum. When it works, it is truly a thing of beauty. ..."
With adjustments to the public laws and traffic at hand, this is a good reason not to tail gate .
Come on, people, THINK about where you're going! Plan your lane accordingly. I've been aggravated the last couple of days by yoyo's who all of a sudden realize they need to make a right at the next light and they're in the far left lane (or vice verse). So off they float across three lanes of traffic in half a block. . .
At least they "float" across the three lanes of traffic. I've seen drivers come to a dead stop and wait until the other two lanes are clear. They don't care that other drivers are stuck behind them.
I've seen it done on the freeway, people stop, maybe even back up if they miss their exit.
What a disaster waiting to happen.
Now in my world, these folks would be the ones that law enforcement goes after with all resources and not those who may exceed the speed limit, but not put themselves or others in danger.
I have seen it more than a few times. People in the left lane on an interstate, suddenly realize that are about to blow by their exit. They peel off across 3 lanes of traffic like a WWII fighter pilot, without so much as a glance at traffic in the other lanes.
Comments
...Here in upstate NY, I have noticed a growing number of drivers, who, apparently not content with DRLs, are now driving around on high beams at full "blast". Of course, that would be inconsiderate in my book, especially early in the morning and at dusk, when the brights can really dazzle.
What's next: Flashing strobes at all corners?
Being a fan of all things automotive, I have just about of run out of patience with the way lousy driving is being done, and perpetuated, and even DEFENDED. And some people are downright pathologically passive-aggressive when it comes to good driving habits.
Our government is a guilty party to all this too, because enforcement is too closely tied to revenue generation and thus extremely selective.
RANT OFF/
*FLAME SHIELD DELOYED AT FULL STRENGTH*
Hey, as long as I don't get any speeding tickets, it is okay isn't it?
See, even old dogs can learn new tricks.
BTW I still do no more than the speed limit in my neighborhood and obey school zone speed limits, too.
Now give this old dog a bone.
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cheers,
Phil
A famous man once said "Half of being smart is knowing what you're dumb at" :~)
P.S. My comment was a general statement. Any resemblance to any person, alive or dead, is strictly coincedental :~P
But I SWEAR that there are more drivers who feel it's ok to drive on brights on divided highways (like interstates), regardless of oncoming traffic OR vehicles in front of them.
One of my favorite automotive-memories is of a drive I made between Sweet Home and Lebanon, Oregon one night many years ago (like in the 70's). Highway 20 coming into Lebanon is 5 lanes: two each way with a center turn lane. I was heading west in the right lane and a State Patrol car was in the left lane a few car lengths ahead of me.
An on-coming car approaches on highbeams... clearly evident by the "quad" style lights (this is the seventies, remember). The cop flashes his brights... no response. He flashes again... nothing. The oncoming car passes, the cop hits his overheads and makes a U-turn. YESSSSS... the is SOME justice in the world.
So I know at least one "inconsidarate driver" got his due.
-james
Glad the topic shifted.. Kinley must have finally moved over & let us by!
Zoom... er, Cheers!
Paul
Thanks for the tip! I don't drive after I drink but I really don't drink at all but dont want to get stopped under someone elses mental profile of being DUI or DWI due to high beams on!
There IS an etiquette to follow in driving, as in most activities we, as humans, participate in.
Whether it's standing in line, shopping, talking, eating, playing sports...whatever....to get along socially we should all try to adhere to some certain 'rules'. Many of these are unwritten and/or not necessarily imposed by laws, but are, or should be, applied as common sense guidelines so that we may all get along as well as possible. Another thing to consider is that some laws, like some of the etiquette rules, have some acceptable range of tolerance.
Non-driving examples of etiquette....not cutting in line, not pushing or shoving to get past, saying 'please' and 'thank you', not interrupting, waiting our turn, etc. Or in sports like skiing and others, as someone pointed out, moving out of the way of faster or more experienced skiers/skaters, runners/joggers, bicyclists, walkers. I play golf and, although not a law, it is recommended, and proper etiquette, to allow faster players to 'play through' as a single foresome can back up an entire golf course and cause those behind them to take 5-6 hrs to complete a round vs maybe 4 hrs.
Driving examples....using our turn signals, yielding the right of way (similar to waiting our turn), not cutting other drivers off, not tailgating, turning on our lights in inclement weather or at dusk/dawn, driving in a manner that does not endanger anyone , staying in the proper lane to suit our preferred driving speed as to not impede the flow of traffic.
No matter what the activity, if everyone adheres to these common sense 'rules' and laws, or stays within the acceptable boundaries, then life flows along more easily and everyone is happy.
There will always be some that are not considerate though, but to react in a like manner has a chain reaction that, if followed , would soon have everyone acting incondsiderate, which could lead to total chaos.
However, thankfully, enough people follow these 'rules' to prevent this from happening. It's not as good as it could be if everyone followed the 'rules', but it's better than the alternative.
So, having said that, I believe we should all strive to show by example otherwise we add fuel to the fire and start the scales towards the side of chaos.
Not intending to beat a dead horse, and in an attempt to add some finality .... but, since this thread is about 'Inconsiderate drivers', and, one of the hot topics seems to be , whether it's getting old to some or not, LLCing, I would like to say this.
Even though the speed limit on most highways is 65mph, this is one of the laws I referred to which seems to have an acceptable range of tolerance. The HP, at least from my observations, seem to definitely tolerate AT LEAST 7mph over(72mph), and, in many cases up to 15mph (80mph), depending on the circumstances. The 80mph tolerance is certainly debatable but where I live, given decent road, traffic and weather conditions, 80mph in the fast lane is not only the average but is also acceptable in MOST cases.
Now, considering this PLUS the guidelines in the DMV issued drivers guide regarding keeping right except to pass, it IS proper etiquette to move right, whenever traffic allows, in order to let faster traffic by. By saying 'whenever traffic allows' means that if the flow of traffic in the fast lane makes it unreasonable for anyone to want by, then etiquette would certainly not require you to do so. This is where the 'common sense' should apply to all concerned.
Bottom line is that if the HP, as enforcers of traffic law, allow a range of tolerance, then we as private citizens, who are not expected to enforce law in the first place, should not attempt to be less tolerant.
That' my story and I'm sticking to it :~P
I wonder if Kinley plays golf!!??
But skiing is DIFFERENT!
BTW, I betcha there are more golfers in this country than skiers! :~P
I would think that skiing is more like driving!
I am inclined to go along with your assessment that there are probably more golfers than skiers.
On the other hand serious skiing and driving usually involve getting from point A to B expediciously...hence the reason for the beginner or person who's not in a hurry to politely move out of the way. I KNOW we agree there
LOL! Very good....that's funny!
I guess you just can't teach an old golfer new tricks!
I remember when I lived in Wash. as a youngster. I used to caddy at the Country Club and in the winter when it snowed all the skiers would hop the fence and head for this long, down hill par 5.
Made a pretty nice run I guess.
"Started out on 10th Corps W.W. II Army Surplus wood slats with bear claw bindings."
Hmmmm....G.I., 2 each?
Cheers!
Paul
Went to Highland Terrace Elem. and Butler Jr. High before moving.
But then of course they see me approaching the next car I want to pass so they speed up because even though they felt no need to to go fast before, all of a sudden they decide they dont want me in front of them. So I get in behind them again and of course all sense of urgency is lost once theyve stopped me from getting in front of them.
I will play this game for miles and miles sometimes. After awhile when I get sick of it I will start cutting in front of the person and making them stop accelarating every time I need to make a pass.
Does that help??? :~P
As things usually happen, I caught up with him in a couple miles while he waited on the tail of an elderly Cadillac leisurely passing the next semi. I stayed back a couple car lengths, as tailgateing him would prove nothing.
Harry
I myself admit that at times I feel an urge to speed up if other cars are passing me by.
oldharry...yeah...I don't like the impatient ones either...that is the few times someone wants to go faster than me :~)....sometimes they don't even give you time to move over.
In some of those cases, if I am driver A and driver B tends to linger in my blind spot as he "passes" me, I'll use my accelerator for him and run about 80 for a minute, putting some distance between him and me. Usually, he will move over to the right lane, allowing faster traffic to once again proceed.
I'm on a three lane highway yesterday afternoon with my two-year old and six-month old in the car. Heavy traffic but moving. I get in the left to pass, leaving plenty of room in front of me. A big Chevy pick up enters the highway, immediately accelerates and gets behind me. He's right on my bumper even though he's going nowhere since I've got several cars in front of me. We're all moving at about 65, the posted speed limit.
I want this guy off my tail, I so move to the middle lane at the first opportunity. Turns out there is clear sailing in the middle, so I kick it up a little to get past the moron leading the parade in the left lane.
Of course Mr. Chevy gets off at my exit several miles later and proceeds to ride my bumper on the secondary road, too....
TB
This morning, I had to travel through a stoplight intersection, each direction being two lanes plus a left turn lane. The lights were blinking red, so as everyone should know, it is now a four way stop.
The normal pattern is left turn lanes first, then the through lanes, back to left turns on the perpendicular lanes, and so on.
Well, it was so freaking willy-nilly, I couldn't believe it. The people in the through lanes kept jumping out in front, out of order, of those trying to go left. Some were running the stop sign by going with the car in front of them.
When it was my turn to go left, I had to blow my horn at this huge truck who barrelled out pointing right at me. He did not try to slow down, and I had to goose it to get past this guy before we intersected.
What the heck is wrong with these people? Are they in such a hurry, or just ignorant of the rules of the road. I am in a very developed suburban area, so are they so dependent on lights that they don't know how to handle a 4-way stop?
If it was just a few knuckleheads, I wouldn't of given it another thought, but it was nearly every single person. And those that tried to assert proper driving, put themselves in danger.
If we're both on cruise and someone is passing me very slowly on the left, then I will actually slow down a bit so that his pass completes sooner, thus clearing up the traffic block. Also, this insures that I won't simply have him passing me again in 5 minutes. Now, this ASSUMES that we will both maintain the same cruise speed after the pass as well. After he has passed me, and the traffic block is clear, I resume my regular cruise speed. By "cruise" speed, I am referring to the speed maintained when not passing someone or not otherwise responding to some other situation.
This brings me to another annoyance: people who cannot maintain a consistent cruise speed. I'm not saying, "Never change speed in response to the cars around you," but I'm talking about people who "cruise" at 85, flying past everyone, and then suddenly you pass them and they are doing 65. Then they fly by again. Then you pass them again... etc.etc. When I pass someone/get passed by someone, I like to do it once and only once.
If I come upon a driver who I find myself repeatedly passing, then I will usually overtake them and then take off to put a lot of distance between us.
I should of mentioned that all lanes were backed up. So the most efficient, proper and legal way to proceed would be to go in the pattern I originally mentioned. This would result in what you described above.
"...Mistake #9: Killing your Momentum in Traffic
While this driving mistake does not apply to autocross racing, it is most definitely one of the most common and frustrating problems for inexperienced race drivers. Getting boxed in. Losing your momentum. Getting stuck behind a slower car. Being unable to pass for a lap or two. Does this sound familiar?
The best solution to this problem is early recognition of the slower driver. Notice where he is on the track now and where he most likely will be when you want to pass him. Depending on your race pace, you may either need to speed up or slow down to pass him at the point where your momentum will not be diminished dramatically.
You may have to hustle and out-brake the lapper before the next series of slow "S" turns, or you may have to lay back a little and build momentum off a turn to pass him on the next straightaway. This is perfecting the art of looking ahead to the max.
If you get extremely proficient at this technique, you can use it to strategically sandwich a car that you are passing between you and a car that is in hot pursuit of you. Not only can looking ahead be used to maintain your own momentum, but it can be used to kill someone else's momentum. When it works, it is truly a thing of beauty. ..."
With adjustments to the public laws and traffic at hand, this is a good reason not to tail gate
What a disaster waiting to happen.
Now in my world, these folks would be the ones that law enforcement goes after with all resources and not those who may exceed the speed limit, but not put themselves or others in danger.
FWIW,
TB