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Inconsiderate Drivers (share your stories, etc.)

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  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    "Not a comparable analogy, but a Red herring. You can do better. "

    Best I could do quick :P If you have a better one, please feel free to use it.

    But seriiously, endangering the lives children either by not putting them in carseats or not having them wear helmets, is similar to any other child endangering activity. While parents are responsible for their children, if parents are not behaving responsibly then they give up that parental right and then the government does have s the right to do something about it. It just sort of irrates me when parents think they "own" their kids like a piece of property.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,696
    The problem with your logic on relative speed to the guy around you versus actual speed is that as speed increases, so does stopping distance.

    That's it. It isn't a problem with the logic, but with the application. I frequently noted during my past forays into America that people were driving way too close to one another for the speed they were moving. I felt like quite the outlier in relatively heavy (but still moving quickly) interstate traffic into/out-of metro areas when I tried to maintain a reasonable following distance.

    There are times when my following distance is lower than it should be, but those are transitional times, not the rule. If one of those 75-80 mph movers lost control, it would be very difficult for another car fifty feet behind it to avoid a collision with it or a different vehicle in another lane.
    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
  • xrunner2xrunner2 Member Posts: 3,062
    When radios were first installed in cars, it was supposedly illegal in some states to operate the radio while the car was moving. Too distracting.

    It was ok to drink beer in cars way back, I understand. Now, cannot even have an open beer can in the car let alone a passenger drinking a beer. Too great a risk that a driver will drink the beer.

    Should be same for drivers using cell phone except for accessing 911. Drivers on cell phones have been proven more dangerous than some level of driving under the influence.

    Interesting that one can drive up to a level of 0.08 IF the drinking was not done in the car. It is simply too dangerous to have an open liquor container in the car. Same should be true of cell phone. If driver and passengers can't drink a beer in a moving car, same should be true of cell phones in a moving car.

    This is where government intrusion into behavior makes sense for the safety of all. Laws and technology that prevent all cell, texting calls in a moving vehicle except 911.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,696
    I completely agree, Victor. If people aren't expected to take a little responsibility for their own safety, they won't (in any situation).

    I like that things like car seats and helmets are widely available for us to use. I think, in the case of car seats, it makes my children more comfortable in the car because the seats fit the size of their bodies. When my eight-year-old son is comfortable sitting in the car's standard seat, belt on, without an aid device, he's welcome to do so. Do I care that he probably won't hit Alaska's 80# minimum rule until he's ten? No, I don't care one bit. Laws are guides; they don't control my choices.
    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
  • xrunner2xrunner2 Member Posts: 3,062
    You know what I find one of the most distracting things during driving? Having someone next to me talking to me and expecting me to have a conversation with them. Usually it's the DW. Sometimes I have to gently remind her that I need to concentrate on driving.

    Agree. My wife is very good about keeping mostly quiet while I'm driving, especially when traffic situation requires extra concentration. I am same when she drives.

    But, last Sunday, she was especially talkative when we were a little late for a party about 20 miles away and using all back and rural roads, some with twisties.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,441
    On 405 today - was in the left lane (so still barely hitting the limit, god bless WA), behind a Kia Rio that would tap its brakes at any turn in the road. I know those handle like crap, but still. Then on city streets, had a very short woman who will evade more description, in a Equinox, pull out in front of me like I wasn't there. My horn works! Got behind what was probably her sister in an immaculate E36 cabrio that never got above 22mph - what do licenses sell for these days?
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,441
    edited September 2012
    The legal issue is a good one, and what about retrofitting old cars? The vintage car movement won't be written off, and good luck putting that crap in my fintail or in a 41 Ford. And old cars in another sense, which for those features, is most cars from before about 2010.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,441
    I didn't mean invalid tickets, I meant being caught in speed traps that are sadly allowed. If I got caught, I'd blame myself for not paying attention - but not for violating an arbitrary law that usually cannot be defended by the "speed kills" adorers.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,348
    And I still find it amusing when people think driving is supposed to be “fun and exciting,” all the time

    It can at least be entertaining- in my case anyway. Doesn't matter if it's my Wrangler, MS3, or one of the BMWs. Just as long as it's not an appliance.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • victor23victor23 Member Posts: 201
    The cars 2010 and earlier will have to carry a well visible illuminated reflective sign saying "Vintage, by special decree. Approach within 300 ft at your own risk. Wear helmet. May cause cancer. Opinions and lexicon of the owner do not necessarily reflect the opinions of appropriate authorities. Consult online manual for details." Maximum speed of the said vehicle will be limited by 4 mph; it will have to be preceded and followed by persons on foot waving red flags 2'x2' and blowing a horn, like in 1865. You will be able to track these vehicles on Google Earth, though.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,348
    edited September 2012
    Do you think people would use their seatbelts or put their kids in carseats if there were no laws?

    I understand the reasoning behind car seat laws, but not seat belt or helmet laws- they are nothing more than an unwarranted interference with the Law of Natural Selection.
    Seriously.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • ronsteveronsteve Member Posts: 1,234
    Apparently I "suck as a driver" because I had the nerve to be in conflict with someone's "free right turn."

    I was making a left turn at a light with 2 left turn lanes. I chose the outer one, because I had a right turn less than a quarter mile down that road. So as I am making my left turn, a woman driving a Mustang coming the opposite direction pauses (may or may not have been a complete stop) at her red, and then proceeds directly into my path. Her free right turn, no doubt. I was hard on the brakes to avoid hitting her, and on the horn as well. No collision but some jawing and gesturing and some turbo boost from my 2.5T, and then I make my right turn into a parking lot, as she falls back and moves over to make her left into a subdivision.

    As I get out of my car, she is still waiting to make her left, but yelling obscenities about me and my driving skills and my Volvo. I hope no innocent kitten's ears at the vet's office had to hear me remind her what color her light was.

    So are non-Mustangs supposed to yield on green to Mustangs making a right on red?
    2015 Acura RDX AWD / 2021 VW TIguan SE 4Motion
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    edited September 2012
    I would and in effect do ! I can safely say that 99.999% of the time, I have not needed it. So in effect, DEFACTO S/B's have functioned as a placebo. It is just they are not normally thought of in that perspective and or light.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Well, you know the answer already, right? Left turn on green arrow has right of way compared to a car turning right on a red light. Especially in this case when it seems you were both turning into the same lane (right?).
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,441
    You had green, so you had the right. Nice to see you gave her some lip. The only vehicle based yielding is everyone else no matter how expensive or cool yields to vintage MB - so if I am in the old beast and I encounter a LF-A, I have the right of way no matter what :shades:
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,441
    You'd find some nanny-staters who might take that seriously and run with it, so be careful. :shades:

    And what about 2 wheeled motorized vehicles?
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,937
    It sounds like you handled the situation correctly, noticed her violating your right of way, and came to a safe and hard stop/slow down because of her.

    You obviously had every right to blast the horn, middle finger, and obscenities her way, but unlike you, I see a lot of accidents on video tapes/tv where I wonder if people blindly follow the green light like it's 100% safe to go and proceed because the light is green.

    A driver should never assume the right of way has been yielded when approaching an intersection just because their light is green. Although a lot of accidents are not the not at fault driver's fault, I think that a lot could be avoided with some better drivers paying better attention at intersections.

    People have a duty to mitigate or avoid accidents, even when fault isn't going to be yours. In your case, it looks like you did your duty and drove correctly.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,441
    This morning, 0540, I am in the left lane of a 35 going maybe 40, only car on the road for my line of sight. Woman in an A4 wagon pulls out of a driveway, directly into the left lane, and goes under the limit. I just veer around like she was a pylon. Within half a minute she was out of my view. I love this place.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    no matter how expensive or cool ... LF-A

    That ought to be the case for the LF-A one day, too, though.

    World's first fully woven chassis. Aventador was 2nd. Not bad when you're ahead of Lamborghini's brand new flagship.

    LF-A is more than just expensive, it is a pioneer, quickest revving engine and the digital/analog display that necessitated are 2 other notable innovations.

    Are you an enthusiast, or a bean counter?

    The LF-A earns its praise.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Annoying guy tried to create a 3rd lane where there were 2. Hate that. All to cut in front of a couple of cars. He did *not* make it in front of me.
  • ronsteveronsteve Member Posts: 1,234
    You obviously had every right to blast the horn, middle finger, and obscenities her way, but unlike you, I see a lot of accidents on video tapes/tv where I wonder if people blindly follow the green light like it's 100% safe to go and proceed because the light is green.

    I was actually already into the intersection when she paused and then continued in front of me.

    I know I handled the driving end of the situation properly and defensively. I came in here mostly to share my story, and rant about not only her incompetence, but having the nerve to go off like I was the one that was wrong.
    2015 Acura RDX AWD / 2021 VW TIguan SE 4Motion
  • ronsteveronsteve Member Posts: 1,234
    This one is completely out of control.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFM5QiAd3QA
    2015 Acura RDX AWD / 2021 VW TIguan SE 4Motion
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    Because all foreign cars are unAmerican, they are to yield to the American car. All cars, foreign and American are to yield to classic vehicles and especially 1st generation Mustangs. ;)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I wonder what exactly he hoped to accomplish with his honking?
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,441
    It is a fantastic engineering exercise, but in my eyes still doesn't live up to the virtual decade of hype we were forced to endure - not a huge value proposition. Also has a derp face.

    Those two latter "innovations" are more like 1.5 ;)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Was it their hype, or speculators wondering if it would be the new age Supra?
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,441
    I have to think the company was behind it - dragging it out for so long if anything.

    Supra...will it ever return? LF-A, at nearly the price of 2 base Ferraris, isn't it.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited September 2012
    Woven chassis aren't cheap.

    Neither are quicker times around the 'ring.

    Are you anti-Asian or a bean counter? :P
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,441
    There's a difference between being a bean counter and noticing questionable relative values. Not that it matters much, 95% of these will be garage queens hoarded away by speculators.

    I've never really embraced Ring times, on a course that long, too many uncontrollable variables.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    They sold every one, therefore it wasn't overpriced.

    What does Porsche say? Build one less than demand, I believe?
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,696
    edited September 2012
    having the nerve to go off like I was the one that was wrong.

    That's the worst part about the whole thing, because it means she'll probably do the same thing to someone else the next time the opportunity arises. :sick:

    My annoying encounter of the day yesterday was on approach to a roundabout. No traffic in the roundabout, no traffic about to enter, and a line of ~five cars approaching the intersection a little ways back on the road to my left. So, when these cars enter the roundabout, my lane will need to yield to them. That said, both me and the car ahead of me could enter the roundabout and probably be ready to take our respective exits by the time the first car in that line actually enters the roundabout!

    So, given all this, what does the young female driver in the black Focus ahead of me do? Yep, she stops short of the roundabout and waits... and waits... so I lay on the horn. Backfire. Instead of going, she turns and starts yelling/gesturing at me as if I was the inconsiderate one. By this time, that first car finally enters the roundabout and now we do have to wait for it to clear. Eventually it does, and she finally goes. Happily, she exited on a different road than me. :sick:

    Timid driver, but not timid about defending her right to be timid. :lemon:
    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
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,441
    Speculation, severely limited production and the first Toyota supercar. Most of these are being used as an investment. Not to mention the sore fact that those who can blow such dough on a dust collector haven't had it this good in decades. They could have built twice as many and probably still sold them all.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,441
    I like roundabouts, but I am very happy they are quite rare in the Seattle area. These people can barely handle stoplights.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited September 2012
    Some of the hilly neighborhoods (Wallingford) have quite a few of the little ones, more like traffic calming devices that true roundabouts I guess.

    Juice, I have a woven canoe, does that count? We sold our big loom a while back, which would have helped making one of these. Not ring worthy.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,441
    edited September 2012
    Yeah, those are more like traffic calming devices - on small lightly traveled residential streets in lieu of a controlled intersection, but without any real volume of cars feeding into it. Some also like the aesthetic.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited September 2012
    And the ones with bigger bushes or trees might stop a few cars when they head downhill in one of your rare snow/ice events. :shades:

    And we're back nicely to my rant that all lightly traveled residential intersections should be uncontrolled.
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,937
    http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/u-postal-asking-floridians-stop-crashing-po- st-offices-213551323.html?_esi=1

    I don't think simply asking people that cause accidents and crash a lot to not do so will work, but who knows (link attached above).

    Sounds like most of the Toyota UA cases may be coming from FL from the sounds of it.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,937
    edited September 2012
    The attached story gives interesting data about how inconsiderate drivers can raise auto insurance rates for all of you and I combined.

    http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/top-10-most-least-expensive-cars-crash-18- 4600548.html

    One of the most surprising listed to me was the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. I'd considered that a contender for my money, but the sky high insurance rates will surely remove it from my "possible" future purchase list.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • gogogodzillagogogodzilla Member Posts: 707
    I had the most amazing drives this morning... and evening.

    In the morning, I found myself driving to work as normal, only to find that the 4-lane road (2 coming, 2 going) that I use to get onto the highway was blocked by two cars driving side by side at 10 under the speed limit, with both weaving back and forth... barely under control. Because of that, there was about 30 cars lines up behind the two.

    And then, when I finally got to the highway, I found it backed up for 5 miles... but not for any accident. Most likely, it was backed up because the sun was rising and shining into drivers' faces. I've been noticing, on less jammed days, that drivers around here will brake, slowing down to about 25 mph on the highway, just to flip down their sunvisors... and then speed back up again.

    Next, when I finally get to the offramp for work... there were 2 semis in the right lane driving at about 15 mph with their emergency signals on, completely blocking the exit. Fortunately, I noticed in advance and managed to squeeze into the right lane beforehand, but still... two semis at rush hour going 15mph. Talk about creating mass chaos on the road!

    ...

    And for the evening commute... not so bad. Well, until I got back onto that 4-lane road between my home and the highway. There is a light about 1/2 from the on/off ramp where the two off-ramps merge with the road in question. As I pull off the highway, I note that the light is red, so I slow down, preparing to stop.

    But then... I notice the light turns green. And the lead cars don't move. Three seconds later (yes, I slowed down enough so that it took three seconds for me to get to the back of the line of cars), the lead cars *STILL* hadn't moved.

    So, I get into the completely empty third lane, accelerate, and pass the entire line of stopped cars and move through the intersection. Of course, when I do that, the stopped car at the head of the line then honks his horn and highbeams me.

    Cause, you know, no one is allowed to be in front of the 'tard ('tard because he thinks green means STOP!!!).

    What's amazing is that the car to the right of him didn't go when green, EITHER!!!

    :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,441
    edited September 2012
    I slow way down at uncontrolled intersections due to the diverse (in skills and otherwise) local driving population, so I could live with it.

    This evening, driving home, a young driver in a Subaru wagon was keeping up with me - I had just bombed around an empty off-ramp at about 20 over the yellow sign, and I think he wanted to see how fast I was going. After the ramp, you are tossed onto a gradually busier arterial. I see a Jetta wagon a few cars up randomly braking and slowing - obviously looking for a destination. I let off the gas as I know it will be slowing to a crawl soon. Lo and behold, it does - cars immediately behind it slam on their brakes, I hit mine normally, Subaru is still moving to keep up with me, and slams on his...I could see a rear-ender coming for a second.

    Also had two close calls on foot - one a woman yapping with one hand on the wheel, in an XL7, second an old man in an Accord who didn't even glance right before turning right. Time for mandatory age based testing.

    Oh yeah, also got stuck at a light because some useless drone in a white Corolla sat there for 10 seconds after it turned green, and only 4 cars were able to get through. That needs to be about a $25000 fine.
  • victor23victor23 Member Posts: 201
    The worst thing is that they'll just smile shyly and walk away. Nobody will ever suspend their license. Senile people should not drive, period. Some people tout the virtues of mass transportation so much. Well, if it is really that good and exciting, let's convert our seniors to the public transportation first.
  • victor23victor23 Member Posts: 201
    I just respond to her with an "uh huh" "okay" or some other sound and just stare ahead, and then she knows I"m not really listening.

    I do the same, even when I am not driving.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited September 2012
    Even though we're in a thinly populated place, we have good bus service. Door to door kind of service, plus handicapped friendly.

    Trying to get my mid-80s in-laws interested in using it has been fruitless. People don't get any less stubborn as they age. My mom does use the car service at the assisted living place she lives in; probably because it's included in the rent and she always tries to get her money's worth.
  • hammerheadhammerhead Member Posts: 907
    Lug nut rule: He who has the most lug nuts has the right of way.

    :confuse:
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,937
    Oh yeah, also got stuck at a light because some useless drone in a white Corolla sat there for 10 seconds after it turned green, and only 4 cars were able to get through. That needs to be about a $25000 fine.

    Better yet, make the fine turning in your keys to the local authorities and having your car impounded. In exchange, in order to not make it cruel and unusual punishment, they give you a free month's pass on public transit.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • xrunner2xrunner2 Member Posts: 3,062
    Oh yeah, also got stuck at a light because some useless drone in a white Corolla sat there for 10 seconds after it turned green, and only 4 cars were able to get through. That needs to be about a $25000 fine.

    Maybe lighten up. Or, be responsible and leave earlier on your car trips. ;)
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,441
    Yes, I can be responsible to account for the irresponsibility of others. I guess we all need to leave at midnight and plan to be on the road til 11pm, eh?

    Responsibility needs first to be pinned on clueless drivers and on law enforcers.

    Lighten up = dumb down :sick:
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,441
    The bus really is ideal for so many "drivers". But Corolla and Prius sales would evaporate.

    I have stronger ideas for older drivers who do not behave responsibility and take their evolving skills into account, including forfeiture of vehicle and steep financial penalties, not to mention notification of family.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Juice, I have a woven canoe

    Must weight half as much while being stronger! Neat.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Sounds like most of the Toyota UA cases may be coming from FL

    If the demographic shoe fits.... ;)
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