It appears you like to assume what other people are thinking. Well, do that if you must, but keep in mind you'll be wrong a lot of the time.
Here's the FACTS:
* It's unclear how fast the Tahoe was driving. * It's unclear how the Civic got into the perpendicular position on the road. * The only sure way to avoid any traffic fatalities is for no one to drive anywhere. Ever.
I'm always mystified by the attitude that since there's a risk of getting injured or killed performing some activity, let's not worry about the odds of getting injured/killed increasing due to how we perform the activity. For example, it's a fact that playing football carries with it the risk of serious injury, even death. Well, heck, since that's the case, why bother with stuff like helmets, and shoulder pads, and rules that limit how one player can hit another player? They're going to get injured anyway! Let the players play!
So in this case... even though the ability for a vehicle to avoid an obstacle on the road decreases with speed (see for example andres3's comments re how unwieldy something like a Tahoe can be at high speed), thus the risk of hitting the obstacle increases with speed, and also the severity of the impact increases... why try to do anything to mitigate it? Roads are dangerous places to be, that's just the way it is. You can get killed hitting a deer going 40 mph or 55 mph as well as 85 mph. IMO it's easier to spot the deer and avoid it when going 40 vs. 85, but I see that's immaterial to you.
Have fun on the 85 mph roads. I think I'll avoid that particular toll road next time I'm in Central Texas.
backy: It appears you like to assume what other people are thinking. Well, do that if you must, but keep in mind you'll be wrong a lot of the time.
Unfortunately for you, in this case I'm not. Unless you were just posting that link for the heck of it, which is highly doubtful, given the post you were responding to.
backy: I'm always mystified by the attitude that since there's a risk of getting injured or killed performing some activity, let's not worry about the odds of getting injured/killed increasing due to how we perform the activity.
You're mystified because you believe that higher speed limits always lead to more fatalities on limited access highways. This, of course, is false. Become better informed on this subject, and you won't have to be mystified any longer.
backy: So in this case... even though the ability for a vehicle to avoid an obstacle on the road decreases with speed (see for example andres3's comments re how unwieldy something like a Tahoe can be at high speed), thus the risk of hitting the obstacle increases with speed, and also the severity of the impact increases... why try to do anything to mitigate it?
Again, history has shown that lower speed limits, or even lower speeds, on limited access highways doesn't necessarily lead to lower fatality rates or even fewer accidents.
Of course, we can eliminate the risk entirely by not pulling out in front of Tahoes or anything else in the first place. Thus, we don't get T-boned.
If you think that a person in a Civic is going to survive being T-boned by a Tahoe because it is traveling at 55 mph instead of 75 mph, you are sadly mistaken.
backy: You can get killed hitting a deer going 40 mph or 55 mph as well as 85 mph. IMO it's easier to spot the deer and avoid it when going 40 vs. 85, but I see that's immaterial to you.
That's because your opinion is not necesarily synonymous with how these scenarios play out in the real world, which is why it's immaterial.
backy: Have fun on the 85 mph roads. I think I'll avoid that particular toll road next time I'm in Central Texas.
I guess you'll be avoiding lots of roads in Texas, as plenty of people were already cruising along at 80-85 mph on various interstate highways when I visited there in 2001 and 2007.
You're mystified because you believe that higher speed limits always lead to more fatalities on limited access highways.
If you're going to put words on my fingers for me, you might as well have this conversation with yourself, since you know exactly what I think and exactly what I'll say.
Again, history has shown that lower speed limits, or even lower speeds, on limited access highways doesn't necessarily lead to lower fatality rates or even fewer accidents.
That's not the point I'm making here. Again, if you want to ignore what I'm saying, you might as well talk to the wind--as it appears I'm doing.
As far as speeds TX roads... I go there a few times each year, not just once every 6 years as you do, and I lived in TX for several years. And I don't see that many people cruising at 80-85 mph on interstates marked at 70 or less (which almost all interstates in TX are). Sure, a few people do, as anywhere. But definitely the exception. Maybe the high price of gas has something to do with it.
I don't think that engine is offered in the current (2009+ I think) style. But yeah, 1.8T has a \rep for electrical related issues.
Was out on the road not long ago - observations are: lack of signals, very slow people, but didn't see many phones. Did get behind an 1st gen Altima driven by a woman who probably bought it new as an 80th birthday present, who would tap the brakes every 20 seconds or so. Yay.
When I go 85 I look further ahead so that I'll see the deer from plenty of distance away that I can stop or make any manuever I wish to do.
If the deer is intent on crossing within the next 5 seconds, no matter what, then going faster may get you pass the deer's crossing point before they cross.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
If the deer is intent on crossing within the next 5 seconds, no matter what, then going faster may get you pass the deer's crossing point before they cross.
Or, going slower could mean that the deer will cross before you get to their crossing point.
If you are on a rural 2-lane highway at night with a number of known deer crossing areas, it is very difficult to see them on either side of roadway when there is opposing traffic with headlights on of course. Have to slow down from posted 55 mph. Even if some dope driver behind starts to tailgate and wants to go faster.
When I go 85 I look further ahead so that I'll see the deer from plenty of distance away that I can stop or make any manuever I wish to do.
Even prescriptionized night vision goggles will not spot a large animal in the brush "further ahead" because they are not visible that further ahead - due to being hidden by the brush & other wild vegitation.
due to being hidden by the brush & other wild vegitation.
You assume there is brush and wild vegetation to hide behind. That's a pretty bold and "wild" assumption
I'm sure TX has stretches of road where there are no visibility obstructions for miles; I know CA does.
The other poster talks about a Civic driver being treated as unpredictable as a wild deer, shouldn't a driver of a Civic be more predictable than a wild deer? How was the Tahoe driver supposed to know the Civic would get in their way and impede their movement?
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Driving in San Diego County has gotten worse over the years. It seems the bad drivers ruin it for the rest of us pretty much every day at every rush hour (rush hours 7-10 AM, 4-7 PM).
It's a disgrace because our freeways are actually competent, it's the drivers that are the problem.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
How was the Tahoe driver supposed to know the Civic would get in their way and impede their movement?
The concept is called "defensive driving." Those who practice it assume that other drivers might do something unpredictable (even stupid) and are prepared to take action in case they do.
Example: you are tooling down the freeway at 85 mph, using your keen sight to scan far ahead for any dangers, as you always do when driving at high speed. You notice a Civic starting to enter the freeway up ahead on the right. You immediately take stock of the situation and decide if there is any chance you and the Civic could come in close proximity. If so, you evaluate the options e.g. change lanes to get out of their way, maintain course and speed, maintain course but let up on the gas, or even be prepared to brake if necessary. Then depending on what happens in the next few seconds, you take the appropriate course of action that ensures your safety and the safety of drivers around you.
Note: one course of action that would not ensure your safety or the safety of those around you is to ram the Civic.
The freeways around Seattle are competent too...maybe for the 1990 population numbers. Drivers on the other hand...
Today had a taxi pull directly out in front of me from a side street. 4 lane road, I was in the right lane, he moved left initially, then veered right! I changed lanes and honked.
Also got stuck at a left turn light that let 4 cars through when about 10 were lined up. Barely any oncoming traffic. The "engineers" with their fingers on the button here are as bad as the drivers.
Today had a taxi pull directly out in front of me from a side street. 4 lane road, I was in the right lane, he moved left initially, then veered right! I changed lanes and honked.
Sleepless region apparently has more dumb and inconsiderate drivers than anywhere else.
We have our share of these here also. I try to constantly watch out for them, keep calm, and Let it Go. Stay and be above it all. Part of that is very rarely using horn or using any finger expressions.
Nobody will ever come to the PNW and revel in the ability of the drivers. The dumb it down ideal is in full force here - lots of demographic issues at play.
I virtually never use a finger (unless it is a thumbs down motion), but the horn is my friend. Seems to work in (developed) Europe, where there is honking but seldom more.
RECORDING CAMERA IN USE painted on the front and back of the bus would deter those who think they are more important than the kids. Then, again, why not install traffic cameras anyway?
If the Civic changed into your lane unexpectedly at the last second, the keywords are at "the last second." It doesn't matter if you let up or slowed down, or sped up, if they get in your way at the worst inopportune time then a collision will likely take place.
That is why it is important for people to drive correctly and competently, not plan for accidents by going 55 when you can go 85 just as safely.
There just isn't enough room on the freeways for everyone to driver ultra super defensively, or maybe they do and that's why we have gridlock all the time.
Hesitating at the slightest bit of uncertainty is highly inefficient; I'd suggest those kinds of drivers take the bus.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
If the Civic changed into your lane unexpectedly at the last second, the keywords are at "the last second."
Yes, if the Civic driver did something stupid like that, there may be nothing the Tahoe driver could have done.
But we have no idea that is what happened in this case. It's one scenario out of many possible scenarios.
If everyone drove defensively, vs. offensively, I think we'd have a lot fewer accidents. Probably a lot fewer posts in this discussion, also.
It's too bad you equate defensive driving with "hesitating at the slightest bit of uncertainty". It's not that at all. It's being observant of other traffic and being prepared to take action if necessary. If someone can't do this analysis in his/her head while driving, without hesitating and causing the gridlock you talk about, I agree with you, they should stay off the roads.
Got hit by some inconsiderate road debris this evening, and lost the windshield :sick: ...was going no more than 35 or so, too. Glass company is going to have fun finding the blue tinted rain sensor windshield needed by my car - very limited application.
Most noteworthy today was the typical lack of speed. Limit is 30? Nah that's too risky, let's go 20. Green light means go? Nah, let's freeze up and stop in the middle of the intersection because other scary mean cars are around.
Can't do anything about it, gotta look at the positive - windshield had 10 years worth of wear and a couple repaired chips - new one might make the car feel new and cure any new car itch I have.
Also, it is such a limited application that cheapo aftermarket units apparently don't exist, so at least I will get the right product.
It broke/cracked really oddly - I am going to try to take pics of it if I can get out in daylight (now is the time of year I go to work in the dark, come home in the dark)
I've found in my 23 years of driving, that it's more important to make *OTHER* drivers pay attention to you, than for you to be the only one paying attention to others.
You can't plan for every situation, even if you recognize the dangers. Sometimes the roads are too congested for you to be able to plan out precautionary measures.
But if you get the other drivers to notice you, they will not try to place their vehicle into the part of the road that your vehicle currently occupies.
I tend to call that sort of driving 'offensive' driving, if for no other reason than the best defense is a good offense.
Little things are what make this work. Things like, if someone is in your rear blind spot, flip on your signal to make them think you are about to get in front of them. Then turn it off. That forces the other driver to pay attention to you and how you might affect them. Usually, they'll speed up and pass, just to make sure you don't interrupt their obliviousness.
Another is a tap on the horn. They'll hear it and pay attention to your car. Flashing your lights it yet another way to get others around you to notice that you and your vehicle EXIST.
It's too bad you equate defensive driving with "hesitating at the slightest bit of uncertainty". It's not that at all. It's being observant of other traffic and being prepared to take action if necessary. If someone can't do this analysis in his/her head while driving, without hesitating and causing the gridlock you talk about, I agree with you, they should stay off the roads.
Of course, there is a difference between looking for the unexpected, and driving so hesitantly and nervously that you become the hazard. The line seems to be crossed a lot here.
Those really scared of surprises need to stick to highly controlled (lots of signs and lights) roads, and not venture onto freeways nor go over about 45mph. Ideally, they should be in a bus or taxi, but sadly, our licensing standards have devolved to a business friendly lowest common denominator.
I've found in my 23 years of driving, that it's more important to make *OTHER* drivers pay attention to you, than for you to be the only one paying attention to others.
I agree with that, in general, but I see it as a part of defensive driving. Although I try to flash lights and honk a horn only when necessary. Less "offensive" ways to follow this principle include ensuring your lights are on when conditions warrant (mind-boggling how many drivers don't know when lights should be used), using turn signals and lane-change signals appropriately (a lot of vehicles don't seem to have that feature, esp. luxury models, which is odd), and making eye contact with drivers (e.g. at 4-way stops) and with pedestrians.
From what I can tell, side windows on Range Rovers and X5s are also options few choose - so what you see on the cars is usually just a painted disguise. You can only tell at crosswalks.
Now is the time of year to be in the 6pm dark in metro Seattle and count the cars with no lights.
No lights syndrome is pretty rampant here, too. We're down to about 5-6 hours of reasonable light, yet I still see vehicles driving sans headlights (though most of those have their running lights on, so you know that's a conscious choice!) well after dark.
Yesterday morning, I saw a Suzuki SX4 on my way into work that had what looked like headlights on, but, after it passed me, there were no other lights! No tail lights, side markers, etc. So, what was that? A near total failure of the electrical system, or just a single loose nut behind the wheel? :sick:
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
I've never understood the running light thing - people do that here too, especially pickup drivers. Do they think it looks cool, or that using the lights wastes gas, or?
Maybe the SX4 has dim DRLs that the owner thinks suffice?
I've never understood the running light thing - people do that here too, especially pickup drivers. Do they think it looks cool, or that using the lights wastes gas, or? xcc
Exactly. Pickup drivers are the main offenders. Apparently this is an affliction across the U.S. A disease? I know some pickup guys but never asked them if they do this stupid practice.
Some pickup guys will mount additional running lights on their roofs.
I've often seen those on without headlights. Must be a "cool" thing I don't understand. Dodge trucks esp.
Jogged in the rain tonight, got to observe the dumb. Nothing too bad, but I saw 5 (!) cars with no headlights on. Landcruiser (parking lights), 2x Odyssey (1 parking lights, 1 DRLs), Civic (DRLs), Avenger (nothing at all). Pretty crazy in dark rain.
Out this evening, well after dark - 3 cars with no lights, alarming as traffic volumes were much less than on a Friday night. Offenders were a previous gen ML, a brand new Fusion, and a Focus - latter turned on their lights when I flashed my lights at them.
Traffic controls were inconsiderate today - got stuck in a light that wasn't going to change (I ran it), then on another road twice got to stop because the sensor was letting minor cross streets get green without even stopping, no matter the main street is literally 50x busier. 15-20 cars get to come to a random stop so one can proceed without stopping.
And got behind an XL7 that was going 20 in a 30, traffic flying by, busy commercial area a few weeks before Christmas. If you're too scared to drive at night in traffic, get someone else to drive you, hire a cab, or stay home.
That generation, more attached to long since departed "youth" than others, probably won't hang em up easily when their faculties have diminished. In 20 years, we are going to have a lot more tragic oldster incidents :sick:
Speaking of old and slow, this morning I saw an old man in a very late model LS460L moving at a crawling speed in a dense 30mph commercial area. He was in a turn lane, and I was sure he would miss the light (only one other car in the lane, in front, who was long gone by then), but he made it through by a hair's breadth. Then crawled at about 10mph. Furrows my brow that some salesman probably talked him into that barge.
I also noticed that my lovely city has it so that if you press the "walk" button after the light has changed, you will usually have to wait for an entire sequence to get the green - even if there is no traffic (early on a Sunday morning). With this and the idiotic light management, it's like these esteemed "planners" and "engineers" with their comfy salaries and insane retirement perks are trying to make things both vehicle and pedestrian unfriendly.
Of course, that is also in limeyland, where standards are a lot higher. Not to mention, being as safe as a vacuous 18 year old with a phone in one hand and an energy drink in the other isn't much to brag about :shades:
Out on foot this evening, in a crosswalk without traffic controls, oblivious small woman I won't describe just breezes through without looking. I came close to kicking her car. So much hesitation out there too - light turns green, one car moves, other sits there for several seconds and then crawls - then traffic backs up because only 4 cars could get through. Should be a ticket.
An unoblivious small woman pointed out to me today that I ran a stop sign. Took my 85 year old mother-in-law to the grocery and I didn't even slow down for it.
That's not the first time I've run this particular sign either. Supposedly they are relocating it next spring so maybe if I watch myself, I'll be able to skate by without a ticket until they get rid of it.
I ran a light yesterday. Well, I stopped and then went, as it was never going to change. Top quality. Lights should function like signs during low traffic hours, or be disabled entirely until traffic picks up.
I once suggested flashing lights during low traffic hours to my esteemed local civil engineers/planners - no reply. Probably leave the lights going 24/7 as a legal requirement because of all the "new" drivers we've stupidly allowed on the roads.
out with my daughter, on a 4 lane local road in a busy (and high accident) area near a major semi-highway and a shopping center. Guy in the next lane was texting, with both hands off the wheel, while moving along.
Not even a kid. Seemed to be middle age-ish (say +/- 40).
And driving of all things, a light green first generation Prius (when was the last time you saw one of those?)
Good news? My 17YO daughter was going off on the guy for being a stupid menace, etc. Considering if she passes the test on Friday she can drive solo, I need something to hold onto.
For those who have not had the experience, turning one of your children loose in the car is not an easy thing to do!
"The worries that the growing percentage of aging drivers will trigger a "silver tsunami" of vehicle crashes is unfounded, according to a new study by the Highway Loss Data Institute."
Older drivers have weird runaway mow people down crashes. There will be more older drivers. Seems pretty easy to say there will be more weird runaway mow people down crashes. Not to mention the other issues - simply because there are more older drivers. The rate of older drivers crashing might not increase (which is how insurance related cabals look at things) - the 80 year old boomer driver probably won't be any worse than his greatest generation predecessor - but there are more of the former than latter. However, that was never the issue. The rate of oldster cluelessness might not increase, but the number will.
The people "paying the claims" (sometimes almost with a gun to their heads) also think that speed kills, and are often in an incestuous mix with law enforcement. Only so credible.
Out on foot, saw an RX sitting at a green light - a good 10+ seconds after the light changed. Why? Texting.
Also saw a livery service Town Car on the back of a tow truck - crumpled front end. I laid on the horn at one of those yesterday, as it sat motionless during a turn arrow. Maybe the same clueless soul.
Comments
Here's the FACTS:
* It's unclear how fast the Tahoe was driving.
* It's unclear how the Civic got into the perpendicular position on the road.
* The only sure way to avoid any traffic fatalities is for no one to drive anywhere. Ever.
I'm always mystified by the attitude that since there's a risk of getting injured or killed performing some activity, let's not worry about the odds of getting injured/killed increasing due to how we perform the activity. For example, it's a fact that playing football carries with it the risk of serious injury, even death. Well, heck, since that's the case, why bother with stuff like helmets, and shoulder pads, and rules that limit how one player can hit another player? They're going to get injured anyway! Let the players play!
So in this case... even though the ability for a vehicle to avoid an obstacle on the road decreases with speed (see for example andres3's comments re how unwieldy something like a Tahoe can be at high speed), thus the risk of hitting the obstacle increases with speed, and also the severity of the impact increases... why try to do anything to mitigate it? Roads are dangerous places to be, that's just the way it is. You can get killed hitting a deer going 40 mph or 55 mph as well as 85 mph. IMO it's easier to spot the deer and avoid it when going 40 vs. 85, but I see that's immaterial to you.
Have fun on the 85 mph roads. I think I'll avoid that particular toll road next time I'm in Central Texas.
Don't those eat ignition coils?
Unfortunately for you, in this case I'm not. Unless you were just posting that link for the heck of it, which is highly doubtful, given the post you were responding to.
backy: I'm always mystified by the attitude that since there's a risk of getting injured or killed performing some activity, let's not worry about the odds of getting injured/killed increasing due to how we perform the activity.
You're mystified because you believe that higher speed limits always lead to more fatalities on limited access highways. This, of course, is false. Become better informed on this subject, and you won't have to be mystified any longer.
backy: So in this case... even though the ability for a vehicle to avoid an obstacle on the road decreases with speed (see for example andres3's comments re how unwieldy something like a Tahoe can be at high speed), thus the risk of hitting the obstacle increases with speed, and also the severity of the impact increases... why try to do anything to mitigate it?
Again, history has shown that lower speed limits, or even lower speeds, on limited access highways doesn't necessarily lead to lower fatality rates or even fewer accidents.
Of course, we can eliminate the risk entirely by not pulling out in front of Tahoes or anything else in the first place. Thus, we don't get T-boned.
If you think that a person in a Civic is going to survive being T-boned by a Tahoe because it is traveling at 55 mph instead of 75 mph, you are sadly mistaken.
backy: You can get killed hitting a deer going 40 mph or 55 mph as well as 85 mph. IMO it's easier to spot the deer and avoid it when going 40 vs. 85, but I see that's immaterial to you.
That's because your opinion is not necesarily synonymous with how these scenarios play out in the real world, which is why it's immaterial.
backy: Have fun on the 85 mph roads. I think I'll avoid that particular toll road next time I'm in Central Texas.
I guess you'll be avoiding lots of roads in Texas, as plenty of people were already cruising along at 80-85 mph on various interstate highways when I visited there in 2001 and 2007.
If you're going to put words on my fingers for me, you might as well have this conversation with yourself, since you know exactly what I think and exactly what I'll say.
Again, history has shown that lower speed limits, or even lower speeds, on limited access highways doesn't necessarily lead to lower fatality rates or even fewer accidents.
That's not the point I'm making here. Again, if you want to ignore what I'm saying, you might as well talk to the wind--as it appears I'm doing.
As far as speeds TX roads... I go there a few times each year, not just once every 6 years as you do, and I lived in TX for several years. And I don't see that many people cruising at 80-85 mph on interstates marked at 70 or less (which almost all interstates in TX are). Sure, a few people do, as anywhere. But definitely the exception. Maybe the high price of gas has something to do with it.
Was out on the road not long ago - observations are: lack of signals, very slow people, but didn't see many phones. Did get behind an 1st gen Altima driven by a woman who probably bought it new as an 80th birthday present, who would tap the brakes every 20 seconds or so. Yay.
A5 refresh just got 'em.
but didn't see many phones
Time for a new prescription.
City traffic really does crawl and dawdle here compared to Europe. Mildly annoying at the best of times.
If the deer is intent on crossing within the next 5 seconds, no matter what, then going faster may get you pass the deer's crossing point before they cross.
Or, going slower could mean that the deer will cross before you get to their crossing point.
If you are on a rural 2-lane highway at night with a number of known deer crossing areas, it is very difficult to see them on either side of roadway when there is opposing traffic with headlights on of course. Have to slow down from posted 55 mph. Even if some dope driver behind starts to tailgate and wants to go faster.
It's a shame that concept didn't work too well for the Tahoe driver on the Texas toll road.
Even prescriptionized night vision goggles will not spot a large animal in the brush "further ahead" because they are not visible that further ahead - due to being hidden by the brush & other wild vegitation.
Submit to the speed limit. :P
You assume there is brush and wild vegetation to hide behind. That's a pretty bold and "wild" assumption
I'm sure TX has stretches of road where there are no visibility obstructions for miles; I know CA does.
The other poster talks about a Civic driver being treated as unpredictable as a wild deer, shouldn't a driver of a Civic be more predictable than a wild deer? How was the Tahoe driver supposed to know the Civic would get in their way and impede their movement?
It's a disgrace because our freeways are actually competent, it's the drivers that are the problem.
The concept is called "defensive driving." Those who practice it assume that other drivers might do something unpredictable (even stupid) and are prepared to take action in case they do.
Example: you are tooling down the freeway at 85 mph, using your keen sight to scan far ahead for any dangers, as you always do when driving at high speed. You notice a Civic starting to enter the freeway up ahead on the right. You immediately take stock of the situation and decide if there is any chance you and the Civic could come in close proximity. If so, you evaluate the options e.g. change lanes to get out of their way, maintain course and speed, maintain course but let up on the gas, or even be prepared to brake if necessary. Then depending on what happens in the next few seconds, you take the appropriate course of action that ensures your safety and the safety of drivers around you.
Note: one course of action that would not ensure your safety or the safety of those around you is to ram the Civic.
Today had a taxi pull directly out in front of me from a side street. 4 lane road, I was in the right lane, he moved left initially, then veered right! I changed lanes and honked.
Also got stuck at a left turn light that let 4 cars through when about 10 were lined up. Barely any oncoming traffic. The "engineers" with their fingers on the button here are as bad as the drivers.
Sleepless region apparently has more dumb and inconsiderate drivers than anywhere else.
We have our share of these here also. I try to constantly watch out for them, keep calm, and Let it Go. Stay and be above it all. Part of that is very rarely using horn or using any finger expressions.
I virtually never use a finger (unless it is a thumbs down motion), but the horn is my friend. Seems to work in (developed) Europe, where there is honking but seldom more.
Stop sign came out a bit delayed, but c'mon people, you still can't pass a school bus! Little kids gotta cross.
That is why it is important for people to drive correctly and competently, not plan for accidents by going 55 when you can go 85 just as safely.
There just isn't enough room on the freeways for everyone to driver ultra super defensively, or maybe they do and that's why we have gridlock all the time.
Hesitating at the slightest bit of uncertainty is highly inefficient; I'd suggest those kinds of drivers take the bus.
Yes, if the Civic driver did something stupid like that, there may be nothing the Tahoe driver could have done.
But we have no idea that is what happened in this case. It's one scenario out of many possible scenarios.
If everyone drove defensively, vs. offensively, I think we'd have a lot fewer accidents. Probably a lot fewer posts in this discussion, also.
It's too bad you equate defensive driving with "hesitating at the slightest bit of uncertainty". It's not that at all. It's being observant of other traffic and being prepared to take action if necessary. If someone can't do this analysis in his/her head while driving, without hesitating and causing the gridlock you talk about, I agree with you, they should stay off the roads.
Most noteworthy today was the typical lack of speed. Limit is 30? Nah that's too risky, let's go 20. Green light means go? Nah, let's freeze up and stop in the middle of the intersection because other scary mean cars are around.
Also, it is such a limited application that cheapo aftermarket units apparently don't exist, so at least I will get the right product.
It broke/cracked really oddly - I am going to try to take pics of it if I can get out in daylight (now is the time of year I go to work in the dark, come home in the dark)
Just hope you never meet the definition of "surprise"!
You can't plan for every situation, even if you recognize the dangers. Sometimes the roads are too congested for you to be able to plan out precautionary measures.
But if you get the other drivers to notice you, they will not try to place their vehicle into the part of the road that your vehicle currently occupies.
I tend to call that sort of driving 'offensive' driving, if for no other reason than the best defense is a good offense.
Little things are what make this work. Things like, if someone is in your rear blind spot, flip on your signal to make them think you are about to get in front of them. Then turn it off. That forces the other driver to pay attention to you and how you might affect them. Usually, they'll speed up and pass, just to make sure you don't interrupt their obliviousness.
Another is a tap on the horn. They'll hear it and pay attention to your car. Flashing your lights it yet another way to get others around you to notice that you and your vehicle EXIST.
Which, to me, is the BEST way to avoid accidents.
Excellent point.
Those really scared of surprises need to stick to highly controlled (lots of signs and lights) roads, and not venture onto freeways nor go over about 45mph. Ideally, they should be in a bus or taxi, but sadly, our licensing standards have devolved to a business friendly lowest common denominator.
I agree with that, in general, but I see it as a part of defensive driving. Although I try to flash lights and honk a horn only when necessary. Less "offensive" ways to follow this principle include ensuring your lights are on when conditions warrant (mind-boggling how many drivers don't know when lights should be used), using turn signals and lane-change signals appropriately (a lot of vehicles don't seem to have that feature, esp. luxury models, which is odd), and making eye contact with drivers (e.g. at 4-way stops) and with pedestrians.
I hear that signals are optional equipment, but it's not advertised well so very few people option it.
Now is the time of year to be in the 6pm dark in metro Seattle and count the cars with no lights.
Yesterday morning, I saw a Suzuki SX4 on my way into work that had what looked like headlights on, but, after it passed me, there were no other lights! No tail lights, side markers, etc. So, what was that? A near total failure of the electrical system, or just a single loose nut behind the wheel? :sick:
Maybe the SX4 has dim DRLs that the owner thinks suffice?
Exactly. Pickup drivers are the main offenders. Apparently this is an affliction across the U.S. A disease? I know some pickup guys but never asked them if they do this stupid practice.
Some pickup guys will mount additional running lights on their roofs.
Jogged in the rain tonight, got to observe the dumb. Nothing too bad, but I saw 5 (!) cars with no headlights on. Landcruiser (parking lights), 2x Odyssey (1 parking lights, 1 DRLs), Civic (DRLs), Avenger (nothing at all). Pretty crazy in dark rain.
Traffic controls were inconsiderate today - got stuck in a light that wasn't going to change (I ran it), then on another road twice got to stop because the sensor was letting minor cross streets get green without even stopping, no matter the main street is literally 50x busier. 15-20 cars get to come to a random stop so one can proceed without stopping.
And got behind an XL7 that was going 20 in a 30, traffic flying by, busy commercial area a few weeks before Christmas. If you're too scared to drive at night in traffic, get someone else to drive you, hire a cab, or stay home.
I'm thinking that it's the beginnings of all baby-boomers retiring and becoming 'granny' drivers.
Speaking of old and slow, this morning I saw an old man in a very late model LS460L moving at a crawling speed in a dense 30mph commercial area. He was in a turn lane, and I was sure he would miss the light (only one other car in the lane, in front, who was long gone by then), but he made it through by a hair's breadth. Then crawled at about 10mph. Furrows my brow that some salesman probably talked him into that barge.
I also noticed that my lovely city has it so that if you press the "walk" button after the light has changed, you will usually have to wait for an entire sequence to get the green - even if there is no traffic (early on a Sunday morning). With this and the idiotic light management, it's like these esteemed "planners" and "engineers" with their comfy salaries and insane retirement perks are trying to make things both vehicle and pedestrian unfriendly.
Part of it is likely because
wethey don't know how to text or use a cell, so that's not a distraction. :PThat's not the first time I've run this particular sign either. Supposedly they are relocating it next spring so maybe if I watch myself, I'll be able to skate by without a ticket until they get rid of it.
I once suggested flashing lights during low traffic hours to my esteemed local civil engineers/planners - no reply. Probably leave the lights going 24/7 as a legal requirement because of all the "new" drivers we've stupidly allowed on the roads.
Not even a kid. Seemed to be middle age-ish (say +/- 40).
And driving of all things, a light green first generation Prius (when was the last time you saw one of those?)
Good news? My 17YO daughter was going off on the guy for being a stupid menace, etc. Considering if she passes the test on Friday she can drive solo, I need something to hold onto.
For those who have not had the experience, turning one of your children loose in the car is not an easy thing to do!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Aging Drivers Won't Trigger "Silver Tsunami" of Crashes
"The worries that the growing percentage of aging drivers will trigger a "silver tsunami" of vehicle crashes is unfounded, according to a new study by the Highway Loss Data Institute."
Hard to argue with the people paying the claims.
The people "paying the claims" (sometimes almost with a gun to their heads) also think that speed kills, and are often in an incestuous mix with law enforcement. Only so credible.
Also saw a livery service Town Car on the back of a tow truck - crumpled front end. I laid on the horn at one of those yesterday, as it sat motionless during a turn arrow. Maybe the same clueless soul.
They were too busy texting the driver in front of them telling them the light was green.
And then they had to Tweet that and log it on their Facebook page. :P