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Another nightmare in the local roundabout this morning. The road I take into the roundabout is posted at 35, yellow signed for 20 in the roundabout, and then 35 again when you finish it. Some hag in an old Tercel flew past me on the road approaching the roundabout...I was going 40, she was probably going 50. She tossed the tin can through it while barely slowing, and then proceeded to go 20-25 after. I was tempted to see if I could do one of those pit maneuvers on her car as seen on TV.
I had a buffoon wanting to use my clearly marked leftturn lane. I was coming down the hill to the red light, and he was coming up. I had my blinker already on and had entered the lane. Buffoon wanted to turn left into a hotel, but did not have a dedicated turn lane.
To top it off, Buffoon did this while I was approaching. A nice blast of the horn let Buffoon know his mistake, and moved back into Buffoon's correct lane of travel.
Buffoon needs to learn that the world doesn't revolve around Buffoon.
Why all the hostility? The fact that he was turning into a hotel tells me that he was an outsider and since in some places the turn lanes are for both directions of traffic,it was possibly an honest mistake. No need to get all worked up over it.
that you don't get in front of somebody if you're going to slow them down. If you don't want to go their speed, then wait for them to pass. If you want to get in front of me that bad, then you'd better make sure that you intend to go faster than me. Otherwise, there's no sense to it.
So yeah, rear end her! ;-)
As far as the buffoon goes, well I've been sideswiped twice, and had numerous near misses because of people who think they're Moses, or at least Charleton Heston, and that they can part traffic as easily as the Red Sea. If the lane change you're about to make can't be done safely because either there's a car already over there, or what you're about to do will make it slam on its brakes or possibly hit you, then what you need to do is just miss your turn, go on down, make a u-turn at the next available intersection, and come on back.
Missing your turn and doubling back is a minor inconvenience compared to causing an accident.
Exactly. Common sense should dictate that you don't pull in front of someone if you aren't going to go a reasonable speed.
I don't ask for a lot...pull in front of me and do the limit, and I probably won't be tempted into slamming into your Tercel with my old tank that could crush you like a tin can. But go half the limit after driving like a brain donor, and you're arguing against your rightful place on the road.
rearend her....well sometimes you really don't see the other person there. It happens, but if you don't notice them, after the fact, and adjust your speed, that's just plain ignorant and selfish.
I have had many occasions where I had to endanger myself and my family because of people pulling out in front of me. It gets old.
That hotel also houses one of the local nightspots, and is directly across from a large well lit gas station/minimart. There were 4 other cars already in line, at a red light, to make left. I have never seen a shared turn lane in close proximity to a traffic controlling device. Because of the flow of traffic going in my direction, and close proximity of traffic light, they have to use the regular lane.
The only thing that spared a crash was the fact I was stopping for my red light, in my turn lane, behind several other vehicles.
If he was an outsider then he should be driving cautiously. And you did notice I called him a buffoon, not a jerk or idiot, or jackass.
when I pull out into traffic, I make sure that nobody is going to have to slam on their brakes because of me.
Now I HAVE had instances where I'll pull out, and then suddenly someone will make a lane change and be right on my tail beause of it. But at that point, I'm already in traffic and a part of the flow, so that's on them.
And of course you have the occasional buffoon (I like that word ;-) who wants nobody in front of them, no matter what. So as soon as you pull out in front of them and try to get up to cruising speed, they'll speed up and get right on your tail. That's one thing I never understood. If you want to do 50 mph, just do it. But when I pull out in front of you at a safe distance, don't suddenly decide you want to do 70, and then get pissed about it!
I can honestly say I never pull out in front of vehicles that are close to me, or are moving faster than I'd care to go. I know how long it will take me to get up to speed, so I either give myself some room (by actually waiting for others who were on the road first - what a concept), or accelerate appropriately. It's all I ask from anyone. I think the same people who do such deeds are the same ones who sit in the left lane at 10mph under the flow of traffic. It's just another form of selfish ignorance.
I find it hard to defend folks who believe they can do as they please with a 1 ton plus, lethal weapon.
I am not defending that action. I am simply saying that it is not healthy to get that angry, as is apparent from your post, when someone does something wrong. People will not always behave as you expect them to. I find it best to give them the benefit of doubt and move on.
If everytime someone did something selfish and you got mad,only you will get the heart attack, not the selfish person.
I can think of 3 selfish people, right off-hand, that probably got their hearts a'flutter more than I did!
Years ago, I had a buffoon (there's that word again ;-) pull out in front of me in a 1990 or so Accord. I was in my '82 Cutlass. Basically, there were two choices. Hit him or go around him. It was close enough that braking was not an option. So I shot around him, laying into the horn so he could know that he almost got hit. Only problem was, I had to get back in that lane because I had a turn coming up. Buffoon tries to speed up so I couldn't, but I had enough room to come over, and did. At that moment, he put his high beams on me, which is something I do not tolerate. Since it impaired my ability to drive safely, I had no choice but to slow to a safe speed.
Trying to blind the driver in front of you to the point that he has to slow down, while at the same time, trying to ride up on his bumper, is a very stupid thing to do. As a result of his actions, buffoon went off into the grass to keep from splattering himself on my bumper.
A few years later, I was in my Dart, delivering pizzas. This middle-aged lady in an '80's Dodge Colt ran a stop sign in a parking lot, just for the sole purpose of getting in front of me and going slow. She even gave me a nasty look as she did it. A nasty, triumphant look, as if to say "aha, I'm in front of you and there's nothing you can do about it" And then she went slow! Once we got out on the main road, I opened it up, burning rubber, and you could see the look of terror on her face as I shot past her.
A few years later, near the same area, I was delivering pizzas again, this time in Grandma's '85 LeSabre. I had a green light, and cross traffic had a no turn on red, so there was no reason, WHATSOEVER, for any cars to pull out in front of me. Well, one did. This was another small one. In fact, I think it might've been another Colt, but I can't remember now. And this one didn't pull out at a safe distance ahead of me, but rather almost in front of me.
This time, it wasn't as bad as that buffoon in the Accord, who only gave me the choice of hitting him or going around him. I could've braked this time, although it would've been a hard brake. If I wanted to, that is.
Instead, I saw that there was nothing coming in the oncoming lane, so I just kept my speed and didn't waver in the least. I was prepared to duck over to the left if I had to, but I figured it was lesson-teaching time, and school was in session. That little car did just what I thought it would, when it saw a Buick twice its size bearing down on it. Dived off onto the shoulder. Maybe they'll think twice next time about pulling out dangerously into traffic.
Best thing to do with buffoons like this, IMO, is NOT to get mad. If you get mad, then they've accomplished what they set out to accomplish...make you made. Instead, just look at them and shake your head in disgust, like they should be ashamed of what they did. If they flick you off, give them a great big smile and return the favor. But don't show anger. Two middle fingers forming a cross, with a big smile on your face, can also be quite satisfactory although it does require you take both hands off the wheel, so do it only briefly, and on a straightaway! ;-)
Best thing to do with buffoons like this, IMO, is NOT to get mad. If you get mad, then they've accomplished what they set out to accomplish...make you made.
Thank you...that's exactly what I was trying to say. Except that I don't think they set out to make you mad; they just don't care.
there really are different types of offenders out there. A breakdown of types might go something like this:
1) People who just make mistakes. They didn't realize what they were doing, and had a lapse of judgement. No malice intended. These are the types that if they do something stupid and then realize it, they'll at least give you a look that tries to say "I'm sorry"
2) People who drive brain-dead/distracted. They'll pull out in front of you, change lanes without looking, and without a turn signal. They'll hold you up doing the speed limit or worse in the fast lane, but as soon as it's safe to pull over, they'll do it and then suddenly bump up their speed by 15-20. These people aren't setting out to annoy you, but they're just not thinking. Therefore, when you get mad at them, they don't understand why
3) Me-first types/types where the world revolves around them. These would be the types that do something dangerous, but when they get called on it they get pissed because you honked at them, flashed them, almost hit them, etc. They also might be looking for a reaction. An example here would be like that Dodge Colt lady, who not only ran the stop sign to get in front of me, but took great pleasure in doing so.
An interesting breakdown. But I think the actualities (or real world) trump your categories.
If you are really paying attention, you might notice that almost all the time, there are a whole series of so call "offenses" committed before the one that YOU get PO'd at. So a guy/gal talking on a cell phone is more likely to lane change without looking, signalling, etc.
Now awareness will mostly dictate who, what, why, when, where and how etc you get PO'd and some things that might PO YOU might be different than what PO's me?
So like for example, I used to play a game with my kids in the car for education and observation first and entertainment and distraction second. The game use to be "who probably doesn't have insurance"!!?? I am sure you can guess what this game was about and the rules.
There are VERY VERY few instances (almost remote) where another makes ONE critical mistake at the ONE critical time at ONE critical place that causes ONE catastrophic occurence. It is almost always a SERIES of them strung together.
So for an example, if you see a LLC on a cell phone in front of YOU , why would you want to be directly in front of him?
I am sure you can guess what this game was about and the rules...
Hmmm....racial or ethnic insensitivity? (hope not)
There are VERY VERY few instances (almost remote) where another makes ONE critical mistake...
Well, we all have opinions, and obviously you have yours, but...I don't agree. Most LLCs are simply uncaring. Those that merge carelessly are doing just that, period.
Besides...what difference does it make? And...how will "awareness" dictate what one gets PO'd at? Assuming one is "aware" to begin with, of course.
that Ruking1 was trying to make is that if you really start looking at what other drivers around you do, you'll see that people are doing dangerous things and making offending moves all the time. It's just that when those offending moves happen to affect ME (or you) it's at that point that I (or you) get pissed.
Put simply, these idiots aren't out to get us. They're just doing what they do best...being idiots! ;-)
As for not having insurance, I've heard that often it's the most dangerous/aggressive/offensive drivers, regardless of race or ethnicity, that are least likely to have insurance. Personally, if I were driving without insurance I'd drive like I was on eggshells, but that's just me! I guess when people don't have insurance, they feel they have nothing else to lose, so they just lose their minds and drive like idiots? After all, if they cause an accident, it's not like you'll collect anything if you sue.
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..."I am sure you can guess what this game was about and the rules...
Hmmm....racial or ethnic insensitivity? (hope not) "...
Why would you even think that? Or is that what YOU do?
"Well, we all have opinions, and obviously you have yours, but...I don't agree. Most LLCs are simply uncaring. Those that merge carelessly are doing just that, period. "
While I am ok that you do not agree, you might consider that as you say "most LLC's are simply uncaring". If you take this statement alone, I will probably agree. But when you start to ask the subsequent RELATED questions like: does he care about other things? Such as signaling, moving out of the way of an overtaking car, or "How about that HUGE 5,000 dollar side "ding"?" ... So if they are uncaring then why should they care about YOU? But they do care enough to give you the salute if you wake them up?
..."Those that merge carelessly are doing just that, period."... then I would submit your "period" drags on and on...!
My point is very simple, at the first sign, take corrective action: such as go around, don't tail gate etc. etc. To assume you can depend on them for live and death decisions and considerateness might unfortunately at the worst be the last thing you might think and do on the earth.
I would imagine that most uninsured drivers are behind the wheel of a clunker, as financial institutions demand proof of insurance as a condition of the loan.
That means drivers of virtually all new vehicles, as well as those vehicles aged 3-5 years, would have coverage.
Unless the driver is The Millionaire Next Door, and is driving a clunker because he or she doesn't want to spend money on a decent vehicle, but still needs at least minimal coverage to protect any assets.
How is driving the speed limit considered driving braindead/distracted? Are you one of the many habitual speeders who think they can make up their own speed limits?
if you're driving at the speed limit in the passing lane on a major highway, and the flow of traffic, not just one or two speed demons, but the entire FLOW OF TRAFFIC, is going past you, then either you're brain dead, distracted, not paying attention to the world around you, or you have a chip on your shoulder and feel it is your job to enforce the speed limit. Nevermind the fact that in most cases you're breaking another law, the law of keeping right except to pass. And you're creating a dangerous situation as faster traffic gains on you, has to cut over to the right, bottlenecks, etc.
I'll be the first to admit that I don't always drive the speed limit. However, I pay attention to what's going on around me. If it's a wide open stretch of road with excellent visibility and no traffic, I'll probably end up going faster than the speed limit. If the road is congested, or the weather is bad, or there is some other reason that it's unsafe to go at a higher speed, then I adjust my speed accordingly. That speed may or may not be the speed limit. Depending on the situation, that speed may be BELOW the speed limit.
Also, just because somebody is doing the speed limit, that doesn't make them a safe driver. I'd rather see a person doing 15-20 over, who is observant and paying attention to what's happening around them, than some yahoo loafing along at the speed limit in a daze, or yakking on the cell.
Why would you even think that? Or is that what YOU do?
No, I just beat my wife and haven't stopped.
I think that because you seemed to imply it. So...what did you mean? What criteria was usually used to guess whether they had insurance?
I have no idea "why" they are uncaring. I think that's beyond the scope of this topic
...at the first sign, take corrective action...
That's pretty obvious. But I don't think that "sharing your stories" about inconsiderate drivers (as the topic asks) implies a bewilderment as to how to react to bad driving.
To assume you can depend on them for live and death decisions...
..."No, I just beat my wife and haven't stopped."...
Perhaps, you can tell us how you beat your wife in the car, talk on the cell phone, send e mail, look at the navigational maps on your TV system and or watch a movie, use your turn signals, drink coffee and go the speed limit in the passing lane?
Actually, I am more intrigued by how you manage to determine people's race and ethnicity (gender) AWD's etc through dark/darkened or blacken windshields and windows, at night time, in inclement weather, at high speed, looking at the back of a headrest through a darken glass, going in the opposite direction etc. I haven't a clue how you do it.
One thing that really gets me is folks that move into the left lane on a 2 or 3 lane highway, presumably to pass, then, when pulling even with a tractor-trailer...suddenly decide that it's too dangerous to continue passing, and slow to match the speed of the truck. This results in a stalling of the LL flow.
You'd think tractor trailers had a habit of weaving over the lane markers. Drives me nuts.
Yep, a bonified head scratcher! I can almost guarantee you they would not do it too much in the Northwest part of the country (I5 running N/S Oregon, Washington) On the interstate TRIPLE trailer tractors run almost 24/7 ! When a triple trailer semi catches a high wind (or makes a steering adjustment, the #3 or last trailer conceptually acts like a side to side bull whip and I have seen it whip 3 ft per side or a total side to side range of 6 feet!! I think it would be fair to say you would not want to be at the precise location at the precise moment it does the "WHIP"
It makes sense to me to 1.time it so you are not at the precise point in a steering correction or high wind 2. pass ASAP and as fast as is safe. But then why would I want to deny anyone this wonderful experience!?
Sure, there are times when passing really is unwise. But the cases I'm talking about are totally irrational. No weaving is taking place.
The real issue I have is if one feels they cannot pass, they shouldn't be in that lane...all they have to do is fade back and tuck in behind. And not hold everyone up.
Essentially, I am advocating the same thing, either get in and pass AND move OUT of the passing lane (so others can pass) or move or stay out of the passing lane. I think most folks who are following GIF (guy in front) knows when that guy is making a good faith effort to pass and/or after a short while will know that guy is LLCing.
>Also, just because somebody is doing the speed limit, that doesn't make them a safe driver. I'd rather see a person doing 15-20 over, who is observant and paying attention to what's happening around them, than some yahoo loafing along at the speed limit in a daze, or yakking on the cell.
I'll tell that to the Ohio State Patrol if they stop me for speeding!!! LOL
I drove about 60 miles to Columbus Tuesday at 60 mph in the right hand lane. I was passed by 95% of the vehicles. The truck speed limit is 55. The funniest part was where the trucks had to use left lane in construction. The speeders who wanted to do 75 in the 55 construction zones went crazy with both lanes doing 55-60.
NO not at all. If you were doing that in the #1 lane I would be inclined to say yes!
However, I am guessing with the truck speed limit at 55 mph, the passenger vehicle side was 65 mph? Fact is you can LEGALLY go 35/45 mph !!! Not that I am advocating it but you CAN!
I broke in a recent new set of new tires on a local speedway (I mean highway) I was going between 40-45 mph (posted speed limit 65 mph) with normal flow of traffic at 80-90 mph. I was quite literally passed by EVERYBODY, including 3 highway patrol cars looking for customers (prey) NOT EVEN SO MUCH AS A LONG GLANCE MY WAY. On the return trip I was passed by 4 highway patrol cars, again... NOT EVEN SO MUCH AS A LONG GLANCE MY WAY.
You bring up an interesting situation for a 3 lane and up scenario and why it is important to keep right except to pass.
that have a minimum speed posted, so evidently you can get ticketed for going too slow. Usually these minimum speeds are on wide-open stretches of interstate, and not congested urban beltways. I believe they're usually set at 45 mph.
And honestly, if you want to go 45 mph on an interstate, then there's something whacked in your brain somewhere. Better off sticking to the back roads if you want to do that!
The instructions said to keep it under 50 mph for 200-300 miles. Fastest (you know what I mean here) way to get those miles is a long smooth trip between point a and point b.
While I understand that is your opinion, the point is if I was hit from behind it would the GIB (guy in backs) fault.
Evidently 7 highway patrol (in the looking for prey mode) do not agree with you, as did the 600-1000 cars that passed me!
I think if anything, this overwhelmingly demonstrates:
KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS,
SLOW TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT ,
REALLY works!!!
If differentiation in speed kills, then that is a PERFECT argument to get rid of ALL commuter lanes!!! Not a day goes by that folks go by at 65-75 mph in the commuter lanes and in the #2 lane, people are going from 0- 5 mph.
So if you do the math, the speed differentiation is app 60-65 mpg (speed limit) While if you do the math for me in the EXTREME right hand lane the speed differentiation is (65 mph) 20-25 mph. I am sure you would agree that the speed differentiation of 60-65 mph is much greater than the speed differentiation of 20-25 mph.
Also as a comparison perhaps you have never driven in Europe and or the autobahn?
"And honestly, if you want to go 45 mph on an interstate, then there's something whacked in your brain somewhere. Better off sticking to the back roads if you want to do that!"
Not too very long ago, the national speed limit was 55 mph.
ARE dangerous, if they're only separated from the regular lanes by a line, and not a physical barrier. There are simply too many people that don't know that a solid line means you're not supposed to cross it, and there's too much temptation to try pulling from a stopped lane into a lane that's much more free-flowing.
once upon a time, long, long ago, the national speed limit was 55 mph. However, that was more to save fuel than to make the roads safer. For the most part, the interstates were designed in the 50's, for speeds of 70 mph or more. And that was back when cars for the most part didn't corner or brake nearly as well as they do today.
I do a lot of driving in some of the nations worst highways: in Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay Area. % wise the overwhelming majority of commuter lanes have NO physical barrier. In LA they do have the "specials" commuter lanes and highway cut throughs. This is the genesis for the public and private notion of paid commuter toll roads.
Speed differentials matter most when you are in the same lane. If everyone was going 40 in the right lane, I guess you would be pretty safe.
And I have driven on the autobahn. I drove a Geo Storm (not really my first choice of vehicle)at over 100mph for a couple of hours and felt safer than I do on an American interstate at any speed.
I would not disagree, however going BACK to a national speed limit of 65 mph was not done without a HUGE fight. Safety agencies, such as NHTSA, state and local enforcement promised a massive and widespread epidemic of fatalities. But not only did that NOT happend but the RATE of fatalities is the LOWEST (safest) ever since they started keeping good statistics with a 18% increase in the speed limit!!!! So for example AZ has 75 mph speed limits on interstates. And CA where I do most of the mileage is at 70 mph on so called rural stretches.
I am glad you had the autbahn experience. So if a Porsche (or what have you ) goes by at 160 mph and passes a truck at 55 mph.... give me your take here? As you probably know trucks CAN NOT exceed their speed limits BUT can go slow all they want. They also have a BIG BROTHER option that records the parameters of operation that among other things monitors speed traveled and if they exceed it they pay fines!!???
Again in both continents and situations an overwhelming demonstration that the concept of
Even IF tires did have a break in period...What tires were those anyway? But even IF they did, why would you block the left lane at 45 mph just because you can? That's just goofy.
Your rules above really do work well if closely followed - and they closely follow them in Europe. Would I drive that Porsche at 160 in Europe? Yes. Would I do it here hoping that everyone carefully followed proper lane discipline? No chance at all.
Also, I still think that if you can't maintain the speed limit (as a bare minimum), you need to stay off the interstate.
Comments
I had a buffoon wanting to use my clearly marked leftturn lane. I was coming down the hill to the red light, and he was coming up. I had my blinker already on and had entered the lane. Buffoon wanted to turn left into a hotel, but did not have a dedicated turn lane.
To top it off, Buffoon did this while I was approaching. A nice blast of the horn let Buffoon know his mistake, and moved back into Buffoon's correct lane of travel.
Buffoon needs to learn that the world doesn't revolve around Buffoon.
Why all the hostility? The fact that he was turning into a hotel tells me that he was an outsider and since in some places the turn lanes are for both directions of traffic,it was possibly an honest mistake. No need to get all worked up over it.
So yeah, rear end her! ;-)
As far as the buffoon goes, well I've been sideswiped twice, and had numerous near misses because of people who think they're Moses, or at least Charleton Heston, and that they can part traffic as easily as the Red Sea. If the lane change you're about to make can't be done safely because either there's a car already over there, or what you're about to do will make it slam on its brakes or possibly hit you, then what you need to do is just miss your turn, go on down, make a u-turn at the next available intersection, and come on back.
Missing your turn and doubling back is a minor inconvenience compared to causing an accident.
I don't ask for a lot...pull in front of me and do the limit, and I probably won't be tempted into slamming into your Tercel with my old tank that could crush you like a tin can. But go half the limit after driving like a brain donor, and you're arguing against your rightful place on the road.
I have had many occasions where I had to endanger myself and my family because of people pulling out in front of me. It gets old.
That hotel also houses one of the local nightspots, and is directly across from a large well lit gas station/minimart. There were 4 other cars already in line, at a red light, to make left. I have never seen a shared turn lane in close proximity to a traffic controlling device. Because of the flow of traffic going in my direction, and close proximity of traffic light, they have to use the regular lane.
The only thing that spared a crash was the fact I was stopping for my red light, in my turn lane, behind several other vehicles.
If he was an outsider then he should be driving cautiously. And you did notice I called him a buffoon, not a jerk or idiot, or jackass.
I find it hard to defend folks who believe they can do as they please with a 1 ton plus, lethal weapon.
When I pull out, if there is traffic, my foot goes down, and carbon gets blown out the backend.
Turning left in front of oncoming traffic, is asking for trouble, no matter if you are local or out of town.
Now I HAVE had instances where I'll pull out, and then suddenly someone will make a lane change and be right on my tail beause of it. But at that point, I'm already in traffic and a part of the flow, so that's on them.
And of course you have the occasional buffoon (I like that word ;-) who wants nobody in front of them, no matter what. So as soon as you pull out in front of them and try to get up to cruising speed, they'll speed up and get right on your tail. That's one thing I never understood. If you want to do 50 mph, just do it. But when I pull out in front of you at a safe distance, don't suddenly decide you want to do 70, and then get pissed about it!
I am not defending that action. I am simply saying that it is not healthy to get that angry, as is apparent from your post, when someone does something wrong. People will not always behave as you expect them to. I find it best to give them the benefit of doubt and move on.
If everytime someone did something selfish and you got mad,only you will get the heart attack, not the selfish person.
Years ago, I had a buffoon (there's that word again ;-) pull out in front of me in a 1990 or so Accord. I was in my '82 Cutlass. Basically, there were two choices. Hit him or go around him. It was close enough that braking was not an option. So I shot around him, laying into the horn so he could know that he almost got hit. Only problem was, I had to get back in that lane because I had a turn coming up. Buffoon tries to speed up so I couldn't, but I had enough room to come over, and did. At that moment, he put his high beams on me, which is something I do not tolerate. Since it impaired my ability to drive safely, I had no choice but to slow to a safe speed.
Trying to blind the driver in front of you to the point that he has to slow down, while at the same time, trying to ride up on his bumper, is a very stupid thing to do. As a result of his actions, buffoon went off into the grass to keep from splattering himself on my bumper.
A few years later, I was in my Dart, delivering pizzas. This middle-aged lady in an '80's Dodge Colt ran a stop sign in a parking lot, just for the sole purpose of getting in front of me and going slow. She even gave me a nasty look as she did it. A nasty, triumphant look, as if to say "aha, I'm in front of you and there's nothing you can do about it" And then she went slow! Once we got out on the main road, I opened it up, burning rubber, and you could see the look of terror on her face as I shot past her.
A few years later, near the same area, I was delivering pizzas again, this time in Grandma's '85 LeSabre. I had a green light, and cross traffic had a no turn on red, so there was no reason, WHATSOEVER, for any cars to pull out in front of me. Well, one did. This was another small one. In fact, I think it might've been another Colt, but I can't remember now. And this one didn't pull out at a safe distance ahead of me, but rather almost in front of me.
This time, it wasn't as bad as that buffoon in the Accord, who only gave me the choice of hitting him or going around him. I could've braked this time, although it would've been a hard brake. If I wanted to, that is.
Instead, I saw that there was nothing coming in the oncoming lane, so I just kept my speed and didn't waver in the least. I was prepared to duck over to the left if I had to, but I figured it was lesson-teaching time, and school was in session. That little car did just what I thought it would, when it saw a Buick twice its size bearing down on it. Dived off onto the shoulder. Maybe they'll think twice next time about pulling out dangerously into traffic.
Best thing to do with buffoons like this, IMO, is NOT to get mad. If you get mad, then they've accomplished what they set out to accomplish...make you made. Instead, just look at them and shake your head in disgust, like they should be ashamed of what they did. If they flick you off, give them a great big smile and return the favor. But don't show anger. Two middle fingers forming a cross, with a big smile on your face, can also be quite satisfactory although it does require you take both hands off the wheel, so do it only briefly, and on a straightaway! ;-)
Thank you...that's exactly what I was trying to say. Except that I don't think they set out to make you mad; they just don't care.
1) People who just make mistakes. They didn't realize what they were doing, and had a lapse of judgement. No malice intended. These are the types that if they do something stupid and then realize it, they'll at least give you a look that tries to say "I'm sorry"
2) People who drive brain-dead/distracted. They'll pull out in front of you, change lanes without looking, and without a turn signal. They'll hold you up doing the speed limit or worse in the fast lane, but as soon as it's safe to pull over, they'll do it and then suddenly bump up their speed by 15-20. These people aren't setting out to annoy you, but they're just not thinking. Therefore, when you get mad at them, they don't understand why
3) Me-first types/types where the world revolves around them. These would be the types that do something dangerous, but when they get called on it they get pissed because you honked at them, flashed them, almost hit them, etc. They also might be looking for a reaction. An example here would be like that Dodge Colt lady, who not only ran the stop sign to get in front of me, but took great pleasure in doing so.
If you are really paying attention, you might notice that almost all the time, there are a whole series of so call "offenses" committed before the one that YOU get PO'd at. So a guy/gal talking on a cell phone is more likely to lane change without looking, signalling, etc.
Now awareness will mostly dictate who, what, why, when, where and how etc you get PO'd and some things that might PO YOU might be different than what PO's me?
So like for example, I used to play a game with my kids in the car for education and observation first and entertainment and distraction second. The game use to be "who probably doesn't have insurance"!!?? I am sure you can guess what this game was about and the rules.
There are VERY VERY few instances (almost remote) where another makes ONE critical mistake at the ONE critical time at ONE critical place that causes ONE catastrophic occurence. It is almost always a SERIES of them strung together.
So for an example, if you see a LLC on a cell phone in front of YOU , why would you want to be directly in front of him?
Hmmm....racial or ethnic insensitivity? (hope not)
There are VERY VERY few instances (almost remote) where another makes ONE critical mistake...
Well, we all have opinions, and obviously you have yours, but...I don't agree. Most LLCs are simply uncaring. Those that merge carelessly are doing just that, period.
Besides...what difference does it make? And...how will "awareness" dictate what one gets PO'd at? Assuming one is "aware" to begin with, of course.
Put simply, these idiots aren't out to get us. They're just doing what they do best...being idiots! ;-)
As for not having insurance, I've heard that often it's the most dangerous/aggressive/offensive drivers, regardless of race or ethnicity, that are least likely to have insurance. Personally, if I were driving without insurance I'd drive like I was on eggshells, but that's just me! I guess when people don't have insurance, they feel they have nothing else to lose, so they just lose their minds and drive like idiots? After all, if they cause an accident, it's not like you'll collect anything if you sue.
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Hmmm....racial or ethnic insensitivity? (hope not) "...
Why would you even think that? Or is that what YOU do?
"Well, we all have opinions, and obviously you have yours, but...I don't agree. Most LLCs are simply uncaring. Those that merge carelessly are doing just that, period. "
While I am ok that you do not agree, you might consider that as you say "most LLC's are simply uncaring". If you take this statement alone, I will probably agree. But when you start to ask the subsequent RELATED questions like: does he care about other things? Such as signaling, moving out of the way of an overtaking car, or "How about that HUGE 5,000 dollar side "ding"?" ... So if they are uncaring then why should they care about YOU? But they do care enough to give you the salute if you wake them up?
..."Those that merge carelessly are doing just that, period."... then I would submit your "period" drags on and on...!
My point is very simple, at the first sign, take corrective action: such as go around, don't tail gate etc. etc. To assume you can depend on them for live and death decisions and considerateness might unfortunately at the worst be the last thing you might think and do on the earth.
That means drivers of virtually all new vehicles, as well as those vehicles aged 3-5 years, would have coverage.
Unless the driver is The Millionaire Next Door, and is driving a clunker because he or she doesn't want to spend money on a decent vehicle, but still needs at least minimal coverage to protect any assets.
I'll be the first to admit that I don't always drive the speed limit. However, I pay attention to what's going on around me. If it's a wide open stretch of road with excellent visibility and no traffic, I'll probably end up going faster than the speed limit. If the road is congested, or the weather is bad, or there is some other reason that it's unsafe to go at a higher speed, then I adjust my speed accordingly. That speed may or may not be the speed limit. Depending on the situation, that speed may be BELOW the speed limit.
Also, just because somebody is doing the speed limit, that doesn't make them a safe driver. I'd rather see a person doing 15-20 over, who is observant and paying attention to what's happening around them, than some yahoo loafing along at the speed limit in a daze, or yakking on the cell.
The part I didn't get was the bit that they don't make "one" critical mistake, but several. Don't see it. Whatever.
No, I just beat my wife and haven't stopped.
I think that because you seemed to imply it. So...what did you mean? What criteria was usually used to guess whether they had insurance?
I have no idea "why" they are uncaring. I think that's beyond the scope of this topic
...at the first sign, take corrective action...
That's pretty obvious. But I don't think that "sharing your stories" about inconsiderate drivers (as the topic asks) implies a bewilderment as to how to react to bad driving.
To assume you can depend on them for live and death decisions...
Huh? Who is doing or saying to do that?
Perhaps, you can tell us how you beat your wife in the car, talk on the cell phone, send e mail, look at the navigational maps on your TV system and or watch a movie, use your turn signals, drink coffee and go the speed limit in the passing lane?
Yours are directed at me.
Please desist.
Please desist on posting the above type of stuff. The posting addressed what YOU posted. So are you saying that YOU did not post the above?
I am not sure what your problems or issues are, but take them somewhere else.
As you have said, if you do beat your wife while driving, you should stop.
Actually, I am more intrigued by how you manage to determine people's race and ethnicity (gender) AWD's etc through dark/darkened or blacken windshields and windows, at night time, in inclement weather, at high speed, looking at the back of a headrest through a darken glass, going in the opposite direction etc. I haven't a clue how you do it.
Superman xray vision?
You'd think tractor trailers had a habit of weaving over the lane markers. Drives me nuts.
It makes sense to me to 1.time it so you are not at the precise point in a steering correction or high wind 2. pass ASAP and as fast as is safe. But then why would I want to deny anyone this wonderful experience!?
The real issue I have is if one feels they cannot pass, they shouldn't be in that lane...all they have to do is fade back and tuck in behind. And not hold everyone up.
I'll tell that to the Ohio State Patrol if they stop me for speeding!!! LOL
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Was I driving dangerously?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
However, I am guessing with the truck speed limit at 55 mph, the passenger vehicle side was 65 mph? Fact is you can LEGALLY go 35/45 mph !!! Not that I am advocating it but you CAN!
I broke in a recent new set of new tires on a local speedway (I mean highway) I was going between 40-45 mph (posted speed limit 65 mph) with normal flow of traffic at 80-90 mph. I was quite literally passed by EVERYBODY, including 3 highway patrol cars looking for customers (prey) NOT EVEN SO MUCH AS A LONG GLANCE MY WAY. On the return trip I was passed by 4 highway patrol cars, again... NOT EVEN SO MUCH AS A LONG GLANCE MY WAY.
You bring up an interesting situation for a 3 lane and up scenario and why it is important to keep right except to pass.
Why are you "breaking in" new tires by going incredibly slowly?
Why are you risking so many lives by going 40mph when the flow of traffic is 80-90mph?
That isn't inconsiderate driving. That is extremely dangerous driving for no apparent reason.
Speed doesn't kill, differentials in speed kill. You are as much as a maniac as the guy going well over 100mph in the same conditions.
And honestly, if you want to go 45 mph on an interstate, then there's something whacked in your brain somewhere. Better off sticking to the back roads if you want to do that!
While I understand that is your opinion, the point is if I was hit from behind it would the GIB (guy in backs) fault.
Evidently 7 highway patrol (in the looking for prey mode) do not agree with you, as did the 600-1000 cars that passed me!
I think if anything, this overwhelmingly demonstrates:
KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS,
SLOW TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT ,
REALLY works!!!
If differentiation in speed kills, then that is a PERFECT argument to get rid of ALL commuter lanes!!! Not a day goes by that folks go by at 65-75 mph in the commuter lanes and in the #2 lane, people are going from 0- 5 mph.
So if you do the math, the speed differentiation is app 60-65 mpg (speed limit) While if you do the math for me in the EXTREME right hand lane the speed differentiation is (65 mph) 20-25 mph. I am sure you would agree that the speed differentiation of 60-65 mph is much greater than the speed differentiation of 20-25 mph.
Also as a comparison perhaps you have never driven in Europe and or the autobahn?
Not too very long ago, the national speed limit was 55 mph.
And I have driven on the autobahn. I drove a Geo Storm (not really my first choice of vehicle)at over 100mph for a couple of hours and felt safer than I do on an American interstate at any speed.
Again in both continents and situations an overwhelming demonstration that the concept of
Keep Right Except to Pass
Slower Traffic Keep Right
really and truly works and works well.
Also, I still think that if you can't maintain the speed limit (as a bare minimum), you need to stay off the interstate.