I'll never understand...

[Sheila]

Originally Posted by ubergeek42

I dont understand what makes pople think that stop signs, traffic lights, traffic lanes and right of way dont apply to them. If they would just wait with the rest of us, we would all get there quicker, rather than forcing their way in and making a lot more people get on their brakes, or worse, in an accident.

Ya know, I saw an interview with the president of the California Auto Club. He said they did an analysis (or something) of California freeways and the congestion problem.

He stated that actually we have more than enough roads, lanes, freeways, etc. to accommodate every commuter in the Southland. What causes all the bumper to bumper traffic are the traffic accidents and the bad drivers.

Wow! That was food for thought -- the jerk racing around other cars because he thinks he can shave a few minutes off his commute time is actually the person causing the slowdowns.

He made a really heartfelt plea for everyone to obey the traffic speed limits and just be courteous drivers.....

[lindyhop]

Originally Posted by Sheila

Wow! That was food for thought -- the jerk racing around other cars because he thinks he can shave a few minutes off his commute time is actually the person causing the slowdowns.

I'll never understand why the idiot behind me on the freeway thinks that tailgating will make me speed up.

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by lindyhop

I'll never understand why the idiot behind me on the freeway thinks that tailgating will make me speed up.

It makes me slow down.

If he/she continues to tailgate, I find a need to test my brakes.

[BarTopDancer]

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

It makes me slow down.

If he/she continues to tailgate, I find a need to test my brakes.

Ah yes, the good 'ol break test. I find myself using that more and more.

I don't understand why people in cars tailgate me to the point I can't see their headlights then flash their brights or turn them on and they do nothing but blind themselves. I'm like hello! SUV! Higher than you! If you're gonna pull the brights out back up!

[Sheila]

Yeah, BTD, I don't understand why the one-car-length per 10 miles per hour just doesn't seem to be taught anymore? Most people are usually within one-two car lengths behind me, even at 75 miles per hour! Eek! What happens if I have to brake suddenly. This is one of my pet peeves too.

I don't consider myself an old lady driver but I seem to be one of the few practicing this technique. Did Driver's Ed switch out this rule for something else? Or is Driver's Ed just not taught any more due to budget cuts? Holy moley, if it's been cancelled, Gov. Schwarzenegger, put that course back in please! I'd be happy to pay extra taxes for that class....

[wendybeth]

Originally Posted by Sheila

Yeah, BTD, I don't understand why the one-car-length per 10 miles per hour just doesn't seem to be taught anymore? Most people are usually within one-two car lengths behind me, even at 75 miles per hour! Eek! What happens if I have to brake suddenly. This is one of my pet peeves too.

I don't consider myself an old lady driver but I seem to be one of the few practicing this technique. Did Driver's Ed switch out this rule for something else? Or is Driver's Ed just not taught any more due to budget cuts? Holy moley, if it's been cancelled, Gov. Schwarzenegger, put that course back in please! I'd be happy to pay extra taxes for that class....

The thing about following the rules as you state (and which I am in agreement with, btw) is that people will cut in front of you if you leave more than an inch open. That's potentially even more dangerous. I try not to tailgate, and get tres pissed when someone does it to me, but I don't leave too much room if there is someone next to me that I think will try and cut in suddenly. Just drive defensively and hope for the best.

[Prudence]

Originally Posted by lindyhop

I'll never understand why the idiot behind me on the freeway thinks that tailgating will make me speed up.

Corollary: I'll never understand why the idiot tailgating me on the freeway thinks I have the power to go faster than the giant truck in front of me.

[lindyhop]

Originally Posted by Prudence

Corollary: I'll never understand why the idiot tailgating me on the freeway thinks I have the power to go faster than the giant truck in front of me.

And why does the driver in the back of the line of cars in the left turn lane honk as soon as the left arrow appears? My son used to think I could start going before the car in front of me moved, but he was about four years old at the time.