Grr! People who drive too SLOW!!!

tickytat

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My number one pet peeve is when people (usually old farts) drive WAY too slow. Our speed limit here in Vermont is 50 on normal roads, but so many people will only go 35! It's so annoying! They don't notice you in their rearview mirors, they don't pull over and let you pass, and they don't EVER speed up! Plus, it seems it's ALWAYS on roads that have a lot of curves or traffic so you can't pass.


Nothing makes me more mad than this. I am a super shy, sweet person, but when someone does this I become a raging beast! Example: Today I came up behind a lady who was going 30-35 in a 50 zone and would NOT speed up. She actually kept stepping on her brakes! I had finally had ENOUGH and began honking, flashing my lights, ANYTHING to get her attention. Too much traffic and curves = no passing. She finally turned off about 10 miles later. (I also hate people who take forever to turn, but that's another story!).

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, it's even WORSE when they pull out in front of you and THEN go 30!

Oh by the way, I'm not a speeder. I will happily go the speed limit but 30 is just ridiculous! (Sorry... just venting.)
 

menasmom

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Look--I live in South Florida, were we have been rated as having the worst drivers in the country. The elderly don't stop for school buses that have their STOP sign out and lights flashing, they don't slow down for school speed limits, they don't look when you change lanes, or use their signals, but it's not only them.
If you change lanes, the person who you are getting in front of in that lane (and I'm telling you, he could be like 50 feet behind you) will beginto speed up so that you CAN'T get in HIS lane. They are the RUDEST drivers. I've lived in NY and Henderson, NV and have never experienced such rudeness on the road. In fact, when I moved here, I nearly jumped out of my skin when someone actually HONKED at me because Ididn't step on the gas the second the light turned green! I mean, NOBODY in Henderson honks their horns!
 
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tickytat

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Guess I shouldn't complain then! That is a lot worse. I have no problem when people don't "step on the gas the second the light turns green" but I just can't stand it when they drive so darn slow and don't notice the line of 100 cars being them. It's the only time I've ever been driven (no pun intented) to honk at someone.
 

trouts mom

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I TOTALLY agree with you...

and the worst part, they are always going slower than the speed limit when I am on my hour lunch break
I am stuck behind them...and there is no chance of me getting back to work in time.

Actually to be honest, I even get annoyed when people go EXACTLY the speed limit..I mean really..your not going to get pulled over for doing FIVE OVER!!

I won't lie though, I go 80 all around town no matter what the speed limit is
Yeah I know I know thats bad...no lectures pwease
 

cat mommy

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Originally Posted by TickyTat


Guess I shouldn't complain then! That is a lot worse. I have no problem when people don't "step on the gas the second the light turns green" but I just can't stand it when they drive so darn slow and don't notice the line of 100 cars being them. It's the only time I've ever been driven (no pun intented) to honk at someone.
I agree.
I turn into a crazy person, sometimes, when people just sit there in the fast lane & go below the speed limit. Hello! you are the fast lane... you are to go with or faster than the traffic... not block it and cause an accident.
 

mom of 4

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I've gotten pulled over for going two miles over the limit - twice. Once on the highway in the Texas panhandle speedtrap town of Shamrock and once in a small town.

Then there was the time I got a warning for going 15 over the limit on a highway.


I just drive too fast and I shouldn't.
 

trixie23

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I live in Wisconsin where no one pays attention, talks on cellphones constantly, always digging in their purses, etc... ive honestly been thinking about seeking anger management about my road rage. Im not proud of it but on a 2 way street if you arent going at least the speed limit or 5 over, Im passing you (been doin it daily)... It doesnt help that my drive to and from work is an hour each way, all divided between three busy freeway systems (that are dead stop traffic morning and night)... I was born with a lead foot and I do have a speeding issue (usually go 10 over at least) so I can feel your frustration... I have places to go, things to do, etc... Im too impatient for those going too slow or just at the speed limit. I know people frown upon my kind, but at least I know that no one is irritated by me taking my time! I think Ill stop now before I write a book!
 

carolpetunia

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I understand and have some of the same frustrations at times -- but when the slow driver is elderly, you've got to give 'em a break. Let me explain why I feel so strongly about this:

In 1989, I had pneumonia at a time when I was new in Dallas, had no family or friends here, no money (broke from the move), and no insurance (three-month waiting period). I couldn't go to the doctor, so I just got sicker and sicker over a period of three weeks. Finally, I got so sick that I almost couldn't walk, and I realized I was going to have to get some help, even if it took my last dollar.

So I bundled up and drove myself to a clinic four miles away. The trip took me over an hour -- because I was in so much pain that I couldn't sit up and see over the wheel very well; I was so weak that I could barely turn the wheel; and I was terrified I wouldn't have the strength to hold down the brake, so I had to creep along at 20 mph.

And if you think about it, that's exactly how driving must feel to the elderly.

Add to that the fear and confusion that many older people feel, and you'll realize that the last thing in the world they need is somebody honking and flashing his lights at them! Please... have a heart.

Yes, many elderly people are a hazard on the road and really shouldn't be driving at all -- but some of them have no choice. If they don't have loved ones to care for them or public programs to assist them, how else can they manage? And when you take away a person's mobility, you take away his access to many of the things that make life worth living... so there's a tendency to let people keep driving.

I know it's frustrating -- I've been there too. But please... notice when drivers are old or infirm, and be kind.
 

danimarie

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I drive too slow.... I hate driving. I have suuuch anxiety about it!!!

Old people pass me on the highway looking at me like I'm nuts.
 

luvmy2cats

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Girl I am so with you. People that go under the speed limit make me so mad. I don't speed either but come on. Here in Elkhart, IN it's not just old people either. I hate driving anyway and when I get behind some slow person I just spaz out. My husband hates it. He's like chill out Amy. Anyway, I know how you feel.
 

ryn

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Errm.. Would you rather see those people who aren't experienced drivers going faster then they know it's safe considering their skills? I'm talking about people who have gotten their drivers licence recently or don't drive much.

If your answer is stay off the road, if you can't drive fast, then how are these people ever going to get the necessary experience to drive more efficiently? None of us was born with perfect car control skills.
 

calico2222

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Originally Posted by TickyTat

My number one pet peeve is when people (usually old farts) drive WAY too slow. Our speed limit here in Vermont is 50 on normal roads, but so many people will only go 35! It's so annoying! They don't notice you in their rearview mirors, they don't pull over and let you pass, and they don't EVER speed up! Plus, it seems it's ALWAYS on roads that have a lot of curves or traffic so you can't pass.


Nothing makes me more mad than this. I am a super shy, sweet person, but when someone does this I become a raging beast! Example: Today I came up behind a lady who was going 30-35 in a 50 zone and would NOT speed up. She actually kept stepping on her brakes! I had finally had ENOUGH and began honking, flashing my lights, ANYTHING to get her attention. Too much traffic and curves = no passing. She finally turned off about 10 miles later. (I also hate people who take forever to turn, but that's another story!).

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, it's even WORSE when they pull out in front of you and THEN go 30!

Oh by the way, I'm not a speeder. I will happily go the speed limit but 30 is just ridiculous! (Sorry... just venting.)
That annoys me too sometimes, but I have to admit I'm guilty of going below the speed limit. Especially if it is a winding, twisting road that I'm not familiar with. The road out to my house is a rural route that is like that, full of twists and turns, and now I can drive it 5 miles over the speed limit (which is 55) but when I first started driving it, I was going probably 40 or 45 most of the time.

And truthfully, if someone came up behind me and start honking and flashing their lights I would drive even slower just to p*ss them off! But then again, I'm a spiteful person!
 

menasmom

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Originally Posted by Trouts mom

I TOTALLY agree with you...

and the worst part, they are always going slower than the speed limit when I am on my hour lunch break
I am stuck behind them...and there is no chance of me getting back to work in time.

Actually to be honest, I even get annoyed when people go EXACTLY the speed limit..I mean really..your not going to get pulled over for doing FIVE OVER!!

I won't lie though, I go 80 all around town no matter what the speed limit is
Yeah I know I know thats bad...no lectures pwease
Oh, no??? When I worked in the courthouse for the City of Delray Beach, a young woman came in with a ticket for driving ONE MILE UNDER the speed limit on a street that is known as a speed trap for the cops. None of us in the office could believe it... We told her to take it to court, because we were sure the judge would probably rip the ticket up.
 

menasmom

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And you know what else we have around here? People (mostly MOMS) driving around in their SUVs or minivans, talking on their cell phones and not paying attention to the road. Okay, it's not just moms but the majority is. It's like they're the only people in the world and sometimes I wonder if it was such a good idea to even invent these freaking things. Our state should do what Suffolk county on Long Island has done---ban the use of cell phones while driving!!!
 

danimarie

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Originally Posted by menasmom

Oh, no??? When I worked in the courthouse for the City of Delray Beach, a young woman came in with a ticket for driving ONE MILE UNDER the speed limit on a street that is known as a speed trap for the cops. None of us in the office could believe it... We told her to take it to court, because we were sure the judge would probably rip the ticket up.
That's outrageous!!!

Let me clarify why I drive like an old lady.

I'm 25 and have been in three weather-related car crashes...and not just a crash, all three cars were totalled to the point where I had to be cut out twice.

Two times during snow, once during rain, and I am a careful driver....I just have the WORST luck with driving.

So I'm a little traumatized. I'd rather be safe, alert , and take things easy, than end up dying to make everyone else on the road happier.
 
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tickytat

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I have no problem with the elderly and their limited abilities, or someone new just starting out and getting the feel of the road. Believe me, when I first got my motorcycle I was definitely taking it easy, especially on curvy roads.

But, all I ask of these people, is that they NOTICE the line behind them and PULL OVER and let us pass. That's it! Is that so much to ask?

In the winter when the weather is really bad, I drive super slow to avoid an accident. Then someone will come racing up behind me and stay right on my tail. I get extra nervous, so I pull off to the side or the nearest turnoff and let him pass. But at least I'm AWARE that someone is behind me!

These people who go 35 for 10 miles or more and never notice the line of cars behind them or pull over... THAT'S what I hate.
 

EnzoLeya

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I know what you mean!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm just like you in the fact that I just loose it if you're a stupid driver! I was driving my car and my boyfriend was with me and was able to see the beast! We were driving on the interstate the speed limit is 70. There are two lanes going the same way, one fast lane, one slow lane. I was following, yep you guessed it, a cadilac full of old ladies. She was going 65 in the fast lane staying right with the slow lane car next to her. This went on for 5 miles and I went CRAZY!!! I honked at her and she eventually noticed what she was doing!
 

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Originally Posted by DaniMarie

That's outrageous!!!

Let me clarify why I drive like an old lady.

I'm 25 and have been in three weather-related car crashes...and not just a crash, all three cars were totalled to the point where I had to be cut out twice.

Two times during snow, once during rain, and I am a careful driver....I just have the WORST luck with driving.

So I'm a little traumatized. I'd rather be safe, alert , and take things easy, than end up dying to make everyone else on the road happier.
Oh, if it's snowing I'm a snail on the road. When I was younger I didn't have a problem with driving in snow but I also lived in town in Maryland where the snow plows and salt trucks were out as soon as it started accumulating on the roads. In West Virginia, apparently they think everyone has 4 wheel drive (which I don't) and I think there may be 3 snow plows for the entire area. I keep it in 2nd gear the whole way home, and idiots in huge 4 wheel drive trucks get on my butt. I don't pull over because, first, there is no where to pull off, and second, I'm afraid of losing the momentum.

They can pass me if they want to, but I'm sorry, my safety comes before their desire to get home in time for dinner.
 

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Originally Posted by DaniMarie

That's outrageous!!!

Let me clarify why I drive like an old lady.

I'm 25 and have been in three weather-related car crashes...and not just a crash, all three cars were totalled to the point where I had to be cut out twice.

Two times during snow, once during rain, and I am a careful driver....I just have the WORST luck with driving.

So I'm a little traumatized. I'd rather be safe, alert , and take things easy, than end up dying to make everyone else on the road happier.
My accident last year wasn't as bad as yours but I do adjust my speed for the conditions. I stay around the speed limit.

I can sympathize with TickyTat because I have been there. There are several nice paved county roads that you can use to get to the big city, but why does the slow driver have to be on the 2 lane highway with the 55mph speed limit? (Luckily one highway has been widened and the other is being widened now.)
 

KitEKats4Eva!

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Before I start, I want to qualify that I'm not talking about anyone here. This is a generic statement!

I never speed. I think it's unforgivably selfish and irresponsible. A car is a dangerous vehicle and the amount of people that die in car accidents is unacceptable. Many of these car accidents involve speeding. Many motorists are not aware of the reaction distance and braking distance required when speeding. For example, when reaction distance is added to braking distance, at 60m/h it requires 110 yards to stop in an emergency. At 75m/h, 143 yards are needed.

Speeding is a contributing factor in a third of all serious injury and fatal crashes and research shows that the risk of involvement in a casualty crash doubles with each 3m/h increase in speed above the posted speed limit. Travelling at just 35m/h, your car will have moved 25 yards during the time it takes for you to react to an emergency. Which is usually about one second. 25 yards in ONE second.

This has been part of a massive advertising campaign where I live. Speeding is a huge problem and the old `but 5km over isn't going to make a difference' chestnut has been shown as the mistake it is. It makes a very big difference in your stopping ability, which makes a very big difference if a child / cat / dog runs out in front of the car and you need to brake suddenly. Going 5km (about 3.1 miles) per hour over the speed limit increases your reaction and braking distance by TEN metres (11 yards). So, 5km makes a difference, after all. It could, quite literally, mean the difference between life and death.

Now, I don't drive like a grandma, either, and the situation the OP describes would probably have me screeching and trying to rip the steering wheel out in frustration. And driving like that is JUST as dangerous, IMO. I drive the limit. Because I don't have anywhere, anytime to go, that is more important than the consideration of other people's lives - EVER. I'm only trying to get from A to B, for goodness' sake. I'm not finding a cure for cancer. It's just not that important, it really isn't. And going 10km over the speed limit might get you somewhere four minutes faster, but the risk it poses to others is not worth the time saved.

But people forget the bigger picture the minute they get behind the wheel of a car. It's such a surreal phenomenon, but once driving, the car becomes the territory, and it seems it must be guarded and defended at all costs - even if it means becoming an attacker. Road rage is featuring more and more in indictments for manslaughter, and in some cases, murder. Certainly assault commonly results from episodes of road rage.

I think if people would slow down more and just realise that travelling in their car is a means to an end, not a race that needs to be won, the roads would be much safer places to be.

Right, I'm off my
now.
 
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