Grr! People who drive too SLOW!!!

leli · Jul 28, 2007

Originally Posted by CarolPetunia

No offense taken -- but please bear in mind that if I didn't have $60 for a doctor visit, I certainly didn't have the wherewithal for an ambulance ride!

No offense either (you know I luv ya

), but I'm guessing you also don't have the $1 million plus for the wrongful death suit you would have been facing if you had killed someone, not to mention having to live with yourself if that had happened....
I agree, you should have taken an ambulance. OR go to the doctor before it gets to that point!!!

I HATE people that drive the same speed in the passing lane as the guy in the right lane. That drives me INSANE. I also think people don't leave nearly enough stopping distance when driving, especially in winter. I mean, most people (well, I hope most) slow down in conditions like snow or rain, but they don't seem to consider how it'll effect the room they need to stop!

annabelle33 · Jul 28, 2007

there are lots of people that drive realllly slow, and then those that drive realllly fast... both are annoying to me. Where I live the only way into town is on a one lane no passing road... However, there is a new highway about halfway built that will be done in the next two years that will have two lanes on each side, so I'm dealing with it for now, lol! I can't wait to be able to pass these people. I will have to pay a toll, but I'll gladly double it for the lack of stress it will cause me!

clairebear · Jul 28, 2007

Originally Posted by TickyTat

I had finally had ENOUGH and began honking, flashing my lights, ANYTHING to get her attention.

It can be kind of annoying when someone is driving far less than the speed limit, but it is thier right to do so. It's perfectly legal to be going 35 in a 50 mph zone. Honking is rude, I would have slowed down even more if someone did that to me. I generally drive the speed limit, but it really bothers me when people who are driving at the speed limit or above are rude to drivers who are being safe or following the law.

KitEKats4Eva! · Jul 28, 2007

Someone was just convicted with murder here after they did something on the road `just to freak someone out' and it went horribly wrong. The same thing recently happened in the US, too. Both have been convicted and given life sentences. Murder, not manslaughter.

The only thing I do when people drive dangerously or cut me off or whatever is leave my hand on the horn for, oh, a good 15 to 20 seconds. Long enough that everyone within a 20 mile radius knows what's happened and the person who I am honking at gets the message loud and clear.

carolpetunia · Jul 28, 2007

Both statistically and anecdotally, it's very clear that a slow and timid driver is far less likely to cause accidents (especially serious ones) than a fast and aggressive driver -- partly because of the speeds involved, and partly because the aggressive driver is also more likely to be swerving from lane to lane, cutting too close to other cars, running lights, and so forth.

When you find yourself about to honk and flash your lights and cut in too close to a slow driver just to "freak him out," consider what that behavior says about you. Would you do it if you were not anonymous? Would you do it if you knew the person in that car?

If so... well then, discussion is pointless.

But if not, then you obviously recognize that such behavior is, at the very least, obnoxious. Why would you choose to be obnoxious at all, anonymously or otherwise?

As for my inexplicably controversial trip to the minor emergency center all those years ago: once again, I had no other option. Ambulances cost money, and so do the hospitals they take you to. I had $42 in the entire world at the time, and the fee at the minor emergency center was $30. That left $12 for whatever medicine they prescribed. I did the only thing I could do.

But more to the point: it's ludicrous to suggest that, by driving 15 miles under the limit on two- and three-lane streets on a single occasion, I created anything like the daily danger represented by those who have described here how they become enraged behind the wheel, try to frighten or intimidate other drivers, and swerve around people as if they are beneath contempt for simply driving at the posted limit.

I'm well aware that I sound like an old curmudgeon, a killjoy, trying to ruin everyone's fun -- but there are good reasons why people's attitudes in this area usually change when they get older. It mostly has to do with experience... often tragic experience.

leli · Jul 29, 2007

Originally Posted by CarolPetunia

Both statistically and anecdotally, it's very clear that a slow and timid driver is far less likely to cause accidents (especially serious ones) than a fast and aggressive driver -- partly because of the speeds involved, and partly because the aggressive driver is also more likely to be swerving from lane to lane, cutting too close to other cars, running lights, and so forth.

When you find yourself about to honk and flash your lights and cut in too close to a slow driver just to "freak him out," consider what that behavior says about you. Would you do it if you were not anonymous? Would you do it if you knew the person in that car?

If so... well then, discussion is pointless.

But if not, then you obviously recognize that such behavior is, at the very least, obnoxious. Why would you choose to be obnoxious at all, anonymously or otherwise?

As for my inexplicably controversial trip to the minor emergency center all those years ago: once again, I had no other option. Ambulances cost money, and so do the hospitals they take you to. I had $42 in the entire world at the time, and the fee at the minor emergency center was $30. That left $12 for whatever medicine they prescribed. I did the only thing I could do.

But more to the point: it's ludicrous to suggest that, by driving 15 miles under the limit on two- and three-lane streets on a single occasion, I created anything like the daily danger represented by those who have described here how they become enraged behind the wheel, try to frighten or intimidate other drivers, and swerve around people as if they are beneath contempt for simply driving at the posted limit.

I'm well aware that I sound like an old curmudgeon, a killjoy, trying to ruin everyone's fun -- but there are good reasons why people's attitudes in this area usually change when they get older. It mostly has to do with experience... often tragic experience.

I agree with most of your points here. However, you're painting a picture as if there are only 2 kinds of drivers: slow and timid, and fast and obnoxious. That's not the case. I drive the limit or very slightly over it. I do not cut in too close or tailgate just to freak someone out. I drive responsibly. So yes, you were certainly less of a risk on the road than someone in the throws of roadrage, but were you less of a risk than a responsible driver? No, I don't think so. I'm not going to beat this incident over the head, because it's been established that you did what you had to in order to seek help, so why rip it apart.

I think that driving slowly and not giving other drivers the option to pass when possible (for example, driving in the passing lane when you are not passing, but rather matching the speed of the car in the right lane) is INCREDIBLY rude and selfish. There are 2 lanes for a reason. I don't want to do 100km/hr on a 60km/hr road, but I also don't want to do 35km/hr. That's what the slow lane is for. The fact that I'd rather drive the limit and not 15 or 20 under does not make me one of those drivers who randomly cuts people off or slams on his brakes to frighten drivers who have somehow angered him.

I also believe that, in most cases, if you aren't comfortable driving near or at the limit, you shouldn't be on that road. If you are learning, practice on roads with lower limits until you feel that you are able to control a car at that speed, THEN move up to other roads. If you are honestly not comfortable driving your car at anywhere near 60km/hr on a road that is deemed fit to be driven at that speed, I really don't think you should be driving. Inconfidence behind the wheel causes accidents too, through indecision. Is it as many as those crazy people who cut others off, cross 2 lanes of traffic without signaling, tailgate, etc.? No, of course not. But it's more than those of us who are confident, decisive, defensive and in control of our cars at any speed we drive (to the extent that anyone can be completely "in control" of a giant piece of metal moving at great speed).

tickytat · Jul 29, 2007

Originally Posted by Leli

I agree with most of your points here. However, you're painting a picture as if there are only 2 kinds of drivers: slow and timid, and fast and obnoxious. That's not the case. I drive the limit or very slightly over it. I do not cut in too close or tailgate just to freak someone out. I drive responsibly. So yes, you were certainly less of a risk on the road than someone in the throws of roadrage, but were you less of a risk than a responsible driver? No, I don't think so. I'm not going to beat this incident over the head, because it's been established that you did what you had to in order to seek help, so why rip it apart.

I think that driving slowly and not giving other drivers the option to pass when possible (for example, driving in the passing lane when you are not passing, but rather matching the speed of the car in the right lane) is INCREDIBLY rude and selfish. There are 2 lanes for a reason. I don't want to do 100km/hr on a 60km/hr road, but I also don't want to do 35km/hr. That's what the slow lane is for. The fact that I'd rather drive the limit and not 15 or 20 under does not make me one of those drivers who randomly cuts people off or slams on his brakes to frighten drivers who have somehow angered him.

I also believe that, in most cases, if you aren't comfortable driving near or at the limit, you shouldn't be on that road. If you are learning, practice on roads with lower limits until you feel that you are able to control a car at that speed, THEN move up to other roads. If you are honestly not comfortable driving your car at anywhere near 60km/hr on a road that is deemed fit to be driven at that speed, I really don't think you should be driving. Inconfidence behind the wheel causes accidents too, through indecision. Is it as many as those crazy people who cut others off, cross 2 lanes of traffic without signaling, tailgate, etc.? No, of course not. But it's more than those of us who are confident, decisive, defensive and in control of our cars at any speed we drive (to the extent that anyone can be completely "in control" of a giant piece of metal moving at great speed).

Couldn't have said it better myself, especially the part about only 2 kinds of drivers on the road - fast and slow. Like I said before, I don't mind going the speed limit, but I certainly don't want to go 30. And again, if these people would just NOTICE and let me pass, I wouldn't be so irritated.

ping · Jul 29, 2007

Originally Posted by TickyTat

Couldn't have said it better myself, especially the part about only 2 kinds of drivers on the road - fast and slow. Like I said before, I don't mind going the speed limit, but I certainly don't want to go 30. And again, if these people would just NOTICE and let me pass, I wouldn't be so irritated.

Why can't you just pass them?

urbantigers · Jul 29, 2007

Like most people, I get frustrated when I'm behind someone driving under the speed limit when there is no obvious reason to do so, but it's not usually dangerous to drive too slow unless other drivers allow themselves to get wound up about it and drive recklessly or distractedly as a result. And if an accident results it's then their fault. There are lots of irritating people on the roads (not just motorists) but reacting to them calmly is all part of being a good driver. I rarely drive over the speed limit but I do usually drive at the speed limit. Sometimes when I'm behind someone sticking religiously to 30mph and refusing to go even the tiniest bit over I can feel myself getting annoyed but I just tell myself to calm down, back off a bit and chill out. It's not a crime to drive at 28 mph in a 30mph zone.

matty · Jul 29, 2007

Ok.. I'm in the UK, where things are possibly a bit different, but here are my views on various drivers.

I drive 2000+ miles a month due to my job, so I'd consider myself a good driver and one that knows how to drive (others may disagree, but that's their lookout).

In the last 6 months I have had 2 rear end smashes, both people driving into the back of me. Luckily I drive a 4x4 truck, so I haven't been injured and there has been little damage done to the truck. The main point here, is people that drive without paying proper attention to the road and what's going on in front of them.

We're not allowed to overtake (undertake?) here, so if someone is in the fast lane, we can't move to the middle lane to overtake them. The other day, I was doing about 80 mph down the fast lane, when I caught up with a driver doing 55, again in the fast lane, why?? I have no idea, there was absolutely no traffic in either of the other two lanes and I had moved over so to not undertake him. Did he move? No. He was clearly oblivious to me, so after about 30 seconds I undertook him. Looked over into his car, found the reason he was oblivious: He was on the phone! I hate people that drive whilst on their mobiles, after an accident involving a lorry smashing into me a few years ago (not my fault, and the police agreed)

The moral of the story:

If you drive like a prick, then you shouldn't be on the road.

I will add some more views later.. I need food right now

tickytat · Jul 29, 2007

Originally Posted by Ping

Why can't you just pass them?

I would LOVE to pass them, but I'm talking about the roads that are very curvy or have a lot of traffic, so passing isn't an option. If it's clear I certainly pass them without a second thought.

carolpetunia · Jul 29, 2007

This has become absurd. I already write such long posts -- if you want me to cover every possible permutation of such a broad subject, you're going to have a lot of reading to do!

Of course I was not suggesting that there are only two kinds of drivers on the road. It's obvious that there are as many variations in driving styles as there are drivers. I really didn't think I needed to specify that.

But I also didn't think I would need to point out that aggressiveness, hostility, and thrill-seeking are utterly irresponsible and (unlike trying to get medical help when I was perhaps a week away from death) unnecessary, unjustifiable behaviors that account for an awful lot (probably the vast majority) of carnage on the road -- yet this seems to be a controversial view! I don't get that.

Maybe these are things people just have to learn for themselves.

crittergirl · Jul 30, 2007

Originally Posted by calico2222

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!

I'm with you that, The interstate that I drive on every day has people that go 20 miles over the speed limit and creep on your tail like you should have to go their speed. I will get over when i can but I do not like getting pushed to go 90 when I'm passing a semi.

katiemae1277 · Jul 30, 2007

you know what drives ME nuts? well, i'm gonna tell you

I am a fast driver, i freely admit it, if the speed limit is 65 mph on the freeway, I am usually going 70-75, if I'm in a real hurry and there is hardly any traffic on the road I have been known to pump it up to 80, zoom zoom. I have had people get on my back bumper like I wasn't going fast enough at 80 MPH!!!! I'll be in the fast lane, steadily passing traffic that's in the slow lane, there is moderate traffic as a whole, and some yahoo will ride me like he's gonna go somewhere if he gets passed me

sorry dude, there's a line in front of me and a line beside, i am not moving over so you can get one car closer to your destination and me get trapped in the slow lane. I actually had one guy the other day do this to me and when there was finally an opening for me to move over into the slow lane, which i was going to do as soon as I was sure I was clear of the car I'd just passed, by the time I went to change lanes, he was already passing me on the right

apparently he had somewhere realy important to be

furrykitty_62 · Jul 30, 2007

I live in Ontario Canada

and actually the worst problem up here is the speeding and people always being in a hurry and not doing proper turns, signalling, cutting you off when they make a pass. That is more annoying then the slower drivers because at least they are driving more carefully and watching whats going on around them.

These slow drivers that go 35 in a 50 mile zone are probably being cautious with all the wild and crazy drivers who want to go fast. I never go above the speed limit in any zone. If its 80 KM I go that but I see others who go 90 KM and pass me and are more than a mile ahead of me in two minutes.

I think the people who are careful drivers in any country, city, town should be commended

for their careful and cautious , responsible driving habits. I would give them a medal as they are trying to drive from A to B in a safe way. That's how I drive.

If you get annoyed because they are so slow then take another route that has less traffic on it so you don't have to be around these slow drivers you are not happy with. As for me I wouldn't mind it as they are being safe and careful in their driving and probably left their home with plenty of time to spare to get to their destination. The ones who speed are the ones who are late and in a hurry and don't give themselves enough time.

The pet peevers I don't like with drivers is the speeders. The ones who cut you off and the ones who don't use their signals when they change a lane or turn a corner. I really hate tail gaters especially as they are the accident makers as they are right on your tail and they think you won't slow down or stop but you could and they go slamming into you. I also hate people who talk on their cell phones while driving. It is sick to see that as they will cause accidents too by not paying attention to the road.

Taffy & Misty I Love,

Anne

sofiecusion · Jul 30, 2007

I too hate drivers that go the speed limit or less in perfect conditions! I also hate how BOTH lanes of the freeway are backed up because the opposite lane drivers are gawking. HELLO! Just go!

There is a guy that is always right ahead of me when I go to work. I't the same guy EVERY morning, and he insists on driving exactly the speed limit. Its a country road! I have passed him a few times. I think "Oh no" every morning when I see him. He takes the exact same route as me 75% of the way!

misty8723 · Jul 30, 2007

I haven't read this whole thread, but I'll tell you what aggravates me. People who feel they have to ride you're bumper, flash lights, honk, etc. if you aren't going as fast as they would like you to.

I've been behind people doing 30 in a 45 as well, and it is aggravating, but I just take a deep breath and slow down too. There's nothing I can do about it, honking won't help (usually makes things worse), so I just enjoy the scenery and get where I'm going a few seconds later than I would have otherwise.

leli · Jul 30, 2007

Originally Posted by CarolPetunia

This has become absurd. I already write such long posts -- if you want me to cover every possible permutation of such a broad subject, you're going to have a lot of reading to do!

Of course I was not suggesting that there are only two kinds of drivers on the road. It's obvious that there are as many variations in driving styles as there are drivers. I really didn't think I needed to specify that.

But I also didn't think I would need to point out that aggressiveness, hostility, and thrill-seeking are utterly irresponsible and (unlike trying to get medical help when I was perhaps a week away from death) unnecessary, unjustifiable behaviors that account for an awful lot (probably the vast majority) of carnage on the road -- yet this seems to be a controversial view! I don't get that.

Maybe these are things people just have to learn for themselves.

I'm not disagreeing with that point about aggressive (not in the form of defensive), hostile, thrill-seeking drivers....guess that means I've joined the controversial team

I don't expect you to explore every permutation, but since you pointed out that you were less risk than those drivers, I decided to point out that you were still more risk than me. Quid pro quo and whatnot. Now, I'm utterly bored of this line of conversation as I'm a firm "what's done is done" type of girl. I think you are tired of rehashing it too. So, I'm not responding to anything else having to do with your pneumonia, unless it starts with "knock, knock..."

As far as that incident is concerned...let's put down the stick, that horse is dead.

You know what I saw today that drives me nuts? People who drive with their signals on for long periods of time with no apparent reason to do so. And then, turn the OPPOSITE way from the signal. What is THAT about????

trouts mom · Jul 30, 2007

Oh yeah, it is SO weird when people leave their signals on for SO long...that is so weird...don't they hear the clicking?

c130 · Jul 30, 2007

I find it hilarious how many people would fail their driving test if they were to re-sit it tomorrow.

Grr! People who drive too SLOW!!!

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