batsh*t crazy drivers ... your experiences?

[bestclimb]

Originally Posted by bobo333

In my area it seems as if the "keep (left in Aus, would be right in US) unless overtaking" law doesn't exist, i run into multiple people every trip doing 10-20kmh under the speed limit in the "fast" lane or matching the speed of the person next to them. Even in areas with signs pointing the law out every km...

even when i get closer to them (into tailgating territory) they don't realize they are in the wrong and move over, ive even had some suicidal people in small hatch backs "brake check" me, and im driving an F100 whos bonnet is level with their roofs! i dont think insurance fraud really works if your dead...

meh the speed deferential won't be enough to kill anyone. Matching speed with the guy next to you is just rude though but so is tailgating for that matter.

[jalmir]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Close call, and good job paying attention for the other fella.

I recommend choosing either to brake or to swerve, but not both at the same time. Anti-lock brakes were developed because most people attempt to do both, and there just isn't enough traction.

Yeah I know, my first reflex was to brake, but I quickly left of the brakes to swerve and honk instead

[undata]

I drive with the majority of my attention on the rear view mirror. Usually the psychos are closing from behind. So most of the time I know a lot about their driving habits and can predict where and when they will change lanes. My goal is to keep as many pounds or tons of metal in between me and them as safely possible.

In the case mentioned, I would have been following the guy exactly 5.5 car lengths, while he was going 55 mph. I would be as many lanes over as possible while doing this. This kind of driver automatically raises a red flag, because nobody drives 55 (assuming a 55 speed limit) in any lane. So they are obviously out of it, or preoccupied, or both.

[bestclimb]

I often drive 55 in a 55. People have a reasonable expectation to drive at the speed limit they do not have a reasonable expectation to exceed it.

[larrybuck]

I realize that with my smaller vehicle, its easy for me to think to steer out of trouble much more than think about braking for emergencies; but overall, its seriously engrained
in me not to be too familiar with my brake pedal at all!

[undata]

Originally Posted by larrybuck

I realize that with my smaller vehicle, its easy for me to think to steer out of trouble much more than think about braking for emergencies; but overall, its seriously engrained
in me not to be too familiar with my brake pedal at all!

Agree 100%. If they put decent linings on the handbrake, I could get along with that 90% of the time. I get a kick out of computing the right number of clicks on the handbrake lever, and coasting to a perfect 8 inches behind the next car at a light, not doing anything except watching it fall into place.

[Sporty Modder]

I always try to be a courtious driver.
Today on my way into work I pulled left out of my street onto the main highwaY ( left lane). I noticed a little red S10 pickup coming down ( @my road the speed limit transitions from45 to 35) pretty fast (est60+} he was in the slow lane me fast. There are three lights in Lolo (the town I live in), I can usually time them so I don't hit any. This person wanted to be in front of everybody. I maintained about 30mph through all three lights, while S10 passed me three times and slowed down violently (to avoid hitting other cars on the highway). Finally got past the last light and upon accelerating it looked like I had this S10 on a tow bar ( this whole time I was looking to get in the right lane) I accelerated up to 75 mph (speed limit 65) and put my right blinker on, as I cleared the cars on the rightI started to move over checking my mirrors as I did so, last check over my sholder and there is mrS10 in my blind spot with the peadal to the metal.
Any hoo continued up the highway to the next light 7 mi or so away and there MrS10 is accelerating away, as I continued my way @60 mph, just thought to my self what a waste.