Other Drivers' Minds

[UFO]

I bet they are just wondering why you are moving slower than "normal". They pass and rush to the light to be ahead of you as they assume you will be leaving the intersection slowly too. At least that used to be my state of mind before I gained more awareness of efficient driving techniques.

[Arragonis]

There seem to be a lot of drivers who assume that hanging off the bumper of the car in front is a universal convention which will make it go faster. If you can swing about on the offside of the rear bumper or sway side to side as well that is meant to add emphasis.

It doesn't seem to be part of any driving education anywhere though.

[Frank Lee]

Sometimes I will mock the anxiety-plagued weavers behind me by doing some weaving of my own... or riding the centerline for a while just like they do. It's good for a chuckle but perhaps most of the time they are too stupid to catch on.

[Thymeclock]

Originally Posted by Ladogaboy

The fact that he was driving less than two car lengths behind a vehicle that can out handle and out brake his own car while he was barely able to keep his car on the road begs the question: What was going through his mind?

How fast were you going? (It's relevant here.)

[HydroJim]

I live in an apartment complex where there is a long road connecting all the parking lots of the towers. There is probably about 20 speed bumps from end to end and it's about 1/8th of a mile. Ontop of that, there is a lot of repair asphalt that is raised off the pavement that doesn't make the ride too comfortable. The speed limit is 10 and that is what I go through there. There are always kids playing, and lots of cars backing in and out of spaces. Yet, people insist on going 20 mph or more through there. I don't get why. Not only does it hurt their suspension, but why risk hitting something or someone. I just don't get it. If you're in that much of a rush to get to work, leave earlier and I'll never understand why anyone would be in a rush to get home. Since I started driving in December(just got my temps), whenever someone tailgates me excessively through there, I'll keep my speed under 5 mph. They can't pass because there is a center divider and it brings me so much satisfaction that I made their useless life so much worse.

I've seen the middle finger a lot, but I refuse to give it back because I will not play into the ignorance of the average american. One time, two people people were tailgating my sister and I while she was driving the speed limit to our apartment. After we parked, the fat couple pulled up behind us in their big SUV and stared at me as I got out of the passenger seat. I had just gotten out of baseball practice and had 2 bats with me. When the kept staring, I got one out and started walking toward the car(I'd say I'm pretty intimidating at 5' 11" and 185 pounds). As I got closer to the car, they drove away, so I never got to confront those obese idiots about what they were thinking. Someday, I'm going to get out of my car at a red light and ask the person behind me what their problem is. Then I'll tell you guys what is on "other drivers' minds"

[Frank Lee]

When you get the bird, smile and wave- that messes them up more than getting angry.

[HydroJim]

I do something similar at school when kids try to insult me. For being better than them? Whatever it is, I say thank you and shake their hand. They don't know what to do.

It's hard to get a long with kids when as a freshman you scored in the 99th percentile of juniors on the ACT, You pitch at 85mph as a sophomore, and you did all that without having rich parents to give you everything you wanted. I can't afford to fit in, so I do it with intelligence, talent, and hard work, and some kids can't respect it. I might be a little conceited also

Most kids at my school are very stupid and get everything they want. Including brand new cars as their own. I had to buy my own car and I'm going to have to pay for everything when I start driving.

I just don't get Americans. Seems like it would have been a lot better to grow up when my parents or grandparents did. When people did things for themselves. i bet only about 50% of kids I go to school with could ever figure out how to open their hood or put air in the tires.

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by HydroJim

...When the kept staring, I got one out and started walking toward the car(I'd say I'm pretty intimidating at 5' 11" and 185 pounds). As I got closer to the car, they drove away, so I never got to confront those obese idiots about what they were thinking. Someday, I'm going to get out of my car at a red light and ask the person behind me what their problem is. Then I'll tell you guys what is on "other drivers' minds"

I have the build of an obese Dilbert but I find the spheres to merely get out when required usually results in the other party running away.

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by Thymeclock

How fast were you going? (It's relevant here.)

Originally Posted by Ladogaboy

...First, we were on a 35 mph posted road that is frequented by pedestrians and bicyclists. Again, I was driving within a speed that I could stop if I needed to, but I'm convinced that he could.

Its not a direct answer but in a 35 limit, why ride on someone's tail ?

35 limt says to me "wooo, something might happen - be alert Arra... kids, dogs, cattle, sheep, rabbits, falling rocks, skateboarding Jesus / Buddah"

not

"lets ride as close as possible to the car in front so they go the limit, because of course everyone should go to the limit always...".

It's a limit not a target. I know I'm being annoying or worse before you say it. Just tappin.

[HydroJim]

I don't mind people that are overweight. Some people just have the genetics for it or aren't able to exercise for medical reasons, but here in america, 1/3 of people are obese and most have no excuse to be.

Sorry for hijacking this thread about other issues