Other peoples very irritating driving habits! : <
Posted by: naim_nymph on 20 September 2008
What annoys me most about other peoples bad driving habits is tailgating, or following too closely, especially when it’s dark and the glare of their headlamps are dazzling me though my mirrors… this is one of the worst because of the obvious dangers! : (
However, there is another contender for the most irritating habit, and one that could so easily be avoided…
This also happens at night time or when it’s dark and it happens when you come to a stop at a traffic light or perhaps a road junction and the car in front of you is stationary with all the brake-lights on…
In other words the driver in front has his/her foot pressed on the brake peddle instead of pulling up the hand-brake instead…
I find this illumination of intense bright red light to be very uncomfortable, and in a way very ignorant or disrespectful of the person causing it, especially because it’s not necessary and the proper driving craft is to use the hand-brake.
There is a lot of bad driving out there, some dangerous, some just annoying but the above are only two of many subjects of peoples poor driving skills that irritate me, i could wax-lyrical but what i want to know is...
What are your most upsetting or anger-inducing experiences of other peoples bad driving habits?
nymph ( I.A.M. member since 1996 )
However, there is another contender for the most irritating habit, and one that could so easily be avoided…
This also happens at night time or when it’s dark and it happens when you come to a stop at a traffic light or perhaps a road junction and the car in front of you is stationary with all the brake-lights on…
In other words the driver in front has his/her foot pressed on the brake peddle instead of pulling up the hand-brake instead…
I find this illumination of intense bright red light to be very uncomfortable, and in a way very ignorant or disrespectful of the person causing it, especially because it’s not necessary and the proper driving craft is to use the hand-brake.
There is a lot of bad driving out there, some dangerous, some just annoying but the above are only two of many subjects of peoples poor driving skills that irritate me, i could wax-lyrical but what i want to know is...
What are your most upsetting or anger-inducing experiences of other peoples bad driving habits?
nymph ( I.A.M. member since 1996 )
Posted on: 06 November 2008 by Geoff P
Haven't read here comprehensively so apologies if this is a duplicate.
Over here there is a general insistence on cutting across when turning at junctions.
There is no concession even when someone is arriving at the give way sign on their side of the road. As this innocent driver you are expected to stop short on the assumption that the 'cut across' is going to occur.
There is just no possibility that the offender is going to change trajectory and actually execute a proper turn in their side of the road by using the bleeding steering wheel properly.
I drive around virtually in the drainage channel because of this general inability to turn AND even corner, and remain on their side of the road.
Over here there is a general insistence on cutting across when turning at junctions.
There is no concession even when someone is arriving at the give way sign on their side of the road. As this innocent driver you are expected to stop short on the assumption that the 'cut across' is going to occur.
There is just no possibility that the offender is going to change trajectory and actually execute a proper turn in their side of the road by using the bleeding steering wheel properly.
I drive around virtually in the drainage channel because of this general inability to turn AND even corner, and remain on their side of the road.
Posted on: 06 November 2008 by QTT
quote:Originally posted by naim_nymph:
This also happens at night time or when it’s dark and it happens when you come to a stop at a traffic light or perhaps a road junction and the car in front of you is stationary with all the brake-lights on…
Drivers are supposed to do just that here in the US. You do not want people to hit you from behind, don't you?
Posted on: 06 November 2008 by naim_nymph
quote:Originally posted by QTT:quote:Originally posted by naim_nymph:
This also happens at night time or when it’s dark and it happens when you come to a stop at a traffic light or perhaps a road junction and the car in front of you is stationary with all the brake-lights on…
Drivers are supposed to do just that here in the US. You do not want people to hit you from behind, don't you?
The point being... after a following vehicle has stopped behind you, when you are stationary and waiting at a red traffic light, it is then very appropriate to lift your brake pedal so that your three intensely bright brake-lights don't cause dazzle to the person(s) waiting close behind.... I know there maybe some difference within the US due to so many automatic vehicles, but if your vehicle does have a handbrake it should already be applied.
Adapting to this procedure would be much better because it shows (a respectful) acknowledgement of the vehicle that has stopped behind you, and this is safer too because it prevents the brake-light dazzle glaring away needlessly preventing the following driver better visibility.
Also, to actually remain stationary within a queue of vehicles with foot on the brake pedal, as so causing needless dazzle, is displaying a appalling lack of respect to other road uses!
nymph
Posted on: 06 November 2008 by QTT
quote:Originally posted by naim_nymph:
The point being... after a following vehicle has stopped behind you, when you are stationary and waiting at a red traffic light, it is then very appropriate to lift your brake pedal so that your three intensely bright brake-lights don't cause dazzle to the person(s) waiting close behind.... I know there maybe some difference within the US due to so many automatic vehicles, but if your vehicle does have a handbrake it should already be applied.
nymph
I am not sure if your view about this driving etiquette is universal in the UK but I personally think that it would be considered very strange here.
Posted on: 06 November 2008 by BigH47
I only have 2 brake lights on my car. Therefore only 2/3 rds as annoying?
Posted on: 06 November 2008 by naim_nymph
Only 2 brake lights!
That's cool!
It's that there bright one in the middle that can be a problem!
Perhaps people in the US always wear driving shades?
nymph
That's cool!
It's that there bright one in the middle that can be a problem!
Perhaps people in the US always wear driving shades?
nymph
Posted on: 07 November 2008 by Tonepub
I am assuming that you don't have a lot of giant pickup trucks on the roads in Europe?
That's the worst over here.
Joe six pack (or Joe executive wishing he could be Joe six pack) driving through town in a Dodge Ram truck raised about 20cm over standard ride height, usually right on your behind.
Next worst, the Soccer Mom in the Cadillac Escalade doing her makeup in traffic, while talking on her cell phone and smoking at the same time. (I know women are great at multitasking, but come on!)
This always has a lot of very random lane changes and abrupt braking attached to it.
Hopefully, with our economy the way it is and GM having a 50% sales drop in the large truck category, we will have far less of these monsters on the road soon over here.
But what really drives me insane about the pickup truck guys is that they never have anything in the cargo area of said pickup truck!!
That's the worst over here.
Joe six pack (or Joe executive wishing he could be Joe six pack) driving through town in a Dodge Ram truck raised about 20cm over standard ride height, usually right on your behind.
Next worst, the Soccer Mom in the Cadillac Escalade doing her makeup in traffic, while talking on her cell phone and smoking at the same time. (I know women are great at multitasking, but come on!)
This always has a lot of very random lane changes and abrupt braking attached to it.
Hopefully, with our economy the way it is and GM having a 50% sales drop in the large truck category, we will have far less of these monsters on the road soon over here.
But what really drives me insane about the pickup truck guys is that they never have anything in the cargo area of said pickup truck!!
Posted on: 07 November 2008 by Consciousmess
Effin' TAIL GATERS!!
That really winds me up.
For that reason I jam my breaks on hard to scare them - with the comfort that them smashing into me causes more damage to their car and I claim off their insurance!!
Jon
That really winds me up.
For that reason I jam my breaks on hard to scare them - with the comfort that them smashing into me causes more damage to their car and I claim off their insurance!!
Jon
Posted on: 08 November 2008 by davie1967
quote:Originally posted by QTT:quote:Originally posted by naim_nymph:
The point being... after a following vehicle has stopped behind you, when you are stationary and waiting at a red traffic light, it is then very appropriate to lift your brake pedal so that your three intensely bright brake-lights don't cause dazzle to the person(s) waiting close behind.... I know there maybe some difference within the US due to so many automatic vehicles, but if your vehicle does have a handbrake it should already be applied.
nymph
I am not sure if your view about this driving etiquette is universal in the UK but I personally think that it would be considered very strange here.
I am sure that wherever in the world where you drive at night that as well as brakelights when stationary your vehicle will have sidelights at the front and rear so when stopped you are still visible?
Posted on: 08 November 2008 by QTT
quote:Originally posted by davie1967:quote:Originally posted by QTT:quote:Originally posted by naim_nymph:
The point being... after a following vehicle has stopped behind you, when you are stationary and waiting at a red traffic light, it is then very appropriate to lift your brake pedal so that your three intensely bright brake-lights don't cause dazzle to the person(s) waiting close behind.... I know there maybe some difference within the US due to so many automatic vehicles, but if your vehicle does have a handbrake it should already be applied.
nymph
I am not sure if your view about this driving etiquette is universal in the UK but I personally think that it would be considered very strange here.
I am sure that wherever in the world where you drive at night that as well as brakelights when stationary your vehicle will have sidelights at the front and rear so when stopped you are still visible?
It is not point and do whatever you want. However, I know for a fact that you can get fined here in CA if any of your 3 brake lights is out of order.
Posted on: 08 November 2008 by Nigel Cavendish
quote:Originally posted by Consciousmess:
Effin' TAIL GATERS!!
That really winds me up.
For that reason I jam my breaks on hard to scare them - with the comfort that them smashing into me causes more damage to their car and I claim off their insurance!!
Jon
Killed anyone yet?
Posted on: 09 November 2008 by HTK
What's a bus? I think I saw one round here last year but I can't be sure.
Posted on: 09 November 2008 by BigH47
quote:quote:
Originally posted by Consciousmess:
Effin' TAIL GATERS!!
That really winds me up.
For that reason I jam my breaks on hard to scare them - with the comfort that them smashing into me causes more damage to their car and I claim off their insurance!!
Jon
Killed anyone yet?
Surely they would have killed them selves? Responsibility to stop is on the following driver I believe?
I am not advocating this line of defense, flash of the brake lights is usually enough, or on a single lane road slowing down can sometimes get the desired effect.
Posted on: 09 November 2008 by Nigel Cavendish
quote:Originally posted by BigH47:
Surely they would have killed them selves? Responsibility to stop is on the following driver I believe?
Picture this: Consciousmess is driving down a main road. He is tailgated and decides to "jam (his) breaks(sic) on hard to scare them". Car behind swerves to avoid the ineveitable collision and crashes into a car coming the other way. Several dead.
So who caused the carnage?
Posted on: 09 November 2008 by 555
Obviously the tail-gating driver for provoking Jon.
Personally I use the "need to clean my rear window" method for tailgaters,
although at high speeds I prefer Biggies "flash of the brake lights".
Personally I use the "need to clean my rear window" method for tailgaters,
although at high speeds I prefer Biggies "flash of the brake lights".
Posted on: 09 November 2008 by Nigel Cavendish
quote:Originally posted by 555:
Obviously the tail-gating driver for provoking Jon.
I would like to think you are being provocative, but I believe you actually do think it would not be Jon's fault. Truly frightening...
Posted on: 09 November 2008 by 555
There, there, Nigel. It'll be O.K. 
Posted on: 09 November 2008 by u5227470736789439
The other day I was being followed off the London Road onto the narraw lane called Fort Royal Hill [single track, just wide enough for a lorry so passing requires backing up] and a Taxi [only driver in it] followed me so close that I lost sight of his headlights. I was in first gear as befits a very tight turn and one in five bank, so I simply stopped, got out, and asked the driver [who had no choice but to stop of course] if there was any reason why he felt the need to drive so close behind me. He had no answer. The first time I have come across a Taxi driver, lost for words.
I did not haul up in emergency style, but simple let off the throttle and touched the brake. No risk to anyone, but tailgaters need to remember that their own risk assessments [of the current raod conditions] will not always be the same as the driver they are following. After all the driver in front needs to account in his speed for the fact that a slower speed is crucial to prevent any impact by the tailgater being less serious!
Tailgaters are a complete menace, and it is always their fault if they crash as a result of their dangerous and aggressive driving. If I find I am being tailgated, I frequently pull over at the first safe place to allow the loon/tailgater to pass. I would rather have such a drive in front where I can more easily observe his dangerous driving and take appropriate action to avoid the greater than usual risk he or she is producing. I usual wave at them as if they were some long lost friend! That seems to effectively defuse their aggression somewhat!
ATB from George
I did not haul up in emergency style, but simple let off the throttle and touched the brake. No risk to anyone, but tailgaters need to remember that their own risk assessments [of the current raod conditions] will not always be the same as the driver they are following. After all the driver in front needs to account in his speed for the fact that a slower speed is crucial to prevent any impact by the tailgater being less serious!
Tailgaters are a complete menace, and it is always their fault if they crash as a result of their dangerous and aggressive driving. If I find I am being tailgated, I frequently pull over at the first safe place to allow the loon/tailgater to pass. I would rather have such a drive in front where I can more easily observe his dangerous driving and take appropriate action to avoid the greater than usual risk he or she is producing. I usual wave at them as if they were some long lost friend! That seems to effectively defuse their aggression somewhat!
ATB from George
Posted on: 09 November 2008 by Tonepub
I had one run into me at an intersection about a year ago...
I saw her coming, but there was traffic in the perpendicular direction, so I couldn't get out of the way. Told my wife "Hang on!" and she ran into us at about 20mph...
The very nice lady got out of the car and said "I didn't even see you there, I was talking on the phone!"
I saw her coming, but there was traffic in the perpendicular direction, so I couldn't get out of the way. Told my wife "Hang on!" and she ran into us at about 20mph...
The very nice lady got out of the car and said "I didn't even see you there, I was talking on the phone!"
Posted on: 09 November 2008 by Consciousmess
quote:The other day I was being followed off the London Road onto the narraw lane called Fort Royal Hill [single track, just wide enough for a lorry so passing requires backing up] and a Taxi [only driver in it] followed me so close that I lost sight of his headlights. I was in first gear as befits a very tight turn and one in five bank, so I simply stopped, got out, and asked the driver [who had no choice but to stop of course] if there was any reason why he felt the need to drive so close behind me. He had no answer. The first time I have come across a Taxi driver, lost for words.
I did not haul up in emergency style, but simple let off the throttle and touched the brake. No risk to anyone, but tailgaters need to remember that their own risk assessments [of the current raod conditions] will not always be the same as the driver they are following. After all the driver in front needs to account in his speed for the fact that a slower speed is crucial to prevent any impact by the tailgater being less serious!
Tailgaters are a complete menace, and it is always their fault if they crash as a result of their dangerous and aggressive driving. If I find I am being tailgated, I frequently pull over at the first safe place to allow the loon/tailgater to pass. I would rather have such a drive in front where I can more easily observe his dangerous driving and take appropriate action to avoid the greater than usual risk he or she is producing. I usual wave at them as if they were some long lost friend! That seems to effectively defuse their aggression somewhat!
ATB from George
That is a very humble and respectful method, George!!
With regard to my method, there have been two recent cases where it worked very effectively. It completely scared this woman tailgating me and she ended up leaving at least 100m gap behind...
The other one (this happened 3 days ago as I was returning a DVD to my local shop. There was a car tail gating me down a new 30 road (it was originally 40 but the council have reduced it to 30 now). I slammed on my brakes here and it had the same effect as the woman prior to this. Of course I was flashed and horn beeped several times....
...unfortunately on this occasion, the tail-gater involved two people and these were big and burly men also returning something to the video store. This was the same place that I was going to, so I was quite anxious when I pulled up to park.
I'm still alive, however, as this text shows!
Regards,
Jon
Posted on: 09 November 2008 by Guido Fawkes
I don't really have any irritating driving habits myself, but I've just been annoyed by another motorist who undertook me and had the audacity to flash his lights at me while so-doing. Yes, I was only doing 35 m.p.h in the middle lane, but it is difficult to change lanes and type this post into my in-car laptop at the same time - some people have no tolerance.
Posted on: 09 November 2008 by QTT
quote:Originally posted by ROTF:
I don't really have any irritating driving habits myself, but I've just been annoyed by another motorist who undertook me and had the audacity to flash his lights at me while so-doing. Yes, I was only doing 35 m.p.h in the middle lane, but it is difficult to change lanes and type this post into my in-car laptop at the same time - some people have no tolerance.
And speaking on the mobile phone at the same time? LOL.
Posted on: 09 November 2008 by Mike7
quote:Originally posted by HTK:
What's a bus? I think I saw one round here last year but I can't be sure.
Apparently they are rather big, very scarce and rarely carry any passengers...
Posted on: 09 November 2008 by Mike7
quote:Originally posted by ROTF: Yes, I was only doing 35 m.p.h in the middle lane
Hmmm..
Posted on: 09 November 2008 by 555
ROTF in charge of his car ...
