Driving habits

[mranderson]

What driving habits do you see that drive you nuts?

For me.

1. Slowys (drivers that crawl. Do about five over. Mr. po-po is not going to pull you over)

2. Double lane changes. These nuts that scoot across more than one lane at a time.

3. Guess what. That little stick on the left side of your steering wheel is a turn signal... Use it.

4. Tail gaters.

5. People that think a yellow light means stomp on accelarator. It means try to stop.

6. People that flap their lips on a cellular while the vehicle is in motion.

7. People that do not understand what an acceleration ramp is.

There are others.

[Lauri101]

People who don't turn off the turn signal
People who hug the right lane on a 3-4 lane interstate, thus not allowing the folks entering the highway to merge
Lane straddlers - make up your mind!

[Midtowner]

People who wait until the last possible second to merge when there's a closed lane ahead. This is why traffic is so slow in those areas.

Lauri, this is one time I think it's appropriate to 'straddle' lanes -- if you can keep these folks from flying by and then jamming up the area where the lanes merge, then you're doing your part to ensure a smoother flow of traffic.

[Luke]

People who wait until the last possible second to merge when there's a closed lane ahead. This is why traffic is so slow in those areas.

Lauri, this is one time I think it's appropriate to 'straddle' lanes -- if you can keep these folks from flying by and then jamming up the area where the lanes merge, then you're doing your part to ensure a smoother flow of traffic.

I agree to some extent.

But it's happened to me where there was a stretch of clear road a mile before the merge and it was a standstill in the other lane. I mean, come on...

[Midtowner]

I agree to some extent.

But it's happened to me where there was a stretch of clear road a mile before the merge and it was a standstill in the other lane. I mean, come on...

If everyone would just merge not at the last minute, things would flow more smoothly. I believe that it's now a fineable offense to wait til the last minute to merge, so I guess the powers that be agree with me.

Not sure I'm happy that I'm on the same side as our state legislators, but there it is.

[Lauri101]

People who wait until the last possible second to merge when there's a closed lane ahead. This is why traffic is so slow in those areas.

Lauri, this is one time I think it's appropriate to 'straddle' lanes -- if you can keep these folks from flying by and then jamming up the area where the lanes merge, then you're doing your part to ensure a smoother flow of traffic.

Agree, Midtowner - I've done it myself. I was talking about the driver who straddles for miles, usually because they are preoccupied with other non-driving tasks such as makeup application, phone conversations or eating!

I almost forgot another irritation - I call it platooning. When two slow cars are side by side, thus blocking any flow of traffic for those of us who dare to go 5 miles over the limit!

[GodsComedian]

Drivers that are habitual red light runners. All day long, as I am driving my route, it never ceases to amaze me at the countless numbers of drivers who run red lights.

Age makes no difference. I have seen young drivers as well as the elderly running red lights. They think they are being slick and sneaky, however, one of these days they will be the one that the fire department has to cut out from a mangled car.

BTW, if I am in a construction zone, and the other lane is getting ready to end, I will not allow a driver from the other lane to get in front of me. They have had plenty of time to merge, so they can wait just like I had to do. I will gladly watch them hit a barrier, instead of letting them in front of me.

[sweetdaisy]

LOL, Godscomedian! I do the same thing in merging traffic. It's horrible, but I get soooo tired of people thinking they have the right to dive in front of my at the last minute.

I also get ticked about the running of red lights...the most recent one I saw was great, though. Mr. Motorcycle Policeman was there to witness and ticket as soon as it happened.

Another peeve of mine...people who speed in residential areas...not talking going 30 in 25, but 40. When I'm out walking the dog in the dark in the mornings, I have to be really careful in my neighborhood, b/c people just fly through the area. Maybe I'll start egging their cars.

[ChristianConservative]

For me, it's anyone the breaks the law. People that tail gate. People that speed. People that think they can drive 65 mph when it's snowing, hailing, or raining hard outside. People that refuse to use turn signals. People that speed through construction zones. People that speed period.

[MadMonk]

Similar to Lauri101's "platooning", (great name BTW) people who don't realize or refuse to follow the rule of "slower traffic keep right" on the Interstates.

[Easy180]

Hell a commute home just wouldn't be the same w/o blocking the cars zipping down south on the I-40 E exit and trying to get back on I-44 at the last second

As for driving habits...The worst drivers out there are guys who are pissed they have to drive minivans and try and make it as sporty as possible...Makes them feel a little better putting the pedal to the metal in that 4 cylinder Odyssey

[mranderson]

Another is the "kah-thump, kah-thump" of these VERY loud stereos in these cars with these hidiuous spinners. That music (if you insist on calling that) is so loud it hurts my ears. We need a VERY strict noise ordinance against that.

As a passer-by said to Albert Brooks' character in "Defending Your Life," "Do we ALL have to hear that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?"

[Keith]

Another is the "kah-thump, kah-thump" of these VERY loud stereos in these cars with these hidiuous spinners. That music (if you insist on calling that) is so loud it hurts my ears. We need a VERY strict noise ordinance against that.

As a passer-by said to Albert Brooks' character in "Defending Your Life," "Do we ALL have to hear that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?"

Actually, there is an ordinance against loud music coming from cars. The thing is, though, the police have to catch the vehicle playing the loud music, or it's your word against theirs.

Here is the interesting part. The other day, I was sitting at a red light at 44th and Western. Two cars ahead of me was a police car. In the left hand lane, sitting next to the police car was a vehicle with it's music blaring. Nothing was done, probably because the officer had his window up and he was talking on his cell phone. He was oblivious to his surroundings. Yeah, that's enforcement.

Changing gears.....How about when the speed limit is 40 mph, and there is traffic in both lanes...and both vehicles are going 30 mph. UUgghhh.

People that tailgate? I just tap on my brakes, and watch them slam on theirs.

I am not the confrontational type, however, I do remember a time when this guy rode my tail on a city street. He finally went around me, and we both caught the red light, side by side. I looked over at him, and he looked at me. He rolled his window down and asked me if I had a problem. I simply stated to him that I always wondered what stupid looked like...and now I know. Just about that time, the light turned green, I turned right and he went straight. I'm sure he turned up ahead and tried to hunt me down, but I never saw him again. Yep, that was a rather crazy and dangerous thing for me to do.

[ChristianConservative]

People that think they can break the speed limit in the left lane.

[Deni]

Haha I always lane straddle on I-35 now that it is so messed up. I mean come on you have known that for months months months years they have been working on that interstate. It also says merge about 3 miles before you have to. Well I am the one in the white car blocking your rude butt. But all I can say is have a happy DAY

[Keith]

Haha I always lane straddle on I-35 now that it is so messed up. I mean come on you have known that for months months months years they have been working on that interstate. It also says merge about 3 miles before you have to. Well I am the one in the white car blocking your rude butt. But all I can say is have a happy DAY

You got that right......and smile :tweeted: when you tell them to have a Happy Day. They ain't gettin' in front of me....or behind me.

[Deni]

I like the little sign I carry in my car for road idiots. Adnd trust me it gets plenty of action. It says, "Awwwwwww. <a few words>. I bet you screamed that at me also"

[mranderson]

Here is a couple that REALLY bugs me.

I was driving on 240, then 44 with intentions of exiting to 40 on my way to the Kilpatrick. Some shmoe decides to go 80 behind me (I was doing my usual 65). This idiot could have passed me, but did not. I could not safely change lanes and get back over. So, I lightly tapped my brakes. He would not slow down. I then tapped a bit harder. No go. Then I slowed down to 50 with intentions on this guy passing. Again, no go. When he finally got the message and passed, here is this center finger sticking out at me.

Granted. You own the freeway. So do I. However, that does not give you the right to force me into going 80. SLOW DOWN! Then pass the person.

Then. As I was leaving Wal-Mart, this idiot woman decides she wants to stop traffic while I walked to my car, placed my bags inside, put my cart in the designated area, got inside, turned on my satellite radio and then pulled out. That took over five minutes. She could have found the closest spot and done this remarkable thing God gave us the ability to do... Walk. She would have been inside the building with her cart, shopping ALL before I pulled out of that slot.

[aintaokie]

When I have some yo yo at wally world waiting on me and backing up traffic. I remember that I forgot something and then walk back inside the store. It's fun to observe the temper tantrums of these nuts. If it's a mother with children or senior citizen, I vacate the space immediately.

[6string79]

hahaha I'm so guilty of waiting til the last minute to merge into my lane. It buys me like 10 mins during the morning traffic! That's just how I roll I guess...

[Deni]

well 6string79 what kinda car ya drive so we can show you just how much we "love" people that do what you do.... I mean come on NO RAGE or anything but give the rest of us a break. We are heading to work also just like you are. If you need to drive like that leave earlier.

[6string79]

Oh come on, Hot cuts. Where's the love?

[Deni]

Will show you the love once you tell me what kinda car you drive and be a last minute merger...lmao ... Just kidding (kinda) I will hold up my sign for ya tho....

LOL

[6string79]

haha I don't think you have to worry about me, Hot Cuts. =) Unless you take the Broadway extension heading south...hehe I still got love for everybody. Depending on the weather, I may be driving a different car. Now what is my incentive for telling you the car I drive? I don't want foreign objects thrown in my direction. lol

[Deni]

Now do I look like a mean person that would throw things at you besides the one finger salute??? come on give me some credit...lol