If my math is correct, I've driven well over 800K miles in my life, most as a sales representative in a large rural territory.
Luckily, I've caused no accidents, and all I've been involved in have been someone else's fault (like the guy who ran a red light and hit me). But, I have witnessed some crazy things, and my drive to and from work each day is the most frustrating part of my day (even with a 2 and 4 year-old at home).
I admit to being a more aggressive driver than most. I tend to believe the speed limit is the lowest speed to go in most situations, but I don't speed excessively. I always use my turn signal. I never sit in the left hand lane. I always let faster drivers pass and try to let people into traffic when possible.
But, I see so many people do the craziest things, I don't understand it. It seems most people are seriously unaware of the rules of the road and most of what's going on around them. Am I the only one who's noticed this?
Do you believe yourself to be a good driver? Why or why not?
Thank you to everyone who responded. I appreciate your thoughts, but I'm not sure why some people have to make personal attacks.
I had to learn to be an aggressive driver growing-up outside of Washington, D.C. regarded as one of the most congested cities. Now, living in the Midwest, most people who live in the Indianapolis area are never taught to drive on interstates. They're generally from small towns and have little access to congested traffic.
We are the land of the Round-a-bout here. Few people understand how to use them and what yielding means, in general.
If you see someone wanting to pass you, let them. If you prefer to go more slowly, great. No one here admitted to driving wrecklessly, but almost all of us admitted to a few mph over the speed limit. The police in our local area won't even ticket in residential areas unless people are going 40 mph - that is wreckless.
I get the finger a lot!! I drive the speed limit or just below around town. I have never been one to drive fast. I know I drive people nuts!! I drive the speed limit on the highway. I really never go over it. I really get people mad because they do ride up my butt a lot or honking or giving me the middle finger! I just blow them a kiss !
I became a better driver when I found out I was pregnant... I was a good driver before...am a little more cautious now
Geez, I consider those who are always pushing to get there faster and are frustrated with other drivers, as a part of the problem. My daughter, who drives the same streets that I drive, was always yelling at the "crazy" other drivers. I hated riding with her because of her anger. She also said she was just frustrated.
I'm a retired police officer and as a result of spending years on patrol, I tend to drive a bit slower and enjoy being observant of what is around me. My daughter mostly drives even when we take my car because she gets frustrated with my less aggressive driving.
She turned 30 on Saturday and I've noticed that she's calmed down some while driving. She said she finally realized that getting upset over the way other people drive isn't worth it in terms of her own mental health. She also expressed concern for the way she was being a role model for her children.
You cannot change the way other people drive. So, you have to decide how you want to spend your time. If noticing and getting frustrated about other drivers is the way you want to live, then go for it. Just know that it's you with the high blood pressure and short fuse. lol The other drivers don't care how you feel.
Which is the crux of the problem. We've lost caring for other people that the sense of community gave us. It's everyone for himself in our dog eat dog world. I choose to live differently. I choose to understand or at least accept that not everyone has the ability to drive faster and be safe. I know that many drivers do not obey the rules of the road but I know that they are in the minority. I also know that some people, perhaps you're one of them, are aware of every rule and wants them followed precisely. Only traffic cops care about that. And mostly they care because citing someone gives their state income. Even at tha, they mostly only cite those who have done something that is dangerous to themselves and other drivers.
My daughter is frustrated often by drivers who "cut in front of her." Huh? Those same drivers change lanes in front of me and I don't feel "cut off." Apparently she thinks they should go another half block before they change lanes or as she says they should pull in behind her. Again, huh? They are usually going faster than she is and she's going the acceptable 5 miles over the speed limit or even more. My guess is that this is all a part of her wanting to be in control. Could that be part of your frustration?
It is true, that usually the police do have an allowance of -5 or + 5 when they're enforcing the speed limit. It's not an actual allowable speed. The 5mph difference is to allow for differences in the calibration of speedometers. Which means if the police are monitoring a specific section of road, often called a speed trap by citizens, that you may get stopped.
So, I'll add, that most often that section has been chosen because of traffic difficulties usually related to safety. They are frequently chosen as a result of several calls from citizens who have complaints which you're registering here. I know that you aren't complaining about speed traps. I'm just throwing this in because listening to people complain about speed traps is a minor frustration for me. lol
I know I'm not a good driver but I haven't had an accident or gotten a ticket in awhile. And I've rear ended cars a couple of times because they stopped suddenly and I was thinking of something else. I was far enough behind to stop but my reaction time was slow. I can't say it's my age because I also rear ended cars a couple of times when I was in my 30's. Three of those 4 times included sand on the road. I didn't think to include the increasing distance it takes to stop when the road is "slippery" with sand.
I wonder if those who get so frustrated at other drivers miss the nuances in road surfaces that cause accidents. Or are unaware of the reality of the bad driver pulling out in front of them at a stop light and thus be more cautious while going thru the intersection. One of my accidents as a police officer involved a woman who "blew" a red light. She was going slow enough I thought she was stopping. She didn't and neither did I. Who would think that even a senior citizen would not see a marked patrol car? lol
Life is like that. We're all different and it really shows in our driving. I say, love everyone, accept their nuances, and have a pleasant and safe drive.
LATER: Another post reminded me of a problem I've been working on eliminating from my life. I tend to ascribe meaning to another person for what they did. For example, "she didn't talk to me because she didn't want to. She could've at least said hello." Later I discovered that she was so focused on something that she didn't even see me. That sort of thing.
Similar to the comment about speeding up 10 mph just to tick me off. I'm sometimes that person. I do it without thinking because seeing the other person start to pass me makes me realize I'm going too slow and I reflexively speed up. I now try to wait until they pass but I still sometimes get the finger or brake lights from the driver who is now in front of me. I did not speed up to tick anyone off. I sped up because I realized I was driving too slow.
Why can't we just assume the best instead of focusing on the worst? Each and every one of us is doing the best that we can do with what is happening at the time. Life is just too short to waste time and energy on strangers' behavior. I'd rather arrive at my destination calm, ready to finish what I left the house to do. I have a friend who goes on and on about other people's choices with which she doesn't agree to the point that it sometimes spoils our visits. Bad drivers is one of her topics.
I am a great driver!! haha. Not many people will say that, but i will! I was a passenger with my newborn son 7 years ago and we were involved in a horrendous car accident. Spent 2 months in the hospital with my baby on life support. I didn't drive for a year.
Now, I have my two boys and another on the way and all this road rage and speeding is just not important to me. If I can I will always let you in in front of me. I don't speed at all. The LIMIT is the LIMIT. That's as fast as I go. So, you can imagine that I am in the right lane a lot! lol I always use my turn signal, I never text, I have a hands-free phone. I never want to be in another accident in my LIFE....so I will do everything in my power to control my driving and hope to God that everyone else is too.
L.
I feel that I am a good driver. Since I had kids, I'm afraid to go more than 5 mph over the speed limit. Like you, I always signal, never sit in the left lane, allow other drives into the traffic lane when possible, etc. I refuse to have my cell phone anywhere near accessible when I'm driving. I feel as though that is the number one cause of accidents. I actually lost my MIL & BIL in a head-on collision this way over 2 yrs ago due to the other driver texting while driving. I'd always been paranoid about cell phones and driving and that just sealed the deal for me. I always have kids with me when I go anywhere and they are my number one priority. I don't want to do something stupid that would cause them a lifetime physical/mental injury or worse.
D.,
I think things have gotten worse over the 40+ years that I have been driving. The road rage has definitely increased. When I first started driving, the truckers were usually the best drivers. Now they scare me to death. And people are definitely more distracted. They apply makeup, read, change cds, look at or progam their gps, talk on the phone, and text! It's a wonder there aren't more accidents.
I try to always say a prayer to be a safe and courteous driver before I get on the road, in addition to the things you mentioned.
Victoria
Updated
D.,
I think things have gotten worse over the 40+ years that I have been driving. The road rage has definitely increased. When I first started driving, the truckers were usually the best drivers. Now they scare me to death. And people are definitely more distracted. They apply makeup, read, change cds, look at or progam their gps, talk on the phone, and text! It's a wonder there aren't more accidents.
I try to always say a prayer to be a safe and courteous driver before I get on the road, in addition to the things you mentioned.
Victoria
kinda doesn't answer your question, but i live in a touristy place and i saw some idiot driving down a 4 lane road full of traffic with the passenger holding the door open.
I feel I am a good and safe driver. I do not get into all the road rage although I have witnessed it, and it scared the he** out of me. I always use my turn signals, usually only go about 2 or 3 miles over the speed limit, and I let people in front of me all the time. With three girls in the car it is not worth the risk to me.
right! Im with you on this one! I am completely confident in my own driving skills (although Im not a very aggressive driver)... it's the OTHER crazies on the road you have to watch out for! I haven't even been able to drive since I moved to Texas because of all the psychotic drivers I see! (back home we had a much more "mellow" road system...) What scares me is when you see people driving recklessly with KIDS in the car! We were in a wreck about 1 year ago that completely totaled 4 cars, caused by a mother who was going 55 in a 40, talking on her cell phone, and ran the light. (she hit the car going through the light, bounced into our lane (we were turning left) and caused us to bounce off her into the car that stopped for the light) Her 4 week old baby was in the backseat on the drivers side, and the poor little girl had cuts ALL OVER her face from the plastic handle that broke... our impact point was EXACTLY where the carseat was... I thank god that we were turning, so it was more of a glancing blow instead of a full-force hit...
Also, a co-worker's daughter was in a wreck that killed 2 children, broke her (the daughter's) arm, 2 ribs, and her collarbone, and put another girl in intensive care for 3 weeks... They were in their day-care's van (went to a pumpkin patch for Halloween) when a truck ran the stop sign and t-boned them... same situation, the man was talking on his cell phone, speeding, and ran the sign with his daughter and wife in the car. (his daughter was in a car seat, but not strapped in right and was one of the children who died...) It breaks my heart... Honestly, is it worth risking your life and the life of your own (and other's) children JUST to get where you are going a little faster??? (D., that comment wasn't aimed at you... I will go +5 once in a while too...) If you HAVE to be on the phone, get a hands free or pull over... I don't care how good you THINK you are, if you are on the phone you ARE distracted.
So - I am like you, go a little faster than speed limit, but get over to let faster drivers by, I let people in when there is room, I even get over a lane when I see a semi driver wanting to turn...... and everyday, I run into an idiot....I keep telling myself I need to blog about it, I would have a new topic everyday. Example - the off ramp I take everyday to work has 3 lanes, middle lane turns left and right. Sometimes, if the light is changing and the right lane is full, I will go in middle lane to turn right. There is a painted line that shows where each lane goes, but the right hand laners always seem to venture over to middle lane after turning without looking.... I've almost been hit quite a few times and then of course I get the finger when I didn't do anything wrong. I hate to say it, but I sometimes hope that someone will hit me so I can point out how stupid they are and get my car all fixed up.... just one of my daily urks..... I also hate it when people don't use their turn signal, they are in the car for a reason - HELLO!! I've actually gotten into the habit that if they turn beside me, I roll down my window and shout - your turn signal's broken...hoping it clues them in that they are IDIOTS!! Wow - you got me started...I could go on and on.... but I have a job to get back to =).... one more thing - I also yell at people who throw their cigarette buds on the ground...do people now a days not realize that is LITTERING!! AHHHH... you are not alone! -I think people should have to re-take the drivers test every 5-10 years...cause people forget what the rules are.....
Most times I wonder did they get their liscenses over the internet. What gets me crazy is the cell phones. Everyone could use a free hands thing and they just talk with phone in hand, full on distracted and oblivious to stop signs, red lights and pedestrians. Just yesterday I was on a two way street waiting at the red light. A car in the other lane coming towards me was driving towards their red light. She was obviously texting and out of no where she does this huge swerve and nearly goes up on side walk yet there was nothing in her way. I think she thought she saw something out of the corner of her eye while texting and swerved to avoid whatever she thought she saw. She was fully embarrased becasue all the cars and people on sidewalk were looking at her like she was nuts. Last year on the expressway a woman tapped my car becasue she was putting on mascara, at 65 mph!!! How many times do I see people turn almost completly around in their driver seats to yell at the kids in the back? I've always been a good driver, learned in NYC so if I never got hit by a cab I'm considered good. Once I had my son I became more cautious but still a good driver. I feel that most people feel road rules, like speed limit, turns, signal lights and the rest are an option not a law. I feel you.
I believe myself to be a really good driver...but then again I had the chance to grow up around car guys ...kinda hard to NOT be a good driver.
But I pretty much can NOT stand most people on the roads these days. NO one, and I mean NO ONE is considerate anymore. All too busy worry about themselves instead of paying attention to the world around them.
People do some crazy stuff for sure! I do believe that the speed limit is just that, the limit, + or - 5. There really is no reason to go any faster, and it endangers everyone on the road, and lowers a drivers chance of surviving a crash significantly. It can also endanger others if one is going to slow, causing others to hit brakes, ect... If there is more than one lane than the furthest left lane should be for those going +5, and the furthest right for those going the limit up to -5. I honestly believe that the biggest danger on the roads is the fact that everyone seems to be in such a damn hurry, they change in and out of lanes, have no patience, and thus endanger the lives of those around them. If everyone would just chill out and realize that they will get there, so not to stress if they have to go 55, or even 52, in a 55, they will still get to where they are going, and it will only be 2 or 3 minutes later than they would at 60 or 65!
Before I had kids, I would say I drove more aggressively. Then, when my oldest was only a toddler, I was driving in my subdivision. There was a driver on my butt, big and bad. I was trying to slow down and pull over to the right a little bit so that he could get past me. I was right at my driveway, so I thought, "GO! Get past me!!" He was obviously in a huge hurry, or so I thought. I gave a little honk as he passed me to show that I was not pleased with his driving. I pulled into my garage and was walking around the van to get my son out. I see this man walking up my driveway to confront me!!! WTH?! He said something about me not using a turn signal, to which I replied that he woulnd't have seen it anyway, since he was so far up my a**. I then told him to get off my property and I went inside as quickly as I could. I was so shocked by this man's behavior that I never got too upset after that. Oh, I will still yell at someone in my head or mutter under my breath, but it's not worth it. People are stupid and will snap at just about anything these days!
That being said, YES!!!!!!!!! People are absolutely clueless when they drive. I will not text and drive. If my son is with me (who is now 11), I have him text for me. If he's not with me, I wait until I get to my destination. Or, I will make a call, but I keep it short. I know that's not the same as abstaining, but sometimes I feel it's necessary. Or, I'll pull over if it's safe. If I had to commute and watch what people do in their vehicles while driving, I'd be shocked, I'm sure. Just as there are many crazy, no-regard-for-safety- drivers, there are just as many no-clue drivers. Sure, I get that YOU are not in a hurry, and that's fine. But, if I go to pass you, DON'T speed up 10 mph just to tick me off. It's the teens I worry about the most......God help us all when our kids start driving......
I think the worst thing anyone can do is rush to get around "slow" drivers. I hate getting the finger because I'm in the left lane and going 2-3 miles over the speed limit I only go a few miles over to try and make the pushy people behind me happy. I have to get off to the LEFT to get home when I go to the store. I DESPISE the stupid left lane is faster rule. There are legitimate reasons to be in the left lane. For one thing, I try and stay as far away from all other drivers as I can and it's not uncommon for an exit from a highway to be on the left as I said before.
What drives me crazy is when someone speeds around me but we end up at the same red light with them in front of me. We are still both sitting at the same light and their need for speed isn't getting them anywhere faster. What if the idiots cause an accident and I'm unable to avoid them and one of my kids dies because they are being rediculous?
I DO understand road rage to a degree. Every single time I see someone weaving in and out of traffic I can't help but wish they could drive off the side of the road and hit a tree...just so long as they don't take anyone with them. They may as well be murderers because it's just a matter of time before they take someone out.
I find it odd that you are admitting to be a speeding fool and yet you are criticising others driving.
What the heck is this world coming to? My husband was stopped by a cop recently for going THE SPEED LIMIT. This cop told my husband that he was spending too much time in the left lane going the speed limit and that he was going to cause someone to act out of road rage. Seriously? Why do we have speed limits at all if even the cops expect us to go faster?
A lot of people do not deserve to have drivers licenses.
people are crazy! I was grocery shopping with my husband and son and we were turning into the store (it is at an intercection and we had the green light) and this guy can out of nowhere and sped through the red light (it hadnt been green for almost 5 minutes so it wasnt even like he was one of those idiots who try to make the light at the last minute) we almost hit him. and at the bottom of the hill at the store there is a stop sign (it is a plaza with a mcdonalds on the right and a bunch of store straight ahead the people coming out of mcdonalds and the plaza have to stop) but people never stop and the people who are entering the plaza obviously dont have to stop I cant tell you how many people have almost ran into us because they expect us to stop when they have the stop sign not us. Then they honk at us like its our fault! but my pet peeve is people who switch lanes without a turn signel
