The ones going south who are running late and want to make a left turn into a parking lot through 2 lanes of northbound cars stopped for a light, while beside them is a long free-flowing northbound right-turn lane with a 45 MPH speed limit.
The problem? As soon as some kind people let the latenik have a gap, she immediately pulls into the free-flowing lane as if she had the right-of-way (as if!!) -- without even looking -- thus causing a serious wreck in each case. I have seen women do this TWICE on the same 1-mile stretch of road in Raleigh, North Carolina. It apparently happens right there about every year. I'm not saying this kind of idiocy is limited to women, just what I personally saw.
So... Did either woman make her last-minute whatever-it-was? HELL NO!
Was it worth it to skip the crucial 5 seconds of pulling slowly forward while listening for the horn of an approaching car? HELL NO!
Would it have been worth waiting 5 or 10 seconds to prevent totalling 4 cars and damaging others? YOU BET!

The guy who leaves 2.5 car lengths of space between himself and the guy in front of him on a 2-lane road at a stop light, causing the line of traffic to back up so far that I am forced to drive on the wrong side of the road to get to the left-turn lane, where there are 2 cars.

akivaj wrote:....Then there are folks who double park in front of open parking spaces, who are standing in the middle of a small parking lot although there are several free spaces they could have parked in but chose not to and you can't either, now...

Here's a solution

Discord wrote:The person that has to constantly cut in and out of traffic when it's obvious that no lanes are faster than any other lanes. And so you keep passing him in traffic and he has to keep being as fast as possible. And then he cuts you off to get in front of you for a few more yards and changes lanes again. And still ends up behind you. And rinse and repeat.

Yes, these are the worst.. but are less annoying and more amusing.

dont forget the "slows to 3 mph before getting into the TURNING LANE" guy

The 2 guys that are driving right next to each other 5 miles under the speed limit, thus holding up an upwards of 30 cars.

That guy who drives slow in the left lane.

earl42install wrote:My guess is that everyone complaining about tailgaters, is in fact a Left Lane Lollygagger, and therefore deserves to have their bumper ridden.

No way. That's not "tailgating," imo, that's "asking you to pass." But I LOATHE tailgaters, especially on a two-lane road in a school zone during school hours. There are frigging signs explaining that you have to, you know, go slower. If you don't want to do so, don't take the road. And don't ride my ass! I have to deal with this every single morning, and there at least a half-dozen wrecks in this school zone every year because some jackass really needs to drive 45 for the .2 miles of school zone that he can't slow down for. Think of the children, jerkface!

ETA: The particular road I'm talking about has "School" in its name. It shouldn't come as a mystery that people are driving 25mph, as posted, at 7:30 in the morning. Seriously, it is NOT the responsibility of the people driving safely and legally to oblige the guy who just really needs those extra 3 seconds that speeding through the school zone would give him.

The bicycle guy who needs an entire lane of the road when there's sidewalk. Or even without sidewalk. Still annoying. It's especially bad when you've only got one lane going in that direction.

nonperson wrote:I agree completely around here none of the cyclists follow the laws of the road. I think they should have to register and get license plates and pay vehicle taxes just like the rest of us that want to use the road.

As a cyclist who is routinely almost hit by drivers, saved solely by very stressful, defensive riding: Burn in Tartarus.

It's easy for people like you to whine about cyclists when you have a airbags and seat-belts to mitigate the mistakes you make while driving with your knees and yacking on your cell-phones with a Big Mac in one hand and the other on the radio tuner.

There is rarely a good excuse for hitting cyclists, especially considering how many of them are children. You're the one operating thousands of pounds of mass; you're the one who needs to be responsible. You may think you're a safe driver; but the dangerous manners are magnified in the view of the cyclist. How dare I assume this? Believe me, I've observed that over 90% of the automobile operators don't know how to drive and endanger the lives of others; I've not observed nearly so much of cyclists, and they are generally only a danger to themselves.

The only reason common people imagine their driving is safe is because they have not been in an accident. This fallacy blatantly disregards probability. If unsafe driving ensured an accident then we wouldn't call them accidents. They're not supposed to happen all the time, and the only reason they do happen is because people drive dangerously enough of the time that probability permits the accident to occur.

the one who regulates his speed to be the last person to cross the intersection before the light turns red.

ajverret wrote:Let's not forget the "I drive slowly all day in the passing lane" guy and the worst sub human of all . . . The F#%€£NG TOUR DE FRANCE OUTFIT WEARING CYCLIST THAT RIDES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD HOLDING UP FIFTY CARS ON A NARROW ROAD GUY!!!!! (Great subject by the way -lots of passion around this subject out there!)

Let me speak carefully here. Absolutely, cyclists are subject to the rules of the road, and more of them should realize it.

On the other hand, every vehicle operator (cyclists included) has the right to use the road. If the only safe way to get through a stretch of road which is unsafe for passing is to ride in the middle, that is what the rider must do. If you don't like it, speak to your roads department about widening the road.

Of course any reasonable rider will pull over to let those cars pass as soon as it's safe.

lbeeston wrote:The bicycle guy who needs an entire lane of the road when there's sidewalk. Or even without sidewalk. Still annoying. It's especially bad when you've only got one lane going in that direction.

Operating a vehicle on the sidewalk, whether it's a bicycle or a car, is illegal.

tiler100 wrote:Awesome!

Folks, if you think tailgating is a problem or epidemic on the highways, it's your own fault. If you knowingly block or slow people down or worse, try to play traffic regulator in any way, it's your fault.

There's nothing more insane than someone who prevents a person from passing them and then complains how closely they keep. YOU PUT THEM THERE YOURSELF!

The only time I get my bumper ridden is in heavy traffic when I can't go faster than everyone or move over to let the people faster than me, pass.

SO TRUE! People seem to thing that if they're going "fast enough" in the fast lane -- then everyone behind them can just f-off. I don't care how fast you're going -- pull to the right when you can and let the person behind you pass! You are more likely to cause an accident with your slow down/stomp the brake games -- than the guy speeding.

tiler100 wrote:I'm requesting cooperation all the way around.

If you can recognize the way to diffuse a dangerous situation and choose not, when it all goes wrong you're just as much at fault irrespective of who gets charged with breaking the law. You being right about driving the legal limit isn't going to undent your car. You could have prevented it yet chose to make a stand for your "correctness."

You speak of rules of the road. One of the "rules" of our roads is slower traffic keep right. This is evidenced by signs on certain stretches of interstate, signs that indicate passing lanes and moreover, Drivers Ed. It's really disingenuous to tout one "road rule" to excuse yourself from obeying another.

Ask yourself why you get tailgated. The answer is the same as to the question, "why won't I move over?"

If you're not in the left hand lane or don't have a way to let slower traffic around, I'm not talking to you. Maintaining defiant your right to cruise in the left hand lane is, in effect, maintaining your desire to have your ass ridden by faster traffic.

I think some of you are merely jealous of the fact that I don't get tailgated and you, yourselves, don't have the gumption to make the better decision to avoid it. Agree with me or not, I don't care. I'm giving you the answer to being tailgated and you're sitting on your "rights." Enjoy your rights as I do not having people sit on my bumper on the interstate.

I am ***SO*** enjoying reading your posts!!!

I remember cruising along in the fast lane in Southern CA (yes passing slower traffic) when I saw a wave of traffic ahead of me hit the brakes even though there was no visible traffic accident or traffic jam up ahead. That usually meant speed trap -- so I slowed down to exactly the speed limit. The proverbial "blonde in the red sports car" behind me caught up to me and then proceeded to climb up my bumper and give me the finger before I could move to the right safely. I happily pulled over into the right lane to let her pass the first chance I got. Shortly after I passed the blonde pulled over on the side of the road getting a ticket. I made sure to wave nicely as I passed. Made my day!

The guy that curses you for cutting in front of him because he can't read a f&^%$#g yield sign. For that matter, anyone who has a conniption aimed at you because he's too stupid to understand the complex concept of traffic laws.

The guy (or gal) that passes me on the way into town, at the last second before two lanes become one. So he(she) can be, uhhh, what?
1 car sooner at the various stoplights ?
Many of these complaints are about impatient people that really gain nothing by their impatience.
I'll say one thing for them:
They're truly living in the moment.

The Krampus that cuts into my following distance. Because, you know, weaving in and out of lanes helps traffic go faster. Especially when the guy that cuts you off and slows down stops all traffic because no one wanted a following distance.

But what do I know, I only end up passing both of those Krampuss by driving logically.

I hate the through the cigarette butt out the window guy

AlexShibata wrote:The guy who tailgates me then when I move over to let him pass he drives the same speed next to me.

Oh, it is so this ^^^^

pooky254 wrote:The guy who leaves 2.5 car lengths of space between himself and the guy in front of him on a 2-lane road at a stop light, causing the line of traffic to back up so far that I am forced to drive on the wrong side of the road to get to the left-turn lane, where there are 2 cars.

Hahahaha been late to school a time or two because of drivers like this. Its just inconsideration plain and simple

the guy who has to drive in the left lane and do either exactly the posted speed limit or below it! THE LEFT IS FOR PASSING, MOVE THE F*** OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As one of those old farts in a big Grand Marquis, I'm one of those people doing the speed limit (or a few over) in the right lane. I come from that era when you learned 'Keep right except to pass'.
I guess they don't teach that anymore.
On the other hand, people that want to go fast in the left lane but can't, are just as happy to tailgate in the right lane.
Then there's those that tailgate even though I am passing, but just not at 80.
If you think you have a god given right to drive 80 all the time, even when there's heavy traffic, you're just in for some disappointment.
I get there just about as quickly, but with a lot less stress.

The I drive on the shoulder because I'm more important than the rest of you guy.

The A$$hole that cuts in rather than waiting their turn to any particular turn off or on ramp. AKA - line-cutter.

Hate those kind of people!

The guy in the Giant RV towing a jeep in the left lane while only going 35mph!

I greatly appreciate anybody who drives faster than I but doesn't place me in peril. God bless you for paying that ticket.

How about the gets up your tailpipe so you get over just to be polite and a good citizen then he gets up far enough to put his bright lights in your rear view mirror and then paces you guy? I hate him.

Basically, behaviors that bother people in general on the road include three things: impeding the general progress of traffic, creating a safety hazard, and minor annoyances. So get there quick, get there safe, and for Christ's sake, you changed lanes a mile back, turn off the flasher.


Regarding bicyclists in the lane rather than on the sidwalk, etc,

mousikos wrote:As a cyclist who is routinely almost hit by drivers, saved solely by very stressful, defensive riding: Burn in Tartarus.

etc etc...

Bicyclists face a number of challenges on the roads, one being the fact that the bicycle in most municipalities is considered a vehicle and is not allowed on the sidewalk. When there is no bicycle lane, they have to be on the vehicle lanes. By my own experience, if you hug the curb on your bike, drivers will typically give you 3" - 6" of clearance when they blow past you at 40mph faster. I learned to grab the center of the lane; they always gave me plenty of room, getting all the way into the other lane to pass. And I have been hit by a vehicle while I was legally using the crosswalk, thank you very much.

Just don't take the bike on the freeway; you deserve what you get if you do. :-P

the woman on her cell phone that doesn't pay attention and acts like she owns the road

Those who don't acknowledge the difference between a 2- 3- and 4-way stop, either stopping when they have the right of way, or ignoring the right of way of others.
Also, the guy who plants a tree right in front of the stop sign, making me a part of group #2.

marlynnp wrote:The guy that doesn't seem to know what 'lane ends merge left' means. And no,twatwaffle, I will not let you in. Sit there and rot.

I'm literally still laughing over "twatwaffle". Thank you!

The guy (gal) talking on the cell phone and turning left in front of you while you sit at the stop. It's like watching an accident happen and you are in it.

the guy who drives slow in the left lane.

The spanish guy who stares at me unwaiveringly until the light turns green. What's so damned interesting over here spanish guy?! Are you trying to read my mind?! He probably can't understand my thoughts cause he doesn't speak english...

hikerjohnd wrote:Ugh! Cyclists who dont obey the rules of the road are the worst! I live in Savannah and there have been several students hit by cars/tour busses lately. I'd like to see anyone over the age of 16 have to have bicycle license to ride on city streets (and keep kids under 16 in parks/neighborhoods or something)

Yeah, they need to stay on the side. I am patient and understanding with bikers who stay as far to the right possible and I am willing to wait for an opportunity to pass but those riding in the middle are not acceptable.

I told my kids to ride on the sidewalk if there is not a wide enough shoulder. My husband says that's illegal but I don't care. I'd rather they were alive. They can carefully leave the sidewalk so as to avoid pedestrians. My oldest son got a gas scooter.. it goes 15mph max. I told him to stay on the far right of the road or get up on the sidewalk. I looked up requirements for scooters and the VDOT said they were allowed on sidewalks.

margatuti wrote:SO TRUE! People seem to thing that if they're going "fast enough" in the fast lane -- then everyone behind them can just f-off. I don't care how fast you're going -- pull to the right when you can and let the person behind you pass! You are more likely to cause an accident with your slow down/stomp the brake games -- than the guy speeding.

My husband does that... it's embarrassing. I don't know what his obsession is with driving in the left lane.

mousikos wrote:As a cyclist who is routinely almost hit by drivers, saved solely by very stressful, defensive riding: Burn in Tartarus.

Bicyclists here and in the Peoples Republic of Boulder ride through stop signs and red lights most times. On several occasions I had the green light or right of way at stop signs, and the bicyclists crossed in front of me, as if they have no rules to obey, and they can do whatever they please. Just last week I was driving down a side street, and I watched an entire family (2 parents and 3 kids) blow right through 3 stop signs, and cars with the right-of-way had to swerve or slam on their brakes. The dad threw up the one finger salute to one of the drivers and rode on. That's not a good way to teach his kids about bicycle etiquette and the rules of the road. So stop hissing and moaning about drivers, as I see bikers making their own rules every day and being nasty about it all! I ride a bike too, but I follow the rules of the road the same as when I'm in my car, since anything can happen at anytime, and I want to be safe as there are dangerous drivers too.

the guy (or gal) who's driving in ground-hugging fog without his/her lights on. Seem to think that just because they can see the road right in front of their vehicle, everybody else can see them. This is especially bad when you're trying to turn a corner and suddenly this large dark form looms up in front of you. Can you say t-bone?

The cell-phone-using-chilling zephyrs and the run-the-red-light-chilling zephyrs.

The Andretti who zips between lanes going 10-15mph faster than everyone else (who are usually already speeding), constantly cutting people off and often coming within inches of clipping me.

Also, people who flash their brights at me for the heinous crime of going the speed limit in the left lane of a four-lane highway with heavy traffic where every exit is a cloverleaf and cops are always looking to bust people for doing 60 in a 55 zone. Fellas, I'm through traffic, if it was six-lane like it ought to be I'd be in the middle lane but until then we've all just got to deal with it.