Dueling drivers

[GeneW]

On the way to work last week I came up on a silver pickup who was hogging the left lane. I came upon him, flashed my lights, but he ignored me, as did a BMW riding alongside of him. Two lanes and a narrow shoulder. Oh well.

I surmise that they were playing games with one another and then this "pipsqueak" comes along demanding that they yield the right of way.

All three of us went along for another four miles, him clogging the left lane, the Beemer dancing in and out as cars in the right lane needed passing, both preventing me from passing and being dicks.

At one point a large truck appeared on the right, the beemer went ahead and our hero pulled up alongside of the truck. I flashed my lights a time or two and tried to exploit holes, but the pickup truck driver closed them just as fast as they opened.

Another lane opened to the left but the Beemer lept into the lane. He did a very sloppy pass and fishtailed a bit. Probably isn't too experienced? Angry? Stoned? Glad I'm not paying their bills.

I took a quick glance, saw an opening, and went to the extreme right lane, checking out everyone for safety's sake and got in and went forward.

I ended up passing both of them. I got ahead of the pickup truck driver and looked in. For someone who was "angry" he didn't seem too preoccupied, not looking at me or anything. I did not recognize him while I was passing.

I went about my business, being satisfied at putting two ass pains behind me.

Several miles down the road the truck driver caught up with me, carefully paced me and then pulled into a business near my own place of employment. Swell, well, that's why I have tools in the car. Better them than me. Yes, I was ready, no I did not want such an event on my employer's property.

There is a point in life where you cannot accept other people's bad behavior, such as someone playing games on the highway and taking umbrage at an Economy Car Driver for not "knowing our place". I didn't go after him, and he left me be. Fair enough.

Turns out the pickup pilot was coming to my place of work, to meet his brother who also works with me. He used to work for us. Nice kid.

I did not know any of this, only that I had successfully put a bully in their place, done it with style, and did not break laws or hurt anyone. A satisfying turn of events.

A week passed by...

This evening the pickup driver's brother, who works with us, asked me what my problem was. Upon being told that his brother had asked after the "Asshole in the blue Yaris" and being told who it was, he realized that he and I used to work together.

Small world, huh? I smiled and waited for the story.

The pickup driver did not "appreciate me trying to take a bite out of his trailer hitch". He added that he and the BMW were "f--ing with me because I was being an asshole".

No kidding? I did not ask what they were doing riding side by side down a two lane highway. I had about twenty seconds to watch them, and they were pacing one another, and it did not look like a normal event. I did not see the BMW driver, perhaps it was a female and our hero was making an acquaintance? Male ego indeed?

I told my colleague that I did not appreciate people bogarting the passing lane. I added that I had no hard feelings about his brother's antics, that I eventually found a hole and got ahead and that to extend my congratulations on holding me back, because "most people cannot do it for long". I smiled while saying it, in a sort of nasty way.

Here's where it gets interesting....

My colleague said, "You need to get a nitrous kit, something, so that you can 'keep up'."

Keep up? I'm not here to keep up and certainly not to race I'm trying to get from here to there.

I then said to the kid, "Did your brother get angry because someone in an economy car wanted him to pull over and let him by?". I smiled and said, "I'm not in this to race, I want to get to work on time. If your brother has a problem with being passed by economy cars maybe he needs to pick up the pace a bit".

My coworker did not comment at first but he smiled a bit in a shy sort of way.

Then he said, "You drive an awfully tiny car, and a pickup truck is really big. You could get hurt".

Well, folks, there it is in black 'n white - why America doesn't like little cars. Little cars translates to little people.

Yeah, and the worst beating I ever had in my life was from a man who stood five five and weighed 120 pounds. I've been stomped a time or two but this guy was just fooling around with me.

Little doesn't mean weak and it sure doesn't mean stupid. Of course it helps when little was the National Judo Champ in his weight class for that year!

I've been taking it down a notch the last week or so after that event. Still, there is no disgrace to me. I was treated like an inferior, and with a slower less powerful car I put two bullies into their places.

It's not the gear, it's the timing, and patience. Just like when that little fellow sent me flying here and there.

Just passed this on in case some of you wonder why these clowns in SUVs and Sports Cars get 'tudes if you try to pass them.

Sometimes I've wanted to borrow or rent something a bit more powerful and try it out on the road. Nahh... I'd get into trouble.

Gene

[jambo101]

Great story on how road rage starts,wonder what would have happened if you never did pass the truck. Odd that two seperate vehicles would come to the same conclusion about your driving to the point where they proceeded to mess with your head,me thinks this situation started long before the truck decided to take up the left lane.
This evening the pickup driver's brother, who works with us, asked me what my problem was. Upon being told that his brother had asked after the "Asshole in the blue Yaris" and being told who it was, he realized that he and I used to work together.
Small world, huh? I smiled and waited for the story.
The pickup driver did not "appreciate me trying to take a bite out of his trailer hitch". He added that he and the BMW were "f--ing with me because I was being an asshole".

[ddongbap]

I like his stories though. So detailed. I know of some people who could have just went..

I passed a truck. Fking asshole. His brother works with me. He wanted to start crap. The end.

[elmo]

Good story Gene,
i hate people that drive slow in the fast lane

[Bob_VT]

I only ask for one thing...... please will people drive the speed limit when available with conditions.

I get pissed when people try to push around the Yaris just because it is small......

[Havana]

Whenever I run into such people who are playing games on the road, I try to just back off and let them go. Idiots like that can get you killed. They're very poor drivers and can't possibly comprehend the potential dangerous consequences of their little games. They're wasting fuel, endangering life and property and for what? To protect what is clearly a fragile ego and to cover feelings of inadequacies. Let them go ahead and play their games. Inevitably, you'll be driving past their wreckage.
As for the Yaris's size, I have one because I like the feel of a small car. I grew up driving classic Beetles and became a minimalist as a result. The Yaris is very much a descendent of the classic Beetle. Everything you need. Nothing you don't. When people ask about it? I reply with comments like How much car does one person need? or This car does absolutely everything that most people need in a car. or I work hard for my money, why would I want to give more than I have to to oil companies? or I'm not trying to impress anyone or compensate for anything. or the simplest of all It was a smart choice.
The one thing that does bug me is when people think I bought a Yaris because it's all I could afford. That's not the case at all and those people competely miss the point.

[eTiMaGo]

The Yaris is very much a descendent of the classic Beetle. Everything you need. Nothing you don't. When people ask about it? I reply with comments like How much car does one person need? or This car does absolutely everything that most people need in a car. or I work hard for my money, why would I want to give more than I have to to oil companies? or I'm not trying to impress anyone or compensate for anything. or the simplest of all It was a smart choice.
The one thing that does bug me is when people think I bought a Yaris because it's all I could afford. That's not the case at all and those people competely miss the point.

:clap: or in two words: Not compensating :biggrin:

[Loren]

Don't take this personally, Gene... but do think about it.

In reading your story, I read the story of not two, but THREE people who were driving like assholes.

In the end, if they had allowed you to pass, you would have gone... what, maybe 5 mph faster for something like 8 miles? At 60 mph, 8 miles takes 8 minutes. Even if they slowed you down to 45, it would have added about 2 minutes to your commute. Is it really worth all that fuss?

You need to know that people don't like to be tailgated or run-up on. I know I don't. I'm not a left lane hog, but I guarantee you that whatever reason I'm in the left lane will take a lot longer and I'll make a really slow lane change if the guy behind me is being a dick.

Have a little empathy for the other driver. If they're inclined to move out of your way, they'll do it without you being a dick. If they're not inclined, no amount of dickishness from a Yaris driver is going to convince them.

And if they're not going to let you by... relax and follow at a safe distance. It's not the end of the world.

This isn't Europe, mistake #1 was flashing your headlights.

[yaris-me]

I disagree, the truck driver should allow people to pass. That is the safest option for everyone.

On a road trip with my son we came across a Corolla pacing an 18 wheeler with a black Mercedes trying to pass. It was a hilly section with two lanes. The Corolla would speed up like he was going to over take the truck, then slow down. Mercedes would speed up, then move to the right lane thinking the Corolla let the truck go ahead. When the Mercedes moved to the right lane my son wanted to move up. I told my son to stay back and let the Mercedes deal with the Corolla, "Let the two assholes fight it out." We stayed five to seven car lengths back while another car showed up and wanted to pass. This went on for over five miles until the truck pulled off. As we passed the Corolla the driver was laughing his ass off. I told my son that there are drivers that get there sport pissing other drivers off.

[Loren]

I disagree, the truck driver should allow people to pass. That is the safest option for everyone.
Absolutely! But, if that doesn't happen, tailgating that truck, weaving in and out "doing battle" with other drivers vying for that passing position is NOT the next best thing.

Always remember Loren's rules of driving:
Rule #1: People are stupid.
Rule #2: Don't Be Stupid!

[ddongbap]

Good story Gene,
i hate people that drive slow in the fast lane

You'd HATE living here in Cali.

[SailDesign]

The one thing that does bug me is when people think I bought a Yaris because it's all I could afford. That's not the case at all and those people competely miss the point.

I don't mind that at all. It was all I could afford in a new car (my first ever, at the age of 52 when I got it). No shame there.
I've had people say "What, no power windows?". The answer is always the same - "If you don't have the energy to wind down your window, you shouldn't be driving." And a hand-cranked window in the rain or snow ALWAYS goes up faster than the electric version. :smile:

[KCALB SIRAY]

I don't mind that at all. It was all I could afford in a new car (my first ever, at the age of 52 when I got it). No shame there.
I've had people say "What, no power windows?". The answer is always the same - "If you don't have the energy to wind down your window, you shouldn't be driving." And a hand-cranked window in the rain or snow ALWAYS goes up faster than the electric version. :smile:

:bow: You're a great American my friend. Who needs power windows?:clap:

[elmo]

You'd HATE living here in Cali.


I visit LA, San Fran, and Sacramento for business every year your right i would probably be in jail if i lived there :wink:

[oilman930]

This isn't Europe, mistake #1 was flashing your headlights.[/QUOTE]

I don't agree with this statement at all. Flashing to pass is the proper technique when coming up to slower cars. Flash to pass is in every drivers education manual that I have ever read. It's not my fault the other driver doesn't know the rules of the road. The US needs better driver education.

[nemelek]

Gene gets into more situations in a month than I do all year. I have driven the past 25 years 17,000 miles/year 425,000 miles with only one ticket and no accidents. Sure there are people that piss me off but safe and defensive driving starts with attitude.

[SailDesign]

The US needs better driver education.

No sh!t.

[Loren]

I don't agree with this statement at all. Flashing to pass is the proper technique when coming up to slower cars. Flash to pass is in every drivers education manual that I have ever read. It's not my fault the other driver doesn't know the rules of the road. The US needs better driver education.

It's not a question of education, it's one of attitude. Most Americans don't see the lights flashing as "oh, I'm in the way of a faster car", they see it as "I'll drive whatever damned speed I want to, why is this asshole in such a hurry, and who does he think he is flashing his lights at me, anyway?".

Better to skip the confrontational attitude and just slide on by them without making a fuss. The alert driver has seen you before you flash your lights and if they're courteous, they're already planning on how to get out of your way. In this age of road rage and highway shootings, is it really wise to do ANYTHING that might piss off another driver? Especially when you're driving the smallest car on the road?

[jinxor]

I agree ^^^

[twowheels]

I don't agree with this statement at all. Flashing to pass is the proper technique when coming up to slower cars. Flash to pass is in every drivers education manual that I have ever read. It's not my fault the other driver doesn't know the rules of the road. The US needs better driver education.

Can you find a citation for that claim? I've never seen such a thing, and IMO flashing just makes you out to be an incosiderate ass. I move over as soon as I see a faster car approaching, but when they jump in the right lane before I can or if they flash, they come across as dangerous idiots. Perhaps you're not an "incosiderate ass" nor a "dangerous idiot", but if your only means of communication is how you're driving don't blame the other drivers for making assumptions.

[oilman930]

I must be showing my age, because I always considered flashing to pass a polite way to get a slower car to move over. When did flashing slide into being an act of aggression?
Drivers ed in the late 1970's and the 1978 Pennsylvania drivers exam book both mentioned flash to pass. As for moving around a car by passing on the right, that move is illegal in Pennsylvania. A lot of drivers do it, and the law is not enforced very strongly, but it is still illegal and a cop will pull you over for if he feels like it.
For what it worth, the smart is the smallest new car sold in the US today. Next comes the Mini (exclude the Mini Clubman), and then come the Yaris Hatchback.

[SailDesign]

I'm going to quote RI General law 31-something. not because I think it's wise, but it is THE LAW in Rhode Island, and is much more offensive than a little flash of the headlights. Plus, I just love this one.

§ 31-15-4 Overtaking on left. – The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions, and special rules stated in this section:
(1) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall give a timely, audible signal and shall pass to the left at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.
(2) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of the front vehicle on the audible signal of the overtaking vehicle shall give way to the right, and shall not increase speed until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.

Personally, I have never tried this in normal driving, but I remain ready to at all times to give "timely, audible" signals to idiots who hog the fast lane. That's what the horn is for, and it's the law.... :biggrin:

[Loren]

Don't y'all get all anal on me. I know there are lots of cars smaller than the Yaris... there are two of them in my garage! (a MINI Cooper and a Triumph Spitfire) But, it fits in the class of "smallest cars on the road". More often than not, when you're driving a Yaris in traffic, you are the smallest car on the road.

[GeneW]

What I did not mention, probably because it did not become apparent until I thought about it for a while, was that my boy in the Truck and the Beemer were riding side by side when I came upon them.

He was not passing the beemer, he was riding alongside of the beemer, for at least a mile. That's not so odd but the combination of them riding in tandem and then ganging up on yours truly is a bit coincidental for two strangers.

I asked the kid's brother if my boy knew the Beemer pilot. He said, "No, they were just getting together to mess with you".

I said to him, "Are you sure about that?". I added, "I saw them go about a mile, side by side".

I then asked the pertinent question, "Are you sure that there wasn't a young lady in the beemer, and your brother was flirting with her, and then all of the sudden I come along and he gets a case of balls? Perhaps two buddies who just watch each other's back and do what comes naturally?"

The kid said, "I don't know".

I said, "Ask your brother, by all means".




I've been dialing it back a bit, which is fortunate because the small town I usually have most of my "incidents" in is suddenly clamping down on speeders. I passed a catch and the Man on the road at 0100 hours. Damn odd time to be catching speeders, but good for drunk patrols.

Don't need a ticket right now.

Gene

[cali yaris]

my boy in the Truck

Condescending. Reveals a deeper and more authentic story.

[ChinoCharles]

We have methods, Gene... ways to make you talk.

17548

[cali yaris]

http://abyss.hubbe.net/jeremiah/gallery/gfx/covers/jtv/lg/ep/s2/201-interrogation-lg.jpg

[GeneW]

Condescending. Reveals a deeper and more authentic story.

He earned my condescension, it's hard but it can be done.

Gene

[Loren]

It's all good. Let's be careful out there.
(bonus points for those who can identify the source of that last sentence)

[cali yaris]

be careful out there.

Last night's American Idol auditions. The contestant said it on his way out after being rejected, and the judges perceived it as a veiled threat.

I'm pretty sure that is not the source you had in mind.

[Loren]

Nope, that's not it.

Hill Street Blues (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081873/quotes). (cop show from the late 70's) They started every show with their morning staff briefing, and the meeting always ended with the sarge saying "Hey, let's be careful out there."

[cleong]

My rule of thumb is not to start anything if I'm not prepared for the outcome(the worst case scenario).

[Pars]

Seems like Gene's always spoiling for a fight and likes to be the underdog. We're going to need to get the A-team to do some work on his Yaris. Low profile tires, TRD springs and a roll-over bar would be a good place to start.

Back when I used to be in a more aggressively tuned car that could cruise at 180km/hr (98 Civic Hatch) I used to come up very fast on the left lane hogs. If i'm in a super rush, I'd only flash them when they're a speck ahead and if they didn't get the message, I'd close-in extremely quickly, right up to their ass, at which point, I'll have the rpm close to the red, incase the car in front goes on the brakes, then I'll back off and see what they're going to do. If they still want to hog the left lane, I'll signal my intention, down shift (usually a couple of gears) and power around them. My attitude in this type of senerio is just buisness, I'm simply trying to manipulate the driver ahead to get out of my way cause I'm in super rush...enough so to rish my licences.

In more mundane situation, when I'm passing in the left lane and getting box'd out, It's hard not to lose your cool. I hate getting box'd out. I have over a million kilometer of driving under my belt and it's still tough to deal with stupidy on the road, when you're simply trying to pass. The only time I didn't get attitude when I was passing, was when I had an old rusted v8 cutlass supreme with 4 barrel carb and an engine that had less then 100,000km on it. That car was freaking fast. So, when that rusted-up and mangled bumper came at you in a flash, everyone was quick to move out of it's way.

[Forrest]

I must be showing my age, because I always considered flashing to pass a polite way to get a slower car to move over. When did flashing slide into being an act of aggression?
Drivers ed in the late 1970's and the 1978 Pennsylvania drivers exam book both mentioned flash to pass. As for moving around a car by passing on the right, that move is illegal in Pennsylvania. A lot of drivers do it, and the law is not enforced very strongly, but it is still illegal and a cop will pull you over for if he feels like it.
For what it worth, the smart is the smallest new car sold in the US today. Next comes the Mini (exclude the Mini Clubman), and then come the Yaris Hatchback.

IN NY, if driving on a two/three lane interstate, passing on the right is legal. However, if is recommended that slower traffic stay to the right.

[andruboz]

let it go. if you are going to be late for work because somebody is doing 53 instead of 60, then you probably should have left the house a little sooner.

The first time he noticed you must have been when you were already tailgating. Your knowledge of Euro etiquette means nothing to many many yankees. headlight flashing in a lot of americano minds means impatience.
[in a whining voice]"UHHHNN. I'm so much more important than you. get out of my waaayyyy.. [/in a whining voice]

better to be cool, like a little fonzy.

If the economy eats hot death, there will be a lot of folks with a whole lot of stress on their plates. Why would you want to give them a reason to blow that stress all over you and your property?

and yes. I did just take the all day traffic school where they spend a half hour on road rage..

[37 in a 25 ]:iono:

[eTiMaGo]

blatant bragging of breaking the law is not quite appreciated here, guys...

[Pars]

Here in Ontario/Canada, I'm positive that the cops (opp) are hating the new Law. Basically, if you're caught going 50km over the speed limit, they take away your car and suspend your license on the spot. Which means, no more revenue!
The new law has done a great job at taming down the aggression on the highway. Which is great, since I'm now focused on fuel consumption and since everyone is doing similar speeds, it's now easier to use the cruise control.

There's a lot to be said about taking it easy. The trip tends to go faster when you're relaxed and enjoying the sites or vegetating in your own world. One way to do this is to find a nice big hole on the highway and lock into a speed where you're not going to be passed by the slow moving trucks.