I get no respect!

[JetfireK]

Midsize autos, trucks, etc. They see me and they just pull out in the front of me, causing me to slam on my brakes.

Do they not know that yes I am small (intentionally) but a lot of damage and loss of life (including theirs) could occur.

Therefore, I have to feel very sorry for the Smart Car owners who must live a nightmare on the highways..

Do any of you have the No Respect problem?

[chrisj]

I get LOADS of no respect when driving my Toyo RV that has a governor preventing it from going more than 50 mph.

[BailOut]

I've found that on my 2-lane commute, no matter what speed I go in my Yaris I tend to get tailgated and "postured" at. However, when I drive a pickup truck on the same commute, even if I go a few MPH below the speed limit everyone gives me some space.

I find it sadly funny how people equate their vehicle - which they didn't design, source materials for, build nor even likely maintain on their own - with their ego, and how they feel a need to project that false ego on the roadways that we must all share.

[SimTronik]

when i got no respect on the road, i look at the driver with my best smile and a thumb up. Hehehe But i learned to take my place but yes sometimes i do have to put my ego out of the equation.

[DebbyM46227]

Around here there are a lot of men with good ol' boy redneck attitudes that drive large American-made pick-up trucks and hate anything Japanese. I learned when to antagonize them and when to back-off when I drove my Honda CRX in the late 80's. It's not much different now. I back off when they threaten me.

And yes, they try to follow me too close - but I think part of that is it only looks like they are closer, due to having no trunk. I hate that.

I don't drive this car aggressively because it's new and I don't want it wrecked. When it gets older, I tend to drive a little more "spirited" and I don't let people get away with anything.

[chrisj]

I hate the people who zoom around you, only to get stopped at the same red light as you do, but of course they are 10 feet ahead. Another thing I find funny is when vehicles zoom past, knowing there is a red light right up ahead. Let them waste gas, I say. I'll pass them at the gas station.

[JetfireK]

I get LOADS of no respect when driving my Toyo RV that has a governor preventing it from going more than 50 mph.

May I ask why you have a governor on your auto? Just wondering....

[JetfireK]

Around here there are a lot of men with good ol' boy redneck attitudes that drive large American-made pick-up trucks and hate anything Japanese. I learned when to antagonize them and when to back-off when I drove my Honda CRX in the late 80's. It's not much different now. I back off when they threaten me.

And yes, they try to follow me too close - but I think part of that is it only looks like they are closer, due to having no trunk. I hate that.

I don't drive this car aggressively because it's new and I don't want it wrecked. When it gets older, I tend to drive a little more "spirited" and I don't let people get away with anything.

Hi Deb....Treat your car when older the same as you do while its spanking new. Your car is stylish and will not fade into oblivion as the years change. Keep it waxed and the windows clean ....Yaris is so much fun...I sold my SC430 the convertible Lexus and got my Yaris...I wish I had known from the "get go" that I loved Yaris....would have saved a few bucks...thanks for replying....I now kinow...there are others who also GET NO RESPECT...

[marcus]

i remember a big cube truck tried to sideswipe me on the highway coz he thought i intentionally cut him off... very dangerous stunt..

[DebbyM46227]

Hi Deb....Treat your car when older the same as you do while its spanking new. Your car is stylish and will not fade into oblivion as the years change. Keep it waxed and the windows clean ..

That's what I plan on doing, Jetfire, I love my Yaris so much more than the Cavalier I traded in to get it. I hated that Cavalier as soon as the new car smell faded.

[wooverstone8]

When I drive my Yaris I get treated like Rodney Dangerfield.

[chrisj]

May I ask why you have a governor on your auto? Just wondering....

Well, it's an RV, and really, really top heavy. I assume there is a governor on the thing as it will not go over 50 even with the pedal to the floor. Was like that when I got it. Look at the pic to see what I am talking about as far as top heavy goes! :eek:

[fnkngrv]

I've found that on my 2-lane commute, no matter what speed I go in my Yaris I tend to get tailgated and "postured" at. However, when I drive a pickup truck on the same commute, even if I go a few MPH below the speed limit everyone gives me some space.

One of the biggest reasons for this IMO is that people know if you crash into a truck and you are in a car you WILL become squashed and the truck might, just might get a paint scratch on their bumper. It all has to do with the fact that trucks are just built rugged bottom line.

As for the respect thing I was actually run into the median grass area while moving down the Memphis back in 08. If I hadn't literally dripped from 5th to 2nd....yes that is right 2nd I would have died. Sure I hit the rev limiter however it gave me enough power to get past the end of the guard rail so that I didn't flip over it. I can say as well that if I had been in an A/T version I don't feel confident that I would have been able to do the same maneuver. This occurred almost in front of a hidden TN Statie. He took chase and I do not know of the outcome. I only know that the truck made sure he pulled off on the next exit.

The horn suggestion is a great one. Toyota might as well have not even put a horn in with how pathetic it is. I plan on getting a premium horn for sure once I get settled in AL. I plan on doing what the one dude did which was buy a premium horn from a Camry or Avalon from a junkyard.

[detroiter]

I get no respect because I'm driving a Toyota in Detroit lol

[fnkngrv]

BTW, take a look at my avatar....I have that as a vinyl sticker on my rear window. I say that the SUV was one of the worst inventions. It isn't just because of the piss poor gas mileage. They can come out with tech that will allow SUVs to get 40mpg. That still doesn't fix the problem of how they create massive blind spots on the roadways, in parking lots, etc.

[tomato]

When I drive my Yaris I get treated like Rodney Dangerfield.

+ 1. Did not happen when I drove the B/F 's huuuuuuuuuuge diesel but I soon as I got back to my car, then it started again.

I had the same problem in the CRX but not as much.

You just have to be twice as aware on the freeway for @ssholes d*che bags who don't know how to share the roads :rolleyes:

[swidd]

How to get respect in Yaris: keep it shiny and waxed. Shave your head so you look buff. Wear clothing that show off your biceps and shredded abs. Keep a shotgun visible in the rear window. Drive aggressively, run red lights, roll over the line and rev while waiting. Also shake the neighborhood with your subwoofer.

[RedRide]

just because you are small you have to assert yourself on the road, doing it safely and using your head. and first thing to do is take your ego out of the equation (ie dont look at it as a loss of respect ) and get a dual tone horn , the OEM one is just dinky. There is a way of driving safely and still make sure others will respect the rules.

I agree.
When I fist got my Yaris and was driving a bit slowly etc to get used to it for a few days, I did get cut off frequently.
However, when I started driving normally which for me is slightly agressive (in a safety-oriented way), all the disrespect stopped for the most part.

Installing better horns took care of things in that respect. :smile:

[SimTronik]

Around here there are a lot of men with good ol' boy redneck attitudes that drive large American-made pick-up trucks and hate anything Japanese. I learned when to antagonize them and when to back-off when I drove my Honda CRX in the late 80's. It's not much different now. I back off when they threaten me.

And yes, they try to follow me too close - but I think part of that is it only looks like they are closer, due to having no trunk. I hate that.

I don't drive this car aggressively because it's new and I don't want it wrecked. When it gets older, I tend to drive a little more "spirited" and I don't let people get away with anything.

This is so Gran Torino movie lol.

[why?]

Just drive slower. I've had a few people try and tailgate me, and I slow down. Or I brake check them. That is fun, I did that to a motorcycle who was literally 2" off my rear bumper, that was funny.

If you want people to stop get a bumper sticker that says you have a gun in the car. People will not be stupid to you at all.

[nemelek]

A few have mentioned getting more respect while driving a truck or SUV. I have found that this is not alwasy true. Especially while pullling a trailer. Keeping a longer stopping distance between myself the in front of me, people take advantage of that all the time.

[KCALB SIRAY]

http://www.joecasaletto.com/images/jokepages/rodney/RodneyHoverNormal.gif

[chrisj]

The worst vehicles are those ginormous SUVs like the Excursion and Suburban and now the Sequoia. Ridiculous height on those things, but they say women love the height and being up above traffic. From our car we are level with their bumpers.

Oh, and BTW, I have everyone beat for getting no respect. Due to my inability to walk well, we have a handicap PLATE on the back of our car. Not a hang tag...a plate. Talk about having targets on your back!

[p123456789]

Just drive slower. I've had a few people try and tailgate me, and I slow down. Or I brake check them. That is fun, I did that to a motorcycle who was literally 2" off my rear bumper, that was funny.

If you want people to stop get a bumper sticker that says you have a gun in the car. People will not be stupid to you at all.

If the guy on the motorcycle had rearended you when you brake checked him and someone witnessed it you would be at fault and get a huge ticket. I know exactly what you mean by people on motorcycles thinking they are invisble and following you too close and halfway in the other lane like almost beside you but its not worth it just slow down and they will pass you.

[detroiter]

^^

And you wouldn't get the ticket because the person behind you shouldn't be that close in the first place. Here in Michigan, 10 out of 10 times the person who rear ends the other, is the one at fault and takes the hit.

[krolos]

Lots of Rednecks around here, ya alot of them like to tailgate you
because you drive small car, they think your are a communist or
something.
After the last gas crunch when gas prices fell there has been an
unbelievable increase in full size pick ups jacked up and oversize tires
there are more Tonka Toys on the road now than back in the day
when gas was a buck a gallon, everyday seems more and more.
Well it wont last the Rednecks around here are to poor to
keep that up when gas goes up again this time for real
no dropping back down again, supply and demand Think China.
If it safe to do so I just pull over and let the small dicks pass me.

[chrisj]

The thing that makes me forget all those idiots with their Escalades is when I pass by them as they fill that behemouth up with gas. Now THAT is satisfaction. Believe me, they will be crying one day, just as we saw all those Hummers on car lots by the dozens when gas got up so high. People have such short memories, but not me. That's the whole reason I bought the Yaris...to head off the inevitable rise in gas prices again...and to save money while I wait for it. ;)

[tomato]

How to get respect in Yaris: keep it shiny and waxed. Shave your head so you look buff. Wear clothing that show off your biceps and shredded abs. Keep a shotgun visible in the rear window. Drive aggressively, run red lights, roll over the line and rev while waiting. Also shake the neighborhood with your subwoofer.

hahahaha :headbang::bow::clap:

However, in my neighborhood, all of the above might just get you arrested! :eek::eek::biggrin:

[ddongbap]

Respect is earned. Go jack-knife some of those semis, and see what kinda respect you'll gain.

[Astroman]

The no respect started immediately on my first drive home, from a guy in a chevy pickup. Since it's been lowered with stripes, wheels, and the hood it's gotten better, but only mildly.

I'm half tempted to pull the horn off my '71 Galaxie500. Now that gets respect!

[chrisj]

Any way we can hook up an air horn like big rigs use? I think it would be cool to startle someone with that sucker. Especially out of a tiny Yari.

[firemachine69]

I rarely get tailgated.


But then again, I rarely severely impede traffic, or drive like a jack-ass.


Just sayin'...

[SilverBack]

Wow this thread takes me back to: http://yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12701

The best way to acknowledge your presence and get respect is by being just a little more passive-aggressive than any SUV driving bully as needed (as long as you're only doing it defensively though). Also helps if you're wearing jet-black shades and shooting a dirty stare when they act stupid.

[coheed]

Guys it doesn't matter what you drive, people wont respect you. I drive tractor trailers anywhere from 20k to 90,000lbs and actually got cutoff in them more then I do my car.

[Zaphod]

I've found that on my 2-lane commute, no matter what speed I go in my Yaris I tend to get tailgated and "postured" at. However, when I drive a pickup truck on the same commute, even if I go a few MPH below the speed limit everyone gives me some space.

I find it sadly funny how people equate their vehicle - which they didn't design, source materials for, build nor even likely maintain on their own - with their ego, and how they feel a need to project that false ego on the roadways that we must all share.

:clap: :thumbup:

I just simply couldn't have said it better myself.

I've actually found things to go far smoother in the Yaris than in the TJ. I think that at least part of the reason is that the Jeep was just taller and blocked people's view of traffic in front of them, so when it slowed down they'd get frustrated with what's happening directly in front of them. This is especially true in a traffic jam, and I couldn't really blame them.

I find the same to be true with the motorcycle, except that people tend to look through it. :eyebulge:

I would never tap my brakes on the Yaris as I'd never offer someone a chance to dent or scratch my baby.

My most favorite trick for tailgaters is to hit the turns on ramps as fast as I can which typically gains me just enough distance, downshift just before the tightest part of the turn for some quick engine braking, coast with the clutch through the worst of it, and the hit the gas on the way out.

For those who are more focused on your brake lights then the road they're driving through, they don't realize they have to slow down until it's too late. :evil:

[2007yariz]

I hate the people who zoom around you, only to get stopped at the same red light as you do, but of course they are 10 feet ahead. Another thing I find funny is when vehicles zoom past, knowing there is a red light right up ahead. Let them waste gas, I say. I'll pass them at the gas station.

+1000000

I always wonder why would drivers rush to a redlight? Sometimes I laugh when i leave them in the dust, because the light turned green and i don't have to start from 0mph... Who is in the front now! lol

I drive a sedan and i rarely get tailgated, most people just switch lanes. Actually the Yaris sedan is bigger than a 02 Corolla.

[krolos]

Maybe put some NRA stickers and one of those Confederate sticker
on the rear, that might get us some respect from the local Tonka Toy
driving Rednecks:laughabove:
and maybe some of those deer hunting stickers to:biggrin:

[frownonfun]

i don't see much of a difference between when i drive my tundra and when i drive my yaris as far as respect. seems like people just don't give a shit what you drive around here. they are gonna cut you off, pull out in front of you, and tailgate no matter what you are in.

The only time other people's driving really seems worse is when i'm on my 125cc scooter. But i think that's just because all those things people normally do to you are amplified when you are on 2 wheels. but one thing i do notice being very different is when i pass people on my scooter people suddenly find their accelerator pedal and make it a point to speed up so that they are going faster then me. lol. that makes me laugh.

[Al_]

It might have a bit to do with how you drive, a friend of mine complains that people are always cutting them off and I know why as well, whenever they drive they seem to just sit in the blind spot of other cars for extended periods of time.
If you want to overtake someone then overtake them if not then leave them space to fit infront of you, simple enough. I know you might not be at fault if they do merge into you but it's not worth the hassle.

Tailgaters are generally harder to deal with but if you are in the overtaking lane then just move over and let them go, if not then just slow down a bit and they will overtake in their own time. Don't brake check them for all you know they might me a serial killer looking for an excuse, or just as easily they could be rushing to get to a hospital before their loved one passes away. If your feeling a bit cheeky then you can turn on your windscreen washers and watch as they do the same a few seconds later.


If you are really that worried about how other people drive on the roads then quit your job and join the police because then you could actually make a difference by pulling them over and giving them a ticket or a caution.

[toy_toronto]

Midsize autos, trucks, etc. They see me and they just pull out in the front of me, causing me to slam on my brakes.

Do they not know that yes I am small (intentionally) but a lot of damage and loss of life (including theirs) could occur.

Therefore, I have to feel very sorry for the Smart Car owners who must live a nightmare on the highways..

Do any of you have the No Respect problem?

You're not alone.. i can't explain it either but there is a *huge* difference between driving my tiny yaris vs. driving our 2nd vehicle (honda odyssey minivan).

.

[Freedan]

If your feeling a bit cheeky then you can turn on your windscreen washers and watch as they do the same a few seconds later.


I have to try that!! :eek:

[Idahotom]

Well, it's an RV, and really, really top heavy. I assume there is a governor on the thing as it will not go over 50 even with the pedal to the floor. Was like that when I got it. Look at the pic to see what I am talking about as far as top heavy goes! :eek:

The camper IS the governor! A lot of drag, nice rig none the less.

[slothman86]

If someone tails you too close (on a highway situation) and you are in the slow lane, just slow down. No one wants to go the minimum speed for any period of time. I usually keep a sign in the car that says 40 MPG for such instances...

[SaToX]

in my old golf i had, i broke off the little washer nozzle for the back window so it sprayed straight out. sitting still in the driveway it could spray a solid stream about 10 feet, and of course on the highway it would make a mess of the front of their car when they were tailgatting.