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The making of a new drivers handbook.
The making of a new drivers handbook. I tend to be a fairly patient person these days. Maybe I've just gotten older, and mellowed. Maybe I've gotten better at ignoring things that bother me, and don't let things I can't change frustrate my day. The one glaring hole to this is driving. I'm by no means a road rager. I don't yell and scream at people. When i get the brake checkers or the tailgaters, my response is always the same. I just smile, and keep on driving. Ok, sometimes I wave at them, just to show them they haven't had the desired effect of pissing me off. And to be honest, cause I know it bugs the hell out of them. But some drivers do frustrate me, and I have been known to "talk" to them, like they can hear me. I like to think of it as encouraging them!! Like the one who almost stops on a busy road, to turn into a parking lot. I'll encourage him with a, "That's it. You can do it. Just turn the wheel,now hit the gas pedal". I'm sure if they could hear me, they'd thank me for the words of support. I have, over the years, come to "classify" some of the drivers. Those which, in my eyes, have a deficiency in skills. I could be wrong, it happens more than I like, but it is just my opinion on what I observe. Here's some of my classifications. The Narcissist. This is the driver, that believes all that matters is them. That everyone else on the road is inconsequential. All that matters is that he get from point A, to point B. You can spot this driver usually in the left hand lane on the highway, going slower than everyone else. He had room to move over multiple times, but why? If you don't like the way he's driving, go around. Even after 15 cars have had to pass him on the right, he's still there in the left lane. Why move over and let the others on past? You would think he'd notice this, but honestly, I don't think he's even thought about it. After all, it really is just all about him, right? The Phone Operator. Even though it is illegal to talk on the phone while your driving around here, that doesn't stop this rogue. He's usually the one doing 10 miles under the speed limit up in front of you. You can't figure out why, till you move over to pass him, and see the phone stuck to his head. Now maybe. Just maybe, he can be excused. It's possible that some people have a direct link to a phone pressed against their ear, that affects the amount of pressure one can exert with the right foot. I'm not a doctor, and haven't actually researched this. But I also don't know for sure it's not a real malady. But somethings made them slow down. I would hate to think they can't maintain a speed and talk at the same time. The Last Minute Lane Changer. This one has multiple characteristics. It can be like one I saw today, who almost hit me and two other cars. He's in a two lane exit coming off the high way, when at the last minute decides, nope. Jerks across the lanes of the exit, into the right hand lane of the highway. But hey, he had inches to spare, so it's all good. Or the one who ignores the right lane closed signs for the last mile, thinking I'll just wait and move over at the last minute. Even though everyone else moved over, we all wait as he, or at times they, fit in at the last minute. These are just some of my names for different types of drivers. I'm sure I'm missing many. I'd be willing to bet there are some that might have a name for me. I can think of a couple of times people yelling something at me while I was driving. I just couldn't hear, cause my stereo is usually blaring out some music. I just smile and wave. People are so friendly. Are you a patient driver? If you fit one of my "characteristics", I'd say I'm sorry, but I try to be honest. Is there a type you'd like to add? Maybe we'll write a new drivers handbook with the idea's. " I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx |
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I could, and probably should, categorize myself as the, Constant Speeder The description is easy. Always at least 10 miles over the speed limit. " I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx
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You've been to this city? Wow That pretty much nails it. Of course, you might have included the F1 driver who thinks the roads should be made clear so that he can get it up 100 mph between lights. 😬 I'm pretty chill... until I'm not and then I have to repeat the mantra... "No Matter What, This Is Better Than The Bus.." .(so shut up Paul...)... Works..a bit! 🚯🚱🚷 That plus a sound system that scares the traffic out of my way! 🔊 ... is there another way to look at it Going Too Fucking Far NEW Blog Features RevealeD O O A Foolproof Method Posted Over on that NEW site O O
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Great blog and I totally agree with you here, I am guilty of talking smack to drivers that annoy me as well. The one that really gets on my last nerve as it did my grandfather too is those damn drivers THAT WAIT TIL THEY GET WHERE THEY ARE TURNING AND TURN ON THEIR DAMN TURN SIGNAL : !!!! These people I just want to smack them so badly as the rules of the road are is you have to turn on your signal 100 yards before your turning. I always let people behind me know when I am turning and not at the last damn minute!! Thanks for the great read as it was so spot on, and I hope the rest of your day is a good one..
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I couldn't help but laugh at this - because your experience in daily driving is the total opposite of mine - and I rarely encounter the things you mention until I am driving in a "Big City". And then, I just take "meathead drivers" for granted. Here, where it takes no more than 10 minutes to get from one end of town to the other, the busiest streets have 2 lanes going each way, and the biggest issue is people constantly switching lanes, to gain 1 second on you before the next traffic light. The majority of the bad drivers are teenagers, but that may be because they get their jollies from "cruising" the 2 main drags in town. The longest "drag" in town is the major highway that goes through the middle of it, and from one end to the other, I think there are only 4 stoplights. And, driving around here - in the boonies, I get all excited when you actually find 2 lanes, side by side, because the ONLY reason for that is to create a "passing lane". I have to drive almost 4 hours to hit my 1st freeway, approaching Coeur d'Alene Idaho, or 5 hours, if I go NorthEast, to Calgary, Alberta. Other than that, the driving around here, both in town and out, is "easy peasy". Even if you do hit heavy traffic, as you approach some of the mountain resort towns, it is usually always coming towards ME, from Alberta to BC. Check out my profile or and become a "watcher" of my blog FMAOPLS,to learn more about me, and for intelligent, lively, smartassy and fun discussion, with a little irreverence thrown in. "Like" or comment on my photos, and I promise I'll add more. Thanks.
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You've been to this city? Wow That pretty much nails it. Of course, you might have included the F1 driver who thinks the roads should be made clear so that he can get it up 100 mph between lights. 😬 I'm pretty chill... until I'm not and then I have to repeat the mantra... "No Matter What, This Is Better Than The Bus.." .(so shut up Paul...)... Works..a bit! 🚯🚱🚷 That plus a sound system that scares the traffic out of my way! 🔊 I like the F1 driver characterization have to put that in the manual. I'm usually driving fast, but not like the constant lane changing, speeding up, slamming on the brakes, trying to use the aerodynamics of the car in front of you to whip the car in front of you kind of guy. Just to get to the next light, 1/2 a mile up the road. " I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx
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I wonder if all of us who comment on other people's driving could pass our driving tests if we had to do it again. I have to go to driver training for work sometimes in simulator some times on a track, skid school etc. When we first started having to do this I can tell you I realized I was not the savvy driver I thought I was, I had developed some bad habits. By the way that was me who almost stopped turning into the parking lot... sorry, politely waves
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I could, and probably should, categorize myself as the, Constant Speeder The description is easy. Always at least 10 miles over the speed limit. I've found I can characterize most drivers by the car they're in. Prius drivers are going to be slow in every move they make so they're easy to get around or pass. Mini van drivers generally are similar - but aren't paying attention to the road. When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.
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Great blog and I totally agree with you here, I am guilty of talking smack to drivers that annoy me as well. The one that really gets on my last nerve as it did my grandfather too is those damn drivers THAT WAIT TIL THEY GET WHERE THEY ARE TURNING AND TURN ON THEIR DAMN TURN SIGNAL : !!!! These people I just want to smack them so badly as the rules of the road are is you have to turn on your signal 100 yards before your turning. I always let people behind me know when I am turning and not at the last damn minute!! Thanks for the great read as it was so spot on, and I hope the rest of your day is a good one.. Oh, hell yeah the blinker thing is just silly. I mean if you're waiting till the last second anyway, why not just join the ones that never use the blinker in the first place. You're not helping anyone. LOL " I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx
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I couldn't help but laugh at this - because your experience in daily driving is the total opposite of mine - and I rarely encounter the things you mention until I am driving in a "Big City". And then, I just take "meathead drivers" for granted. Here, where it takes no more than 10 minutes to get from one end of town to the other, the busiest streets have 2 lanes going each way, and the biggest issue is people constantly switching lanes, to gain 1 second on you before the next traffic light. The majority of the bad drivers are teenagers, but that may be because they get their jollies from "cruising" the 2 main drags in town. The longest "drag" in town is the major highway that goes through the middle of it, and from one end to the other, I think there are only 4 stoplights. And, driving around here - in the boonies, I get all excited when you actually find 2 lanes, side by side, because the ONLY reason for that is to create a "passing lane". I have to drive almost 4 hours to hit my 1st freeway, approaching Coeur d'Alene Idaho, or 5 hours, if I go NorthEast, to Calgary, Alberta. Other than that, the driving around here, both in town and out, is "easy peasy". Even if you do hit heavy traffic, as you approach some of the mountain resort towns, it is usually always coming towards ME, from Alberta to BC. " I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx
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I wonder if all of us who comment on other people's driving could pass our driving tests if we had to do it again. I have to go to driver training for work sometimes in simulator some times on a track, skid school etc. When we first started having to do this I can tell you I realized I was not the savvy driver I thought I was, I had developed some bad habits. By the way that was me who almost stopped turning into the parking lot... sorry, politely waves So that was you turning in? I hope my words of encouragement helped. " I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx
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I always loved Carlin...and his Seven Dirty Words is a classic. LOL It's hard to think of yourself as a king of the road, when you're little hot rod is sandwiched between two semi's. LOL " I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx
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Yeah, I would be the Constant Speedertoo. If I'm not at least 5 - 10 over the limit I'm too slow. I've found I can characterize most drivers by the car they're in. Prius drivers are going to be slow in every move they make so they're easy to get around or pass. Mini van drivers generally are similar - but aren't paying attention to the road. " I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx
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I have NOT become more patient as I aged. Driving in Dublin is a nightmare...our roads are like car parks at times....most of the time. Around 20 years ago someone in power put in an order for traffic lights and I am certain they got the decimal point in the wrong place.....as a result there are traffic lights everywhere and they aren't in sync. I think my grandkids learned their frst swear words from being in the car with me!! ~~Anais Nin~~
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Now there's some great input. I bet you see it all. Actually, I've noticed the trying to get around the "student driver" car. I always wonder if they just think the student has no idea how to drive at all, and may just randomly crash into them. LOL. " I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx
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I have NOT become more patient as I aged. Driving in Dublin is a nightmare...our roads are like car parks at times....most of the time. Around 20 years ago someone in power put in an order for traffic lights and I am certain they got the decimal point in the wrong place.....as a result there are traffic lights everywhere and they aren't in sync. I think my grandkids learned their frst swear words from being in the car with me!! I'm sorry to say my youngest daughter, has picked up on my habits in the truck. She talks to them too. " I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx
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So it's certainly an international thing. LOL You ought to try driving in Mexico. We don't go down there much anymore, well because the chances of getting shot have went way up lately But we used to go to the border towns quite often. It's some of the craziest driving I've ever seen . hahaha " I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx
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Young Man, I thought I was the only one" to talk to them" knowing they are oblivious to my existence.. CAUTION we do this with out thought and on a microsecond notice, I was picking up a 7 year old from school the other day and he says "Pawpaw, lets go to the store and get me some ice-cream" so with out second thought , to the store a mile away, and in the process of pulling into the store a lady reading her phone almost hits me and with out thought I called her ever name in the book, out loud, real loud!! My grandson's eyes got as big as saucers, he did not say anything but I am sure it was a learning experience. So I am trying to contain my self behind the wheel.. Stop by at lonlyforlove2 also see Lunch with Lonly , we get snow tomorrow Check my blog on New Community, "A photo of my big Pecker" also, " My Sunday afternoon with the kids'
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Young Man, I thought I was the only one" to talk to them" knowing they are oblivious to my existence.. CAUTION we do this with out thought and on a microsecond notice, I was picking up a 7 year old from school the other day and he says "Pawpaw, lets go to the store and get me some ice-cream" so with out second thought , to the store a mile away, and in the process of pulling into the store a lady reading her phone almost hits me and with out thought I called her ever name in the book, out loud, real loud!! My grandson's eyes got as big as saucers, he did not say anything but I am sure it was a learning experience. So I am trying to contain my self behind the wheel.. " I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx
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LOL...that's some funny stuff right there. Midgets. Bwahahaha. You just keep on rocking dude. " I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx
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Had to laugh again, at your daughter's description of her rush hour. I used to get off work at 5, and if I waited 1 or 2 minutes, I could miss the "rush minute". The only place it is busy at the end of a workday, is in the checkout line at WalMart. Check out my profile or and become a "watcher" of my blog FMAOPLS,to learn more about me, and for intelligent, lively, smartassy and fun discussion, with a little irreverence thrown in. "Like" or comment on my photos, and I promise I'll add more. Thanks.
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My pet driving peeve would be Weaver Birds the people who weave in and out of traffic, without using a signal that they're changing lanes. Evidently, there's a prize for getting to stop light first - not that I've ever seen it. I'm very nice to all the clowns on the road but only because my horn doesn't work! Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation bangs on the door forever!
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Had to laugh again, at your daughter's description of her rush hour. I used to get off work at 5, and if I waited 1 or 2 minutes, I could miss the "rush minute". The only place it is busy at the end of a workday, is in the checkout line at WalMart. " I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx
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My pet driving peeve would be Weaver Birds the people who weave in and out of traffic, without using a signal that they're changing lanes. Evidently, there's a prize for getting to stop light first - not that I've ever seen it. I'm very nice to all the clowns on the road but only because my horn doesn't work! I don't know why they even waste the time and money putting turn signals on vehicles these days. Most of the population never uses them anyway. If you think about it, hauling ass to get to the light is counter productive. Now you're sitting at the light for longer than the rest of us. We catch up to you, just in time for it to turn green. " I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx
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I knew I wasn't the only one who thinks about things like this Around here, there's a stretch of I-295 that I drive pretty much every single day. I've declared Thursday to be "asshole day" on that road. For some reason, Thursdays are just fricking awful. People are more rude and ignorant than another other day of the week! The one category you missed were the non-yielders. Yknow, those people who don't know what that big red YIELD sign means, especially when they come off an exit ramp. Pardon me if I don't move over for you--you're not that special! And learn to use a turn signal for fuck's sake. You'll probably never burn the bulb out in the short time you'll own your vehicle before you trade it for something shinier. Tractor trailers? Give em a break. They can't stop on a dime, and they're not going 0 to 60 in 10 seconds either. They're big and ungainly and sometimes a pain in the ass, but if they weren't on the road, you wouldn't have most of the shit you have, including that car you're driving. Obnoxious 4wheelers FAR outnumber the obnoxious 18wheelers, so think twice before you do something stupid around a big truck. Most of them are just trying to do their job and get home safe. One last group -- the blue light gawkers. These are the drivers who feel like they HAVE to slow down to 5 miles an hour whenever they see flashing lights on the side of the road. #1 --- the cop is busy.... he's not leaving what he's doing to come after you, unless you're doing something REALLY fucking stupid when you pass him. #2--the rule is slow down and move over when you see flashing lights on the side of the road. Slow down, not drop to crippled turtle speed just so you can tie up traffic and see what happened. This fucks up everybody behind you and makes it even more dangerous. If it's THAT good of an accident, it'll be on the news later that night. Go ahead, squeeze in front of me when you shouldn't. You'll get the chance to hear my horn, and see my finger. And I'm not waving btw ......
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I knew I wasn't the only one who thinks about things like this Around here, there's a stretch of I-295 that I drive pretty much every single day. I've declared Thursday to be "asshole day" on that road. For some reason, Thursdays are just fricking awful. People are more rude and ignorant than another other day of the week! The one category you missed were the non-yielders. Yknow, those people who don't know what that big red YIELD sign means, especially when they come off an exit ramp. Pardon me if I don't move over for you--you're not that special! And learn to use a turn signal for fuck's sake. You'll probably never burn the bulb out in the short time you'll own your vehicle before you trade it for something shinier. Tractor trailers? Give em a break. They can't stop on a dime, and they're not going 0 to 60 in 10 seconds either. They're big and ungainly and sometimes a pain in the ass, but if they weren't on the road, you wouldn't have most of the shit you have, including that car you're driving. Obnoxious 4wheelers FAR outnumber the obnoxious 18wheelers, so think twice before you do something stupid around a big truck. Most of them are just trying to do their job and get home safe. One last group -- the blue light gawkers. These are the drivers who feel like they HAVE to slow down to 5 miles an hour whenever they see flashing lights on the side of the road. #1 --- the cop is busy.... he's not leaving what he's doing to come after you, unless you're doing something REALLY fucking stupid when you pass him. #2--the rule is slow down and move over when you see flashing lights on the side of the road. Slow down, not drop to crippled turtle speed just so you can tie up traffic and see what happened. This fucks up everybody behind you and makes it even more dangerous. If it's THAT good of an accident, it'll be on the news later that night. Go ahead, squeeze in front of me when you shouldn't. You'll get the chance to hear my horn, and see my finger. And I'm not waving btw ...... The Non Yielders....good one that i missed completely. and The Gawkers. I agree on the second one completely. Just cause you see a wreck on the other side of the highway, doesn't mean you have to slow down and cause a wreck on this side. Good additions, thanks. " I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx
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