On the way to work today in p car...

bivenator · 05-14-2010, 05:36 AM

I was doing my usual 40 mph with 3 car lengths in front. A car on my left saw the empty space, I had been in her blind spot for about 15 seconds and felt that she had forgotten that I was there. I was right, she flipped on the blinker and without looking cut into my lane. On the horn quickly and pinned against the curb, I manged to avoid the collision. She (black female) moved back into her lane. As she slowed I went past and motion to my head in the universal "pay attention" sign. We both drove on. After a few more lights we were stopped next to each other when she rolled down her window.
I can't believe what happened next. She apologized, with a big wave and a smile. I called out 'thats ok dear, have a great day"
We both drove of feeling good about our Friday. Be patient with your fellow man, it can sometimes suprise you.
In a totally unrelated story, I pulled up to a stop light next to a blond in a convertible mustang. Took a sideways glance to check out the driver and she was eating a corndog. 8 am corndog sure looked good being devoured by that young lady.
Enjoy your friday, I'm off to a good start.

slakjaw · 05-14-2010, 05:39 AM

Nice!

TGTIW · 05-14-2010, 05:46 AM

That's bull****. I'm putting you on ignore.

Paul_Heery · Paul_Heery's Garage

VINMAN · 05-14-2010, 06:03 AM

slakjaw · 05-14-2010, 06:04 AM

This thread just got even better.

VINMAN · 05-14-2010, 06:15 AM

Z-man · Z-man's Garage

On just two or three occasions,

, I have made the mistake similar to the lady who almost cut you off. As the angered driver passes by, I will show that other universal sign - the 'mea culpa' sign -- hands out, palms up -- and mouth the word "Sorry."

Really helps dispell an angry driver.

-Z

VINMAN · 05-14-2010, 06:23 AM

If I cut somebody off accidently, or do something similar. I always try to apologise if I can.
Although around here , an apology can still earn you a "Jersey salute".

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

Classy!

Z-man · Z-man's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by VINMAN

Although around here , an apology can still earn you a "Jersey salute".

So true. But I'll raise your "Jersey salute" with a "New York gun wave."

-Z

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z-man

So true. But I'll raise your "Jersey salute" with a "New York gun wave."

-Z

There is no waving of guns around here in Texas. That would be "brandishing". We are allowed to shoot you for being rude, though.

Makes Texas nice and friendly!

speeder · speeder's Garage

That's a nice story. It's nice to be reminded that not everyone on the road is an angry, unbalanced nut. When I'm crawling in bumper-to-bumper traffic and realise that I want to change lanes, frequently I will just politely ask the car next to me, "may I go in front of you?"

It's amazing. I've never had anyone tell me to fk-off and forget it. Their demeanor changes from aloof or *tough guy face* to relaxed and they say say, "sure, go ahead". In L.A. traffic. Every imaginable type of person. (From outside appearances).

It just makes life so much more enjoyable when people treat each other OK, especially the countless strangers that we all interact with every day.

LSA · 05-14-2010, 10:49 AM

People in Kalifornia are not the best drivers... and generally act as if it's your fault and for some reason I believe other drivers are out to destroy my pcar I've almost been hit more times than I can count.

This past Wednesday I was crossing an intersection and there's a right turn that merges with a yield across the intersection where I was going so this lady pulls out forgetting or just not knowing what right of way is, I hit the horn and brakes and she stops gives me the most indignant look like I should have waited because I only had a green light and flips me off.... I drive off and just try to forget about her.

Dueller · 05-14-2010, 11:18 AM

When someone lets me into line I always give them a wave to thank them....rarely does anyone do that if I let them in.

DARISC · 05-14-2010, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dueller

When someone lets me into line I always give them a wave to thank them....rarely does anyone do that if I let them in.

I always wave or nod thanks and I always let the other guy in and almost always get waved or nodded thanks.

And I live...IN CALIFORNIA!!!

jorian · 05-14-2010, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dueller

When someone lets me into line I always give them a wave to thank them....rarely does anyone do that if I let them in.

Me too - a wave costs me nothing and makes me feel better. A great return on investment.

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

What, no Pelican macho BS? No "I was going to give her a beat-down..." bravado? Gee you sound like a decent level-headed fellow. How refreshing.

emcon5 · emcon5's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Por_sha911

What, no Pelican macho BS? No "I was going to give her a beat-down..." bravado? Gee you sound like a decent level-headed fellow. How refreshing.

Well, it was his fault:

Quote:

I had been in her blind spot for about 15 seconds

Never should have been there. If there isn't room to get far enough ahead so she can see you, hang back so when they do something stupid they will miss you.

At least you are aware blind spots exist, seems like to a lot of people the "blind spot" is an alien concept.