Another Traffic Rant - Changing Lanes

sand_man · 06:44 AM

I will do my best to describe this, but as of late, I've encountered a lot more close calls (near rear-end collisions) from other drivers on a couple of our local "high-speed" beltways that circle our city.

Anyway, here goes: What is it with people as they're attempting to change lanes that they seemingly approach the rear of a car faster than they switch lanes???? Such that if I needed to slow my speed or make a sudden stop, they'd plow right into rear corner of my car before finishing their lane change. They account for no likely changes in traffic. Usually speeding beyond what is safe for the given conditions; morning and evening commute traffic! No signal! UGH! It's as if they're driving with reckless abandon, barley touching their brakes! Are they playing in a video game world?

This morning, I nearly lost the passenger door handle of my car as this jackass had two wheels still in my lane as he went by. Near miss! Cars in my lane were slowing due to road debris. I had to slow (not suddenly), and spastic driver had to take evasive action, which almost failed! And then he honks at me! LOL!

Rant over.

Holger · 10-13-2015, 06:33 AM

Most of them are looking at theire crap on the phone!

widgeon13 · 10-13-2015, 06:33 AM

I don't believe there is any good explanation. People (some) are just too much in a hurry and totally inconsiderate and stupid.

recycled sixtie · recycled sixtie's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by widgeon13

I don't believe there is any good explanation. People (some) are just too much in a hurry and totally inconsiderate and stupid.

I agree totally. In addition most of everybody can justify their bad behaviour even if they cause the accident. It is only the law enforcement, punitive damages, higher insurance premiums that impact the perps. That is all they understand . I don't like accidents but do feel safer nowadays driving in a larger vehicle.

bell · bell's Garage

You should come drive i4 in orlando. .......snowbirds, tourists, and locals in a hurry, or slow as dogs, all looking at their phones or playing with the gps......it has turned me into an aggressive driverwho just drives around them. ...

sand_man · 10-13-2015, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bell

You should come drive i4 in orlando. .......snowbirds, tourists, and locals in a hurry, or slow as dogs, all looking at their phones or playing with the gps......it has turned me into an aggressive driverwho just drives around them. ...

Been there done that! I grew up on the Gulf Coast and still have family there. So when we drive down, I am quickly reminded how sketchy it is there. And the very reason I never learned to ride a motorcycle!!! Hell, surviving in a car was enough of a challenge!

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

At least it is illegal for motorcycles to split lanes where you are. Had one clip me a month and a half ago who was going about 40 mph faster then I, on the line between the lanes. Too fast to see him coming, too fast for him to do anything if anyone decides to change lanes. It was truly incredible he was not injured.

I stay as far away from people as possible and figure they are all out to crash into me.

Hugh R · 10-13-2015, 10:20 AM

1 car length for every 10 MPH is what they told me in Driver's Ed in High school 47 years ago.

It drives people nutz in Los Angeles, even though I'm staying with the flow of traffic.

My wife drives on the freeway close enough that you can read the words on the license plate frames. THAT drives me nutz.

sand_man · 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tobra

At least it is illegal for motorcycles to split lanes where you are. Had one clip me a month and a half ago who was going about 40 mph faster then I, on the line between the lanes. Too fast to see him coming, too fast for him to do anything if anyone decides to change lanes. It was truly incredible he was not injured.

I stay as far away from people as possible and figure they are all out to crash into me.

I remember that thread, Tobra! I took the family out to CA for a family trip this past summer, and it's the first time I have ever seen so much lane splitting!!! Some guys were cautious, some were just plain dangerous. Either way, I had to pay particular attention to my mirrors and provide room where I could.

KFC911 · 10-13-2015, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sand_man

I will do my best to describe this, but as of late, I've encountered a lot more close calls (near rear-end collisions) from other drivers on a couple of our local "high-speed" beltways that circle our city.
....

I "know" where you live now

30 years ago, I worked at RTP and there was only one beltway....it sucked then and I couldn't imagine how it is now

sand_man · 10-13-2015, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC911

I "know" where you live now

30 years ago, I worked at RTP and there was only one beltway....it sucked then and I couldn't imagine how it is now

Indeed! That's the place! And it has gotten worse!

aap1966 · aap1966's Garage

A contributing factor is (& Sydney is worse for this) is that when you indicate to change lanes, the driver you're going to slip in front of will accelerate to close the gap because (well, duh) their life will be ruined if they allow someone ahead of them in the traffic.
So, a successful lane change can only be accomplished by an unheralded "sneak attack", when you get across before the other driver has a chance to react.

URY914 · URY914's Garage

I can't stand the a-holes that fly down the right lane even when there is no one in the left lane. When I'm in the center lane and see them coming up I'll move into the right lane to keep them honest.

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

To the OP, sorry for your driving frustrations and near-misses.

At the same time, to a certain degree, I'm glad (and sad) that Los Angeles is not the only place where such driving a s s holishness is displayed.

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by URY914

I can't stand the a-holes that fly down the right lane even when there is no one in the left lane. When I'm in the center lane and see them coming up I'll move into the right lane to keep them honest.

OK, why is that such a huge pet peeve? (Not that I'm guilty of such behavior.) Is it the danger factor of speeding and passing on the right? The lack of etiquette in not reserving passing for the left? There are about 27 other driving issues with which I take offense before I'd list that one.

SilberUrS6 · 10-14-2015, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by URY914

I can't stand the a-holes that fly down the right lane even when there is no one in the left lane. When I'm in the center lane and see them coming up I'll move into the right lane to keep them honest.

Why aren't you in the right lane? Keep right except to pass.

SilberUrS6 · 10-14-2015, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sand_man

I will do my best to describe this, but as of late, I've encountered a lot more close calls (near rear-end collisions) from other drivers on a couple of our local "high-speed" beltways that circle our city.

I know from talking to folks here that they think that turning on your indicator requires that other traffic yield to them. No, I am not kidding. When I tell them its not true, they get all ****ty. I have to bust out the state statute on my smartphone to show them it ain't the case. I get the idea that this mistaken belief is actually widespread.