rbart Report post Posted November 14, 2009 Maybe I am the only one who notices this but: it seems that other drivers are extremely intolerant of efficient and defensive drivers. I haven't really changed my driving habits after buying a hybrid. I traded in a Mini Cooper with a manual transmission and I was in the habit of coasting to red lights and of not rabbit starting etc - not only to save gas but also my brakes. In my neighborhood and on my work commute, as well, I know the timing of many of the red lights. I notice, though, that other drivers will tailgate coming to the red lights and sometimes go around only to then slam on their brakes to make the stop. The other day, I had a Hummer on my rear and it decided to go around me at the last minute and then to cut in front of me right before the stop. The Hummer then rabbit-started and we began a pattern that lasted about 4 miles - that the Hummer would quickly accelerate only to stop at the next red light, where I would then come coasting in behind just about the time the light was turning green. For the four miles we followed the same route, I never had to come to a complete stop - my hybrid gave me a mileage reading at the end of the trip (8 miles total) of 51mpg. I also never rabbit-start but I will accelerate evenly and then maintain about 5mph over the posted speed limit - unless it is residential where I will keep to the speed limit. I notice most drivers in my area are generally 10mph or more over the speed limits - thus, I get some irate folks on my tail. So do you other Hybrid owners notice the same? I thought I could just be extra-sensitive to the driving habits of others since I am conscience of my own driving habits. What do you think? Regards, ps - I saw a Dodge Ram commercial the other day where the truck is speaking and says "I will never coast to a stop" - which I guess means the alternative: "I will keep my foot on the gas until I have to slam on the brakes." 1 Wade Burtch reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xmech2k Report post Posted November 14, 2009 LOL! It's not just you hybrid drivers. I drive my 4cyl SE that way, and my Grand Cherokee before it, so I don't waste more fuel or $ than necessary. Hey, we're trying to save gas, too. In my case, I just couldn't justify the extra $10K for a hybrid. I'm still waiting for something a little better. It's amazing how many people feel the need to race to the next red light, go around you to fill the HUGE space (the normal space for a safe distance between cars) in between you and the car you are following, and race you up the on ramp to be the first to reach the stop and go traffic... Ever seen Repo Man? I sometimes have to agree with the short guy:"Driving makes you stupid." I see all the stupid crap out there, and it really makes me think when it comes to people's intelligence in general, the cup is half empty. 1 Wade Burtch reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FtLewis2002 Report post Posted November 14, 2009 The following drivers piss me off: The lady who is the first in line at a signal and decides to dig in her purse 5 seconds before the light turns green. there is nothing you could possibly NEED that's in your purse while DRIVING. The person who is driving 10mph under the posted speed limit when the weather is nice, yakking on their cell phone. The person who gets in their car, shuts the door, buckles up, then pulls out their cell phone and dials it before backing up. The person who doesn't use their turn signals. The person who makes a turn and goes into the other lane, preventing people also waiting to turn from being able to do so. The person who swings out before making a turn like they are driving a tractor-trailer combo. The person whi refuses to make a turn into traffic because a car is coming, even though it's 1/2 mile away. The person who turns on a green arrow, but turns so slow that only the car behind it can possibly make it through the same light. The person who pulls out into the middle of the intersection to turn left and then changes their mind about turning when the light turns yellow and traffic is stopped in ALL directions, and then blocks the entire intersection until all 4 sides are honking at them to GTFO of the intersection. The person who drives EVERYEWHERE at 10mph under the posted, except for when it snows when they do the posted. The person who believes their car can stop as good in the snow as it does when the roads are dry. The person who pulls up so close at a light that I couldn't get in my trunk if I decided to. Yes, that's me who gets out of my car since the light is red, and tells you to back the fuck off when I'm tired of dealing with the above. The person who paces someone on the freeway, effectively bottling up traffic while going under the posted. The person who goes across 3 lanes to get off the interstate at the next exit which is in 50 feet. The same person who gets off the interstate, and then drives at 10mph under the posted limit. The person who tries to merge into 75mph traffic.....doing 40mph. The person who drives at 30mph on the on-ramp and tries to merge with 75mph traffic by flooring it in the last 50 feet, and has several cars behind them. And finally the person coasting along in their Hybrid, who fail to realize while they are coasting, there are others behind them who would like to make it through the same fucking light. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rfruth Report post Posted November 14, 2009 A few years ago a friend told me he didn't like anyone in front of him, even when walking - he drove a 4 cylinder Accord that got 25 MPG - no one wondered why :finger: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xmech2k Report post Posted November 14, 2009 Oh yeah! George Carlin: "Have you ever noticed that anyone who drives slower than you is an idiot, and anyone who drives faster than you is an a$&hole?" :shift: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FtLewis2002 Report post Posted November 14, 2009 Oh yeah! George Carlin: "Have you ever noticed that anyone who drives slower than you is an idiot, and anyone who drives faster than you is an a$&hole?" :shift: Only when they're driving in the snow... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites