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."
