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Driving Me Crazy! ( Any Life Saving Driving Tips? )

by TLTheLiberator
56 replies
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I have not had an car accident in almost 30 years.

Guess what????

Trying to quickly cut across 2 lanes of highway to get to a exit will increase your chances of having an accident.


( especially if you don't take a good hard look before you attempt that maneuver )

so...

As I was across one of the lanes my training told me to look up and low and behold a car was coming in the lane I was about to enter.

Anyways...

( much to the chagrin of my enemies... )

I swerved back to my right and...

I escaped with only a minor scrape on the front left side of the car and no injuries to anyone in either car.


( somebody up there likes me! )


If I would have continued my course, you folks probably would not have had the benefit of my good consul since joining the WF.

( no time machine jokes please )



OK...


My #1 safety driving tip is... ( of course - no drunk driving )



- Stay the hell away from the car in front of you.


( don't be a car booty-bandit )


I'm always at least a couple of car lengths away for the car in front of me while the car I'm driving is moving.


It has saved me from at least a couple dozen rear end accidents over the years.


- One time, the car in front of me just suddenly stopped and put the cars' butt out as if they were trying to get me to hit them.

But...

since I was a couple and a half car lengths behind the person I was able to avoid whatever it was and simply take my time ( after looking ) going around them.

When you put lots of space between you and the car in front,...

... you'll have lots of time to re-act to just about anything in front of you and it's great for rainy weather.


People who are car booty bandits have a much tenser drive...

.. because they have to be on heightened alert every second they're driving - because they may run into the back of someone.

So stay away for many reasons.

Hope This Helps!!

TL
  • Profile picture of the author garyv
    Excellent Advice!

    My tip - Turn your Cellphone off while driving the car. Studies now show that communicating on your cellphone while driving can be more dangerous than driving drunk.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      Keeping distance saved me not long ago, too. A woman pulled out from a side street in front of my car AND a car coming from the opposite direction.

      Her cell phone never moved from her ear even with two cars hitting their horns at her.

      Cell phones and texting while driving are a huge hazard. Most drivers have enough trouble doing one thing at a time - add a conversation and they forget they are driving.
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  • Profile picture of the author chattervine
    thnx 4 sharing...you should too to be careful.
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    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
      As I was across one of the lanes my training told me to look up and low and behold a car was coming in the lane I was about to enter.

      Anyways...

      ( much to the chagrin of my enemies... )

      I swerved back to my right and...

      I escaped with only a minor scrape on the front left side of the car and no injuries to anyone in either car.
      Think of what the outcome would of been if it was a motorcycle and not a car.
      Cutting across lanes like that is way more dangerous then you realize.

      By the way despite some of the conversations we have had here, I'm glad you weren't hurt or worse.
      Signature

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      As you are I was, as I am you will be
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      • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
        Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

        Think of what the outcome would of been if it was a motorcycle and not a car.
        Cutting across lanes like that is way more dangerous then you realize.

        By the way despite some of the conversations we have had here, I'm glad you weren't hurt or worse.

        I was only kidding regarding my enemies. (LOL)



        If I arrive at a stop sign at the same time as another, I always let them go first.

        I do not have to be "king of the road".

        All The Best!!

        TL
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        "It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled. -- Mark Twain

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      • Profile picture of the author seasoned
        Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

        Think of what the outcome would of been if it was a motorcycle and not a car.
        Cutting across lanes like that is way more dangerous then you realize.

        By the way despite some of the conversations we have had here, I'm glad you weren't hurt or worse.
        I was stopped at a road looking left and right to see when things were safe to turn. There was a MORON that LUCKED OUT that his motorcycle was so noisy! JUST as I was about to turn right that idiot on a motorcycle tried to pass me on my RIGHT! Had I not noticed, he could have been DEAD!

        They SHOULD have a merge lane in such places to facilitate smooth moving of traffic, but some motorcycle drivers should be a LOT more careful.

        One nice thing here, There are about 4 places I would have changed when I started here. After a couple years, one actually CHANGED! What use to be an unsafe and slow intersection became safe and fast!

        Steve
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        • Profile picture of the author ThomM
          Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

          I was stopped at a road looking left and right to see when things were safe to turn. There was a MORON that LUCKED OUT that his motorcycle was so noisy! JUST as I was about to turn right that idiot on a motorcycle tried to pass me on my RIGHT! Had I not noticed, he could have been DEAD!

          They SHOULD have a merge lane in such places to facilitate smooth moving of traffic, but some motorcycle drivers should be a LOT more careful.

          One nice thing here, There are about 4 places I would have changed when I started here. After a couple years, one actually CHANGED! What use to be an unsafe and slow intersection became safe and fast!

          Steve
          I was in a similar situation just yesterday.
          There was a SUV in front of me on a residential road.
          We came up on an intersection which where small side streets.
          He pulled over to the right for a second then turned left with no directional on. At no time did I think of passing him because I was never sure what he was going to do.
          All motorcycle riders should be careful and aware.
          Unfortunately there are to many they aren't.

          I had a friends son who's in his early 20's tell me today that you should not be able to drive after 60.
          I said really? The person that sideswiped my trailer last year was in their early 20's. 5 of the six accidents this year on Rt. 40 and Rt. 7 where caused by guys in their early 20's. The 6th was a guy in his early 30's.

          He just walked away
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          • Profile picture of the author seasoned
            Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

            I was in a similar situation just yesterday.
            There was a SUV in front of me on a residential road.
            We came up on an intersection which where small side streets.
            He pulled over to the right for a second then turned left with no directional on. At no time did I think of passing him because I was never sure what he was going to do.
            All motorcycle riders should be careful and aware.
            Unfortunately there are to many they aren't.

            I had a friends son who's in his early 20's tell me today that you should not be able to drive after 60.
            I said really? The person that sideswiped my trailer last year was in their early 20's. 5 of the six accidents this year on Rt. 40 and Rt. 7 where caused by guys in their early 20's. The 6th was a guy in his early 30's.

            He just walked away
            Hey, I have been a good driver. One of my anecdotes is how I was GIVEN a CORVETTE! My mother called up her insurance company to ask how much it would cost to insure me, and they got a GOOD laugh out of it! A mother wanting to buy car insurance for a corvette for her TEENAGE SON! Had I been a girl, MAYBE I could have gotten the corvette. Had I been 25, maybe I could have gotten the corvette. But I was like 17, and male, so FORGET IT!

            BTW I said 25 because, don't ask me why, THAT is a KEY age in driving! 21st century used to tell you to get lost if you weren't at least 25. They did that with me and even WOMEN I knew! And car rental places may balk if you aren't at least 25. Ironically, people 25 or older earlier couldn't be insured under their parents plans. NOW it is supposed to be about late 26 or older.

            BTW it is interesting that 21st century was known for low rates and OBVIOUSLY accepted LOW risk, and it used to be owned by AIG! Talk about IRONIC!

            But yeah, my mother was in a couple MAJOR accidents before I graduated high school. And, by major, I mean it was hard to recognize the car, and it was considered a TOTAL loss! MY worst accident, by contrast, was LITTERALLY a bumper denter. In most cases it was hard to tell there was damage. To this day I think only one of them was really my fault.

            But some people that are 8 do NOT deserve to be behind the wheel! I pick 8 because the youngest driver I personally knew was 8. And some are close to 100 and probably good. Frankly, I think the laws should be followed regarding licenses. THEN, if a person has a REAL bad record, FORGET IT! If they have a questionable record, TEST! Otherwise, treat them like everyone else.

            Steve
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            • Profile picture of the author ThomM
              Hey, I have been a good driver
              I wasn't trying to insinuate you weren't a good driver, Steve.
              Just that your story reminded me of my story
              I was a nut in my earlier years of driving.
              Very few accidents though and even fewer that involved other vehicles.
              Now speeding was a different story, I lost my license 3 times for speeding and my insurance was always off the hook.
              In 75 I think it was I bought a $100 Beetle for a winter car.
              My ins. company wanted $1165 to insure it with just basic coverage for 6 months. That was the year I rode my motorcycle all winter
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              Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
              Getting old ain't for sissy's
              As you are I was, as I am you will be
              You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

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              • Profile picture of the author seasoned
                Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

                I wasn't trying to insinuate you weren't a good driver, Steve.
                Sorry, I didn't mean to imply you did.

                Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

                Just that your story reminded me of my story
                I was a nut in my earlier years of driving.
                Very few accidents though and even fewer that involved other vehicles.
                Now speeding was a different story, I lost my license 3 times for speeding and my insurance was always off the hook.
                In 75 I think it was I bought a $100 Beetle for a winter car.
                My ins. company wanted $1165 to insure it with just basic coverage for 6 months. That was the year I rode my motorcycle all winter
                Well, I didn't speed, never lost my license, etc... OK, I got a WARNING for speeding, but everyone else was ALSO! As the policeman was leaving he said to "Make sure you are going fast enough when you merge."! INCREDIBLE! He asked me to do what he told me not to!

                My insurance in LA cost almost that much, but I had collision coverage. But they raised my premium about $40/year when they found that I moved to sherman oaks from woodland hills! INCREDIBLE!

                Steve
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                • Profile picture of the author ThomM
                  I've slowed down for the most part.
                  I can't even remember the last time I got a speeding ticket.
                  I did have a close call last year though.
                  I was coming home from Booneville on the Thruway.
                  It was a chilly night and I was going 85 in a 65 with almost no traffic to speak of. A trooper had his radar out and pulled me over.
                  He was a young guy so I thought I'd be in trouble, but I still was polite and courteous to him.
                  He asked why I was speeding and I told him I was in a hurry to get to the rest area. He asked if I had to use the rest romms, I told him no I needed to thaw out
                  He checked my license and reg. and wrote me up a parking ticket
                  We also stayed there and chatted for about 15 mins. real nice guy even if he had given me a speeding ticket.

                  That's normally the only time I speed now, when on an interstate and only if the traffic will allow it. On local roads I'm always within 10 mph of the limit depending on the area I'm in. Most locals will give you a 10 mph cushion.
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                  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
                    Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

                    Most locals will give you a 10 mph cushion.
                    It california it seemed like the cushion was FIVE MPH!
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                    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
                      Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

                      It california it seemed like the cushion was FIVE MPH!
                      I only know my area. When I'm any place outside my area I do the speed limit.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    - Stay the hell away from the car in front of you.
    Oh yeah.......And the car in back of you - and the ones beside you.
    My driver's training instructor insisted that you ALWAYS leave yourself an "out" where you could swerve, speed up, or hit the brakes if things got dangerous. I watch on highways, and even main town roads with slower traffic, and people tend to drive in clumps. I'm usually the one on the road that isn't completely surrounded. When all else fails I find a BIG truck to follow then just use my headlights to signal to them what's going on if I see something dangerous. I've driven cross country tag teaming with trucks.

    Also - a BIG one -- stay the hell out of someone's blind spots. It drives me nuts when someone insists on driving in the areas they KNOW people can't see their cars. Then they go nuts if they get hit...well, duh.

    My tip then - drive as if you are invisible to other drivers. Stay as far away as you can, don't hit stuff, and don't let stuff hit you - and watch out for predators (cops). If you assume others can't see you, there won't be many surprises left.

    And remember - somewhere around 8 out of 10 people are now dosing down on pharmaceutical drugs and really shouldn't be behind the wheel of a car in the first place.
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    Sal
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    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
      My point is cutting across lanes like that is one of the most dangerous things you can do while driving.
      More then once I've been in the slow lane approaching an exit and looked to my left to see the side of a car coming at me with the driver not having a clue I was there.
      If doing that is an example of your driving experience and training, I'm surprised you haven't killed any motorcyclist yet.
      I hope you and the bikers around you continue to be that lucky.
      Signature

      Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
      Getting old ain't for sissy's
      As you are I was, as I am you will be
      You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

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      • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
        Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

        My point is cutting across lanes like that is one of the most dangerous things you can do while driving.
        More then once I've been in the slow lane approaching an exit and looked to my left to see the side of a car coming at me with the driver not having a clue I was there.
        If doing that is an example of your driving experience and training, I'm surprised you haven't killed any motorcyclist yet.
        I hope you and the bikers around you continue to be that lucky.


        It was a one time thing - about 30 years ago.

        I'm a extra very careful driver now.

        If I get into an accident in the future it won't be my fault.

        I'm looking for idiots running red lights and stop signs also when I drive.

        TL
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      • Profile picture of the author HeySal
        Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

        My point is cutting across lanes like that is one of the most dangerous things you can do while driving.
        More then once I've been in the slow lane approaching an exit and looked to my left to see the side of a car coming at me with the driver not having a clue I was there.
        If doing that is an example of your driving experience and training, I'm surprised you haven't killed any motorcyclist yet.
        I hope you and the bikers around you continue to be that lucky.
        You talking to me or TL, Thom? I don't do that, and agree. I don't even know where someone would get the idea to do that. I've been passed on the left when turning left before - with blinkers on and already into the turn. Not going to risk several lanes, LOL.

        Oh yeah - and if I get a tail-gater on my butt I usually just pull over so I can get them off me before something makes me stop real fast. I don't like people sucking on my tailpipe.
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        • Profile picture of the author ThomM
          I was talking to TL Sal.

          That's good TL.
          As I'm sure you can tell, this is a touchy subject with me.
          I almost lost my leg in the 70's when a car heading toward me made a left hand turn, he didn't see me. He also didn't have his directional on so I had no clue he would turn. That was the worst but not the only accident or near accident I've had with 4 wheel vehicles.
          I won't get into talking about friends I've lost or who suffered serious injuries because of someone driving a car and not paying attention, I don't feel like writing that book.
          I do think anyone getting a drivers license should take the motorcycle safety course. In the course you actually ride a provided motorcycle while learning how to ride safely.
          That would give ya'll an idea of how dangerous your actions can really be.

          Edit
          I do realize there are many idiots out there on motorcycles also.
          Believe me I have less respect for them then I do bad car drivers.
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          Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
          Getting old ain't for sissy's
          As you are I was, as I am you will be
          You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

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      • Profile picture of the author myob
        Car crashes is the leading overall cause of death among teens, and is usually from distracted driving.

        Car Crashes Leading Cause of Teen Deaths in U.S.
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        • Profile picture of the author ThomM
          Originally Posted by myob View Post

          Car crashes is the leading overall cause of death among teens, and is usually from distracted driving.

          Car Crashes Leading Cause of Teen Deaths in U.S.
          In a town close by me they have been averaging a little over one death a month for the last 8 months from young people driving, except for the last one who was drunk and fell of a cliff.
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          Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
          Getting old ain't for sissy's
          As you are I was, as I am you will be
          You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

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  • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
    Summing up safe driving tips...


    - Don't be a booty bandit:

    Stay away from the car in front of you- at least 2 car lengths away.


    - Stay away from booty-bandits.

    Let them pass you etc.


    - Turn your Cellphone off while driving the car.

    Studies now show that communicating on your cellphone while driving can be more dangerous than driving drunk.

    - No texting:


    - Motorcycles - be on the lookout for them.


    - Stay the hell out of someone's blind spots.

    It drives me nuts when someone insists on driving in the areas they KNOW people can't see their cars.


    - Look out for idiots running red lights and stop signs - don't assume anything.



    - Warn young people about the dangers of unsafe driving.


    That's all we have so far.

    TL
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  • Profile picture of the author Patrician
    All good logic here.

    Add one more:

    Anticipate the unexpected. Do not assume that people will not run red lights

    - This involves giving it a few seconds and a look in all directions before proceeding. Be aware of everything around you. People pulling out of parking spaces, changing lanes, people walking, bikes, etc.

    Add one more: When you see somebody trying to change lanes (blinkers, etc) - fricking let them get in - people who are so competitive and weird will not let you get over.

    If nobody will let you in, this is what may cause people to have to dart over two lanes so as not to miss an exit.

    Add one more:

    Driving too slow is almost as bad as too fast. Stay in the slow lane. The more you force people to change lanes to go around you the more dangerous things get.

    p.s. There is almost nobody worse than a tail-gater. They are akin to rapists in my book. Aggressive, selfish and self-centered. I am always tempted to put my brakes on but know better. So I give them the evil eye in my rear view mirror and slow down. This usually works.
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  • Profile picture of the author MikeAmbrosio
    If you want to be a safe driver, here's my tip:

    Drive just like me!

    LOL, ok not really. I say that to my wife to get her to roll her eyes at me. Works every time.

    I learned many years ago about space between you and drivers both in front and back. Almost 30 years of driving (actually, if you include my illegal age driving, it would be 32 years ) I have not even had a parking lot scrape. I think learning to drive in the NY/NJ area has it's advantages - there are probably more selfish a$$hole drivers here than most anywhere (except perhaps Massachusetts).

    I drove for a living for over 10 years when I did field service work. Learned a lot and have seen a lot.

    But if you want to become a more aware driver, ride a motorcycle. Riding turns you into a "swivelhead" - and there's really nothing to distract you like in a car. You HAVE to pay close attention. How many time people will look right at you then pull out in front you anyway...many drivers simply to not see motorcycles.

    Good thread to bring up...

    Mike
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  • Profile picture of the author eSeM
    my tip is take a driving course, Knowing how a car feels going sideways or just losing traction in general will help, as well as knowing how far you can push a car before it lets loose.

    Then my second tip, Just pay attention... Not many people do that.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    As an ex cabby that's driven over a million miles without an at-fault accident, and I'm a fairly aggressive driver....The two biggest cause of accidents:

    Tailgating
    Sudden lane changes

    If you don't do those two things, you've eliminated 75% of all potential accidents. Plus, these are among the hardest to defend in court.

    Then there's the look "left right left" rule for those that drive US style on the right. If you're at a stop sign, first look left, then right, then left again. The reason to look left first and last is that's the side where the traffic will hit you first. You have an extra second or two to notice traffic coming from the right.

    If you drive on the left side of the street, UK style, then look "right left right".


    "Why do we call everyone that drives faster than us a maniac and everyone that drives slower an idiot?" - George Carlin
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    • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
      Originally Posted by Kurt View Post

      As an ex cabby that's driven over a million miles without an at-fault accident, and I'm a fairly aggressive driver....The two biggest cause of accidents:

      Tailgating
      Sudden lane changes

      If you don't do those two things, you've eliminated 75% of all potential accidents. Plus, these are among the hardest to defend in court.

      Then there's the look "left right left" rule for those that drive US style on the right. If you're at a stop sign, first look left, then right, then left again. The reason to look left first and last is that's the side where the traffic will hit you first. You have an extra second or two to notice traffic coming from the right.

      If you drive on the left side of the street, UK style, then look "right left right".


      "Why do we call everyone that drives faster than us a maniac and everyone that drives slower an idiot?" - George Carlin


      75% of accidents are caused by...

      - Tailgating

      - Sudden lane changes



      Amazing!



      TL
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  • Profile picture of the author lcombs
    Safe driving is the simplest thing in the world.

    As an ex truck driver I can tell you...

    People get behind the wheel of a car and turn their brains off!

    1. Don't EVER cross 2 lanes to get to an exit. If you know you're going to have to exit get in the correct lane ASAP.
    If you miss your exit it's not the end of the world. Take the next one and circle back.

    When entering a freeway start looking for your spot as soon as get on the ramp. The "match the speed of the oncoming traffic and MERGE".

    STAY OFF THE DAMN CELL PHONE! There's not a call that can't wait. And, 99% chance you're just BSing anyway.

    Don't expect the unexpected. Expect the other guy to do something stupid.
    Like trying to cross 2 lanes so they don't miss their exit.

    Don't think it's everybody else's job to look out for you.
    What you're doing is no more important than what the other guy is doing.

    Consider this...

    If I drive 60 MPH for an hour, and you drive 65 MPH for an hour, after an hour of driving you're only 5 minutes ahead of me.

    Excuses for stupidity aren't valid reasons.

    Case-in-point...

    I was riding in the back seat while my daughter drove.
    She was tailgating the guy in front of her.
    When I brought it up her "reasoning" was, "It's not my fault he's only going 25".

    Shouldn't have got me started on stupid drivers.
    I could go on all night.

    Just drive like your life depends on driving safely.
    BECAUSE IT DOES!
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    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
      Originally Posted by lcombs View Post

      Safe driving is the simplest thing in the world.

      As an ex truck driver I can tell you...

      People get behind the wheel of a car and turn their brains off!

      1. Don't EVER cross 2 lanes to get to an exit. If you know you're going to have to exit get in the correct lane ASAP.
      If you miss your exit it's not the end of the world. Take the next one and circle back.

      When entering a freeway start looking for your spot as soon as get on the ramp. The "match the speed of the oncoming traffic and MERGE".

      STAY OFF THE DAMN CELL PHONE! There's not a call that can't wait. And, 99% chance you're just BSing anyway.

      Don't expect the unexpected. Expect the other guy to do something stupid.
      Like trying to cross 2 lanes so they don't miss their exit.

      Don't think it's everybody else's job to look out for you.
      What you're doing is no more important than what the other guy is doing.

      Consider this...

      If I drive 60 MPH for an hour, and you drive 65 MPH for an hour, after an hour of driving you're only 5 minutes ahead of me.

      Excuses for stupidity aren't valid reasons.

      Case-in-point...

      I was riding in the back seat while my daughter drove.
      She was tailgating the guy in front of her.
      When I brought it up her "reasoning" was, "It's not my fault he's only going 25".

      Shouldn't have got me started on stupid drivers.
      I could go on all night.

      Just drive like your life depends on driving safely.
      BECAUSE IT DOES!
      All good ones.
      How many times do you see a car just stop at the end of a freeway entry waiting for a break in traffic because they didn't get up to speed

      Your story about your daughter reminded me of a time my oldest hit a tree in the winter. She slide off the rode because it was all ice.
      I told her she was driving to fast. Her reply was "I was not I was only going 15mph. I said if you slide off the road it was to fast. She didn't get it and said I was wrong. I decided she'd never drive my car.
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      • Profile picture of the author lcombs
        Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

        All good ones.
        How many times do you see a car just stop at the end of a freeway entry waiting for a break in traffic because they didn't get up to speed

        Your story about your daughter reminded me of a time my oldest hit a tree in the winter. She slide off the rode because it was all ice.
        I told her she was driving to fast. Her reply was "I was not I was only going 15mph. I said if you slide off the road it was to fast. She didn't get it and said I was wrong. I decided she'd never drive my car.
        Not only have I seen them stop but, I've been flipped off because I didn't stop on the freeway to let them in!

        "Signal 30" should be mandatory viewing for everyone taking drivers' Ed.
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        • Profile picture of the author ThomM
          Originally Posted by lcombs View Post

          Not only have I seen them stop but, I've been flipped off because I didn't stop on the freeway to let them in!

          "Signal 30" should be mandatory viewing for everyone taking drivers' Ed.
          I had to google it, but after I did I remember watching that in driver ed. so many years ago.
          Here's another one for you ladies, don't do your nails while driving.
          Woman painting nails before crash found guilty :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Chicago Crime
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  • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
    Seven years?

    I was just marveling earlier today that I haven't been in an accident for a year and a half.

    And for the last five months, my license has been suspended. So not much of an accomplishment there.

    I don't understand you people. Clearly, you are not driving offensively enough.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lawrh
    Here in Alberta, if you are tailgating someone and you hit them, no matter how little the damage your insurance rate is automatically doubled. At my last job a fellow had a minor fender bender but because he was tailgating his insurance went from $1700/year to $3400/year. No appeals. He couldn't pay and sold his car. Hopefully a lesson learned.
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    • Profile picture of the author seasoned
      Originally Posted by Lawrh View Post

      Here in Alberta, if you are tailgating someone and you hit them, no matter how little the damage your insurance rate is automatically doubled. At my last job a fellow had a minor fender bender but because he was tailgating his insurance went from $1700/year to $3400/year. No appeals. He couldn't pay and sold his car. Hopefully a lesson learned.
      In the US, if you hit the rear of a car you are generally assumed to be GUILTY! There are actually three insurance scam ploys that try to get the innocent bystander to hit them in the rear!

      Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
    Horatio Hornblower has nothing on me.

    I'll blow my horn in a hot minute.

    Just a gentle toot or two.

    I've seen a few accidents that happened only because someone did not blow their horn.

    Example:

    - A car is double parked with the driver inside.

    - Car tries to go around the double parked car...

    - Double parked car pulls out at the same time...

    Accident!

    Tip...

    Always blow your horn before you attempt to go around a double parked car because being cool could get you into an accident that could have easily been avoided.


    TL
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  • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
    I hate it...

    ... when I'm in slow moving bumper to bumper traffic with stop lights and I move up as little as a couple of feet and the driver behind me does the same.

    I normally stop at least a car's length behind the car in front of me so I can afford to move up a couple of feet but the person behind me is less than a car length and they still move up.

    What goes on??


    TL
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    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
      Originally Posted by TLTheLiberator View Post

      I hate it...

      ... when I'm in slow moving bumper to bumper traffic with stop lights and I move up as little as a couple of feet and the driver behind me does the same.

      I normally stop at least a car's length behind the car in front of me so I can afford to move up a couple of feet but the person behind me is less than a car length and they still move up.

      What goes on??


      TL
      Here's what always makes me nervous in that situation.
      You move up a little and stop.
      The car in back of you sees your brake lights go out, starts moving, isn't paying attention and doesn't stop.
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      • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
        Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

        Here's what always makes me nervous in that situation.
        You move up a little and stop.
        The car in back of you sees your brake lights go out, starts moving, isn't paying attention and doesn't stop.
        You're right!

        I live in the Maryland burbs outside D.C.

        It's happened to me on a number of occasions.

        Near accidents.

        2 or 3 times a week I have to drive my kid and another to school - car pooling.

        It's a long slow, straight drive of at least 30 minutes to drive only 6 miles with lots of stop lights etc.

        There's no need of feeling rushed, or changing lanes etc., because it's going to be slow moving traffic from around 7:15 am to about 09:00 am.

        When people are too close to me, or move a couple feet when I move a couple of feet, or try to speed, I hit my brakes a couple/three times to send a message - and that normally works.

        If not, I make hand gestures like what are you doing??

        Then they stay away from me or change lanes.

        All The Best!!

        TL
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        • Profile picture of the author myob
          I drive a lot on the freeways of LA in my business. It's like driving through an obstacle course. Almost every day I have to make a major swerve around cars to avoid a collision with someone not paying attention.

          My father taught me early on to act as if you are driving not only your own car, but to be aware of cars on each side of you and in front and back. Imagine your self actually driving 5 cars at once.
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        • Profile picture of the author ThomM
          Originally Posted by TLTheLiberator View Post

          You're right!

          I live in the Maryland burbs outside D.C.

          It's happened to me on a number of occasions.

          Near accidents.

          2 or 3 times a week I have to drive my kid and another to school - car pooling.

          It's a long slow, straight drive of at least 30 minutes to drive only 6 miles with lots of stop lights etc.

          There's no need of feeling rushed, or changing lanes etc., because it's going to be slow moving traffic from around 7:15 am to about 09:00 am.

          When people are too close to me, or move a couple feet when I move a couple of feet, or try to speed, I hit my brakes a couple/three times to send a message - and that normally works.

          If not, I make hand gestures like what are you doing??

          Then they stay away from me or change lanes.

          All The Best!!

          TL
          I'm sorry to hear that.
          Not that you live in Maryland, that's a beautiful state, but that you have to drive around D.C..
          I have a short list of east coast cities I try to avoid on my bike.
          Washington is on top followed by Richmond Va.
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          • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
            Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

            I'm sorry to hear that.
            Not that you live in Maryland, that's a beautiful state, but that you have to drive around D.C..
            I have a short list of east coast cities I try to avoid on my bike.
            Washington is on top followed by Richmond Va.
            Yes, the D.C. metro area in one of the most congested in the country.

            I hardly ever go into D.C. unless I get visitors that want a tour.


            TL
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            • Profile picture of the author ThomM
              Originally Posted by TLTheLiberator View Post

              Yes, the D.C. metro area in one of the most congested in the country.

              I hardly ever go into D.C. unless I get visitors that want a tour.


              TL
              I hear that
              The beltways around D.C. and Richmond are flat out nuts.
              The way I go to Fl. now adds around 3 to 4 hundred miles to my trips, but it is worth every mile to avoid those 2 areas.
              On the up side now I go through the Shenandoah valley and part of the Smokey Mts. The danger there is some of the views are so incredible you almost drive off the road looking at them
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              Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
              Getting old ain't for sissy's
              As you are I was, as I am you will be
              You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

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              • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
                Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

                I hear that
                The beltways around D.C. and Richmond are flat out nuts.
                The way I go to Fl. now adds around 3 to 4 hundred miles to my trips, but it is worth every mile to avoid those 2 areas.
                On the up side now I go through the Shenandoah valley and part of the Smokey Mts. The danger there is some of the views are so incredible you almost drive off the road looking at them


                That almost happened to me along Pacific Coast Highway in California - on several occasions.

                All The Best!!

                TL
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Thom - I have to say, that for all the states I have driven through, Upstate New Yorkers are actually impressive drivers for the most part. I was scared crapless to drive out there but was pleasantly surprised. As far as cities, the worst I've been through yet are Detroit and Denver where the drivers are extremely aggressive, and Portland, OR, where they just seem to be completely stupid.

    I don't care where I go, I'm always just happy to avoid the larger city complexes whenever possible.
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  • Profile picture of the author KenThompson
    I learned a lot about defensive driving from riding my motorcycle. I
    learned to be extremely aware of everything around me. And it saved
    my ass more than once.

    One thing I do, as a result of riding my bike, is to keep an eye on approaching
    cars, behind you, when you're stopped at a light or stop sign. You can always tell
    those who are gonna drive like hell to get to you and then brake hard to stop. I
    hate that. lol... with a passion.
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    • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
      Originally Posted by KenThompson View Post

      I learned a lot about defensive driving from riding my motorcycle. I
      learned to be extremely aware of everything around me. And it saved
      my ass more than once.

      One thing I do, as a result of riding my bike, is to keep an eye on approaching
      cars, behind you, when you're stopped at a light or stop sign. You can always tell
      those who are gonna drive like hell to get to you and then brake hard to stop. I
      hate that. lol... with a passion.

      I do the same and most of the time - if space permits, I'll flash my brake lights and also roll up a few feet.

      TL
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    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
      Originally Posted by KenThompson View Post

      I learned a lot about defensive driving from riding my motorcycle. I
      learned to be extremely aware of everything around me. And it saved
      my ass more than once.

      One thing I do, as a result of riding my bike, is to keep an eye on approaching
      cars, behind you, when you're stopped at a light or stop sign. You can always tell
      those who are gonna drive like hell to get to you and then brake hard to stop. I
      hate that. lol... with a passion.
      I always stop with an escape route.
      In other words I make sure I have a way to get out of the way of any vehicle coming up behind me.
      I tend to watch all vehicle's till I know what they are going to do. Even parked cars. It amazes me how many people try to have their door taken off by opening it without looking for on coming traffic.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    It amazes me how many people try to have their door taken off by opening it without looking for on coming traffic.
    What is amazing me is the amount of people that now will just walk out into a road without looking. Gee - when I was a kid I was taught that you don't walk out in front of moving vehicles. Go figure.
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    Sal
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    • Profile picture of the author KenThompson
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      What is amazing me is the amount of people that now will just walk out into a road without looking. Gee - when I was a kid I was taught that you don't walk out in front of moving vehicles. Go figure.
      evolution.
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  • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
    The weekend people need to get a look at this thread.

    Who knows???

    Might save a life.

    TL
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  • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
    Reminder...

    From Kurt:

    75% of accidents are caused by...

    - Tailgating

    - Sudden lane changes


    Don't do either!







    TL


    Might save a life.

    TL
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  • Profile picture of the author sarahberra
    Yikes. Of course that will cause an accident. Be careful.
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  • Profile picture of the author mayapearl
    To be safe while driving always expect the unexpected and assume that all other drivers are having a bad day and their brakes are faulty!
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  • Profile picture of the author sarahberra
    Good for you!! I have never hit anyone else, but people have ran into us a few times. It is always so scary. I am so careful out there. The last thing I need is a car accident. Yikes!
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  • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
    Asleep at the wheel...

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  • Profile picture of the author Gary Pettit
    "Don't be a car booty-bandit"!! Haha! Brilliant, TL!!
    I need a bumper sticker that says something like that.
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    • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
      Originally Posted by sparkie2260 View Post

      "Don't be a car booty-bandit"!! Haha! Brilliant, TL!!
      I need a bumper sticker that says something like that.

      It's absolutely amazing how many drivers have no problem staying close to someone's back bumper.

      Those folks are dangerous.

      No tailgating and no sudden lane changes will eliminate 75% of auto accidents according to Kurt who drove for a living.


      TL
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