Driving Pet Peeves

[Menotti80]

While driving back from Wausau this weekend, I came across quite a few drivers that really pissed me off. This got me thinking about all of things people do on the road that makes me want to punch them. These are in no particular order.

 

1. People that don't know how to drive on a 2-lane Hwy. The left lane should be used for passing only. Here are the moronic things I come across in this situation:

- people who are in the left lane, noone around them, driving the speed limit

- people who are in the left lane driving the same speed or .5 mph faster than the guy in the right lane

- when i am in the left lane about to pass 2 cars that are moving slow, and noone's behind me, the second car in the right lane pulls out in front of me to pass the other car, bascially cutting me off, and causing me to have to slow way down while he gets up to passing speed. COULD YOU NOT HAVE WAITED 2 MORE SECONDS UNTIL I PASSED YOU???

- people that are passing cars in the left lane, but they take foooorrrreevvvvvveeeerrrrrr to get back in the right lane.

* keep in mind, i dont consider myself an overly agressive driver or a major speed demon. but if someone isn't obeying the common sense rules of 2-lane highways, i have no problem tailgating you for the 2 miles it takes you to get a clue and move over...

 

2. people that take forever to turn off the road into a driveway/parking lot/left hand turn lane. why must you slow down to a crawl before turning off the road? im not suggesting you take the turn at 30 mph, but hwy 100 is a perfect example. its 40 mph, yet you start slowing down 3 blocks before you are turning, and by the time you turn, are going 2mph. what are you really afraid of??? if theres a huge ramp/bump that may cause you to bottom out, fine. but thats not the case 99% of the time. the worst is people who slow down to 5mph to get into a left turn lane. completely unnecessary and frustrating...

 

3. people that dont know the length of their own car. is it that hard to bull into the median without the entire back end of your car sticking out into 1/2 the lane? how do these people parallel park? my guess is they dont... or what about the people who cant stop short of the street while getting ready to turn right out of a parking lot. now their nose is sticking into the far right lane, and people have to swerve to miss them...

 

4. people that have stuff blocking their back window. 90% of the time the people that do this are horrible at driving and need to be able to see out of it in the first place. add to this one people with big dogs and kids that are bouncing around the car in the backseat. these people tend to be terrible drivers as well.

 

5. people that dont pull out into the intersection while making a left turn. this is a big one. i dont know if there's anything more frustrating that people who dont make the left turn signal, then just sit behind the line of pull up 3 feet while waiting for an opening or the yellow light. i always am #3 in line and get screwed when the light turns yellow and cars #1 and #2 get through the light, and i have to wait. dont these people know they can pull up 1/2 way into the intersection??? so frustrating...

 

6. people that pull out into traffic too slowly or at unnecessary times. when i am in the left lane, and noone is behind me, why pull out in front of me and make me slow down? why not wait 2 seconds and go behind me. and why cant they realize they are an inconvenience and at least get up to speed somewhat quickly? or what about people who are entering the freeway at a blazing 30 mph??? helloooooo!!! the speed limit is 55 or 65. you should be doing 55 or 65 by the time you merge. and dont just veer over. look to see if soemone is there. it's their right of way, not yours; especially if you aren't traveling at freeway speeds.

 

7. people who are too much in their own little world to realize a cop or fire truck or ambulence is coming or is behind them and they need to move out of the way.

 

8. people who are stopped at a stop light in the right lane that aren't turning right immediately after the intersection. i cant stand it when i come up to an intersection ready to turn right and theres one car at the intersection and he/she happens to be in the right lane also.... and going straight. no excuse for that.

 

9. SOME people who are doing other things when driving and should be fully concentrating on driving because they are bad drivers. the vast majority of people should never eat or talk on the phone. noone should change their clothes or put on make-up. some people shouldn't even change the station, let alone do things like brushing their teeth... lol

 

 

this could have gone to the vent thread, but i thought this deserved its own topic. i feel better now, and would love to see who agrees and what other things people get pissed off at while driving...

[craigharmann]

People at 4 way stops. I'm still adjusting to Texas drivers, but I've driven in other states, and Wisconsin drivers are awful when it comes to 4 way stops. There are rules about who goes first when 2 people get to a 4 way stop at the same time. Then there was the joy when I lived in Sheboygan of roundabouts. Yeah, those are genius. At least when people aren't driving on them.

[Beerambassador]

I love roundabouts. I'm serious. There's admittedly a learning curve, but they move traffic more efficiently than most other forms of control and are much safer.

 

That said, I hate it when people don't use their turn signals when turning or changing lanes. It's a basic courtesy.

[samwise]

Not using a turn signal when turning or changing lanes. It takes so little effort yet so many do not do it.

[craigharmann]

I love roundabouts. I'm serious.

I'm with you, however in Sheboygan, having 80 year olds who really shouldn't be driving or tentative people who come to a complete stop, waiting for everyone to go through the roundabout, can be extremely annoying.

[Menotti80]

turn signals aren't always "necessary" IMO. If someone needs to or might need to see the signal, I will use it. But if noone is within a certain distance of me, I will just turn or change lanes...

[Patrick425]

Very, very good list Menotti. You are spot on with most of those, especially #2 and #5. When ever I'm making a left hand turn and the person in front of me (also making a left hand turn) does not pull out into the intersection, I honk and kind of motion to pull out, then they do!? Did they really need me to remind them that it's ok to pull out into the intersection? Another item along these lines that really irratates me. I'm 5th or 6th in line to make a left hand turn. The arrow turns green and the first car, for whatever unfathomable reason, waits a good 5 seconds after the light turns to begin his turn. On top of that, the cars following him/her all leave this huge gap as if they are waiting for the car in front of them to complete their turn before they begin their ultra tricky turn manuever.

When you are talking about 2 lane highways, I'm assuming you really mean 4 lane highways. I think of a 2 lane highway as one lane going one direction and another lane going another direction. Again, to add to your passing lane list. How about the guy that passes you, pulls in front of you, then slows down. Then you go to pass him and he speeds up, and the frustration begins. Does anyone have cruise control and do they know how to use it? Also, it astounds me how many people keep there same speed when the speed limit changes from 65 to 55. Apparently it's ok to go 15 mph over in a 55 zone, but you should only go 5 over in a 65 zone.

A few other things.

- This one really, really annoys me. People who do not know how to make a proper left hand turn. You're on a side street and you come up on a stop sign, all of a sudden you are just about face to face with another car who's driver apparently doesn't have the physical coordination to round off his left hand turn and stay out of your lane.
- People who do not know how to drive around others who are making left hand turns. Instead they wait and hold up an entire line of traffic.
- To piggy back on Menotti's slow turners, and this is opposite of the people who cut off their left hand turns. People who make way to wide of a right hand turn as if they are driving a semi with 3 trailers or something. Are there that many people who still don't have power steering. How hard is it to get out of traffic when making a right hand turn and just sharpen up the turn a little more? I'm pretty sure your car is capable of it if you just put a little more torque on that steering wheel.

 

[samwise]

turn signals aren't always "necessary" IMO. If someone needs to or might need to see the signal, I will use it. But if noone is within a certain distance of me, I will just turn or change lanes...

Is it that hard to just flick the lever, even if no one is around?

[BillScottCanRake]

turn signals aren't always "necessary" IMO. If someone needs to or might need to see the signal, I will use it. But if noone is within a certain distance of me, I will just turn or change lanes...

 

The problem with that is when a person thinks there isn't anyone within a certain distance of you, but it turns out there is.

 

I have been saved twice from getting into an accident because someone making a no-look lane change at least had the courtesy to signal, allowing me to react accordingly.

 

I think that everyone, even the best, most vigilant driver, is going to miss seeing a car from time-to-time. At least if they signal I can get out of the way.

[And That]

-Roundabouts are awesome, but like 50% of people have no idea how to use them properly.

 

-People who don't use their turn signals. It takes so little effort, and they should always be used, even if you think it doesn't matter. It might matter. And it's illegal not to use it in a lot of cases. Really... it's like an inch or two away. No reason not to.

 

-Just because you are lost, it does not give you the right to veer in and out of lanes.

[dadofandrew]

If you have to think about whether to use a signal, you are simply a horrible driver. It's like only checking your blind spot if you aren't sure no one is around, and so on.

 

I delivered pizza for 5 years in Eau Claire, and the only thing that kept me accident free was defensive driving. Our drivers averaged an accident a month, and it was rarely their fault. The same guys kept getting in them though...they figured everyone else was at the top of their game. They weren't.

 

By the way, there's nothing wrong with driving in the left lane if there is no one trying to get past you. It's usually far less crowded than the right lane, which is reason enough to hang out there. Less cars, fewer accidents.

[Patrick425]

I love this thread, I hope it lives a long life. I'm sure I'll come up with 30 more items on my way home from work tonight. Another good thread would be "Things that people do on golf course that are annoying". It's basically the same thing though. People who are completely unaware of their surroundings and are living on planet me.

[bball123h]

Awesome thread. Just this morning while driving down Howell in Oak Creek, I saw a car go from the right lane to the median (yes, the middle of the road). Reason: she had turned completely around for a good 5-6 seconds to yell at her kid in the backseat. Kid is lucky mom didn't kill them.

[Patrick425]

By the way, there's nothing wrong with driving in the left lane if there is no one trying to get past you. It's usually far less crowded than the right lane, which is reason enough to hang out there. Less cars, fewer accidents.

Uhhh..not sure about that. If you are going to do that, then please be aware of traffic coming up behind you and get out of the way before they come up on you.

[BillScottCanRake]

Why is this sort of situation so hard for so many people to execute?

 

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l68/cthawkinson/traffic.jpg

 

 

I don't know how many times I have seen the driver making the right almost fade into the left lane (and a driver making a left) and vice-versa. There are two lanes, both should be able to make their turn at the same time.

[Menotti80]

thanks for bringing up speed limits patrick. another one for my list:

 

people who drive on bluemound rd when the speed limit is 45 mph, and they are driving 38 mph. the same 38 mph they were driving before in the 35 mph zone... grr

[Patrick425]

This one is an obvious one but...traffic jams caused by gapers looking at an accident on the other side of the freeway. OH is that annoying! I wish they would put up big 10 foot walls between each side of the freeway. I don't care if there is a school bus turned upside down with naked clowns dancing on it on the other side of the free way...just drive!!

[Menotti80]

haha bill scott. i was gonna add that one buts hard to describe. bravo!!!

 

i will defend my turn signal thing by clerifying. when i am on city roads, i use my turn signal 100% of the time if there is another car on the road. if its at a time of the day where there is ZERO traffic, i dont use signals. and trust me, i know when there are other drivers on the road. i am the most conscience driver EVER. and since there is noone that can see me, how does anyone know i'm not using the turn signal. lol.

 

however, i am talking about freeway driving when talking about signals. here is a situation im referring to where i wont signal. there are 2 lanes (4-lane hwy), and there in minimal traffic. i am driving in the right lane, and up ahead there is a guy going significantly less than i am. before getting close to him, i put on my blinker, check my mirrors and blind spot, and smoothly go to the left lane. (at this point, there is noone behind me at all). once i am a good distance in fron of the car in the right lane, i will just go back in the right lane, and since i am 50+ feet in front of him, and there is a 0% chance anyone else is on the road concerned with me, i may not use my blinker. maybe i dont feel like it.

 

if that person i passed still has an issue with me not using a blinker, i am sorry, and will look into changing. i just dont see the big deal.

[And That]

if its at a time of the day where there is ZERO traffic, i dont use signals. and trust me, i know when there are other drivers on the road.

You are human, therefore you are fallible. Therefore, you should use your turn signal.

[Menotti80]

another nice one patrick about the gawkers. lol

 

i got another one:

 

people that aren't even speeding slamming on their brakes when they see a cop car up ahead (with or without its lights on).

 

first of all, you aren't speeding anyways, you arent gonna get pulled over, so quit freaking out and just freaking drive! and if the cop is already pulling someone over and is out of his car, how the hell are you going to get pulled over for speeding?

[funkyplaidcoat]

I could add plenty to this list....to wit:

 

- Dogs in drivers' laps.

- People who drift when they check their blind spots.

- Drivers who honk when you've been standing at a green light for 5 milliseconds too long.

- Popular practice in Chicago : driving full speed towards an intersection that just got the green light, then using right lane to pass all the cars who are just getting going.

- Another Popular practice in Chicago : Lead footing from stop light to stop light.

- Truck drivers who make sudden lane changes/don't use their signal.

- Slamming on your brakes when the speed limit changes from 45 to 25 (i.e. when you enter a town on a state hwy). It's not necessary (unless you're crossing into Waunakee from Madison)...just ease back ahead of time.

- Drivers who cut into or through funeral processions.

- Drivers who don't respect bicyclists.

 

My Passenger Peeves:

- Drivers who make turns with underhanded motions.

- Drivers who stick their hands through the steering wheel.

[Menotti80]

ok guys. i will start using the signal all the time. i dont want to be the guy who is complaining about other drivers when people are complaining about me http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Glennron]

Impatient drivers when they don't have to be anywhere important. Over aggressive drivers. If you're going to to feel the need to ride everyone's bumper the whole way, maybe you should've left earlier. If I'm going 7-8 over the speed limit, which is about what I usually do, and someone's tailgating, I'll gladly slow down to the speed limit for them. (I'm talking about non-highways here.)

 

When you're waiting to turn on to a street and someone who will be turning on to the street you're on doesn't put their blinker on. I can't believe how often his happens. The worst is when there are multiple cars behind them so it makes you wait quite a bit longer, when you could've turned much sooner.

[TSack27]

9. SOME people who are doing other things when driving and should be fully concentrating on driving because they are bad drivers. the vast majority of people should never eat or talk on the phone. noone should change their clothes or put on make-up. some people shouldn't even change the station, let alone do things like brushing their teeth... lol

There are pet peeves, and then there are just real dangerous things. Cell phones are challenging enough, but now texting while driving is very scary, with those to be more likely the younger inexperienced drivers.

[Cue the 'back in my day' references...]

[temke]

Why is this sort of situation so hard for so many people to execute?

 

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l68/cthawkinson/traffic.jpg

 

 

I don't know how many times I have seen the driver making the right almost fade into the left lane (and a driver making a left) and vice-versa. There are two lanes, both should be able to make their turn at the same time.

so true...especially considering the car making the right turn has the right of way in that example. i see so many people make left turns across 2+ lanes of traffic all the time. extremely annoying.

also, the person on the freeway that either does not have cruise control or is talking on their phone and feels the need to pass you, then slow down, then pass you again, then slow down. pick a speed!!!