What's bugging you? (2016)

[1992casey]

Outside of dangerous situations, I tend to save the horn for drivers who don't move at green lights. It's generally a kind and gentle tap.

 

I had to do that yesterday in a left turn lane. I have no clue what the driver ahead of me was doing. But in addition to not seeing the green arrow, he missed out on the fact that the four cars ahead of him had moved through the intersection and made their turns.

[Baldkin]

I think it's possible for a passenger to be very distracting. But I would hope that most reasonable passengers would recognize when a driver needs to keep his eyes and ears on the road and converse accordingly. On the other side of the coin, passengers can be helpful in touchy situations by pointing out hazards, helping with blind spots, and whatnot. Of course, there's a line between what's helpful and what isn't. The habitual backseat driver isn't helpful.

 

I think that one thing that's important to realize is that drivers aren't the best judges of whether or not they're distracted. They can recognize when something's really bad and say to themselves, "Hey self, I'm not paying attention to the road." But it likely takes a lot less than that to actually be distracted.

 

I'm not suggesting that people cut out all hands-free calling. But I do think its use should be limited, and I think that some drivers could cut out many hours of calls. When I think of some of the phone conversations I overhear in public places, it becomes apparent that many calls can wait.

 

My biggest complaint is when people feel that hands-free whatever is "safe." That's a false sense of security. Drivers need to realize that it's a distraction and that under certain driving conditions, the calls should wait.

 

I agree that there's no excuse for not pairing a phone. It can easily be done via either the phone or radio. And because most car radios can handle multiple devices, it's an option even if you borrow someone else's vehicle. For those who truly can't handle it, go to the dealer or radio installer and let them do it.

 

Interestingly, one writer suggests that the answer to all this technology is to have more technology. We now have cruise controls that adjust based on the speed of the car ahead. Crash sensors are coming into the picture. And backup cameras will be required in all vehicles starting in 2018.

 

My personal issue is what to do about my two older cars. They drive like they're new, and I have no desire to replace them. One of them is old enough that it actually has a tape deck. I need to decide if it's a responsible expenditure to upgrade one or both of their radios to something that's appropriate to this decade.

 

You can get a bluetooth hookup that will broadcast over an FM station to your car and plug into the cigarette lighter for about $25 on Amazon. It's what I use on my car.

[1992casey]

I've thought of that. I'm a little bit concerned about cities with a lot of FM stations. Is that ever a problem for you?

 

In the older car, I can also opt for a gizmo that plugs into the tape deck if I'm willing to have a cord dangling down the front of my dash.

[LouisEly]

The FM stations are usually in the 87.5-88.1 range where there are few stations and the ones that are there aren't very powerful. That was how I had to do Sirius when I first got it back in 2002. If you get interference you just switch to a different frequency.

[NeedMoreFans]

I may have put this in here before, but I'll say it again. The postal service closed the Madison processing center last year, so all of our mail now goes to Milwaukee. I received a bill in the mail four days after it was mailed from Madison (I live in Middleton), and it was due four days later. Thank goodness for online payments in this case because I could pay it right away, but if I had to rely on the mail, my bill may have been late. This also is true of mail within my own city. There is no local processing, so anything that is mailed to us from my kids' school, which is less than a mile from our house, goes through Milwaukee.

[AKCheesehead]

I used to look forward to playing the cubs, as generally a game or two of the series would air on WGN and I would get to watch up here.

[nate82]

 

Another driving frustration is one I don't recall seeing in Wisconsin, but I see all the time in Arizona. People will be in the wrong lane, but then nearly cause a massive pile-up by fighting through traffic to get to far lane to turn into a strip mall. In Wisconsin people tended to realize they missed their opportunity, continue on, and then safely return to the correct location by making a series of legal, safe turns.

 

Where the I-10 West meets with I-17 N/S is bad but the I-17 and the Loop 101 exit is just words can not describe that exit. I will not drive in the center or right lane any where near I-17 and Bell and the 101 exit it is just way to hazardous to be driving there.

 

So many bad drivers in Phoenix and I swear every single one drives on the I-17 or the 101 when I am driving.

[Patrick425]

 

Another driving frustration is one I don't recall seeing in Wisconsin, but I see all the time in Arizona. People will be in the wrong lane, but then nearly cause a massive pile-up by fighting through traffic to get to far lane to turn into a strip mall. In Wisconsin people tended to realize they missed their opportunity, continue on, and then safely return to the correct location by making a series of legal, safe turns.

 

Where the I-10 West meets with I-17 N/S is bad but the I-17 and the Loop 101 exit is just words can not describe that exit. I will not drive in the center or right lane any where near I-17 and Bell and the 101 exit it is just way to hazardous to be driving there.

 

So many bad drivers in Phoenix and I swear every single one drives on the I-17 or the 101 when I am driving.

 

Been to the Phoenix area for Spring training about a dozen times. We always rent a car and do a fair amount of driving while we are there because we will go wherever the Brewers happen to be playing on any given day. Traffic can be a bit heavy at times (and a lot of lane switching) but I don't recall any close calls for us in regards to almost getting in an accident. I will say that I'm always amazed at the amount of skid marks all over the freeways and the number of scrape marks on the barriers (especially on curves). I don't notice this as much in the Milwaukee area.

[BrewersSuperCollector]

I'm on the streets of Milwaukee 8-11 hours a day 240 days a year. I just want people to figure out what a stop sign is and how to use a crosswalk.

[LouisEly]

I know that not all Millennials are this way, and maybe it's just the younger Millennials that have a tendency to be this way, but this is one of the reasons why people dislike Millennials. I'm at SFO this morning and trying to grab some breakfast before getting on the plane. Of course, can't have Burger King or McDonalds in the SF airport, has to be gourmet everything. I find a place that has a good omelet on the menu that I don't have to alter the ingredients, so I get in line which is a good 10 people deep. In front of me is a girl, early 20's, and of course has her earbuds in and is talking with someone on Facetime. Well, finally it gets to be her turn to order.

 

- Guy taking orders has to yell "NEXT" twice, then she takes her earbuds out.

- "Yes... um... do you have, like, sandwiches... (something about tomatoes, asks 3-4 questions - menu is clearly printed on the wall with ingredients, even I can read the menu from the back of the line)...", guy at counter points to sample food on display.

- Orders food... then has to turn around to set her backpack down on the counter so she can get her wallet out

- Finishes transaction, continues farting around with her backpack and phone, guy taking orders says "NEXT", I say "California omelet".

- I literally reach over her to hand my credit card to the cashier

 

Hey hashtag, there are other people in this world besides you who are trying to get food and have a plane to catch.

 

And don't get me started on the people who put their backpack, briefcase, or handbag in the overhead compartment instead of under the seat in front of them. There are people who would like to find a spot for their carry-on

[logan82]

It isn't just millennials. There are way to many people who are oblivious of others. They act like they are at home when they are in public. Talking loudly on the phone. Walking down the middle of the parking lanes in lots so cars can't drive past. Driving in the left lane while not passing. Leaving their ringer on in classes and at work. Take your pick. I think people in general are becoming more and more inconsiderate of others.

[DHonks]

have noticed this lately, so wanted to comment. I'm at Costco, and after shopping get a slice of pizza and a soda. I wait in the fountain soda line. There are 2 fountain machines, each with an ice dispenser and 4-5 options on each side. Yet everyone infront fills up their ice, then pours their soda without moving over. When the lady infront of me did this, I stepped forward, said "excuse me," and reached in to fill up my ice while she was filling her soda. Once I had enough ice, I went to one of the taps on the opposite side she was on. She gave me a little look like I was violating her private space. It's not just there though. Maybe FreeStyle Machines have retrained people into thinking only one person can be using the ice/soda combo at a time, but I've always believed 2-3 people should be able to do so at the same machine at the same time.

[Baldkin]

I know that not all Millennials are this way, and maybe it's just the younger Millennials that have a tendency to be this way, but this is one of the reasons why people dislike Millennials. I'm at SFO this morning and trying to grab some breakfast before getting on the plane. Of course, can't have Burger King or McDonalds in the SF airport, has to be gourmet everything. I find a place that has a good omelet on the menu that I don't have to alter the ingredients, so I get in line which is a good 10 people deep. In front of me is a girl, early 20's, and of course has her earbuds in and is talking with someone on Facetime. Well, finally it gets to be her turn to order.

 

- Guy taking orders has to yell "NEXT" twice, then she takes her earbuds out.

- "Yes... um... do you have, like, sandwiches... (something about tomatoes, asks 3-4 questions - menu is clearly printed on the wall with ingredients, even I can read the menu from the back of the line)...", guy at counter points to sample food on display.

- Orders food... then has to turn around to set her backpack down on the counter so she can get her wallet out

- Finishes transaction, continues farting around with her backpack and phone, guy taking orders says "NEXT", I say "California omelet".

- I literally reach over her to hand my credit card to the cashier

 

Hey hashtag, there are other people in this world besides you who are trying to get food and have a plane to catch.

 

And don't get me started on the people who put their backpack, briefcase, or handbag in the overhead compartment instead of under the seat in front of them. There are people who would like to find a spot for their carry-on

 

This has absolutely nothing to do with Millennials. I've seen plenty of people in their 50's doing similar things. Americans, in general, have lost respect for other human beings and no longer display common courtesy or common sense.

 

I no longer move out of someone's way if they are walking with their head down and texting. If they run into me, I will comment to them, "Oh, sorry, you didn't see me there."

[1992casey]

It's OK for etiquette to change. An example would be "Ms." becoming the default honorific for women. But when manners evolve, a previous way to be polite is supposed to be succeeded by a new way to be polite. Etiquette shouldn't be modernized in favor of "me first."

 

It seems to me that people walking and using a phone tend to require about the same amount of extra attention as people using a cane or walker. The difference is that I'm happy to do whatever I can to make life easier for those using mobility devices.

 

The people who walk in the middle of the lanes in parking lots definitely get to me. I don't get what they're thinking. Many or most of these people also drive cars. As a matter of fact, they're walking to or from cars. You'd think they'd understand the driver's position.

 

Couples holding hands while strolling around in crowded places is another one. They slow everyone down. On the flip side, I appreciate it when parents hold their children's hands.

 

The other day at Miller Park, I encountered a group of people standing around chatting literally two feet in front of the escalator. That's about as clueless as it gets.

[Baldkin]

The other day at Miller Park, I encountered a group of people standing around chatting literally two feet in front of the escalator. That's about as clueless as it gets.

 

This might be my biggest pet peeve.

 

There is a HUGE area, where NO ONE WALKS, literally 8 feet away, and you decide to stop and have your conversation in the flow of foot traffic.

 

This also goes for the people who stop 3 feet after getting a stadium give away to open it up and look at it.

[jerichoholicninja]

Couples holding hands while strolling around in crowded places is another one. They slow everyone down.

 

My wife has to hold my hand just about everywhere we go. Even in situations like the one you described. I'm trying to be courteous to the people around us and let go and get behind her so we're not in peoples' way but then I get looks from her. So there's no way for me to win.

[LouisEly]

My Millennial comment had more to do with Facetime and this separation anxiety they have from their friends - including having to text them back right away, even when they are on a date with someone else. They can't separate when it is ok to communicate with friends and when it can and should wait. We are seeing all generations be less courteous/aware of their surroundings and paying too much attention to their phones, but with Millennials it seems to be driven by needing to be constantly connected to friends.

[logan82]

People standing around just outside the door of the building when the fire alarm goes off making it difficult for other people to get out.

[1992casey]

I think the fire alarm issue tops the rest of our complaints.

[reillymcshane]

The other day at Miller Park, I encountered a group of people standing around chatting literally two feet in front of the escalator. That's about as clueless as it gets.

 

This might be my biggest pet peeve.

 

There is a HUGE area, where NO ONE WALKS, literally 8 feet away, and you decide to stop and have your conversation in the flow of foot traffic.

 

This also goes for the people who stop 3 feet after getting a stadium give away to open it up and look at it.

This is a form of people exerting control over others - often times so they feel better about themselves.

 

It's just like the person who takes a long time to get their car out of a parking spot even though they know someone is waiting for it. Or the person who always shows up at a meeting late (usually coming in saying something like, "I'm sorry, I was in a meeting with Important Person and and just so busy, blah, blah, blah...")

 

There are a million ways to do this, but it often comes down to control. You stop and make others wait, you're validating how important you are. You show up at the meeting late, you're telling everyone how important you are as well as exercising control because things won't start without you.

 

It's kind of crazy, and often not even conscious.

 

PS - the parking lot thing is real. I read a study that showed people take longer to get in their car and get out of a parking spot if they know someone is waiting for it.

[logan82]

It's just like the person who takes a long time to get their car out of a parking spot even though they know someone is waiting for it.

I will admit I purposely take longer if someone is waiting for the spot and the lot is not full. Waiting for a spot can make other people wait.Not cool. I hate people that will stop the flow of vehicles.

[1992casey]

The problem I see is that once you get into your car, that's the time to tune the radio, set the air conditioner, remove your jacket, open your bottle of water, or maybe even make a phone call. It's preferable to do those things while the car is stationary rather than when it's moving. And sometimes, people who get into their cars are waiting for someone else to join them.

[Patrick425]

The problem I see is that once you get into your car, that's the time to tune the radio, set the air conditioner, remove your jacket, open your bottle of water, or maybe even make a phone call. It's preferable to do those things while the car is stationary rather than when it's moving. And sometimes, people who get into their cars are waiting for someone else to join them.

 

 

All these situations I get. However, Logan, not sure I understand the stance you are trying to make by purposely taking your time. You think people hold up others in the parking lot by waiting for someone to back out of a spot. So, instead of speeding up the process and getting out of the spot that you no longer need to use so that the person waiting can park there and not possibly hold up others, you make them wait longer until they finally realize that you are not going to back out (for no reason other than spite)? Ok?

[logan82]

Find another spot. I am not going to rush just because you want to save yourself from walking an extra 20 feet.

[DocLuna7]

I get your point Patrick but I am with Logan on this one. There are numerous times that I have waited to back out with my truck simply because the people waiting rudely for me to leave were so lazy that they couldn't go park in a different spot that is a few feet further away. Good grief people can be ridiculous sometimes.