Do drivers know how to let off the gas instead of brake? (red light, manual transmission)

[vision33r]

I often see on the road that someone hit the gas and speeds up then applies the brakes quickly to slow it down. Then gas up again and brake tapping. It gets very annoying to be behind someone that keeps pulling for a bit then slowing down. Doesn't the person know just take the foot off the gas pedal and apply gas in between instead of constantly gas and brake.

Even more annoying is someone on the highway that does this. Goes from 60-65, person brakes for 2 secs then from 60 hits gas and then at 70 brakes again to bring car down to 65 then repeat. Never knows how to maintain speed by just properly applying gas.

When I'm in the lead on the highway I rarely use the brakes unless I need to.

[Mr_Geek]

Generally speaking, no.

[mclasser]

These drivers are the same ones who complain their brakes and tires wear out prematurely, and that their gas mileage sucks.

I try to do smooth braking and acceleration. Makes for a more comfortable ride for my passengers and less wear-and-tear on my car.

[Coldjensens]

I see a lot of drivers who drive like that, usually younger or not very experienced. Some people just never learn how to drive. It also seems to be more common in certain states (California for example where the only reaction to anything seems to be slam on the brakes) .

[wit-nit]

On the open road, cruise control anyone.

[pikabike]

Originally Posted by mclasser

These drivers are the same ones who complain their brakes and tires wear out prematurely, and that their gas mileage sucks.

I try to do smooth braking and acceleration. Makes for a more comfortable ride for my passengers and less wear-and-tear on my car.

This. People must be getting dumber and dumber not to realize backing off on the gas pedal slows the car down, without having to use brakes. Geez.

[vision33r]

I was on a road doing about 50mph this car in front of me keeps pulling and brake. You can see the brake lights keep going on and off while there's no traffic lights at all. Very annoying to have like a 2 car distance then back down to 1 car length and then car pulls again and never maintains a steady pace.

[hbdwihdh378y9]

I've never seen this in 35 years of driving. Odd.

[adriver]

Originally Posted by hbdwihdh378y9

I've never seen this in 35 years of driving. Odd.

PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN.



The slinky effect. This problem gets worse and worse the farther back it goes. I can usually tell how bad traffic is because of this. It takes about a mile or two to go from 30-40 to a complete stop. Then everyone races ahead for a few seconds to keep out the lane changers. I drive a manual and this is the worst part about driving a manual transmission. Its just annoying to keep shifting that much, not to mention wearing down your brakes, and wasting your fuel. After they do it once or twice, I can usually tell how much distance I have and how long it takes, so I can keep my speed steady and help stop that stupid habit.

[ukrkoz]

Thank you. So my observation is correct. Americans are Rush and Slow drivers.
I was very surprised, in 1990, when I 1st came to the US, to experience that driving style - slam on gas, rush to street light, slam on brakes. Repeat as many times as needed. I was actually sick in few blocks of riding with those drivers.
I still see it. I take slow planned braking, do a lot of engine braking, just to see - red light ahead - car zipping past me accelerating, slamming on brakes before the light.
Maybe it is some sort of commonly accepted drivers schooling?