Boulder, please learn how to drive (Longmont, Eldora: campers, dangerous, safer)

[billeethakid]

This is not isolated but I was driving down Valmont headed west right before the Butte and a small coyote walks out into the road maybe 30 yards in front of a minivan. The minivan did not swerve or hit brakes, hits the pup in the hind end and it scampers off under the guard rail all mangled up, definitely broken bones. I can guarantee the driver of the van was doing something other than paying attention to the road, i.e. cell phone, computer, what ev. I drive this route every day and EVERY DAY someone does some dumb **** that actually amazes me every time. Why when the light turns green can 90% of the people I’m behind fail to NOT ACCELERATE, it takes seriously 4 to 5 seconds to get it going. Also, when one jackass runs a light, why do 13 other people decide to follow said dumbass? After being here a few years, I understand that this is a countrywide melting pot and people have different was of driving, but sometimes it is so ridiculous. I've seen cops watch people do these kinds of things and never pursue, but I’ve had a speeding ticket for 10 over in a 30. Pay attention Boulder; this place is congested, you need to keep things moving, people actually work here. Also, do folks here know what the right of way is? I do not think so... Bicyclists you also need to pay attention riding 3 abreast on a busy street, WTF?

I love Boulder and I'll probably never leave but things could be so much better if people were just a little more considerate and attentive. Honestly, it bothers me if someone is on my ass when I’m driving, so I'll pull over for them. Not only because someone is invading my personal space but I know what its like being behind some schmo going 10 under the speed limit on the cell, smoking a joint, changing radio stations with 4 F@#$%&! dogs in the back seat with the directional on. Does anyone get what I’m saying or relate?

[jkcoop]

Well, I can relate - but it's just not Boulder. It's every where now. People just don't pay attention when they drive and are extremely inconsiderate.

Yapping on a cell phone while driving is such a pet peeve. I honestly have to wonder what in the world is SO important that it requires talking while driving. Add to that they are usually in the fast lane going 40, not seeing the backup behind them.

Here in Longmont we have huge issues with people running the red light left turn at Hover and Nelson. It's dangerous, causes road rage, etc. My husband has written to the chief of police, but there seems to be no concern. If they would sit out there and issues tickets they could really make some money and I wish they would. You also risk getting rear ended there because if you actually stop and not go through the light, because the driver behind you is planning on winging it through.

So it's not just Boulder! Our son gets his license at the end of the month. It's a whole new world teaching someone to drive these days. For the past year we've basically told him to consider everyone else on the road is not paying attention and not going by the rules and you'll be fine.

[billeethakid]

Originally Posted by jkcoop

Well, I can relate - but it's just not Boulder. It's every where now. People just don't pay attention when they drive and are extremely inconsiderate.

Yapping on a cell phone while driving is such a pet peeve. I honestly have to wonder what in the world is SO important that it requires talking while driving. Add to that they are usually in the fast lane going 40, not seeing the backup behind them.

Here in Longmont we have huge issues with people running the red light left turn at Hover and Nelson. It's dangerous, causes road rage, etc. My husband has written to the chief of police, but there seems to be no concern. If they would sit out there and issues tickets they could really make some money and I wish they would. You also risk getting rear ended there because if you actually stop and not go through the light, because the driver behind you is planning on winging it through.

So it's not just Boulder! Our son gets his license at the end of the month. It's a whole new world teaching someone to drive these days. For the past year we've basically told him to consider everyone else on the road is not paying attention and not going by the rules and you'll be fine.

Absolutely! The Longmont to Boulder commute on 119 is the worst. There are even signs that say "keep right unless to pass" everywhere, why do people not understand this? I need to stop being a magnet for dumb ass drivers. I was run into the shoulder one time on 119, guy just decides to mozy on over to my lane, Im whaling on the horn and he does not even look.. As dangerous as it is, I feel safer on a motorcycle, you can get away from people more quickly, and I know your not supposed to split lanes but sometimes thats what I feel is the right thing to do. Thanks for your input, hopefully other agree and some kind of message will get out there.

[chilaili]

Well, you know the old (bad) joke that a red light is seen more of a guideline than an instruction, right? Anyways, my pet peeve is how people just never use their signal light until AFTER they're already in the turn lane or halfway around the corner. Talk about stupid! The signal light is there to let other drivers know your INTENTION to change lanes or turn, not tell them after the fact. And don't get me started on merge lanes and roundabouts . . .

They finally installed traffic lights at Pace and Hwy 66 in Longmont and now people think they're not allowed to use the merge lane to turn right onto the Highway when the lights are red and there's plenty of room to go - aargh!

[Mike from back east]

I'm from back east and when a light turns green there you either move in a split second or you hear horns. I'm still the same way, when it turns green I'm on the gas, BUT..... I look both ways in case some doofus is about to drive through a red light with "their head up their cellphone" (a phrase that I have personally coined). Seen it happen and I'll never move out into the box without a head check to the left and right. This may be one reason why some people hesitate to move out, they're waiting to make sure no red-light-runners are going to T-Bone them. Sign of the times. Aggravating and/or downright bad drivers are everywhere, not just Boulder.

[jkcoop]

I think another issue in Boulder is the amount of tourists as well who don't pay attention to signs, etc.

This summer we were almost plowed down at one of those flashing cross walks. We had been at the Farmer's Market and were crossing at one of those walks. Car in lane one stopped. Mini van with out of state plates and guy on the phone in the second lane just drove right on through - fast - and didn't even notice at all what he had just done....

[suzco]

Originally Posted by jkcoop

I think another issue in Boulder is the amount of tourists as well who don't pay attention to signs, etc.

This summer we were almost plowed down at one of those flashing cross walks. We had been at the Farmer's Market and were crossing at one of those walks. Car in lane one stopped. Mini van with out of state plates and guy on the phone in the second lane just drove right on through - fast - and didn't even notice at all what he had just done....

The flashing lights cross walks add to the excitement of driving in Boulder; in most places (and even in Boulder except for at those flashing cross walks) flashing yellow means caution, not stop.

Boulder is also one of the few places where many/most drivers do stop for pedestrians crossing the road (with or without the flashing cross walks) as required by law, and where there are many bicyclists, some of whom follow laws/rules of the road, some of whom do not, interacting with cars and their drivers. It's also congested. At least within Boulder proper, unlike along the Diagonal (Hwy 119 between Boulder and Longmont) traffic moves slowly. Imagine the carnage if there were more high speed roads in Boulder.

But "bad drivers," distracted drivers, road rage are endemic, not limited to Boulder.

[Neditate]

Originally Posted by billeethakid

Does anyone get what I’m saying or relate?

YES!
Talking on cell phones or even worse yet, texting, is my #1 pet peeve. What do people not understand about inattentive driving?
Makes me sad about the poor coyote... what if it had been a child or someone's pet?
You mentioned the signs "keep right except to pass"... in Boulder Canyon there are two passing lanes with the signage. I'd say 8 out of 10 folks do not stay to the right. Even with a headlight flash and light tap of the horn, they won't move (not being aggressive, just trying to call attention). Then I get flipped off for passing them in the right lane. They are not all tourists, though it does happen more in the summer months. Very frustrating.

Mike, I like your phrase "their head up their cellphone".

[movementarian]

10 over in a 30? That actually seems like bad driving.

And why don't people jack rabbit start as soon as the light turns green? - probably hesisitant and scared of being T-boned by one of the 13 other jackasses following the guy who just ran the red light.

[jkcoop]

Originally Posted by Neditate

YES!
You mentioned the signs "keep right except to pass"... in Boulder Canyon there are two passing lanes with the signage. I'd say 8 out of 10 folks do not stay to the right. Even with a headlight flash and light tap of the horn, they won't move (not being aggressive, just trying to call attention). Then I get flipped off for passing them in the right lane. They are not all tourists, though it does happen more in the summer months. Very frustrating.

Okay, I tried to rep you but I can't!

This is so true. And then there are the signs that say pull over to let others pass - the little bump outs, not the passing lanes. It is so rare that a slow person with 15 cars behind them will ever pull over in one of those bump outs. Probably because they are the drivers that never look behind them.

Our son starts work up at Eldora in November. We are still debating as to whether or not we'll let him drive or if he'll have to take RTD from Boulder. He's had the canyon experiences driving, it's not that. It's all the other people....but it will be that way no matter where he goes, so I guess as a mom I just have to take a deep breath and let go. Not sure I'm ready for that!

I wish the phone/texting laws that apply to teens applied to everyone!