What's with Houston drivers? (Portland, San Diego: buses, safety, vacation)

[oceangaia]

Originally Posted by jfre81

They also speed and run red lights - but it's not like you can write them a ticket.

No but you could video them and youtube it.

[Grunn]

Originally Posted by DiverTodd62

Maybe you could tell me how you would benefit from my signal if I am 10 car lengths ahead and two lanes over from you on the freeway?

I'd have an extra piece of information to incorporate into my driving plan.

I'm really quite disturbed that you seem to view vehicles a mere 10 car lengths and 2 lanes away as somehow unimportant.

Regarding the traffic 'line' by bunching up and not allowing others in you cause stress and make an accident more likely. Is that a good plan? Also you have no idea why people are doing that- maybe they didn't know where they were going until it was too late? Maybe, just maybe instead of assuming the worst about other people you should cut them some slack and let them in. It seems you and others regard driving as a some sort of petty turf war rather than a mode of transport-worrying.

[Huckleberry3911948]

that is so strange that is what is said about french people as well.

[Grunn]

Originally Posted by Huckleberry3911948

that is so strange that is what is said about french people as well.

What is said about the French?

[desertsun41]

Originally Posted by DiverTodd62

No but you could video them and youtube it.

Here is a fine example too:

Diver I wish more people would do as you say.......not as you do. I do highly suspect though if you taped a cop doing something wrong your life would be in danger. They are revengeful people for sure.

[oceangaia]

Originally Posted by Grunn

I'd have an extra piece of information to incorporate into my driving plan.

How would you incorporate it into your plan?

Driver is 10 car lengths ahead and two lanes over.

What would you physically do if said driver has his signal on?

What would you physically do if said driver does not have his signal on?

Conversely, what should said driver do differently depending on whether or not you have your signal on?

[oceangaia]

BTW, the whole problem is that most people don't even have a "driving plan". They motor along mindlessly and "robotically" relying on "habits" like flipping on turn signals then expecting others to react and adjust to them.

Using turn signals only when necessary would require people to look around, assess their situation, and actually think.

BTW, aren't you the one looking for a muscle car like the 500 horsepower Mustang? I'm sure since you're such a stickler for signals you wouldn't ever let yourself exceed the posted speed limit or accelerate too quickly, right?

[Va-Cat]

Originally Posted by DiverTodd62

How would you incorporate it into your plan? If the signal indicated a move that would cause a whole line of traffic to slam on their brakes, I'd be better prepared for it. If I'm doing 10 mph faster than they are, I'd be aware and able to get around them. Mostly it just makes me AWARE that there is a shift in the traffic pattern around me. Its called defensive driving

Driver is 10 car lengths ahead and two lanes over. Thats not that much of a lead if the traffic is doing the usual 70 mph...

What would you physically do if said driver has his signal on? See answer #1

What would you physically do if said driver does not have his signal on? Praying that the guy drafting off my bumper behind me also saw the move if it is impacting a line of traffic in front of me

Conversely, what should said driver do differently depending on whether or not you have your signal on?Driver in front - not much. As for a driver behind...see answer #1

Does this answer your question?

[Grunn]

Va-cat covered it pretty well. Do you regard habits like using your mirrors and keeping safe braking distances as useless as well? I think you should re-read your driver manual and consider taking some driver training for the sake of your loved ones as well as yourself. We can all benefit from extra training.

As for wanting a powerful car the aim of that is to enjoy some real American muscle rather than break any laws or drive dangerously. To be honest driving fast in straight lines isn't very exciting when you've spent years living in Germany where you can legally drive as fast as your car will go (even 167mph-my personal 'best' is pretty boring in the final analysis)

[Va-Cat]

Originally Posted by Grunn

Va-cat covered it pretty well. Do you regard habits like using your mirrors and keeping safe braking distances as useless as well? I think you should re-read your driver manual and consider taking some driver training for the sake of your loved ones as well as yourself. We can all benefit from extra training.

As for wanting a powerful car the aim of that is to enjoy some real American muscle rather than break any laws or drive dangerously. To be honest driving fast in straight lines isn't very exciting when you've spent years living in Germany where you can legally drive as fast as your car will go (even 167mph-my personal 'best' is pretty boring in the final analysis)

If you want real excitement - drive in the Bahamas. No lane markers and the rule is "bear to the left for oncoming traffic". In other words drive down the middle until you see someone coming at you. Only problem is that there is no such thing as a straight road there. Its all twists, turns and hills. Can get very exciting meeting a truck head on in a blind curve...... It definately hones your driving skills