21746 messages,
Last post on May 21, 2013 at 7:38 PM
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Car Safety
#18975 of 21746 Re: Inconsiderate kitty? [slorenzen]
by fintail
Jul 14, 2012 (10:57 am)
Hopefully he won't wander out onto a local roadway, where an oblivious pseudo-driver might run him down. Oversensitive middle America can probably avoid him anyway.
The only cougars in my neighborhood drive high end SUVs
Jul 15, 2012 (4:07 pm)
Today I got behind an older guy in a late 90s Grand Cherokee. He was going slow, and then navigated a turn very oddly - kind of lurchy and unevenly. I passed him and saw why - he was messing around with a plastic container, the kind life savers or breath mints would be stored in. The best place to do this is while going around a corner, of course. Age isn't always an indicator of wisdom.
Other than that, saw nothing bad on local roads other than the usual slowpokes.
Jul 16, 2012 (1:59 pm)
A couple fun ones today. First was guy in a Tundra, pulling out of Costco, holding one of the foil wrapped sandwich things. He was trying to eat and drive and mind the kids in the truck (of course), and doing a poor job at all three. Surely he's not such a busy pillar of the community that he can't pull over for 5 minutes and eat. Just as bad as phone yappers...
Second was a woman in an Acura, wouldn't pull up less than 2 car lengths behind the car in front of her at lights, and was going slow. At a light, I eventually needed room to get into the upcoming right turn lane, so I beeped the fintail's horn, which is loud - she jumped out of her seat. I scared her and good. She must have been in her own dumb little world.
Third, old woman in a CRV. Right lane closed for construction, so she was going slow - not a problem as the upcoming light will be red anyway thanks to the efforts of our "engineers" who are so accountable and skilled. But when the lane opens and the construction ends,she continues to go 20-25 - in a 35. I went around, don't know how far back she was when I exited the road.
And topped off with a very short woman I won't describe, in an S550, driving with the gas door open. I guess when someone else bought the car, it doesn't matter.
Jul 17, 2012 (4:15 pm)
Saw something dopey today - young woman, RAV4, driving with her left hand in that weird underhand style at the top of the steering wheel. Right hand was holding a huge coffee cup - from the bottom. How could that seem like a good idea? Seems no better than someone holding a phone. I also don't get the underhand steering wheel gripping, which I see many times a day - but then again, I like to do things properly.
I've also recently come down with a motorcycle itch, I think next month I am going to take some classes as it has been too long since I have been on 2 wheels. I expect to see some real intelligence on the roads then.
Jul 17, 2012 (9:34 pm)
I've also recently come down with a motorcycle itch, I think next month I am going to take some classes as it has been too long since I have been on 2 wheels. I expect to see some real intelligence on the roads then.
When I ride, I assume that I am invisible- and if anyone CAN see me, they will try their best to kill me...
#18980 of 21746 Re: . [roadburner]
by kirstie_h HOST
Jul 18, 2012 (7:29 am)
We have the same policy - we assume that if there is an idiotic move to be made, the other vehicle WILL make that move. Having said that, the weather has been so awful we haven't ridden at all this year... plus the fact that there seem to be an increasing number of idiots on the road has put us off lately.
#18981 of 21746 Re: . [roadburner]
by fintail
Jul 18, 2012 (7:51 am)
I am already used to being treated like I am invisible when I am in a car...might be an easy transition. This area can train one in a little defensive driving. A coworker who is kind of egging me on to get a bike is kind of a die-hard yet looks for any excuse not to commute if he has to come in during peak hours.
Might be a good excuse to get that go pro camera I have been wanting, too. The dumb things I'll be able to put on youtube.
Jul 18, 2012 (10:17 am)
I got rid of my last motorcycle years ago. I got tired of being nervous all of the time and it got to the point it just wasn't fun anymore.
Plus, I knew it was a matter of time. Sooner or later, everybody crashes.
#18983 of 21746 Re: . [isellhondas]
by fintail
Jul 18, 2012 (10:40 am)
It's no fun to drive a car around here either - with bad traffic controls and a brain dead contingent on the road.
I'd end up being a Sunday/low hours driver, and keep off some of the negligently designed deathtrap roads (like any highway in Snohomish county). Just have an itch for a new toy I guess.
#18984 of 21746 Re: . [fintail]
by steve_ HOST
Jul 18, 2012 (11:59 am)
brain dead contingent on the road
It's the smog. (WSJ)
"Recent studies show that breathing street-level fumes for just 30 minutes can intensify electrical activity in brain regions responsible for behavior, personality and decision-making."