Now I'd better start with a disclaimer of sorts, because of course I am not a perfect driver. I have made mistakes, and, as is the human condition, am much more forgiving toward myself than I am toward other drivers. I do consider myself a pretty decent driver, however, having never caused an accident or even been issued a ticket for a traffic violation (not because I'm slow, but because I have a system I stick to that works wonders). Regardless, I have had my fair share of stupid maneuvers on the road. So I'm not here to rant about when people make mistakes. Because it happens occasionally to the best of us. What makes me mad is when people are consistently stupid or inconsiderate, without any apparent reason. So here are some examples of a few of the things that really get me going:
1. Driving below the speed limit when the person behind you is obviously trying to speed things up. Of course, I can't really fault anyone for driving the speed limit (though it can sure bug me sometimes). It's legal, it's safe, and it's acceptable, so I have to concede that. Not acceptable: driving below the speed limit when there is nothing compelling you to do so (such as bad weather/road conditions) for a consistent period of time. There is never a reason you should do this. EVER. Why would anyone want to get somewhere slower than they can? This is especially annoying when A) you are in the left lane, or B) there is no way for a person wishing to drive the speed limit to pass you (especially if there is no way because you are matching the speed of a driver in the other lane, creating a road block... this is probably my number one pet peeve of driving. Infuriating.) Often when someone is driving below the speed limit in front of me I will move pretty close to them in a classic "tailgate" as a signal that they need to speed up or change lanes. Sometimes people take the hint. Some don't. If you can't, please don't ever drive anywhere near me, because you'll become my enemy and I don't need those.
2. Tailgating me until I move out of the way for you to pass (like a considerate person would), then slowing down when I move back. This also applies if someone passes me using another lane. Driving should not be a game of leapfrog. If you want to go faster than me, then go faster than me. If you don't, then stay behind me. Pay a little bit of attention to what's going on around you and work with it.
3. Not using a blinker to signal a lane change. This one absolutely baffles me. I mean, really? You don't have enough time or energy to slightly move your hand to flick a lever? Even if doing so could possibly prevent a completely avoidable collision? This goes beyond laziness to me- I consider it pure stupidity. It doesn't hurt anything to turn on your signal, and it doesn't even cost any effort. Some of my closest shaves on the freeway have involved changing lanes into the same spot as another car whose driver A) wasn't looking around to see if anyone was signalling an upcoming lane change into the spot they're moving to, and B) didn't have their signal on to tell me of their intentions. I've racked my brain over and over but still can't come up with any reason why someone shouldn't signal before changing lanes.
Conveniently located inches away from your hand.
5. Not moving out of the left lane when I'm obviously going much faster than you.
6. Idaho drivers (ha).
If you see this, prepare to slow down.
