Post by: 41magsnub on April 24, 2008, 05:24:19 AM
Getting tired of this I gave her a brake check and she dropped both the cell phone and cup of coffee. What was especially glorious about it was the cup of coffee flew forward and popped like a water balloon on her windshield. My morning chuckle accomplished I continued to work.
I mentioned this to a coworker and she was aghast that I would do such a thing.
Was my little bit of road vigilantism wrong? I don't think so.
Post by: Mabs2 on April 24, 2008, 05:31:11 AM
Post by: Manedwolf on April 24, 2008, 05:35:06 AM
Hopefully she learned a valuable lesson. It was someone like that who killed an award-winning jazz musician who was changing his tire on 495 in MA a couple of years ago, a guy who had defected from the Soviet Union and fought to achieve the American dream and all. Good musician, too. Some distracted lady in a behemoth of an SUV meandered into the service lane, hit his stopped vehicle in the tail and knocked it onto him, killing him instantly.
So I have no sympathy for the coffee spill, since she had NO hands on the wheel. I hope it damaged dash electronics. Good for you.
Post by: Ex-MA Hole on April 24, 2008, 05:36:32 AM
Post by: K Frame on April 24, 2008, 05:37:20 AM
Post by: 41magsnub on April 24, 2008, 05:38:44 AM
Post by: mfree on April 24, 2008, 05:47:04 AM
Satisfying? Heh, more than likely. I do hope she figured something out from the episode.
Post by: jrfoxx on April 24, 2008, 06:36:01 AM
Quote
I think you get extra points for the coffee drop.
agreed. she shouldnt be tailgating, nor having her hands full while driving. serves her right.
Post by: Jamisjockey on April 24, 2008, 06:54:41 AM
Where I live, I think you have to be able to drive while on the phone holding a soy latte non fat whipped to pass the driver test.
Post by: The Annoyed Man on April 24, 2008, 07:05:35 AM
I do hope karma pays you back, though.
Post by: 41magsnub on April 24, 2008, 07:11:25 AM
I wouldn't have done it; I'd have pulled over to the right lane and let her pass. But then, my policy is complete non aggression on the road. That said, those who tailgate assume the responsibility for stopping IMO (and according to law).
I do hope karma pays you back, though.
I do hope karma pays you back, though.
Again to be clear it was not a case of left lane vigilantism (which drives me as nuts as anybody else) as there was no left lane. Due to asinine city planning this is a 2 lane road with the traffic somewhat stacked up in both directions. The only way I could have pulled over would have been onto the shoulder and stop, then hope some kind soul would let me back in (unlikely on this road during the commute).
I view it as pre-emptive self defense since there was a very good chance I would get rear-ended by her if I had to make a real emergency stop for whatever reason. After the obscene gesture she did stop tail gating me.
Edit: I tipe gud
Post by: K Frame on April 24, 2008, 07:23:36 AM
She gave you one, or you gave her one?
Post by: 41magsnub on April 24, 2008, 07:27:57 AM
What obscene gesture?
She gave you one, or you gave her one?
She gave you one, or you gave her one?
Her to me, I was laughing to hard to even consider one, not that I do that anyway.
Post by: BlueStarLizzard on April 24, 2008, 07:31:02 AM
ok, maybe not a gray area in this day and age, but still, satisfying!
Post by: AJ Dual on April 24, 2008, 07:34:47 AM
OTOH, I agree with the sentiment, and I'd be irritated at the woman too. It's a minor, but constant fear that Mrs. Dual will kill herself and our four daughters tooling about in the minivan multitasking while driving like that. So I'm in the "wrong but very sympathetic" camp here.
Post by: mfree on April 24, 2008, 07:37:22 AM
Post by: The Annoyed Man on April 24, 2008, 07:48:53 AM
Quote
Again to be clear it was not a case of left lane vigilantism (which drives me as nuts as anybody else) as there was no left lane. Due to asinine city planning this is a 2 lane road with the traffic somewhat stacked up in both directions. The only way I could have pulled over would have been onto the shoulder and stop, then hope some kind soul would let me back in (unlikely on this road during the commute).
I view it as pre-emptive self defense since there was a very good chance I would get rear-ended by her if I had to make a real emergency stop for whatever reason. After the obscene gesture she did stop tail gating me.
I view it as pre-emptive self defense since there was a very good chance I would get rear-ended by her if I had to make a real emergency stop for whatever reason. After the obscene gesture she did stop tail gating me.
Ah yes, one of those PITA two lane roads that always runs bumper to bumper. Well, there was nothing else you could do I suppose. You are thus absolved.
Tailgaters are especially annoying to me; I drive a small fuel efficient vehicle most of the time and it's typically an SUV on my ass in an attempt to intimidate. I get the last laugh, though, because I'm getting 40mpg and they're not.
mfree
Quote
Paddy, karma's done. Lady was tailgating, and she got creamered. Who's to say that if 41magsnub didn't brake-check her that day that she wouldn't have mowed a pedestrian down at a crossing the next day or rammed the back tire of a motorcycle in her inattention?
Thinking like that is annoying because it's dishonest. He didn't 'brake check' randomly or for the purpose of brake checking. He did it to stop her from tailgating. You know it, I know it and he knows it.
Post by: xavier fremboe on April 24, 2008, 07:55:17 AM
Post by: K Frame on April 24, 2008, 08:00:26 AM
Wimps.
Post by: Zardozimo Oprah Bannedalas on April 24, 2008, 08:08:43 AM
Post by: Devonai on April 24, 2008, 08:15:22 AM
Post by: Manedwolf on April 24, 2008, 08:26:10 AM
I totally understand where you're coming from, but I've made the decision to no longer brake check. Consequences are too high. Instead, I keep cleaning my windshield until they back off. You'd be surprised to see how well it works. Third time some one has to clean their windshield from my overspray and they usually get the picture.
Yes, that's the equivalent of taking a wiz at the driver tailgating you. It works quite well!
Post by: freakazoid on April 24, 2008, 08:29:29 AM
.
Post by: PTK on April 24, 2008, 08:40:02 AM
Quote
I totally understand where you're coming from, but I've made the decision to no longer brake check. Consequences are too high. Instead, I keep cleaning my windshield until they back off. You'd be surprised to see how well it works. Third time some one has to clean their windshield from my overspray and they usually get the picture.
I do the same thing, and there's MUCH less chance of getting rear-ended like there is with "brake checks".
Post by: 41magsnub on April 24, 2008, 08:46:00 AM
I totally understand where you're coming from, but I've made the decision to no longer brake check. Consequences are too high. Instead, I keep cleaning my windshield until they back off. You'd be surprised to see how well it works. Third time some one has to clean their windshield from my overspray and they usually get the picture.
That's not a bad idea, I need to get out my pick set and adjust the nozzles to get a little more altitude to be effective though.
Post by: mbt2001 on April 24, 2008, 08:50:38 AM
It wasn't your fault...
But WOW, poor lady.
Post by: HankB on April 24, 2008, 08:56:41 AM
Reminds me of an episode of the Red Green show, in which he demonstrated how to deal with tailgaters by jettisoning your rear bumper. (Think duct tape, twine, and Bic pens.)
Having said that, I, personally, don't engage in things like this . . . I live in Texas, where people carry (gasp) guns. I'm meek as can be behind the wheel, secure in the knowledge that if the situation escalates to the point where I have to employ deadly force to protect myself or my passengers, ALL the escalation to that point will be on the part of the other guy.
Post by: Jamisjockey on April 24, 2008, 09:34:01 AM
Tailgaters are especially annoying to me; I drive a small fuel efficient vehicle most of the time and it's typically an SUV on my ass in an attempt to intimidate. I get the last laugh, though, because I'm getting 40mpg and they're not.
Is it just me, or did this thread just get smug?
[southpark] Do you love the smell of your own farts?[/southpark]
Post by: The Annoyed Man on April 24, 2008, 09:45:42 AM
But I have to admit I'm secretly chortling and thinking 'dumbass' inside.
Post by: Jamisjockey on April 24, 2008, 09:54:38 AM
Well, I try to be humble. I give a friendly smile and a wave to SUV drivers spending $100 filling up at the gas station.
But I have to admit I'm secretly chortling and thinking 'dumbass' inside.
But I have to admit I'm secretly chortling and thinking 'dumbass' inside.
And I look at the little econobox and wonder what its like to not be able to haul the rugrats, dog, stroller, and a weeks worth of luggage somewhere. To each his own.
Post by: PTK on April 24, 2008, 10:01:11 AM
Post by: BridgeRunner on April 24, 2008, 10:46:08 AM
My favorite approach is to gradually slow down, if getting over is not a possibility. I was in a one-lane construction zone the other day getting rather aggressively tailgated by a semi. Speed limit was 55. 55 was not a safe speed to be driving with a semi less than ten feet from my bumper. I slowed down. By the time I got down to 30 he got the message and backed off.
Post by: mtnbkr on April 24, 2008, 10:54:03 AM
And I look at the little econobox and wonder what its like to not be able to haul the rugrats, dog, stroller, and a weeks worth of luggage somewhere. To each his own.
Same here. I've filled the 4Runner and the Camry to the brim before (not at the same time). Even a weekend trip to visit family can result in some creative packing. I can't imagine doing that in a smaller car. I'd like an econobox to drive to/from work and around town, but the additional expense of another vehicle would be greater than the savings in fuel costs at any available level of fuel economy.
Chris
Post by: 41magsnub on April 24, 2008, 11:08:42 AM
Funny story.. going to my cabin a few years ago I had the truck all loaded up and was on the on ramp to get to the highway and the AC unit seized and took out the accessory belt. I cut out the belt and limped home and managed to cram everything I needed into a Subaru Legacy sedan. I had no idea I could fit my giant cooler in the back seat, I had maybe 1mm of clearance. Everything was full, passenger seat, back seat, and trunk. I didn't even need to hook up the Yakima rack and top load. If I wasn't paying for truck repairs I would have actually saved some money that weekend.
I still drive the truck to the cabin with a light load.. feels weird to head out to do man stuff in a car.
Post by: Manedwolf on April 24, 2008, 11:09:10 AM
And I look at the little econobox and wonder what its like to not be able to haul the rugrats, dog, stroller, and a weeks worth of luggage somewhere. To each his own.
Same here. I've filled the 4Runner and the Camry to the brim before (not at the same time). Even a weekend trip to visit family can result in some creative packing. I can't imagine doing that in a smaller car. I'd like an econobox to drive to/from work and around town, but the additional expense of another vehicle would be greater than the savings in fuel costs at any available level of fuel economy.
Chris
I think Honda made a big mistake not introducing the Accord Tourer model here, it's only sold in Europe and Japan. It's a crossover. Crossovers are hot. It's got room to put crap in. And it's an Accord, one of the most reliable cars ever built. Plus it's got a low-emission quiet turbodiesel!
That'd sell like crazy.
Post by: Larry Ashcraft on April 24, 2008, 12:55:22 PM
I drive an 8000 pound, crew cab black Chevy truck with a Duramax, and it amazes me when somebody will follow me so close all I can see is the roof of their econobox over my tailgate.
Oh, and I can get 20 MPG on the highway while pulling three of your loaded econoboxes.
On the other hand, diesel is $4.10 a gallon here.
Post by: The Annoyed Man on April 24, 2008, 01:26:35 PM
Quote
And I look at the little econobox and wonder what its like to not be able to haul the rugrats, dog, stroller, and a weeks worth of luggage somewhere.
Not everybody needs to haul all that extraneous baggage around with them all the time. Some of us just put on our pants and go.
Quote
Oh, and I can get 20 MPG on the highway while pulling three of your loaded econoboxes. cheesy
On the other hand, diesel is $4.10 a gallon here.
On the other hand, diesel is $4.10 a gallon here.
Unless you're in the trucking business, who needs diesel?
Post by: charby on April 24, 2008, 01:33:56 PM
And I look at the little econobox and wonder what its like to not be able to haul the rugrats, dog, stroller, and a weeks worth of luggage somewhere. To each his own.
Same here. I've filled the 4Runner and the Camry to the brim before (not at the same time). Even a weekend trip to visit family can result in some creative packing. I can't imagine doing that in a smaller car. I'd like an econobox to drive to/from work and around town, but the additional expense of another vehicle would be greater than the savings in fuel costs at any available level of fuel economy.
Chris
I've put the smack down on my wife when we travel. I hand her a bag and I tell she can only bring what she can fit in the bag and can take a pillow. She fought me for quite a while then she realized how much easier it was to carry only one bag. I'm still trying to get her to wear clothes more than one day when traveling.
-Charby
Post by: Scout26 on April 24, 2008, 02:18:04 PM
Quote from: Charby
I'm still trying to get her to wear clothes more than one day when traveling.
Have you taught her how to get four days out of one undie yet ??
Post by: Iain on April 24, 2008, 02:19:06 PM
I do 30 in the 30's and 60 (where it is safe) in the 60's. Few months ago an elderly lady pulled out in front of me on a 60 forcing me to slow almost to a stop. She then proceeded along the 60 at 40mph, not safe to overtake. Eventually we hit the next town, and I slowed to 30. She carried on doing 40.
Post by: Phyphor on April 24, 2008, 02:22:55 PM
Hopefully, this'll make her think of what could very well have happened... it could have been far worse than some spilled coffee and a dropped phone.....
Post by: Larry Ashcraft on April 24, 2008, 02:26:16 PM
Quote
Unless you're in the trucking business, who needs diesel?
Ever try running gasoline in a Duramax? They don't last long.
Post by: vaskidmark on April 24, 2008, 02:26:37 PM
I have had countless folks come up on my rear end and park there for a few seconds, and then suddenly back off and give me room. No brake-check, no coasting deceleration involved.
I think it might have something to do with the rear license plate frame that reads: "HOW FAST CAN YOU STOP?" Black frame with yellow reflective letters about 1 inch high.
Now, if I could figure out what to do about the vehicles that have the left headlight aimed up and out, focused right in my face as opposed to somewhere on the road ahead. They are bad enough with oncoming vehicles, but when they pull in behind you it's like a cop with his takedown light coming through the rear window. Virginia annual safety inspection just cares if the headlights work - no aiming issues. When I lived in Massachusetts eons ago that was a big item for flunking the inspection, as well as an easy $10 for the mechanic to fix for you on the spot so you could get reinspected. [/rant]
stay safe.
skidmark
Post by: Declaration Day on April 24, 2008, 02:44:03 PM
Post by: grampster on April 24, 2008, 03:03:24 PM
Post by: Finch on April 24, 2008, 03:11:36 PM
Post by: AJ Dual on April 24, 2008, 03:12:15 PM
Declaration Day hit the nail on the head. Turn on your headlights. The tailgater will think it's your brakes. Safer.
Or, just as likely, they'll see that your third brake light didn't go on, know what you did, and just laugh at you.
Learned that one the hard way in northeast Hellanois traffic on my way back to my kinder, gentler native Wisconsin.
Post by: grampster on April 24, 2008, 04:24:35 PM
Declaration Day hit the nail on the head. Turn on your headlights. The tailgater will think it's your brakes. Safer.
Or, just as likely, they'll see that your third brake light didn't go on, know what you did, and just laugh at you.
Learned that one the hard way in northeast Hellanois traffic on my way back to my kinder, gentler native Wisconsin.
Someone drinking coffee and talking on a cell phone is not likely bright enough to know the difference.
Post by: S. Williamson on April 24, 2008, 10:51:39 PM
Once, I tossed a tater tot from Sonic at someone who was tailgating. It was hilarious to watch them swerve their BMW to avoid a bit of greasy potato.
Post by: lupinus on April 25, 2008, 03:56:10 AM
Ever see those little tubs of oysters at the seafood counter?
They work wonderfully.
Grey area my ass, she had it coming.
Post by: Manedwolf on April 25, 2008, 04:15:14 AM
I've been known to flick lit cigarettes out my window at people who drive in my blind spot for a mile (city) or more. The shower of sparks seems to work quite well at getting their attention...
Once, I tossed a tater tot from Sonic at someone who was tailgating. It was hilarious to watch them swerve their BMW to avoid a bit of greasy potato.
Once, I tossed a tater tot from Sonic at someone who was tailgating. It was hilarious to watch them swerve their BMW to avoid a bit of greasy potato.
Be careful where you do that. Someone did that in S. Florida, and the next thing was a pop and their back window was gone.
Post by: The Annoyed Man on April 25, 2008, 04:40:08 AM
Post by: xavier fremboe on April 25, 2008, 05:05:03 AM
Declaration Day hit the nail on the head. Turn on your headlights. The tailgater will think it's your brakes. Safer.
Or, just as likely, they'll see that your third brake light didn't go on, know what you did, and just laugh at you.
Learned that one the hard way in northeast Hellanois traffic on my way back to my kinder, gentler native Wisconsin.
Before I adopted the more karma-friendly winshield washer trick, I would open up some space and downshift two gears. No brakelights, no nothing. That always backed them off.
Post by: Azrael256 on April 25, 2008, 05:48:36 AM
Quote
People eating greasy fast food while driving is another hazard.
Yeah, you should see him after a stop at Popeye's.
Post by: charby on April 25, 2008, 06:12:35 AM
I've been known to flick lit cigarettes out my window at people who drive in my blind spot for a mile (city) or more. The shower of sparks seems to work quite well at getting their attention...
Once, I tossed a tater tot from Sonic at someone who was tailgating. It was hilarious to watch them swerve their BMW to avoid a bit of greasy potato.
Once, I tossed a tater tot from Sonic at someone who was tailgating. It was hilarious to watch them swerve their BMW to avoid a bit of greasy potato.
I hate blind spot drivers! I-80 in Iowa must be a breeding ground for them. Tailgaters don't bother me as much because they are behind me but because of hazards in the road one has to drive around at time blind spot sitters belong in a special kind of hell. I had one in STL last summer in my blind spot in moderate traffic and there was a road gator in my lane and I had no way swerve around it. So I ended up catching the side of the gator and it flipped up and hit the windshield of the blind spot driver. Pitty it was a new Mercedes with paper dealer plates on it.
I wish I could have a sign that pops up from on the top my car that says: "hey a**hole, sh*t or get off the pot and get the f**k out of my blind spot"
Post by: Wynterbourne on April 26, 2008, 10:46:14 AM
I wish I could have a sign that pops up from on the top my car that says: "hey a**hole, sh*t or get off the pot and get the f**k out of my blind spot"
http://shopledauthority.com/items/automotive-led-displays/list.htm
Post by: BlueStarLizzard on April 26, 2008, 11:11:45 AM
Post by: johnster999 on April 26, 2008, 11:25:45 AM
Post by: grislyatoms on April 26, 2008, 11:25:58 AM
Equally effective is taking my foot off the gas and coasting. When they realize I am NOT going to go faster to oblige their tail-gating, and am in fact slowing down, they pass.
I love to hear them come around me, little four-banger screaming it's lungs out while I blow them a kiss. Ticks 'em right off.
Post by: doc2rn on April 26, 2008, 11:47:35 AM
Post by: BlueStarLizzard on April 26, 2008, 11:52:09 AM
Last guy who pulled that on me got the video cam running and second time he pulled up short I ran over his precious Cadillac. In court the video exonerated me and he got 10 point ticket.
so you were tailgating? nice
Post by: LadySmith on April 27, 2008, 04:39:22 AM
Equally effective is taking my foot off the gas and coasting. When they realize I am NOT going to go faster to oblige their tail-gating, and am in fact slowing down, they pass.
I do the same thing. It works and I don't have to worry about them ramming into the back of my car or having my airbag deploy. Before I decided to become a better person, I used to do some not-so-nice things while driving.
I had an big old Delta 88 that was called "The Battering Ram."
Post by: Werewolf on April 27, 2008, 06:49:36 AM
Last guy who pulled that on me got the video cam running and second time he pulled up short I ran over his precious Cadillac. In court the video exonerated me and he got 10 point ticket.
You definitely weren't in OK then. Try that here and you may find yourself sharing a cell with Bubba. Tailgating is a big no-no here and if you hit someone in the rear it's your fault - not theirs.
Post by: Manedwolf on April 27, 2008, 06:51:11 AM
Last guy who pulled that on me got the video cam running and second time he pulled up short I ran over his precious Cadillac. In court the video exonerated me and he got 10 point ticket.
Not sure what place you're in, but here and most every place I know, if you tailgate and hit someone in the back, you get charged with not being in control of your vehicle.
Post by: Hawkmoon on April 27, 2008, 01:03:34 PM
On the karmic level -- job well done. You definitely get extra points for the coffee cup dousing the windscreen.
In recent years I have become wary of using that tactic, though. People today follow SO close and are so focused on everything except their driving that I fear using the brakes would only result in them rearranging the factory configuration of the after portion of my vehicle. Yes, it would be their fault and their insurance would have to repair it, but I can survive without dealing with that additional aggravation in my life. I should probably do what I did back in high school -- wire in an override circuit with a push button or toggle switch on the dashboard that flashes the brake lights without applying the brakes.
Or buy one of those scrolling display thingies for the rear window, and program it to read "BACK OFF!"
Post by: gunsmith on April 27, 2008, 01:37:54 PM
I've been rear ended on a motorcycle and I drive a cab so I am really irritated by tailgators.
What I do is slow down gradually until they really, really want to pass.
The slow down saves on gas too!
Post by: RoadKingLarry on April 27, 2008, 05:43:38 PM