Driving is no fun.

[TomoHawk]

There is just a TOTAL lack of courtesy since about 1993. People used to stop to help motorists in trouble, but not any more.

In addition, when I had driver's Ed., they taught you to toot and flash your lights before passing of the highway? That stuff could get you killed lately.

I see all the same stuff, but mostly it's the speedsters. Anyone in an SUV (basically, also others with expensive cars like Lexus, Nissan, Toyota) just seem to think they own the road and that they can just go however they want. If it's snowing and the Speed limit is 35MPH, they go 35. If it's dark or foggy, they go 35. "NO problem, I have ABS and hyper-white lamps!" If it's sunny and the speed limit is 65MPH, they go 80. And if they are late to get the kids to school or the office, you'd better get out of their way so they can make it on time. "It's not MY fault I had one last cigarette or cellphone call to make or text or tweet."

How about those people that barely touch the turn signal lever so it flashes almost once, and then move over so close you check the bumper for paint later? I always give a minimum 5 seconds of flashing before any turn.

My favourite peeve is when you're in the curb lane (the right-turn lane in the U.S.) and you are waiting for a green light. the driver behind you gives you the signal or toot to turn right-on-red even if it's night, raining, snowing, or if a herd of elephants is in the street NOTE: In the U.S., you are permitted to turn right on red after you stop to check for traffic, and if the weather conditions allow you to make a safe turn. Unless there is a sign otherwise.

But those other drivers behind you can tell it's safe for you, or they insist that you break the law to make their life convenient.

The ford drivers seem to drive nicer in these respect, IMO. They enjoy their quality vehicle so much, they just take longer getting there? But there are always exceptions, like guys in Mustangs on Friday afternoon.

If someone is driving slowly, it's a little annoying, but you know they are obeying the law, so you are considerate and go along until you can safely pass.

[bartsscooterservice]

I've taught my boys this skill, I call car body language, it's amazing how well you can predict another drivers actions by watching the way they move in their lane! It's saved me more times than I can count. Drivers here in Edmonton are not just bad, they are actively aggressive and dangerous, got to get to work 30 seconds sooner by passing on a blind crest:stupid:I think it's more noticeable now just due to increasing population.

Still, it is depressing, I hope this is not a result of the aging process

Naah...it's fluoride and all the other stuff they put in the GMO foods !

[240260280z]

Another hit and run at a cross-walk last night. Blind morons.

[TomoHawk]

I think in the U.S. it is closer to 90%

Yeah, and 60% of that 90% thinks that a car with an automatic-shift transmission is not a sportscar. So I think that would mean Nissan, Toyota, Honduh, Kia, and Yundai only make sedans.

[TomoHawk]

Another hit and run at a cross-walk last night. Blind morons

I was almost hit myself last summer just after stepping into the street, in a crosswalk, but a driver in a SUVon a street with a crosswalk every 500 feet. It makes you wonder if you should fake the collision to get rich? Edited January 17, 2014 by TomoHawk

[Mark Maras]

Automatic vs. Manual transmission

I'm going to try to be impartial, even though I despise automatic transmissions more than a prolonged toothache. I believe that driving a stick actually will make you a better driver. To drive a stick properly, you must anticipate your next action. As cars get easier to drive, more and more of the decision making process is delegated to the car. Don't believe me? Self piloting cars are the new techno goal. The texting, tweeting, cell phone talking drivers will welcome the opportunity to be driven by their car, and maybe they should be. It might be safer for the rest of us. However, I love a stick because I love the anticipation of what's next. The more you put into anything the more you get out of it. Not to say, an automatic Z wouldn't be fun, just that a stick would add to the experience for me and keep me much more attentive to my driving.

Mark in Portland

[TomoHawk]

I think I would agree with you, but that would assume you can drive with a manual-shift transmission fairly well to begin with. You need a good year of experience in all kinds of situations, like rush-hour, on a hill, snow & rain, etc. before you can to that next level of skill. You can also say the same thing about people in automatic-shift vehicles, that not having to shift allows you to concentrate on safety or the surroundings and not have to be distracted by RPMs or where the shift lever is or what gear you're in.

[northernz]

I definitely agree, driving a stick keeps your brain involved in whats going on, around town at least. Driving a 43 year old sports car definitely keeps you involved!

[grannyknot]

When I'm not driving the Z I'm on my old BMW motorcycle, and I treat every driver I see as drunk, blind and stupid.

I literally have to think of myself as invisible and ride accordingly.

But one thing I have noticed when I'm in the Z is a lot guys trying to catch up to me to get a better look at the car,

tailgating then whipping out to pull along side to give a thumbs up. The attention can be fun sometimes but mostly I would just like them to stay away.

[bartsscooterservice]

It makes you wonder if you should fake the collision to get rich?

I know some people do just that..

[gnosez]

I always remember what my uncle said - "there are only two types of drivers, the first are the ones who drive so slow you have ride their rear bumper and the second group are always riding your rear bumper".

Having had the opportunity to drive in over 40 countries, the U.S.A. is annoying but not as deadly as you think. Okay, it's really annoying but it's nothing like Russia, Nigeria, Egypt, Mexico City, New Delhi or Hanoi (worst city in the world if you want to cross the street and not get hit or killed).

[240260280z]

Your uncle only drove on race tracks