| Author |
Message |
    
mooewe
Citizen
Username: Mooewe
Post Number: 361
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 12:37 pm: | 
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Threads complaining about NJ drivers are frequent here, with good cause. However, I'm betting many of us have had our own moments of driving like the stereotype - so I'll start the confessional with one of mine. (Yeah, yeah, there have been more than one....shut up  ).
I was at the intersection of South Orange Ave and Wyoming, turning left to go north on Wyoming. When the light turned green, I turned left - without yielding to the oncoming traffic.  I assumed there was going to be a left-turn arrow, and midway through the turn I realized there wasn't one. Sorry!
OK, don't leave me hanging here...post your stories! |
The3ofUs
Citizen
Username: The3ofus
Post Number: 46
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 12:45 pm: |
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When I am going down Valley Street toward Millburn Avenue any left hand turn I take I make sure to cut into oncoming traffic quickly but once in, take my time getting through so as to slow these inconsiderate •••••••• that use our road as a cut-through down. I'm sure what I do is not illegal, but I feel a pang of guilt mixed with glee when I do it. Of course, I always mouth a very large "SLOW DOWN" to the car coming up on me. |
Ms. Cooper
Citizen
Username: Ms_cooper
Post Number: 87
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 12:51 pm: |
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Left off of Springfield on to Valley--keep forgetting the jug handle. Yikes... |
fabulouswalls
Citizen
Username: Fabulouswalls
Post Number: 149
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 2:12 pm: |
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Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa. Too many to list here. If you see me comin' get out of the way. |
Josh Holtz
Citizen
Username: Jholtz
Post Number: 534
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 2:32 pm: |
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Ok ... here it goes ... one day it was raining pretty steadily as I was driving around. I was making a left turn onto a street when this car made its way through a red light in front of me going in the same direction as I was. As I complete my turn and get in behind him he throws his hands up at me. At the same time another car comes up behind me and starts beeping like crazy at me. Ok - I'm getting pissed at this point. But the guy behind me won't stop beeping. So I say screw him - I had the green - and I proceed to flip him the bird. A few seconds later I turn off that street only to look back and realize I completely cut off a funeral procession. Ooops ... my bad. |
Joe
Citizen
Username: Gonets
Post Number: 1287
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 2:45 pm: |
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As part of a long-term effort to educate drivers on the purpose of the passing lane, I’ve been known to get in front of single vehicle, traffic jams and take my foot off the gas. Typically, these folks catch on and move to the right. Once they’ve moved over, I accelerate to the appropriate speed, moving over for faster traffic. However, there was one time when the person behind me just didn’t get it. I slowed down to around 30 MPH and was forced to write this particular student off as incorrigible. It should be noted that the vast majority of my students were New York drivers. Apparently, many of them are uncomfortable with open roads, so they clog them up by themselves. I should note that at my wife’s request I stopped providing these lessons. |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23596
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 4:08 pm: |
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I confess that I use my clutch to slow down drastically when being tailgated (thus no brake lights). I know I'm killing my clutch but those tailgating bastids seem to get the message more than when I slam on the brakes (and they're not pissed - the usual reaction to my "message"). |
Chris Prenovost
Citizen
Username: Chris_prenovost
Post Number: 1012
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 4:41 pm: |
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Being tailgated?
Hit your hazard lights for one or two blinks. The doofus behind you will think that you are hitting the brakes, and will slow down.
Works every time. |
notehead
Supporter
Username: Notehead
Post Number: 3594
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 4:53 pm: |
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I've been known to flip the bird to Hummer drivers on quite a few occasions.
I've also gone through a few red lights (after stopping) in the middle of the night when there was nobody around.
And I speed. I'm rarely the fastest guy on the road, and I'm pretty consistent with using my signals, not cutting people off, and passing solely on the left, but I'm usually at least 5 or 10 over the speed limit. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 2060
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 4:59 pm: |
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I spend way too much time staring at houses for sale as I drive by instead of being aware of what's around me on the road -- only for a few seconds, but my eyes linger on the houses longer than they should.... I want to memorize what it looks like so I can find it on MLS.  |
Glock 17
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 1463
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 5:20 pm: |
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I often drive with both windows down and the AC off to save gas and precious, precious money. This also makes it easier for me to scream:
*()#)(&(@!&^*#@#&*@&*!!! WHAT WAS THAT!!!*!@!@&@&(*! THE LIGHTS GREEN GO! !UU@!@&@!*@ GO!!! WHAT THE @U*!*!(&*@*(!!!!!! SIGNALS ARE NOT OPTIONAL, $*#@&#**!!!!! WIPERS ON LIGHTS ON !@**&(@!(&*!!!!! GET THE @)(*!(&(!@* OFF MY TAIL!!!! and generally just !(*(**!&(@&^!^&^&*!!!!!!!
and so on etc etc etc |
Gregor Samsa
Citizen
Username: Oldsctls67
Post Number: 557
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 8:27 pm: |
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Joe, some road-raging mofo with a .38 under the seat is gonna smoke your dumb ••• one day... |
red
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 6446
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 8:31 pm: |
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I am driving all over New Jersey lost,for over an hour,} late for an appointment driving up and down streets. I cannont find the street I am looking for. Finally I find it, but the only way to get there is going down the wrong way on a one way street. I took the street. |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 2085
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 8:37 pm: |
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Sometimes when I am at a stop sign or a red light I get to thinking...
[sigh]
SORRY!!! |
red
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 6448
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 9:07 pm: |
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 |
juju's petals
Citizen
Username: Jujus_petals
Post Number: 303
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 12:59 pm: |
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Not aggressive, just lame. I always seem to turn on my blinker when pulling of out my driveway or even a parking lot. Who am I blinking to? |
mjh
Supporter
Username: Mjh
Post Number: 702
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 1:43 pm: |
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Once I turned my head briefly to look at the triplets as a started going through a green light. Then I hit the guy who thought he could beat me and make a quick left turn. Huh!
I always dream of hitting those left-turn jumpers, but this time it was an accident. Really.
Too bad for him, 'cause he got a ticket and his insurance paid to fix my poor car.
'Course I didn't tell anyone about the triplets.......... |
CLK
Supporter
Username: Clkelley
Post Number: 2348
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 1:46 pm: |
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This morning a woman (not las!) got to thinking about the life, the universe, and everything at a light, too. I said something like "move your a&&, you stupid *$&)! cow!" and she gave me a dirty look in the rear-view mirror. Then I realized, my window was open and so was hers.
Anyway, she moved ... |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 2085
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 1:54 pm: |
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CLK - |
Joe
Citizen
Username: Gonets
Post Number: 1288
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 2:17 pm: |
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Gregor,
Thanks for the insight. I think the point of this thread is that we're admitting that what we've done isn't so bright. Note that I said I no longer do it. Now please refrain from using the left lane except to pass. Also don't call people dumbasses or other nasty names online, because the same sort of psycho who might smoke my dumbass for stupid driving might do the same to you for being a jerk online.
Final note. Not a threat. I can't be bothered. I'm a lover not a fighter. |
Shevya Birdov
Citizen
Username: Howardt
Post Number: 2224
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 3:21 pm: |
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Once a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, I was driving my [then] girlfriend's Datsun 380Z home [with her] from a night in the city. The traffic was horrible into and thru the Holland Tunnel. It got slower and slower and then finally stopped. So, I put the car into park to wait for the traffic to start moving again and fell asleep. I don't know how many minutes later, I awoke to someone rapping a coin on the driver's window yelling "WAKE UP YOU IDIOT!" |
Gregor Samsa
Citizen
Username: Oldsctls67
Post Number: 559
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 5:24 pm: |
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Joe, my comments were strictly tongue-in-cheek...Sounds like you do have some serious rage/anger issues though. Feel free to vent, we're all here for you. |
fiche
Citizen
Username: Fiche
Post Number: 198
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 5:54 pm: |
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I pass on the right on South Orange Avenue going to the Livingston mall. Some people who are going to the Short Hills Mall have to get into the left lane in South Orange because they are afraid they won't get another chance. Then they drive 10 miles below the speed limit.
Mooewe-my husband calls your described maneuver a "Jersey left" |
Joe
Citizen
Username: Gonets
Post Number: 1290
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 7:45 pm: |
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Sorry Gregor,
The heat's getting to me. Thanks for being there for me. |
Oregon gal
Citizen
Username: Oregon_gal
Post Number: 68
Registered: 6-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 10:49 pm: |
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12 months ago I was a crosswalk stoppin', turn signal usin', latte sippin' West Coast driver. Taking my time, breathing deep on my leisurely drive to yoga.
Now I'm a yellow light runnin', horn honkin', friggin' idiot callin' fool. What the H happened?
It's called survival. And it's not pretty. I think I flipped off an eighty year old woman yesterday - whoops. |
Matt Foley
Citizen
Username: Mattfoley
Post Number: 757
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 10:59 pm: |
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I drove down floods hill in a snowstorm about 15 years ago. |
sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 2501
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 9:28 am: |
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I drive too fast on the highways.
Also about two months ago I was driving my son to a party and I came to the corner of our street. On the right hand side there is some sort of evergreen bush that is easy to look over in most cars, however my car is very low to the ground. After stopping at the stop sign I eased out just a bit (I was making a right turn) to see if there were cars coming from the left and I almost hit a jogger who was completely following the correct rules by jogging against traffic. I looked to the right before easing out but didn't see him because of the aforementioned bush. I felt bad and still do. So now everytime I approach that corner I make sure that I double check to make sure that no one is behind that bush. |
Shevya Birdov
Citizen
Username: Howardt
Post Number: 2232
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 9:31 am: |
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Damn *&#$%^&! joggers! |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 4038
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 21, 2006 - 11:25 am: |
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Last week I made a left turn (crossing the double line) into a parking spot on the other side of Sloan Street. I'm part of the problem. Again.
-s. |
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 6466
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 21, 2006 - 1:15 pm: |
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Yesterday I decided I was sick of looking at my neighbor's beautiful garden and drove up the curb, onto the lawn and right into the landscaping.
Boy that felt good.
Good thing Jay wasn't home. |
mrmaplewood
Citizen
Username: Mrmaplewood
Post Number: 375
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 21, 2006 - 1:46 pm: |
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Sportsnut:
Was that in Maplewood on Jefferson? |
sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 2507
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 3:12 pm: |
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No, other side of town off of prospect. |
Ligeti Man Meat
Citizen
Username: Ligeti
Post Number: 739
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 3:37 pm: |
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When I'm bored, I drive up and down Ridgewood at the precise speed limit, just to annoy the drivers behind me.
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fabulouswalls
Citizen
Username: Fabulouswalls
Post Number: 163
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 4:34 pm: |
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I enjoy sitting in Bagel Chateau and watching the morons make a left turn into the parking spots on Maplewood Ave. Where is Spencer when you need him? |
Sis2790
Citizen
Username: Sis2790
Post Number: 20
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 5:13 pm: |
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I still can't believe David Huemer hasn't posted on this thread.
(sorry, I've been resisting that for days and it just came out...) |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 15138
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 8:04 am: |
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ligeti wrote: When I'm bored, I drive up and down Ridgewood at the precise speed limit, just to annoy the drivers behind me.
The speed limit on Ridgewood is 25 mph. I'm impressed that you can pedal your rickshaw that fast!
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red
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 6568
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 8:35 am: |
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fabulous--we always do that at The Gate. I love it when they not only make a left hand turn into the spaces, but they are talking on the cell phone!!!
hey Tom, how are you posting so much at your new job? |
Ima Perplecks
Citizen
Username: Victor
Post Number: 58
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 11:51 am: |
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Joe/Gregor...
I made a hand motion like.."why didn't you put your blinker on" and
the guy jumped out of his car and was coming at me. Then I gave a
little toot to the car at the light ahead of me and she jumped out
and did a dance. Now I just mumble to myself and cast little voo-doo
things out when I am getting ready to lose it. It is much too dangerous
in this day and age to get involved. Boom. And pedestrians
should really be careful too. You never know....
Also, to stick to the thread, I am sure I have offended other
drivers by doing something stupid. |
Tuxedo
Citizen
Username: Tuxedo
Post Number: 78
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 1:58 pm: |
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Being tailgated...they try to drive around me to my left on a little narrow street. I steer ahead of them so that they can't get past me. I look in the rear view mirror as I am driving 15 mph and say to them: SLOW DOWN. I do this for several reasons: 1) they are driving too fast 2) how dare they think that they are more important than anyone else 3) vents my frustration from a bad day.
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mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 6489
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 2:30 pm: |
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Tuxedo,
Was that you? I thought you were drunk so I gave your license plate number to the police.
Good luck!
|
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 15141
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 2:31 pm: |
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The sooner I pull over for tailgaters and let them by, the sooner I forget them and calm down. This is better for my health than trying to teach them something.
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blackcat
Citizen
Username: Blackcat
Post Number: 675
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 2:40 pm: |
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Amen Tom. I really try not to let other stupid drivers get to me. And if I'm in front of you, not you personally Tom, going to the train station in the morning and you are in a rush with your hand gestures and stupid faces behind me, too bad. I am not, repeat not, going to rush so you can make your train. Give yourself more time in the morning and have a nice day. You are not the boss of me |
Joe
Citizen
Username: Gonets
Post Number: 1303
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 3:46 pm: |
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Reminds me of a great piece of advice one of the guys from Car Talk gave on their show recently. “Don’t waste your time and energy trying to teach jerks a lesson. There are way too many of us.” |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 15144
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 5:51 pm: |
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Actually, blackcat, I think we disagree. I will do my best to get out of a tailgater's way. I will do it quickly if possible, but not hastily. In other words, I will accomodate their impatience, within reason. I don't resist it.
It may not seem right, but try it.
|
Ligeti Man Meat
Citizen
Username: Ligeti
Post Number: 744
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 12:27 pm: |
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I know where you live, Tom.
Be prepared for a very slow-but-lawful ride to work tomorrow. |
blackcat
Citizen
Username: Blackcat
Post Number: 684
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 1:26 pm: |
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Tom, when I am on the road between Valley and Durand going to the train station, I have no where to go. I'm not creeping along, but I am not going to do 45 because they are late. F them. Especially since they were beeping behind me at the red light as if I have some magical power to change it. Or maybe they just wanted me to go through it. |
Ligeti Man Meat
Citizen
Username: Ligeti
Post Number: 745
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 2:20 pm: |
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I see no downside in forcing others to observe the speed limit, especially in pedestrian/child intensive areas of Maplewood. If someone would pay me a full-time salary to drive around town slowing down speeders, I'd accept the job.
In the meantime, rest assured, I will continue to patrol Ridgewood, Prospect and Jefferson. Drivers of big SUVs especially hate my presence on the roadways.
My research also indicates that speeding around town doesn't actually get you to your destination any faster. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3647
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 10:41 am: |
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Do you have similar research that says walking is just as effective as running in the 500 meter dash? |
tom
Citizen
Username: Tom
Post Number: 5341
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 11:11 am: |
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Did anyone else see Mulshine's column last week about SUVs? He suggests that, since the biggest ones get certain tax breaks as well as a different set of safety regulations due to their status as "trucks," that they get treated like trucks everywhere else? Lower speed limits on highways, banned from the northern part of the GSP and anywhere else trucks are forbidden. |
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