General / Off-Topic Road rage

[Arry]

So, hands up who suffers from this terrible affliction...and those who revel in it. Me, I love it...even have a dashcam fitted fer those times when things escalate. I find some peoples reactions absolutely hilarious, although laughing can be what ecsalates the situation...cant help meself.

Like this morning...Im in the lane that goes left or straight on only...guy in the land rover in the right hand lane that goes right only. Hes gunning his engine and ye just know hes gonna try and cut ye up by going straight on...bit like jumping the line at tescos sorta thing.

Lights changed, bury the accelerator into the floor to get ahead forcing the guy into the central reservation and scuffing his wheels really badly on the kerb...oh he was none too happy about that while I kept on going, tears in my eyes from laughing so hard because it was his own stupidity and arrogance that caused that. Technically, I didnt break the law but he tried and failed so theres no comeback.

Followed me fer a bit, flashing the lights and waving arms at me, so I pulled over and waited...he gets out, I get out...Im 6ft 5 inches and hes looking up at me a foot below and I stand there smiling and saying nothing...he tells me hes gonna get some m8s of his and get my legs broke...I offer him my address and convenient times when Im in thinking this could get all sorts of interesting. He sees I live on one the most notorious estates on the entire peninsula, mutters something I didnt catch, gets into his 80k range rover and drives off in a huff leaving me standing there somewhat saddened that the guy was all noise and no bite. Waste of time, was starting to get interesting too.

pff...city folks never learn...so anyway, who suffers from road rage and who enjoys it?

Or: You could have just let him go and confirmed in your own mind, that he was the moron etc. you thought he was. Instead you escalated the the issue, first by deliberately making sure you got away faster and second, by stopping after witnessing his anger in your mirrors. Thirdly by getting out of your car and not content with that; you set up a time and place for the next round. Where as a simple hand gesture, saying after you and then a fist to your forehead; informing him what you really think. Would have sufficed.

P.S. I don't drive, I am not allowed too. I just use my steel toe caps to kick out the head lights of cars that nearly run me over, when they try to be the last jumping the red light, as I am trying to cross the road.

 

[Deleted member 110222]

A big reason I don't drive is because of how aggressive I get with morons.

That and I'm terrified of being in cars. Seriously, I hate it.

I pay a premium for my bus service as there happens to be a reserved road with no traffic.

 

[lysan]

Here in Manila, we have a whole new special level of stupid when it comes to driving. I should get a dash cam just for the lulzbunnies that would ensue...

Z...

Can you actually see the difference from road rage to just "normal"

 

[Ian Skippy]

he he, good story, however you live in a safe place, here someone could just pull a gun and empty it in your head make people more polite

Around here people dont have guns, but are polite. Because its generally just better not be a bungholes to others even if you can.

Best of both worlds!

Sounds like your just looking for trouble, verm. I learned a long time ago that it's best to avoid trouble unless it's absolutely impossible to do so. Going out fishing for it is immature and dangerous.

Pretty much this.

 

[lysan]

Around here people dont have guns, but are polite. Because its generally just better not be a bungholes to others even if you can.

Best of both worlds!

That's true, until someone decides to not play by the rules

 

[[VR] optimal_909]

Being a bit of a car nut, I do suffer of a bit of stress in traffic due to the sheer incompetence/ignorance of a lot of people. I'm never 'educating' them, and usually I vent it out by saying something terrible, or by quickly overtaking (distancing myself) from the offender.

It is not about not making mistakes are bad decisions while driving -everyone does it-, but so many trouble could be avoided by simply being conscious and alert about the surrounding environment.
I recon part of the problem is that due to the credit bubble, there are loads of new, inexperienced drivers on that road, and hell, many of them don't care much about whether they are blocking the traffic or simply make unpredictable moves. Another issue is too much automation, which makes a lot of drivers ignorant, like driving in fog without lights because they got used to the automatic lights. Note: this is not against safety technology, but the way it is implemented.

My issue with the many 'dash cammers' is that they fail to record/post their own stupid moves, and to be honest I think the mentality behind it is nuts as -over here- the recordings cannot be used to prove anything.

 

[Stigbob]

Never understood the urge to get in front of a bad driver, if he's in front you can react to his bad driving if he's behind he can't be trusted to react to your good driving. Chill out and let them past, life's too short.

Except in major cities, push in all the time or you'll be stationary.

 

[[VR] optimal_909]

It is about distancing myself - if the bad driver drives fast, then I'm letting them go. Yes, I talk about city traffic.
Practically the only behaviour than upsets me on motorways and country roads is the rubberbanding, those who pass you, then slow down, then again pass you and/or simply drive a couple of meters away on an otherwise empty motorway.

 

[verminstar]

Or: You could have just let him go and confirmed in your own mind, that he was the moron etc. you thought he was. Instead you escalated the the issue, first by deliberately making sure you got away faster and second, by stopping after witnessing his anger in your mirrors. Thirdly by getting out of your car and not content with that; you set up a time and place for the next round. Where as a simple hand gesture, saying after you and then a fist to your forehead; informing him what you really think. Would have sufficed.

P.S. I don't drive, I am not allowed too. I just use my steel toe caps to kick out the head lights of cars that nearly run me over, when they try to be the last jumping the red light, as I am trying to cross the road.

I cant help meself though...I dont set out to be a moron but when I meet a moron...well I just cant help meself. In that case, true I did escalate things when I stopped, but its just not in my nature to back down...to my way of thinking, if ye allow others to walk all over ye, they will.

Though most the time, the middle finger is enough...blowing them kisses on the other hand is escalation...and yes Ive been known to blow kisses along with the finger so I suppose I suffer from road rage. I used to let it go but it would do me head in fer hours afterwards because I reasoned that if they did it to me again, it would be my fault fer letting it go.

So how do I change the way I think? How do I get to the zen place where I dont feel the urge to escalate? An accident? Havent had one that was my fault in 22 years of driving involving another vehicle...I did send a ford transit van through the side of a house once...and Ive put one on its side on a roundabout after going into it doin 65 when I was racing my boss at the time...but those were entirely my fault and I was the only lone hurt so its all good. Got rammed into the crash barriers doin about 90 once...other guys fault cos he lost control on the corner and oversteered into me. Took them 2 hours cutting me out of that one...other guy was wasted though...again his own fault fer overestimating his car and the road in the rain.

Then again, im an adrenaline junkie in a car...take it on the track once a month and fer a hundred quid, ye can race on a professional track which is one of my lifelong passions. But by and large, I do stay within the law on the roads...the peelers are driving subarus and custom tuned skodas nowadays so its hardeer to identify them and just not worth the hassle. But not reacting to morons...I just cant not react...even if its just the finger and maybe cut them up sorta thing is all before literally forgetting they there at all and thats enough usually. But when they escalate...ye thats my weakness right there ^

 

[Arry]

I cant help meself though...I dont set out to be a moron but when I meet a moron...well I just cant help meself. In that case, true I did escalate things when I stopped, but its just not in my nature to back down...to my way of thinking, if ye allow others to walk all over ye, they will.

Though most the time, the middle finger is enough...blowing them kisses on the other hand is escalation...and yes Ive been known to blow kisses along with the finger so I suppose I suffer from road rage. I used to let it go but it would do me head in fer hours afterwards because I reasoned that if they did it to me again, it would be my fault fer letting it go.

So how do I change the way I think? How do I get to the zen place where I dont feel the urge to escalate? An accident? Havent had one that was my fault in 22 years of driving involving another vehicle...I did send a ford transit van through the side of a house once...and Ive put one on its side on a roundabout after going into it doin 65 when I was racing my boss at the time...but those were entirely my fault and I was the only lone hurt so its all good. Got rammed into the crash barriers doin about 90 once...other guys fault cos he lost control on the corner and oversteered into me. Took them 2 hours cutting me out of that one...other guy was wasted though...again his own fault fer overestimating his car and the road in the rain.

Then again, im an adrenaline junkie in a car...take it on the track once a month and fer a hundred quid, ye can race on a professional track which is one of my lifelong passions. But by and large, I do stay within the law on the roads...the peelers are driving subarus and custom tuned skodas nowadays so its hardeer to identify them and just not worth the hassle. But not reacting to morons...I just cant not react...even if its just the finger and maybe cut them up sorta thing is all before literally forgetting they there at all and thats enough usually. But when they escalate...ye thats my weakness right there ^

You have the advantage of size and i would say that you use that to your own advantage.

You have the disadvantage of getting older, slower and sooner or later, you'll come up against some young buck. One thing to think about next time you choose to become aggressive to a stranger. How would you feel about meeting yourself, at 20 years younger than you are now? Would it be a good idea to 'have a go' at your younger self? If you think it IS a good idea, that you can still handle it; continue as you are. If your current wiser head advises you to think about it and tells you it is not the best option. I would say that you have got past the stage in life, where you will punch inanimate objects; like doors and walls. Why have you got past it? Because it hurts and after doing it a number of times; you understand, it makes things worse and is not good for you.

I tent to laugh at the idiots these days and they become part of the things that amuse me in life. Offering them a slap is just an ego thing and I know that I am now, better than that.

 

[Pyrotiger]

Here in Manila, we have a whole new special level of stupid when it comes to driving. I should get a dash cam just for the lulzbunnies that would ensue...

Z...

HAHAHAHA oh yeah...jeepnies n manic bus drivers n kamikaze trikes in the mix, too. Great fun. Provided you're not on the road at the time.

My point is this: if someone behaves poorly to you on the road, even though it might be temporarily fun, taking matters into your own hands is probably not going to teach them a lesson. Chances are they'll just twist events to suit themselves. You could show them a video of what they've done, have bystanders come and support you, and still the beggar will deny/excuse won't apologise. They'll always be the hero in their own heads. As soon as they open that car door and walk towards you, just do everyone a favour and run them over.

Offering them a slap is just an ego thing and I know that I am now, better than that.

Pretty much that. Even if they bloody well deserve it

 

[Patrick_68000]

I have never the road rage, because I do not drive

 

[Bob Lighthouse]

I'm super mellow about this stuff.
I learned how to drive in something like this:

My dad raced them and we raced bikes.
So maybe since we had outlets for that I've never been one to road rage, nor understand the whole thing too well.


One day I was driving along a three lane highway when I see some moron approaching from my rear, trying to weave through traffic and pounding on his wheel in rage.
As he closes the gap behind me I tap my brakes to flash my taillights, but not enough to slow down.

This totally sets the guy off, and I can't help but laugh because it's rush hour and no one is getting anywhere quickly.
He actually tries to side-swipe me but I have an old truck and excellent reflexes, no biggie in any event.
I hold back and let him get in front of me and of course he's flinging profanities and various hand gestures.
The comes a small surprise, he turns sideways and blocks the whole lane in front of me.
So I pause a bit back to see what he's going to do.

His door flies open and this monkey tries to jump out to ostensibly start a fight, but somehow he gets his foot caught on his seatbelt.

He then falls flat on his face on the pavement to the jeers and honks of all around.
As he got up and freed himself I gunned my engine and laid rubber in his direction, if only to suggest the folly of attacking someone in their car with that much free movement.
What a moron, lol...
I did give him a "shaka" as I drove off.

Be safe out there folks.

 

[lysan]

I have never the road rage, because I do not drive

I do not drive

 

[Morbad]

Never been prone to road rage. I have no expectations of others to conform to any particular rules of the road or other preconceptions, so have nothing to be disappointed about.

Also, the only vehicles I've ever owned have been so cheap as to have been disposable. Most people inclined to rage against me quickly come to realize there is almost no conceivable situation where goading someone with a $300 car they are clearly ok with walking away from in the event of an 'accident', is going to be good for them.

 

[askavir]

Never suffered from road rage.

First, because it's pointless, whatever harm (or near harm) that caused the rage is already done.
Second, because it just exarcebates problems that most of the time weren't really that serious or didn't have any consequences whatsoever.
And third, because I really only care about getting to wherever I'm going, so whenever someone honks or yells angrily I just keep going without giving a flying fart.

 

[TopCat160]

Saving the stress and wasted time of all the insurance hassle after an accident is worth far more to me than proving that I'm a better man than the other guy. Which I already know anyway, if he acts like a complete **** on the road.

So I mostly drive defensively and if they want to cut me up, I let them.

 

[verminstar]

You have the advantage of size and i would say that you use that to your own advantage.

You have the disadvantage of getting older, slower and sooner or later, you'll come up against some young buck. One thing to think about next time you choose to become aggressive to a stranger. How would you feel about meeting yourself, at 20 years younger than you are now? Would it be a good idea to 'have a go' at your younger self? If you think it IS a good idea, that you can still handle it; continue as you are. If your current wiser head advises you to think about it and tells you it is not the best option. I would say that you have got past the stage in life, where you will punch inanimate objects; like doors and walls. Why have you got past it? Because it hurts and after doing it a number of times; you understand, it makes things worse and is not good for you.

I tent to laugh at the idiots these days and they become part of the things that amuse me in life. Offering them a slap is just an ego thing and I know that I am now, better than that.

Ah well no Im afraid I still have the bag and I still feel the need to unleash on it 3 or 4 times a week...doors are a pain to replace always gotta plane them down very messy. And yer right, Im not as sprightly on me feet as I used to be but however...lets break this down.

Guy was mid 50s, shirt and tie and sporting a healthy beer gut...crows feet around the eyes and shadows under them along with a pasty complexion suggests a not particularly fine example of general health and overall fitness. Soft pudgy hands suggests the guy hasnt done a hard days graft in a good few years, but the yellowed fingers and badly stained dentures suggest a good 40 a day habit. The stoop in his posture suggests a weakness in the lower back and he was straining to hide this...that was fairly obvious at first glance.

Also threatening me with his mates? People dont do that over here because its a very very bad idea indeed and I didnt offer him a slap, I offered him my address so his m8s wouldnt get lost finding me. His m8s could say hello to my m8s...and thats why ye dont just straight out threaten anyone here with yer m8s...I wouldnt even be that dumb when Im angry so Im bloody sure Im not gonna let that one fly. Up until that point, I just thought it was funny.

Does that make me a moron on the road? Sometimes yeah...sometimes I just give as good as I get and other times I just sit and shake me head at people who do stupid things like change lanes with no indicators or sit in the overtaking lane of the motorway doin 45...Ill undercut ye but I wont scare ye...I could if I chose to but in doing so, Id be breaking the law and Id have recorded meself doing it.

That wouldnt be very smart. Theres worse than me but I have no hesitation in admitting Im one of the morons on the road...I know Im supposed to feel bad about that...but I dont because Im merely reacting to stupidity. Makes me sound very arrogant and I can be I admit...I own a fast car, Ive always owned fast cars and I drive them like they were meant to be driven, and show it off every year at the Italian motor show as its quite rare in this country.

I like fast Italian cars...its a lifelong passion and that in itself makes me an arrogant moron on the road...but I already know that ^

 

[Riedquat]

I used to succumb to road rage in my younger years, but after taking up Karate some years back it helped me learn to control my anger and state of mind.

Now, I simpy dont tune in to it, I wont even make eye contact, I'll just roll up the window and ignore it, ignorant bliss (sometimes this can make them madder though).

It's crazy how wound up people get though, heart attacks waiting to happen.

 

[lysan]

Ah well no Im afraid I still have the bag and I still feel the need to unleash on it 3 or 4 times a week...doors are a pain to replace always gotta plane them down very messy. And yer right, Im not as sprightly on me feet as I used to be but however...lets break this down.

Guy was mid 50s, shirt and tie and sporting a healthy beer gut...crows feet around the eyes and shadows under them along with a pasty complexion suggests a not particularly fine example of general health and overall fitness. Soft pudgy hands suggests the guy hasnt done a hard days graft in a good few years, but the yellowed fingers and badly stained dentures suggest a good 40 a day habit. The stoop in his posture suggests a weakness in the lower back and he was straining to hide this...that was fairly obvious at first glance.

Also threatening me with his mates? People dont do that over here because its a very very bad idea indeed and I didnt offer him a slap, I offered him my address so his m8s wouldnt get lost finding me. His m8s could say hello to my m8s...and thats why ye dont just straight out threaten anyone here with yer m8s...I wouldnt even be that dumb when Im angry so Im bloody sure Im not gonna let that one fly. Up until that point, I just thought it was funny.

Does that make me a moron on the road? Sometimes yeah...sometimes I just give as good as I get and other times I just sit and shake me head at people who do stupid things like change lanes with no indicators or sit in the overtaking lane of the motorway doin 45...Ill undercut ye but I wont scare ye...I could if I chose to but in doing so, Id be breaking the law and Id have recorded meself doing it.

That wouldnt be very smart. Theres worse than me but I have no hesitation in admitting Im one of the morons on the road...I know Im supposed to feel bad about that...but I dont because Im merely reacting to stupidity. Makes me sound very arrogant and I can be I admit...I own a fast car, Ive always owned fast cars and I drive them like they were meant to be driven, and show it off every year at the Italian motor show as its quite rare in this country.

I like fast Italian cars...its a lifelong passion and that in itself makes me an arrogant moron on the road...but I already know that ^

Naaag! you gotta ask yourself, do I feel lucky! however sometimes its better to just count to 10 and move on.