It's everywhere now. Tons of bad drivers here in Phoenix, everyone in a rush and usually 15+ over the posted limits on the surface streets. I learned long ago to be observant while driving. People think I drive aggressively, but it's that I drive confidently and defensively meaning I *will* protect myself from their actions. I know what I can do and what the car can do.
Just the other day someone started tailgating me because he/she was in a rush, or maybe it was because they thought only old people drive Volvos. Two lanes in our direction of travel but some next to me at the moment. This in a 45 zone. I love the fact we got the windows tinted [ one step up from limo black ] because they can't see anything inside. I lightly tapped on the breaks to get him to back off. He comes unglued and tries to pass on the right. This particular section had no curb and just a dirt shoulder. I see him try this and I punch it and slide right. He almost winds up in a ditch and into a phone pole before backing off. I watch him in the RVM catching up, by now we've moved past the other traffic and he speeds up to pass. I know what he's gonna do, I've been here a dozen times before and I know what to do. As he's passing and even with me, I hit the breaks hard and sure enough he dives into my lane and hits his breaks but he's 30 feet in front of me when he does this so no problem. :P My anticipation of his actions seems to surprise him as does my pacing him at the 2 second distance. Guess he realized the person in back has the superior defensive position. He got stopped at the next light and I was right behind him, stopped about 30 feet back. Did I mention that this was daytime and I *always* drive with my high-beams on? He seems a bit nervous and dives into a gas station and parks behind the low wall that borders the station. I just continue on my way. I really don't mind assholes on the road so long as they stay away from me and don't endanger me. When the do I *can* and *will* return the favor. Physco warfare can be fun. :D
AZ gun laws say it is legal to have a gun in the car, holstered in the glove box. Haven't gotten to that point yet but it's good to know it's ok to carry it that way.
As do I. Which is why I don't care what comments people make about how I drive... I know what my car can do, and I anticipate and demand of it accordingly.
I wish I had that confidence... as things stand now, I think people around here don't give a shit if they're in an accident. The people in new cars know insurance will cover it (fucking no-fault) and the ones in older shitty cars will just take the whole vehicle for a loss. I have actually watched cars be rear-ended at traffic lights around here. I didn't even seen *that* level of assholery on Long Island.
I need to check Florida state laws... I'm very temped to do exactly that.
I applaud you in your handling of this! It's beautiful to see a mindful driver stick up for themselves, especially when dealing with these absurd fucktards who somehow got a license.
That comment was a reply to Orcinus, LJ has a funny way of not aligning the reply threads sometime. :P I think in the glove box and holstered, if it be legal do it that way.
Just the other day someone started tailgating me because he/she was in a rush, or maybe it was because they thought only old people drive Volvos. Two lanes in our direction of travel but some next to me at the moment. This in a 45 zone. I love the fact we got the windows tinted [ one step up from limo black ] because they can't see anything inside. I lightly tapped on the breaks to get him to back off. He comes unglued and tries to pass on the right. This particular section had no curb and just a dirt shoulder. I see him try this and I punch it and slide right. He almost winds up in a ditch and into a phone pole before backing off. I watch him in the RVM catching up, by now we've moved past the other traffic and he speeds up to pass. I know what he's gonna do, I've been here a dozen times before and I know what to do. As he's passing and even with me, I hit the breaks hard and sure enough he dives into my lane and hits his breaks but he's 30 feet in front of me when he does this so no problem. :P My anticipation of his actions seems to surprise him as does my pacing him at the 2 second distance. Guess he realized the person in back has the superior defensive position. He got stopped at the next light and I was right behind him, stopped about 30 feet back. Did I mention that this was daytime and I *always* drive with my high-beams on? He seems a bit nervous and dives into a gas station and parks behind the low wall that borders the station. I just continue on my way. I really don't mind assholes on the road so long as they stay away from me and don't endanger me. When the do I *can* and *will* return the favor. Physco warfare can be fun. :D
AZ gun laws say it is legal to have a gun in the car, holstered in the glove box. Haven't gotten to that point yet but it's good to know it's ok to carry it that way.
I include this link for you.
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I wish I had that confidence... as things stand now, I think people around here don't give a shit if they're in an accident. The people in new cars know insurance will cover it (fucking no-fault) and the ones in older shitty cars will just take the whole vehicle for a loss. I have actually watched cars be rear-ended at traffic lights around here. I didn't even seen *that* level of assholery on Long Island.
I need to check Florida state laws... I'm very temped to do exactly that.
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