Does anyone else dislike driving these days because of other drivers?
Posted by RackingUpTheMiles@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 226 comments
Let me explain. I've been driving for about 10 years and I drive for a living. I'm a truck driver. I've had my CDL for 2 years and have been driving a semi for almost a year. It's really interesting to climb in that big truck and drive it all over the place and park it in places many people couldn't put a Prius. I have no complaints about trucking all over, but when I get in my car and head home, I can't stand it.
The drive is not bad and a pretty straight shot, but other drivers absolutely ruin it. Sit in the right lane doing 5 over and the left lane is clear? Get tailgated because you're not doing 20 over. Speed up to 10 over and signal for a lane change to pass? Get someone road raging because you're not doing 110, weaving and giving the driver you passed space and the guy behind you will try to run you off the road. Slow down and move over for a vehicle on the side of the road (which is the law in many places)? The guy behind you absolutely loses his mind.
I also encounter people just not looking, doing half the speed limit and just generally being terrible drivers.
I know there's always been bad drivers, but it seems significantly worse than ever before. I always wanted a cool car, but I don't really care anymore because I'll just get stuck in traffic or someone not looking will probably drive into it. It's just giving me a dislike for driving.
Anyone else not enjoy driving as much as they used to because of all the rude and aggressive drivers? I'm just out here trying to be a safe driver and chill and some pickup or luxury crossover starts acting foolish.
ora-et-labora-@reddit
You're not alone man. I think anyone who actually pays attention on the road feels this way now. It's like post covid driving just broke something in people. Everyone's either glued to their phone doing 15 under or acting like they're in a fast and furious audition. The worst part is you can do everything right and still have some idiot in a lifted truck on your bumper flashing their lights. I still enjoy driving on quieter roads or early mornings but yeah regular traffic has become exhausting. Hang in there though don't let the clowns ruin something you used to love.
Allthingsgaming27@reddit
My main issue is slow drivers not moving over. If it weren’t for that, life would be grand. If you’re not actively passing, move the eff over and let others through
ShortLemon7435@reddit
Ever since Covid, driving has never been the same.
liams_dad@reddit
*cell phones
No-Ebb-6266@reddit
...and an even bigger screen to connect to and play with. Cars have TV's within reach and accident avoidance tech. People just watch videos and text now, or do some meth and run people off the road swerving through lanes at 100 with 5% tint on their windshield
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
And these people never get pulled over either. But if there's a cop, everyone's on their best behavior until they don't see him anymore.
narwaffles@reddit
Where I am they'll pull you over for going 5mph over the limit but not for cutting across 3 lanes without a blinker or running motorcycles off the road
kooldudeV2@reddit
Wtf opposite where i live they are actively going against road rage or so they say and let people "flow of traffic" up to like 90 ive passed a hod cop multiple times going 80 in a 65 in the fast lane
yurnxt1@reddit
Interesting I've drove probably 200,000 miles the past 24 years at 5 over and have never been pulled over.
Philodendron69@reddit
The stretch of interstate where I got ran off the road is like this. They can go to hell
Chockfullofnutmeg@reddit
You see cops?
OGCanuckupchuck@reddit
I see cops a bunch, usually in a group patrolling an area looking for a specific person, but never when that one individual is driving like an idiot or running red lights or going 20 over or 20 under.
thequiet_monk@reddit
It's not illegal to go 20 under is it.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
Rarely. In the car? Pretty rare. In the truck? All the time.
Open-Butterfly-5288@reddit
My street is periodically full of clamped cars because nobody's paying the road tax.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Yeah it's better.
SailingSpark@reddit
Covid affected/affects the brain in many ways. It has been shown to actually shrink the brain some and accelerate it's aging. It also hampers thinking, stress, and makes it hard to moderate anger and depression.
In short, Covid broke a lot of people's brains, but in ways we will never be sure of as it seems to affect different people in differing ways.
Fair_Willingness3937@reddit
Sure /s
sounds like hears say unless you have some compelling evidence.
SailingSpark@reddit
Long COVID and the brain: Global study links infection to memory loss, higher dementia risk in seniors - UT Health San Antonio https://share.google/v4Hw5FkB4bswj4Xvv
Own_Fruit_8115@reddit
truest statement ever
Mrbogus77@reddit
Covid.... Please!!....driving ain't been the same since I turned in my late 40's😭......I work nights , so it's gotten a bit worse for me. Every night I go to work theres a goddamn race on the highway. It's one car vs everyone else. What kills me is I get off at 6am and ppl are still racing lol....zipping in and out of 6am morning traffic to go where exactly 🤷🤷.
I've definitely become a bit more timid now that I'm 48. What's even funnier is I drive a 2014 hemi dodge charger doing the speed limit trying to be safe and cautious.
PK808370@reddit
Oh. So it’s you.. :)
We line up behind you waiting for you to live up to your car’s reputation. Tailgating you is how we show you respect. We’re all sitting there flummoxed then, let down even, when the 1997 Toyota Sienna hole shots you with a string of Priuses behind it then inevitably that one geezer in the C8 who drives parallel to you blocking everyone else. We assume you were on the phone and missed the light, but then realize you’re part of the FCSP: Fast Car Slow Person crowd, and just give up.
SuggestionOrnery6938@reddit
Agree 💯
ID_pending@reddit
Chez moi en France la différence entre avant et après le Covid m’a parut tellement folle que je me demande si j’exagère pas mes souvenirs Je parle pas forcément des énervé de la route mais des gens au comportement complètement erratique qui sont bien plus nombreux Comme si juste être « prévoyant » avait disparu avec l’arrivé des nouveaux véhicules Je ne parle même pas des comportement sur autoroute avec les sapins de Noël de freinage dès qu’un ralentissement ce forme Des freinages abusif lors de dépassements Des gens qui font le yoyo avec leurs vitesses avec des fluctuations de plus de 20 km/h Des faux nerveux qui roulent fort pour juste ce mettre en danger C’était pas autant, mais peut-être que je me fais des films J’étais chauffeur livreur avant, pendant et après le Covid et ça m’a parue tellement abusé cette différence
Samsonlp@reddit
To me we got a big break from traffic during COVID, in the cahuenga pass we're rolling over their SUVs because they just weren't used to regulating their speed when there were no cars in front of them. After COVID went back to normal and traffic has become much denser. Populations are still growing and growing, in mature metropoli the roads are still the same length and size.
whateveritisthey@reddit
The left lane is for passing. Get out of the left lane.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
Imagine being so stupid you think all roads are a 4 lane highway and everyone sits in the left lane. You probably drive an Audi Q Whatever don't you?
whateveritisthey@reddit
Start with insults while not knowing the law.
Have a great rest of your day sir and move when someone is behind you in the left lane. Bye.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
Again. Not every road is a 4 lane highway. If I'm sitting in the right lane. Keep defending scumbag Audi Q Whatever drivers. I'm sure you probably drive one too.
Sms570x@reddit
I’ve realized that other people won’t pay my speeding ticket either if I go faster and then lane change so they don’t need to pass me on my right.
Also, the more lane changing you do, the higher chance you have of getting in an accident. Not because it’s your fault, most drivers don’t seem to look long enough when their merging lanes to see whose next to them.
j_blackwood@reddit
Get a Tesla and pay for the self driving. Not only will it drive itself, but it will record at all times from every direction. Less to worry about out all around.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
Gross. I don't want a rolling tablet. I've never had a car with a screen and it's staying that way.
j_blackwood@reddit
Weird emotional response to a reasonable solution, but you do you, snowflake. ;)
No-Pay2047@reddit
I love driving when theres just a bit a of traffic so it make my route a bit more techincal, but also when it comes to too much traffic, there's times I wish I could just leave my car and walk.
TerranceBaggz@reddit
Yup. Love cars for the engineering marvel they are. Love keeping up with what comes out. Hate driving now. It’s just an anxiety inducing thing for me at this point.
Sonnuvah@reddit
I like driving, but I absolutely hate commuting.
tdebacker22@reddit
Exactly what I've said my whole life. A good 10-15 minute commute is good enough for me. Any longer and I hate life.
Life_Temperature795@reddit
I have about an 8 minute drive to and from work, and I pay way too much in rent to live close enough for that to be possible. I used to have about a 35 minute commute, but nearly all of it was way out in the sticks, and I could drive for like, 20 minutes without hitting a single stoplight, so the drive was actually pretty enjoyable. A half hour commute in actual traffic would have me murdering people though.
Quick1711@reddit
Yep
I love going on a road trip but commuting back and forth to work is brutal these days. It’s even worse when you live in an area that’s seeing a lot of growth.
Life_Temperature795@reddit
Half the reason I work an overnight shift is so that I can avoid daytime traffic during my commute. I worked a morning Sunday shift a few weeks ago and ran a couple of errands, literally just a two minute drive from work and back, and was astounded by how many times I saw someone just totally not paying any attention while they were driving.
Signal_Tomorrow_2138@reddit
Yes. I drive a lot less three years before retiring when I found a safe way to ride my bike to work.
I am now a safe streets advocate and I report bad drivers to the police, commercial vehicles to their executives or just upload videos to Youtube.
And depending on the reddit sub, I get upvoted or downvoted on the same comment..
willest_park@reddit
Left lane huggers, people braking for no reason and overbraking, and people using the accelerator ramp to the interstate going 50 or below while traffic is going 60+ MPH are some of my biggest reasons why I hate driving.
reidft@reddit
I've always loved driving, up until 5 years ago I would just go out and spend time on the weekends puttering around because I found it calming and helped me decompress.
These days it's a fucking hellscape. My sole intention when I'm out is getting back home before someone kills me. It's to the point where I sold my motorcycle and went from daily driving my classic car to rarely driving my classic car on the weekends because I'm expecting some asshole in an SUV who's texting to run my car over and turn me into a statistic. It sucks, I hate the fact that I lost my favorite hobby and there isn't a damn thing I can do about it. Trying to find joy in things that kept me sane during college yields nothing but stress and hopeless memories.
shartymcqueef@reddit
Took my Viper out this morning to run to Dunkin. Had two separate old fucks look directly at me, wait till I got closer and then pull out right in front of me so I had to swerve to not rear end them. I rev the engine loud as I go around to voice my displeasure and one has the balls to pull around side and try a glaring competition like I’m the one that did something wrong. Really feels almost pointless to own the car anymore. 75% of people on the road drive like they’re mentally deficient.
imani_bagels@reddit
ong these low IQ demonic, sad little mentally deficient ogres have nothing better to do than hate on someone doing well. happens way too much.
Any_Tea_7845@reddit
75% of people on the road are mentally deficient. Probably much more than that
reidft@reddit
They saw the Viper and imagined a free payday
Philodendron69@reddit
“Getting back home before someone kills me” W O W it’s like you are in my head
Corgi_tacos@reddit
So what i do is speed up past the herds of npcs clumping together driving in groups then cruise back down and its empty roads all to yourself.
New-You-2025@reddit
I drive at night, otherwise I can't stomach it. I wish stores were still open at 3am.
DifficultIsopod4472@reddit
I have a CDL and ride a motorcycle, I’ve sold my motorcycle because I’ve had more close calls than I can count due to distracted drivers, one young girl almost rear ended me twice in traffic while playing on her phone. And over the road, everyone acts like speed limits don’t exist and think you can stop 80k pounds on a dime while they weaving in and out of traffic. So yes, it’s frustrating but it’s still a good paying job and I try not to get sucked into the other drivers BS
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
I don't really see many idiots when I'm in the semi oddly enough. Obviously I see a good handful. My drive home from the terminal is 180 miles and 3 hours. The second I get in my Toyota, it starts. I literally see at least 5-10 per mile on the way home.
s2k-ND2@reddit
Why the difference?
PhastasFlames@reddit
This is what we get for having objectively the most lenient requirements for getting a driver’s license worldwide. If it wasn’t for documentation I swear every low functioning autistic person I know would easily pass any American licensing “exam”. I’m sick and tired of having Tyquavius or Tanisha try to race me in their 2015 Altima with matching curb rash and non existent bumpers while I’m just trying to enjoy driving my roadster
RedPajama45@reddit
I did not realize how bad drivers were till my shop moved where I had to drive through the city. Stop signs, red lights, lanes, speed limits are apparently all suggestions.
BurningFarm@reddit
Its almost like there is no driver's education happening.
smallcarbro@reddit
Driver education cant fix assholes. You have to pull them over and suspend their license like they do in civilized countries.
Schrodingers_redfish@reddit
I took a driver's education course 10 years ago. My mother was surprised that drivers Ed did not have a built in guarantee of 40 hours of practice. In the state I'm licensed in, 40 practice hours are theoretically required but since driver's Ed isn't required to supply that amount, there's no way to track who actually gets their 40 hours.
I think driver's Ed should have to supply that practice.
Since my mother was expecting drivers Ed to give me that practice, she refused to and I didn't end up getting my license until my early 20s. My boss ended up teaching me how to drive. Driver's Ed prepares you well for the written but that shouldn't come at the cost of actual experience.
I volunteer teaching adults to drive now because I know how much it sucks to not have a license. I'm on student #5 and everyone has gotten 50+ hours of practice in before they go for their test.
4/5 passed on the first go and the test proctor has asked them what driving school they went to. Diligent, consistent practice makes that much of a difference.
Monster51915@reddit
When I took my drivers test at 17, 2 years ago it felt super short and easy. Now granted I’m a real good driver and my parents and all their coworkers and my family agree but it was super short and easy. The on highway driving segment lasted like a minute or two and in all it was about 15 minutes long or shorter.
It felt really easy and certain things like parallel parking weren’t mandatory to pass. Now it makes sense but as my instructor said “it was just to see if you could and you clearly can park parallel”. Apparently when my mom talked to her afterwards she said that 90% or more students can’t parallel park at all and get a lot more infractions in general.
The other thing too is idk if she was or wasn’t but I think she was just some random person that’s done driving tests for others in the past. She didn’t seem like a complete professional an it was pretty chill.
I will say that I did take a drivers ed class when I was 14 in a class of like all 16 year olds but I learned from a friend of mine who still doesn’t even have his permit that since he’s over 17 or 18 (forgot which age it is) you can just take your test whenever and pass without any prior education or courses.
Shocked me
myredditlogintoo@reddit
People are also more frustrated these days and this is unfortunately an outlet.
Zealousideal-Fix9464@reddit
Because there isn't.
Something like 37 states require some form of it to be able to get a license under 18. However the requirements are all wildly different and some are laughably low.
I think FL is the only state that requires it for first time license holders regardless of age.
There really needs to be a federal mandate to formalize training across all states and require it for all first time license holders.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
For real. I've seen some things on the road that were so bad, I couldn't even be mad because it was actually very impressive. And I'm not talking like someone made a little mistake or something. I saw someone a few weeks ago fly across 5 lanes of traffic and then reverse down the shoulder to get to an exit. I couldn't even believe what I was seeing.
IntheShredder_86@reddit
I don't even have to read the whole post to say yes. The problem with driving are all the Ahole crackheads on the road.
People regularly weave through traffic, squeeze onto the shoulder to skip the line and turn early, speed on residential areas, tailgate even when you're above speed limit, cut you off, etc etc. And the cops are almost never around to catch it! 😭 All I want is immediate karma. Only once have I been zoomed past by a sports car and then hear sirens light up. Getting to pass by his dumbazz being stopped was great cuz those drivers always think they're untouchable. Until they get caught.
I personally love driving around commercial trucks (usually) because CDL drivers are mostly the ones who are responsible, easy to merge around or flash in to let them merge, and not driving like maniacs. The very small percentage will drive too long and start drifting. Road trips are great when you get to chill behind a big truck (not in the blind spot!). Plus as a kid on field trips, everyone loved asking for a little horn toot! Lol
Murky_Astronaut@reddit
I hate driving now. I used to love driving but since 2020 driving has changed. Literally not a day goes by when I don't see multiple people running entirely red lights. Yellow lights have changed from 'if you can stop safely you do' to 'obviously even if you're stopped you can still start going on the yellow light'. I am regularly see a stream up to four cars driving through a solid red light. Every single day. People on their phones constantly. Endlessly without any shred of shame about it. Just an absolute overarching sense of entitlement.
I hate driving. I hate it with a burning passion and it is always the worst part of my day.
Fortunately I can still enjoy driving on my simracing rig but in the real world there's seemingly no enforcement and no shame. Somebody will sail through an intersection on a red light turning across traffic on their phone and if you honk at them they will scream and yell and give you the finger and just go off on you. Seriously WTAF
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
I used to have a Ford Taurus before I got my Toyota and I miss it solely for the reason that people wouldn't usually act stupid around it. Let's just say I've discovered that my Rav4 handles a lot better than I would've thought.
Murky_Astronaut@reddit
I've never felt more like pie a white or charcoal Taurus then I do right now. That's brilliant.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
Mine was dark gray. It was an SEL so it still had alloy wheels, chrome grille and lower running lights. Slow drivers would usually move out of the way and nobody would try to road rage with it.
Philodendron69@reddit
It’s insane how people will be shitty (or not) to you based on your car. I ended up trading in a car I spent a lot of money to repair because it was small. I used to not mind, but after a road rage incident I couldn’t stand how other drivers either acted like I wasn’t there or outright bullied me to get out of “their” way. The first day I got my new car I noticed how different it was. Driving is a privilege not a right and I wish it was easier to lose your drivers license.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
That's why for the longest time I drove cars like Crown Vics and Tauruses. I'm highly considering an Explorer next because I've noticed people will give a basic white, silver, gray or black one space.
Philodendron69@reddit
I have half a mind to go back to a taupe 2008 Nissan Altima!!!!!
Murky_Astronaut@reddit
Never!
Murky_Astronaut@reddit
When I drive my friend's Tacoma I get treated completely differently from my Impreza. Mostly from other trucks who think I'm in the club and cars who've learned to tiptoe around trucks. I can drive however I want in the truck and that sucks.
Murky_Astronaut@reddit
Sounds like driving around in a serenity bubble
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
It was nice. It had double paned laminated glass all around and was a very quiet ride. Even the base 6 speaker audio system wasn't particularly terrible and the ride quality was decent. Still one of the best highway cruisers I've had. However, it was a maintenance nightmare and repairs were fairly expensive and it always had some sort of problem. The engine and transmission were fantastic and never had a single problem. I can't say the same for the rest of the car.
Murky_Astronaut@reddit
Haha fair enough. I don't know much about Taurus' reputation lately; I figured it was a fleet vehicle so relatively decent but maybe not. "Maintenance nightmare" bites into the serenity bubble quite a bit. I love working on cars, but not bad cars.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
Most people loved them, but I had issues with trunk seal, suspension, and power steering. The power steering system was very expensive to work on. It was pretty nice and it'd fly if you stepped on it and it wasn't even a SHO. I ditched it before the internal water pump had the chance to dump the coolant into the crankcase. The older 3.0L ones had less power, but were a little more reliable. I'm wary of buying another Ford after that one. My Rav4 has only needed like $700 in repairs over the last 4 years and almost 200K.
Fydron@reddit
No I dislike driving nowadays because the orange hemorrhoid decided to fuck the worlds economy in the ass and the diesel now costs 2.40€ litre or 10.71 dollars per gallon for you US folk. I already hated how expensive fuel was before that donut went full on medieval dementia crusade against everyone but now driving is just expensive as hell.
Dags_0520@reddit
driving when you want to drive is a blast
driving when you have to drive its terrible
drkheartbrightmind@reddit
Yes. People just fucking suck.
Carguycr@reddit
Traffic in my city is so bad it ca take more than an hour to cover 15km. I rarely drive anymore and never enjoy my cars 😞
TransformNRollD20@reddit
Despise having to drive anywhere anymore. People act like turn signals are behind a paywall and that there’s no such thing as oncoming and thru traffic.
I’m not a perfect driver by any stretch. But, I’m not careless. And, far too many people are just careless as hell.
narwaffles@reddit
Yes
bxdgxer@reddit
Driving tests should be very hard. If you can’t drive to an acceptable standard then you don’t deserve to drive
Satins_Cock@reddit
Same with those that enforce the laws. Should require some testing and training.
G-Money242@reddit
🙋♂️
robRigginsstar@reddit
Same here. Been a local truck driver for 30 years. I drive to and from work daily in my personal vehicles and absolutely despise it. In my truck I kinda block all the bs out and just do my job. I feel safe in my truck for the most part and have dash and driver cameras. Some days its kinda hilarious watching others show their ass on the road and just acting like toddlers. Once in my personal vehicle it seems like its a miracle just to get home in one piece. It just keeps getting worse every year for sure!
protect-positivity@reddit
Between that and how expensive anything even remotely fun has become, idrc anymore either. Dirt biking has been fun tho
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
Yeah I always thought I'd have a Mustang GT by this point but they're absurdly expensive for a Fox Body and the SN95s are creeping up in price.
Informal_Ad4399@reddit
I love to drive still.
That said, I don't drive very often. If I drove more, and especially if I was CDL, I would definitely hate it. There has been a significant jump in shitty drivers and road rage in the past couple of years. Pair that with increased traffic density, and it can make for a frustrating experience.
Designer-Top93@reddit
Cant stay in lane. Parked on a way that 3/4 of the street is blocked. Braking with no one in from of them. Cant decide if they wanna go the speed limit or 20 under. Merging lanes every 2 seconds. I drive for work and I love driving but sometimes it gets to me.
WalkingGreen90@reddit
I drive all over for work, love driving, hate the others.
CarGullible5691@reddit
I’ve had a bit of that tonight driving back from a rally in Kielder Forest back to chester. Several cars in lane 2 & 3 when lane one was clear and ignoring me flashing my lights etc to get them to move on the M6 and M56. Frustrating. Or they overtake then pull in front and slow down deliberately. See that all the time. I’m in a Landrover with my radio call sign on both sides so I have to be careful what I do in situations like that in case someone reports me
Dorjan420@reddit
I honestly feel the same way, not sure if im just noticing how bad drivers are getting or if they really are that much worse. Even though much has been done in tech to keep cars safer for the driver, drivers have managed to die more every year since 2020. And its even worse for bikes bicycles and pedestrians. Really feels like we need less people on the road but critical infustruture like light rail and such can't compete with people that want to drive terribly in giant vehicles. Its a shit show.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
I don't even look at fun cars for a daily driver anymore. I look for safe and comfortable. It's a bonus if it happens to be fun. I've noticed people are terrible at changing lanes since everything has the blind spot monitoring now.
Dorjan420@reddit
Well that and the huge pillars on cars for safety make visibility terrible if they bother to check as well.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
Nor do people know how to properly set their side mirrors either. When I worked in shops and had to move so many people's cars around, I noticed that I could usually see myself in both side mirrors and they had about 5 huge items dangling from the center mirror. I'd actually take them down and set it on the passenger seat if I had to drive it somewhere.
Dorjan420@reddit
True I work on cars and im not supposed to move the mirrors. Between being a bit tall and the mirrors being set to far in i basicly have to move my head around to use em. Unfortunately im just used to people's terrible mirror settings. Some times I get lucky on newer cars with multiple settings and they haven't used driver 3 yet and I can adjust them.
poliosaurus3000@reddit
So you guys know that the view in the mirror changes depending on your head position right? So not being able to see out of it for you doesn’t mean whoever owns that car can’t see what they need to see. Their head position may be at a different point than when you get in.
Dorjan420@reddit
Yeah from side to side. Not left to right..
poliosaurus3000@reddit
Lean forward, it moves left to right.
Dorjan420@reddit
Im sitting at their seat position. Are you saying they place their face over the steering wheel?
Sigma-Tau@reddit
That's because the tech actively makes people worse drivers.
The more assists there are the less likely you are to pay attention to your surroundings. Extrapolate this to a national scale then remember that 50% of people are dumber than you, and suddenly that statistic starts to make much more sense.
StandFreeAndy@reddit
One of the drawbacks of driving aids is it makes drivers more complacent.
Neuvirths_Glove@reddit
I'm one of those other drivers. Stay on your toes when I'm around.
extrvnced@reddit
Found the Nissan driver
Due-Author631@reddit
or kia/hyundai
Philodendron69@reddit
This was me when I drove a Nissan
CrazedDuck25@reddit
Nah…ALWAYS a Charger.
Due-Author631@reddit
I really feel like I'm alone with this, but I'm glad others feel similarly. I used to love driving, now if I have to drive anywhere, especially on the interstate it gives me pretty bad anxiety.
treegee@reddit
yeah, lately everyone has been doing 10 under the speed limit for no reason. It drives me insane. Then they start weaving and I realize it's because they're not paying attention. It's concerning how often I can see someone through their windshield staring down at their phone
Tracer_Bullet_38@reddit
I live in a place where speeding is the rule, not the exception. Overtaking drivers, even illegally, even if there's no reason to, is the rule. I'm a 4x4 driver and I'm an anxious person, so I drive at or under the limit...and I. Don't. Give. A. Fuck.
The amount of people I piss off is HILARIOUS. If you're one of those people tailgating, illegally overtaking, or getting on my case for driving the limit. You can take the straightest fastest line to hell.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
I've noticed people don't seem to get pulled over for following too closely either. At least I don't think they do because I feel like there'd be less if people got tickets.
Tracer_Bullet_38@reddit
Everyone seems to think they're Mad Max. It's been a personal challenge to drive and not get furious at how badly and aggressively other people drive and how much stress they put on you. It's ironic actually. But unexpectedly a great way to practice mindfulness and patience.
willmcavoy@reddit
I drive stick, so yes. In traffic jams, I 'tap the breaks and ride the wave', only people in other lanes swerve into mine thinking they're somehow going to get to their destination faster.
UmatterWHENiMATTER@reddit
The trick to avoid most bad drivers is to drive a car that looks like you've just sped off from a fender-bender and you're not afraid to flee another. I use my 2 tone, no rear bumper but a tow hitch, front all wonky, both front fenders dented to shit, spacered and wide wheeled, lowered and manual 99 tacoma 4 banger for this. (I didn't straight pipe it for my own sake, but that helps too.)
Protection of the wallet is all the inconsiderate understand.
As a bonus, cars that look like ass but are awesome can be much cheaper than good-looking regular performance cars.... and when they inevitably hit you, go get 3 quotes and use them to argue with insurance... then pocket most of that and hit the junkyard if you need... or just bash it out with a hammer, usually.
Keep any good-looking cars for the driveway or posters on the wall. It's not worth it.
Philodendron69@reddit
I drove a banged up Nissan Versa and I still got bullied :-( the drivers did not care if I lived or died :-(
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
I feel like it's because it was a small car. My Rav4 is the smallest car I've had and people are awful to it. I had a 90s Ford Explorer and always had full size sedans before it and it was not all that common for me in those cars.
Philodendron69@reddit
I think that’s why too. Something about small cars makes people road rage. Before the Versa I drove an ‘08 Altima. That was my first car. I did not have a lot of trouble. I did not know Nissan altimas drivers had…ahem….a reputation and looking back the vehicle itself was a deterrent.
I know what you’re saying about the rav4. I got a Mazda cx-30 and I still get bullshit. But I couldn’t go any bigger and I was mad that I was getting a bigger car because other drivers were assholes/I almost died when I was ran off the road and not because I had a life change that required it. Some of the dimensions are almost the same but it’s a lot higher and a lot faster.
Billz3bub666@reddit
I hate everything because of other people
Beneficial-Door-3985@reddit
I do think it’s gotten worse over the past 5 or so years. I figure everyone is listening to a podcast or audiobook book first and driving 2nd (at best).
Markiki817@reddit
In the US. I feel every state has a form of driving habits that everyone from that state follows, relatively speaking, whether good or bad. Each state drives a little differently. I'm in florida now. So take all those different driving habits, relatively speaking, good or bad, and mix it all together. Its like a chaos bowl of drivers thinking they are the driving the correct way. Its awful.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Nahh, I like driving and like it even more these days, with fewer cops around and those who are around doing jack shit, I'm much freer to drive how I want to.
SouthernDrama4895@reddit
why is it that every single person claims that other drivers make driving unbearable? i feel like someones lying
Admirable-Fox-8344@reddit
It’s not everyone, but if even 10% of people are terrible drivers that will make your time on the road much more stressful.
That “I’m going to cut right in front of someone with no signal to make this turn” is pretty common
friendIdiglove@reddit
A bad driver never misses a turn.
Drd2@reddit
I think it's because shitty drivers aren't in this subreddit. There's people that don't give a fuck, every person for themselves and people that are just bad drivers, maybe because their new or maybe because they don't value being a good driver or something else. I doubt any of those people are on this subreddit.
Almost embarrassingly, I pride myself on being a good driver. I just watch out for these people. I can see what their doing. I just try to harmoniously make my way to where I need to go.
I'll admit sometimes I'll trap them just to keep them where I want them so I can have the space I need. Their dipshits and totally oblivious.
Entire_Meet_6266@reddit
Cuz other people are bad drivers🤣💀I'm on my best behavior and 90% of the time I have people riding my ass or coming into my lane outta nowhere 🤦
one_step_beyond2121@reddit
Are you a good driver? Be honest
SouthernDrama4895@reddit
ive never gotten into an accident, i dont know about pro driving skills or anything though
OnlyTime609@reddit
I recently got pulled over, it was a 70-60 going down from a three lane to a two lane. I was in the left lane trying to get over, a lifted truck was inches from my bumper making me go 73. Undercover cop signaled me to pull over. This happened at 6:55am in the grey rainy weather. Luckily the cop has other important business and gave me a warning.
Moral of the story everyone was going over 7-15mph and I explained I was going with the flow of traffic. I was singled out and pulled over. I realized after that day, stay in your lane and people can go around you.
pbrown6@reddit
I like driving on the track. Otherwise, diving sucks. I much rather bike or take the bus.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
I'm not planning on being a truck driver for more than a couple years. It's kind of fun. It also kind of sucks, but the pay is pretty good. I think afterwards, I might go live in the city. I don't know which one though. Then I'll just take trips to go do cool car stuff. Then again, I'm probably safer in the car than walking down the street.
Andy_850TB@reddit
I spent a lot of time being an Econoline jockey and also driving 24' trucks in city traffic. A lot of times on the weekends, I didn't even want to get in a car at all, let alone drive.
Grumpy_dad70@reddit
Stay out of the city, that’s were the idiot drivers congregate.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
I hate small towns and there's no way I'd ever consider living in the middle of nowhere. Open roads with little traffic are way worse than cities, especially when those rural highways get more than 7 cars on the road.
pbrown6@reddit
Well, I think that might be backwards. You have a far higher chance of being injured or die in a car than on the streets.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
If you've seen my luck, I'd probably find someone driving down the sidewalk. I've already been hit by a car on a bicycle once. Once I picked it up, the guy took off. I was fine. We kind of collided with each other because he popped out from next to a building.
Any-Description8773@reddit
I gave up motorcycles because I had too many close calls with idiot drivers. Nothing is more stress relieving than wind time. But because people can’t stay off their phones and pay attention I can’t even enjoy that.
Saruvan_the_White@reddit
Absolutely! I used to love driving. But it seems the last ten years (accelerating in the last five) have seen an increase in anxiety and stupid behavior on the road. I think a major contributor is people operating under the assumption driving is a right once they’ve got that driver’s license and a set of keys. If only there was some kind of driver training and testing procedure that could weed out bad drivers before they become a nuisance.
Maaaaybe, we need to revamp the system used for training, testing, and licensing. Model it on Finland’s system.
Samsonlp@reddit
You're gonna get plenty of validation, but I have one suggestion and some advice. It's you. Let people pass, relax, speed up if you want slow down, maneuver. You drive a big ass truck that people are cautious around. You get in your car, nobody cares about you and you can't bully them. Driving is what it has always been, you're getting angry at the ocean for being wet.
So suggestion. Get a motorcycle. Go to the other extreme. Get down the road, slip between the assholes, have a sense of freedom that you don't get in a truck and won't experience in a car.
Advice. Don't drive other people's cars, pass them or back off. Live and let live. Turn on some music and Cruz. The United States in metropolitan areas is just full of cars. You're not going to be happy with everyone.
Nothing has changed. You're growing older.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
Oh it has changed. I've driven a solid 300K+ miles across various vehicles and have actively watched people getting so much worse and more and more entitled. More angry. More aggressive.
Samsonlp@reddit
What state are you in? NYC and LA are great as far as I'm concerned. I would bet in places with inconsistent traffic and no or little option for ride share or public transportation are a lot different. I find Midwestern and southern drivers the most frustrating because they drive like it's their job to police other people's vehicles. Super lame and just jams things up.
I'm 42. I've driven ride share, pizza delivery and a lot for pleasure. I get your perspective. I'm sure it's justifiable. It really comes down to, you can be right or you can be happy.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
I live in New York, but I'm a truck driver that runs the northeast, so I only go as far as Virginia and Ohio. I was surprised the first time I ran 95 by NYC and through New Jersey. The drivers were definitely all in a hurry but still had respect and a common understanding that a semi needs space and it can't go fast. Massachusetts and Maryland on the other hand have incredibly rude drivers.
Samsonlp@reddit
I read a book called American Nations. It's about the different European based cultures. There's variation your bridging 5 different primary cultures(white) in that area. Yankee (protestant English), new Amsterdam (descendants of dutch businessmen), tidewater( old money British 2nd sons) and midlander (German industrial revolution immigrants).
They used county voting data differences to identify the variation. It's a touch out of date as it was written a while ago. It helped me gain some perspective on why I found certain areas so annoying.
That's also a lot of variation in methods of courtesy and rudeness. To get home after driving professionally, get into a car, I bet it's damn hard to turn off the professional driving brain and frustrating to lose the perspective of being so high up.
panther38t@reddit
You're way off buddy. Things have absolutely changed for the worse. Big time. Driving is a minefield now. It got way worse after the pandemic, but it was already going downhill with all the people glued to their cellphones.
Samsonlp@reddit
I've mostly drive in major cities and I just pass people and move on with my life. I find people are generally respectful, and make space. It's a big cooperative migration every day, and there's no hurrying it up or skipping it
throwpoo@reddit
I learnt on a stick and drove one for over 10 years. I'd go for a drive on bendy roads and just enjoy driving. These days I no longer enjoy it. You get people doing unpredictable or I mean predictable thing like changing multiple lanes blindly just to get off the exit last second.
toofarfromjune@reddit
It’s just population density/growth. I grew up driving in ca in the 90s and by 2020 I was about done. The way it is now doesn’t bother those who don’t know any better but to have experienced it before when it was better gives a difference perspective.
I moved to the second least populated state in the contiguous United States, it’s been amazing.
mydoghank@reddit
People have no patience and limited attention span these days. I think this is why you’ll see people sitting at green lights not moving because they’re probably looking at their phone. I also know people don’t give their turn signals anymore. Is that a thing?
I drive a small hatchback and when someone tailgates me, it’s very noticeable. I go slightly over the speed limit and people still just get furious at me. I’ve had people actually pass me on roads where they shouldn’t be near schools, blind corners and so forth. I never see anyone get a ticket or crash…so they get lucky. But my attitude is that I’m not getting a ticket or risking my safety for you dude, so if you wanna pass me and it’s worth a ticket or a possible accident, go ahead.😅
Alone-University9785@reddit
Every. Fucking. Day. I can’t just cruise around going the speed limit without some asshat smelling what I ate for lunch that day.
2to11to27@reddit
I've thought of moving back to Brooklyn NY or Queens to avoid having to have a kid in my old age.
truisluv@reddit
I have to always be alert and in defensive driving mode. Driving is such a horrible experience now. The highway is not driveable anymore. People pull into roundabouts without looking. People turn in front of you, do uturns, and change lanes without looking. In a 20 minute drive I will almost get in at least one accident.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
There's a roundabout in my area and it caused a huge argument with all the local people and everyone hates it because they don't like it. I hate it because most drivers I see in it are simply too stupid to operate it. I've seen people stopping in it and I've also seen people going the wrong way around it. I once had someone get mad at me because they were going the wrong way down a 3 lane one way street and almost drove into me.
truisluv@reddit
A lady posted in the neighborhood group that people weren't supposed to keep going into the roundabout and not let her in. She got annihilated in the comments that roundabouts work exactly that way its not a four way stop. We have one roundabout and people can't handle it
Silent-Package7305@reddit
Half the people on the road…shouldn’t. This became even more concerning when I started driving manual and paid even more attention to the drivers around me. Random slowing and speeding up for no reason, braking for no reason, tailgating. One really interesting thing I found when I started using engine braking, most people won’t brake if they don’t see brake lights. The car in front of them getting closer to them doesn’t seem to clue them in that they should maybe also slow down.
about6bobcats@reddit
It’s the distracted drivers for me. Since getting my truck (not commercial) and sitting up a little higher, the amount of people I see scrolling Tik Tok or watching reels is absolutely insane. I honk my horn at them when I pass them which probably isn’t smart but at least it gets them to look back up at the road.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
I can see EVERYTHING going on in vehicles below me. I see a lot of phones. I've seen a book once. I've even seen people doing inappropriate things while driving.
I've also noticed the huge screens in cars don't exactly make things better.
about6bobcats@reddit
I have a 14” screen in mine and still use the voice commands or steering wheel controls. It seems like other drivers just have zero self control.
Own_Fruit_8115@reddit
i’ve been a truck driver for 34 yrs. i’m retiring in a few weeks just because of the way other people drive. i’ve had more close calls in the last 4 months than i’ve had in 34 yrs. most were people going directly from the left lane to the exit ramp
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
I'm only planning on doing 2-3 years and then following my dream. Even though I'm bigger and I'm pretty safe in the truck, it just takes one idiot to ruin everything for me.
Ashkill115@reddit
I like driving all the time but people have made it miserable to do any sort of spirted driving or even just on my way to work going the speed limit or going 5 over. Then I have to deal with people going 5-10 under in the morning and it frustrates me because when I’m late to work by 2 minutes my boss dosnt believe me
bqtchef@reddit
I hate city life and all the imbecile in them, this is why i live in a small town where I can go across town in 25 minutes or less.
crookedledder@reddit
It's the phones. No sense getting angry about it... it's like getting angry at the weather.
I fully expect to encounter idiocy when driving. I take my time and keep my distance.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
And what about when someone in a pickup or Audi is less than 10 feet from your bumper in the right lane when the left lane is open or weaving in and out of traffic and just trying to find someone to road rage at? I see this very, very often.
crookedledder@reddit
With tailgaters, I just let off the gas until they pass.
When I see a jacked up rage-machine coming, I just make sure I'm in the right lane so they can pass. My car is invisible- they take no notice.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
I have a Rav4 and it's so invisible that people somehow just don't see it. Maybe it's the color. I like that my car doesn't stick out though.
crookedledder@reddit
Those are great vehicles. Best-sellers for a reason. I like being invisible on the road.
Now, a tiny econobox will attract road-ragers. Especially the Prius.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
I had a 90s Ford Explorer before I got this and nobody really bothered it. I got this and it's like the back bumper has magnets. No matter how fast I go, someone wants to check out my spare tire on the back.
ApprehensiveClub6969@reddit
This is so spot on. I get so many people riding my ass in my little white Corolla (which ironically I bought specifically for commuting). It’s worst at night, always seems to be some a-hole in a pickup truck 6 feet off my bumper blinding me with their 50000 watt LED headlights. It’s like people get mad that a little unassuming car is ahead of them; even though I always drive 5-10 mph over the speed limit if not more. Most of the roads around here are only one lane in each direction anyway so I can only go as fast as the person in front of me.
When I drive my Grand Cherokee nobody tailgates me, nobody whips out in front of me pulling out of a side street, nobody pretends not to see my blinker when I signal to merge or change lanes. I bought the Corolla to save gas and maintenance expenses and I don’t mind the car itself, but lately I just drive the Jeep 90% of the time despite it’s terrible MPG because it just feels safer and less frustrating in any amount of traffic.
Philodendron69@reddit
This is completely accurate. I had to get rid of my nondescript silver Nissan Versa that I actually really liked because of it. I used to not mind it but after I was the victim of a road rage incident I couldn’t stand it.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
I've been looking at F150s and Explorers because I figured I might as well get something safe and comfortable for when someone eventually hits it. It's like smaller vehicles make people road rage or something.
Ok-Attempt2842@reddit
Yup. The daily commute is a total shit show! I'm sure my BP is in the 4 digit territory by the time I get to work! 🤬🤬🤬
Wake-N-Ache@reddit
You’re only ten years on the road. Come back in another 10 and tell us how you feel.
Cliqey@reddit
Been driving for 20 years, been driving for work for 7.
Still love it. I love driving, it’s my element. The focus, the hustle, the challenge, the rush, the machine and the rare open road.
I know my roads and my vehicle like the back of my hand but I also know every drive is different—new players on the field and new circumstances to navigate.
What I think I’ve noticed over the years is mostly population growth. People from my already densely populated region drive well but the higher the congestion, the more that “well” is tested. And the more transplants, the more non-local practices clash with the local.
But for me, I’ve always found zen on the road.
Sometimes there is a thrill or a panic—shit happens and trillions of moving parts and competing neurons conspire to expand room for chaos but actual rage never lingers for me behind the wheel. We are all on our way somewhere, with our short time in tow, and getting to the next place is more important than lingering in 2 or 20 miles ago. And frustration, in degrees, only makes it harder to get there. At best, it slows time to a crawl, making 10 minutes of traffic seem like an hour. At worst it rattles the nerves more than called for, to rob a driver of control.
Most of the kinds of inconveniences and obstacles you describe I actively take as just texture that breaks up monotony.
Zonda1996@reddit
Dead internet theory looking like less and less of a theory every day.
Cliqey@reddit
…Me or OP?
Zonda1996@reddit
Your post looked like ChatGPT wrote it. Apologies if I'm wrong and LLMs just use your writing style by coincidence.
Cliqey@reddit
The damn em-dashes.. my favorite punctuation (since before LLMs!).. been wondering when it would screw me. I swear those models sampled my catalogue internet writings personally. Thank god I’m not in still in college. I’d probably get flagged on every paper.
Eh, no harm I guess, but even in a low-stakes anonymous discussion it does kinda suck to be depersonalized reflexively.
Philodendron69@reddit
I also use a lot of em-dashes. It’s very common in the legal field and it’s carried over to my regular writing. The robot wants what we have!!
Zonda1996@reddit
Man that sucks. Love for the game rewarded with your style being plagarized by the damn bots. Think I'll just keep my mouth shut and assume the best next time I see them rather than ruin someone's day lol.
Cliqey@reddit
We good.
I get it. The bots to exist..
Trust and good faith—hard to come by these days. (lol, sigh)
Stache_Noir@reddit
Way too many seniors behind the wheel that should've lost their license years ago. Just the other morning during my 30 minute commute to work, there were 3 separate instances where I was nearly struck by seniors and had to swerve out of the way.
Not looking forward to motorcycle season like I used to.
Philodendron69@reddit
Yes. In AZ it’s a huge problem because our licenses last for so long and there are a lot of old people.
Money_Green@reddit
I drive by a license testing Center everyday. The people doing their drivers tests seem mostly clueless Stop way back from a stop line, take forever to make a turn. 3 point turns take them forever to complete, parallel parking seems impossible for them. Never drive the speed limit, usually 10-20 km/h under. Seems like the people getting their license these days haven’t spent more than a few hours behind the wheel before they go for their test. On the other hand there’s the experienced drivers who think they’re above the law. No signals, going wayyy to fast, cutting in last second , tailgating until they can pass and the list goes on.
TL;DR. Newer drivers have no experience or confidence, more seasoned drivers are apathetic behind the wheel.
Philodendron69@reddit
I got ran off the interstate into the desert in January so I absolutely have to agree
SafetyGuy1963@reddit
We need to pass and enforce laws to keep people from camping out in the passing lane. We also need idiots to put away their stupid cell phones while driving.
These two things fix a bunch of the issues I have with driving today. I haven’t correlated this with COVID but the timeline matches up.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
On the same note, if everyone kept a similar speed, it could flow much more smoothly and efficiently.
NeruLight@reddit
On the one hand you make a great case for driving a beater. On the other hand, driving a high end car can give me that awesome feeling still. I’ve driven a lot and had many cars, and I do agree the roads suck these days and driving is something I only want to do for pleasure now, “commuting” is unbearable.
haad55@reddit
If all states would simply adopt and enforce keep right except to pass on their multi lane roads, driving life would be sooooooo much better.
ironafro2@reddit
I wanna know why yall CDL drivers pulling a max tonnage load up a mountain believe that “passing” at a blazing 37mph in a 70mph zone in the left lane to get around the truck doing 36.9 mph in the right lane is a good idea as literal miles of car traffic backs up behind you for the ♾️of time it takes to pass.
willynear@reddit
There are more Minorities on the road these days as well driving that experience..
CrazedDuck25@reddit
Sure there are occasional boneheaded drivers, but most drivers are fine. Once you learn to ignore the jerks, driving is a great experience. Did that guy screaming by you at 90 mph cause you to wreck? No he didn’t. Did that guy running a red light crash into you? If he didn’t, then ignore it…no harm to you means no reason for you to dwell on it.
This is more about what you choose to concentrate on, than other drivers.
skornd713@reddit
Man.....I live on Long Island and not only are roads shit with potholes, but the amount of carelessness I see from accidents due to speeding, drunk driving and whatever else in the newspapers, on the news or driving by is insane here. Even last week, I'm at a red light in the right lane waiting to make a left turn and there's a car in the left lane also waiting to do the same who is slightly behind me. Light turns green, we both start turning and this dumbass turns directly into my fucking lane! I didnt even bother pressing the horn, just slowed up, moved out of the jackasses way and kept going and broke out in a laugh and shook my head at the assholery.
nourright@reddit
Hate driving . I'm not the best I make mistakes, but never a mistake that endangers someone and as a fact people drive either 40 or 80 + but neverb65
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
Thankfully I've gotten very good at spotting a slow vehicle up ahead from quite a distance. I found someone doing 30 in a 65 with no hazard lights and everyone was flying around them.
Jossshy@reddit
Used to love driving. Would go for drives just for something to do. Now I try to avoid it as much as possible. Can't go more than a couple blocks without either someone tailgating while doing 15 over or someone pull out RIGHT infront of me then proceed to drive 15 under.
Everyone is in a massive hurry to go nowhere, and everyone is looking to start/escalate a conflict.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
I've noticed that and it's ridiculous. They always try to act more important than they are. I think the only time I'd give them a pass is if it's like a medical emergency or something and they're trying to get to the hospital.
Chockfullofnutmeg@reddit
Yeah it’s gotten terrible. I remember the first time seeing someone use the shoulder to pass on the highway and now see janky pos do it once a month. Cops have given up any sort of traffic enforcement
HollywoodBrownMusic@reddit
I used to love driving. Loved cars. Passionately hate it now, actively try to avoid it where I can. Necessary evil for me now.
Probably since covid. I only like older cars now too, can't even tell new ones apart. They're just appliances to me now.
Ok-Ad8998@reddit
Yes. I still enjoy driving, but there is no doubt that driving behavior has gotten shittier, making it all less fun.
Zonda1996@reddit
Night driving became hell around 2015 when those fuckass blue/white retina destorying LEDs took the stage. Day driving has slowly been following suit with how many people seem to drive either on their phones, like they've never driven a car before and are scared to go more than 1/8th of the posted speed limit, or like they want to kill everybody they see. It's an interesting mix.
Electrical-Reason-97@reddit
I’ve never seen as outrageously dangerous drivers as I have the past couple of years. CT and AZ take the cake.
FutureHendrixBetter@reddit
Others incompetence really píss me off, every single day there’s always several braínrot ídíots to deal with. It’s either someone sitting at a green light because they’re too busy on their phone, someone accelerating extremely slow, coasting to a stop, stopping football lengths and inching little by little every few seconds, merging on the highway at 30mph, stopping at the merge, camping on the left, cutting someone off and going slower infront of them, not being able to stay in your lane, cars making wide turns as if they’re pulling some trailer behind them, not knowing how to use a roundabout/not yielding. I’m sure I’m missing several more but yeah it’s ridiculous it seems they just handout licenses to anyone these days.
Annual_Departure_666@reddit
Exactly!!! You nailed all the worst ones and it’s sad that I encounter almost all of them daily. The other day I even saw someone stop on a street that had no shoulder because they missed the entrance to the shopping center. Just stopped on the street with cars approaching behind them and started looking at their phone. Cars then start passing him in the lane next to him, others now stopped behind him and dude just starts reversing. He’s getting honked at, people also now reversing in panicked chaos until he backs up enough to make the turn into the shopping center. Once inside he picks a random spot to just stop and whips out his phone again, clueless to the people behind him
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
The biggest one that gets me is I'll be on one of those roads with 4 lanes but not the highway and come to a red light. I should mention that I've done this fully loaded in the semi. The light will go green and I'll go after glancing both ways in case someone runs the red light and I'll accelerate faster than the guy in the other lane. How are people accelerating slower than a semi truck?
KostyaFedot@reddit
Drivers in rural Wallonia are addicted with tailgating on their bad roads.
RaisinBran21@reddit
Sounds like a lot Houston
I feel ya pain. Sometimes I wonder if it’s just me or majority of people on the road have gone crazy
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
I've never been to Texas but I've heard a lot of stories from many different people about what it's like to drive there.
tdebacker22@reddit
Its just within the population triangle. You can take 287 from Denton to Dalhart and you'd never be irritated with traffic. But take the 610 belt loop in Houston or I20 through Dallas during rush hour...its awful. Theres a reason I pay the tolls everytime I drive through.
The crazy thing is, the absolute most obnoxious and irritating traffic I've ever experienced is Highway 82 in Colorado between Aspen and Glenwood Springs followed by I70 on a Sunday between Silverthorne, CO and Denver.
Cartridge-King@reddit
drive a motorcycle for a day you’ll hate it even worse. i pray to god nobody left turns me at 60 mph
ApprehensiveClub6969@reddit
I love weekend drives to somewhere scenic or interesting in a fun car, and long road trips. I generally hate commuting and running errands. You’re spot on about other drivers.
Valuable_Mud316@reddit
22/23 I hauled construction materials anywhere from Killeen to San Antonio, so a lot of my driving was on I-35. I've had a truck go completely airborne in front of me. I swear everyone on the road here has to be a feral raccoon nowadays.
I went back to nights after that, the roads are so much more enjoyable late at night, basically the only time Austin is bearable.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
I typically try to roll early in the morning. Like start 3-4am and stop at some point in the afternoon. It makes parking easier and I get to miss the 5PM rush. However, that also entirely depends on what time I have to deliver the load.
Angelblues13@reddit
In general I would say 4 of every 5 drivers shouldn’t be driving. They’re eating, buried in their phone, disciplining kids or just flat out stupid. Every single drive I encounter at least 2 instances where I would be hit or run off the road if it weren’t for me being aware and driving defensively. It really sucks because I enjoy driving, but anymore it just causes major frustration.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
I'm starting to think the NPCs in GTA 5 maybe are pretty realistic after all.
One of the worst things I see that's super dangerous is people pulling over on the side of a busy highway to tend to kids or get something from the rear seat. I get it's important, but unless it's an emergency, it can wait until a rest area or something. And I see this one at least 3-5 times a day.
The company I drive for actually has a policy against pulling over for safety reasons.
Years ago, I encountered a Toyota Prius doing about 45 in a 65. I couldn't believe what I saw when passing it. The driver had headphones on and was reading a book.
Dzessito@reddit
I like driving but dislike other drivers. It's like cesspool of idiots who bought licenses. Worse are those flashing their headlights to pass you when there's a constant and smooth line of cars overtaking line of lorries etc. Like where do you dumbass think your getting faster by doing this and annoying others.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
Honestly if everyone used to passing lane for only passing and stuck in the regular lane along with everyone keeping a somewhat similar speed, it would go so much more smoothly and we'd probably all get there faster.
No_Pen_376@reddit
Yes. Everybody that drives faster than me is an asshole, and everybody that drives slower than me is an idiot.
Spudtater@reddit
I have a lot respect semi drivers and understand that they are an essential part of our economy. I can’t imagine the amount of skill it takes to drive those huge rigs. I let them in front of me without hesitation during a construction squeeze on the interstates and blink my lights when they have safety passed me. The only thing that pisses me off is when one tries to pass another on a two lane section and the passing truck takes five minutes or so to do so, because he’s maybe going a half mile faster, ending up with a 20 vehicle line waiting to pass behind them.
chodeobaggins@reddit
Just moved back to the southeast after 18 years and holy f the drivers are so terrible and aggressive.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
I used to run down there and everyone I met was nice until they were behind the wheel. The big open highways made it a little more tolerable and easier though.
KennyWuKanYuen@reddit
Kind of.
Since the pandemic, it’s been progressively worse because not only are people driving slower, non-drivers are also pushing for driving to be slower. And for this to happen after the pandemic, after being limited to where you can go, it kinda hurts even more. Like you finally get to go outside, you can’t move.
If anything, driving now is like getting over an illness to go outside, only to find out it’s a massive parade somewhere, and when you try to jog a bit faster, people are now littering to slow you down.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
It's like a weird mix of people going too slow and people going too fast. I'm limited to 65 in my semi truck. That's fine by me since I'm big and heavy and I wouldn't want to get going too fast. Some cars, I can pass like they're standing still. Some cars will go by me so fast that I couldn't even tell what kind of car it was. I encountered someone doing 31 on a 3 lane highway where the speed limit was 65. If we all kept around a similar speed, it'd probably be a little smoother. I actually tried something when commuting home an hour from my old job. I tried to hurry up and get home. The next day, I just tried to hang back and chill. I noticed that I got home around the same time both days.
Calman00@reddit
I’m sure the Romans in their horse carriages were already complaining
infinitiguy37@reddit
It’s because you drive for a living. If you didnt spend all driving then you’d think differently.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit (OP)
Not even that at all. I've always put a lot of miles on my cars. A few years ago I worked at a dealership an hour away and I've watched drivers get worse and worse. Especially after covid. I've encountered drivers so bad, that it's genuinely impressive.