Aggressive driving

[f6john]

I need my own lane. Everybody is either driving too slow or too fast depending on my mood. Or maybe I need a snow plow with flashing lights on my truck. Or maybe just the flashing lights would work.

Seriously, on two lane roads I am very laid back and enjoy the ride and the scenery but on the racetrack, I mean I75, it’s on! 80 is the new 70 so 85-90 will get you access to the outside of the 3 lanes. The next thing you know someone who is in the lead pack sets the cruise at 88 mph and all of a sudden you have a dozen cars nose to tail weaving side to side trying to figure out what’s the holdup. Throw in a few who have to be passing everything at all costs and they will use any crack between two cars to advance their position another 20 feet.

I would really like my own lane.

[Rams]

I need my own lane. Everybody is either driving too slow or too fast depending on my mood. Or maybe I need a snow plow with flashing lights on my truck. Or maybe just the flashing lights would work.

Seriously, on two lane roads I am very laid back and enjoy the ride and the scenery but on the racetrack, I mean I75, it’s on! 80 is the new 70 so 85-90 will get you access to the outside of the 3 lanes. The next thing you know someone who is in the lead pack sets the cruise at 88 mph and all of a sudden you have a dozen cars nose to tail weaving side to side trying to figure out what’s the holdup. Throw in a few who have to be passing everything at all costs and they will use any crack between two cars to advance their position another 20 feet.

I would really like my own lane.

Was always told that possession is 9/10ths of the law, it's your lane, drive in it like you own it.   Another way to look at it is, there's a game called Chicken. 

I can relate to your situation, I tend to drive at a pace I'm comfortable with which almost always puts me in the far right lane.   

One of my biggest pet peeves is when approaching construction, there's usually a sign indicating which lane is closed and yet, many (if not most) folks will continue to drive where ever they feel like it and then try to cut in front of the folks in the open lane.   Believe it or not, I do appreciate it when the big trucks block both lanes and drive side by side forcing those behind them to get their stuff together.

Rams
Pick your path. 

[cookiedough]

yah,  wife got pissy with me from a traffic lane blockage ahead saw a car trying to get by us all behind me some 15 or so cars back merging into ONE lane ahead of me.  I got over ONLY partially blocking both lanes up merging into ONLY one lane right in front of me and the guy 15 or so cars behind me kept wanting to get IN FRONT of me NO ROOM  too darn bad.   

[carolinarider09]

You know, it never ceases to amaze me.  I must be really old school. 

The sign says the two lanes we are on will be merging into one ahead.  I see the sign, most of us see the sign and move over to the directed lane.

We are single file and yes there is an open lane to my right (or left depending).  And each and every time, a car will move up expecting to be allowed to merge in.  I sure has heck won't let him in.  But someone will and then he wins.   

Whatever happened to "waiting your turn in line".  Where did all these "special privileged" people come from. 

Whatever happened to "do unto others".   

My apologies.  Rant over.

[Jess from VA]

I go fast when I can, but I've taken to getting in line in the inside or middle lane, letting a decent space open up between me and the car ahead, and then just taking my time to get where I'm going.  And letting all the lunatics do their thing without me playing with them. 

All my performance awards (speeding tickets) happened in commuting to/from work in terrible traffic, when my fangs and aggressive attitude were always fully deployed.  Now in my retirement, I'm trying to keep the fangs in check.  I never drive (or ride) in commuter rush times anymore; I don't have to. 

Esp when riding, I ride for a bit of clear open space, and go real fast or real slow to get there, then do my best to just keep my bit of open space from the crowd.  I did it today for about 150 miles.

[Willow]

...
My apologies.  Rant over.

My rant -

The most efficient way to merge into one lane is for both lanes to proceed to the point the merge is required and then for the vehicles in the two lanes to alternate going into the remaining open lane.  Most drivers are too stupid to realize that by moving early into the lane to remain open they actually double the length of the backup.  Drivers who block a lane to enforce their will upon other drivers are actually breaking the law.

Interesting story -  Once riding on the early portion of my sixty mile commute after work I saw a sign that said. "RIGHT LANE CLOSED AHEAD".    Traffic was fairly heavy on the turnpike that time of day and a large majority of the drivers moved into the left lane and dropped to traffic jam speed.  I stayed in the right lane watching for the flashing arrow sign that would indicate the requirement to merge.  As I moved along the rather open lane at a speed just a little more than the mass in the left lane I encountered several drivers who manuevered to hinder my progress in the right lane.  Some were much more aggressive than safe driving would dictate.  This continued for about five and a half miles before some of the folks in the left lane realized that the "RIGHT LANE CLOSED" sign had been left over after the work had ended that day.  People in the left lane began to spread out over both lanes and traffic once more began to run at hiway speed.

People are interesting.  A very large percentage of them are simply stupid.

This thread seems to have become a string of confessions as to how and when we are assholes.  Those who cry the most that they are not are the most likely to be so.  I am.  I make no real secret of that.  I am, though, the kindest and most generous asshole you are likely to encounter.   

[Skinhead]

As Willow stated, the zipper method is the most efficient to reduce 2 lanes of traffic to one.  For those that don't realize this, they should add signs to the "lane closed ahead" that state " use all lanes to merge point", and then at the merge point, "Merge here, Take your turn".  Some states have started doing this.  It basically accomplishes the same thing blocking the closing lane to prevent passing the backed up traffic.

[f6john]

All we need then is a portable automotive turnstile! I offer this million dollar idea to all of you at no cost.

[Sorcerer]

What’s really fun in Minnesota is that the state has been pushing the zipper merge for a few years now. The little F U the DOT uses is they will merge 3 lanes down to 1, say the right lane then 100’ later they snake that 1 lane back to the far left lane.

[Rams]

...
My apologies.  Rant over.

My rant -

The most efficient way to merge into one lane is for both lanes to proceed to the point the merge is required and then for the vehicles in the two lanes to alternate going into the remaining open lane.  Most drivers are too stupid to realize that by moving early into the lane to remain open they actually double the length of the backup.  Drivers who block a lane to enforce their will upon other drivers are actually breaking the law.



People are interesting.  A very large percentage of them are simply stupid.

This thread seems to have become a string of confessions as to how and when we are assholes.  Those who cry the most that they are not are the most likely to be so.  I am.  I make no real secret of that.  I am, though, the kindest and most generous asshole you are likely to encounter.  

Well, that's one way to look at it.  And, I agree that the zipper method is the most efficient way for traffic to proceed.

The problem with the two lane and zipper method is, folks don't allow others to slide in line.   Driving my truck with loaded trailer with limited stopping distances, I always (usually) leave room for assholes to slide in front of me from the closed lane.   I guess that makes me one of the stupid folks.  

I accept that everyone else's schedule is more important to them than my schedule is to them.   I always let that trucker blocking the closed lane back in front of me, the length of the back up has no real consequence if, people cooperate but, that seems to happen only when it's forced.

Rams

[cookiedough]

and what is it with the stupid ROUNDABOUTS going up all over.    There has to be some statistics somewhere that roundabouts are the no. 1 cause of slower vehicle collisions as evident by the at least once per month collision I witness going thru a set of 3 roundabouts in a row on a very busy 2 lane each direction road.    People either blow right on thru NOT slowing down at all expecting the vehicle on the left to slow down for you already in the roundabout or the bonehead in front of me always comes to a NEAR complete stop even when clearly no vehicles are coming from the left.  Roundabouts being 2 lanes of traffic going same direction are the worse especially in WI winters since roads are slippery and a full circle at excess speeds makes the vehicle on snow slide a tad bit sideways not good when a vehicle is right alongside you.

some bonehead engineer or city official decided it a great idea to put a roundabout in the middle of fricking nowhere on a main busy hwy. intersecting with a normal county road to slow down the traffic.  Is a busy main hwy. no doubt about 12 miles from one 5000 population town to a 15000 population town with the interecting county road about 1 mile heading into a small 1500 population rural town in the country.  So,  what will that do?  NOTHING but cause more accidents.  Is not too bad waiting until a lineup of 10-15 cars in a row on main hwy. goes by from the county road stop sign to pull into traffic vs. a roundabout there slowing up the main hwy. traffic bottlenecking it even worse on both sides of the roundabout where traffic is 55 to 60 mph.  Is NOT even in a town or slower moving vehicle area but a main straight hwy. in rural WI.  DUMB!

[carolinarider09]

Yes the "zipper" method is the approved method.  But it will never work.  Someone always has to pay the price for following the rules of the road.

Rules of the road, "stay right except to pass".  Right hand lane closed in front.  Cannot stay right, lane is closed ahead.

Left lane is suppose to be open except for passing (not the way it is done today but is still the rule, law, signs posted in many states), I am in the right lane, left lane is open, when do I merge to the left, just at the sign, just before the sign, 100 feet, 1,000 feet.....  

Line of cars ahead in left lane, I merge at the end, taking my place in line.  Multiple cars zip past me on the right and then "zipper" in ahead of me.  Fair?????  Nope.  

Remember the old saying...... "nice guys finish last" (See Note below)

Write up by some lawyers (in case you are interested) on the "keep right" law/concept, ect.  

https://www.mwl-law.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/SLOWER-TRAFFIC-KEEP-RIGHT.pdf

Note:  I have heard the term many, many times but never thought much about it.  So I looked it up to see where it came from and here is the reference.   (Just in case you too wondered)

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/62774/where-does-phrase-nice-guys-finish-last-come

[Earl43P]

I need my own lane. Everybody is either driving too slow or too fast depending on my mood. Or maybe I need a snow plow with flashing lights on my truck. Or maybe just the flashing lights would work.

Seriously, on two lane roads I am very laid back and enjoy the ride and the scenery but on the racetrack, I mean I75, it’s on! 80 is the new 70 so 85-90 will get you access to the outside of the 3 lanes. The next thing you know someone who is in the lead pack sets the cruise at 88 mph and all of a sudden you have a dozen cars nose to tail weaving side to side trying to figure out what’s the holdup. Throw in a few who have to be passing everything at all costs and they will use any crack between two cars to advance their position another 20 feet.

I would really like my own lane.

Was always told that possession is 9/10ths of the law, it's your lane, drive in it like you own it.   Another way to look at it is, there's a game called Chicken. 

I can relate to your situation, I tend to drive at a pace I'm comfortable with which almost always puts me in the far right lane.   

One of my biggest pet peeves is when approaching construction, there's usually a sign indicating which lane is closed and yet, many (if not most) folks will continue to drive where ever they feel like it and then try to cut in front of the folks in the open lane.   Believe it or not, I do appreciate it when the big trucks block both lanes and drive side by side forcing those behind them to get their stuff together.

Rams
Pick your path. 

https://www.codot.gov/projects/co9-wideningsummitco/the-zipper-merge-techniques-to-keep-traffic-moving

I only picked this ^ link, but there are many more to prove your "method" is inefficient and counter-productive to the smooth flow of MERGING traffic for a lane closure.

I AM one of those aggressive riders, but MY safety is the absolute concern, NOT possession of the lane. I use my starter button every day (dark morning commute) to blink the headlamps and let people repossess a lane. Typically never even have to let off the throttle to do so /shrugs/.
NoVa traffic keeps a man humble. I tend to follow Contractor Pickup trucks and POV pickup trucks. Those guys anticipate drama just like I do (in my truck OR bike) and stay clear of the treachery.

But you do you.

[old2soon]

         You may put all the signs up with pictures and flashing lights and people with flags and No Matter WHAT you do someone somewhere IS way more "special" than anyone else out there. I base my obsevations on having driven an in Every State in The Union 2 Canadian Provinces an Old Mexico. 18 wheeler in all But Hawaii and Alaska. But At least a deuce and a half in the latter 2 States. Drove 18 wheeler 41 years. The Very REASON it backs up in the construction zone IS Because EVERYONE Is in a hurry more important than you and running late! I KNOW I said one! I've also noticed during inclement weather NO matter the road conditions people do NOT wanna be behind an 18 wheeler. Pick an Interstate highway and when Noahs flood is happening people in 4 wheelers WILL slow down how ever many lanes are there. A lesson I've NEVER Forgotten while Driving or Riding-observe pay attention BE PREPARED. My favorite thing while Driving/Riding? I ask myself What is the dumbest thing that idiot can do to ruin my day? Rarely am I dissapointed cuz "they" do The Dumbest Thing! That lane closed thingy-I've spent lotsa time GETTING to the 1 lane portion then breezed on thru once ON the 1 lane portion. RIDE SAFE.

[Rams]

But you do you.

 

[0leman]

After reading all the above post on driving problems, Dang I am glad I live 80 some odd miles away from the nearest Interstate type hwy's.  Ride on two lane roads 95% of the time which are nearly devoid of other vehicles.   We do have the ''Orange Cone" problem during the season, but usually don't back up that many vehicles.   No "lane closed merge" problems.   Yeah there are a few real slow and real fast types out there. I have my speed that I like to ride at.  Though sometimes it is a bit faster than speed limit or sometimes a bit slower.    When interacting with others,  I either help them pass or zoom around them.

[old2soon]

       KY3 just reported-10 pm "news"-that 2 MODOT workers were killed in a work zone today in St. Louis County Mo. I did repaving work in Colrado when I lived there. At times I didn't even feel safe in the truck. Had to untarp the hot mix just before I got to the lay down machine. Seen folks NOT STOP even When the L E Os were flagging!  I also flagged couple times. I'd rather drive the truck. RIDE SAFE.

[..]

How many drivers have no idea how an actual zipper works? I think, many.

[0leman]

How many drivers have no idea how an actual zipper works? I think, many.

Actually this is the first time I have heard about it.  Sounds interesting. 

[3fan4life]

I've not heard of the Zipper method before either.

It sounds to me like one of those things that only works in theory.

People just won't cooperate like that and last minute merging is really the problem anyhow.

If everyone would just start merging when the signs tell them which lane is closed it would work much better.

You generally have 0.5 to 1.0 miles to get it done.

Everything slows down because people try to run all the way up to the flashing arrow and then force themselves over.

If everyone would merge early and in an orderly fashion traffic wouldn't back up nearly as much.


I'm not a traffic engineer and I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

But, I do drive I-81 in Virginia on a regular basis, I've been in more than my fair share of traffic back ups and the source of the problem is always the same.

[old2soon]

     NOBODY drives in most states these days thinkin here they All wanna QUALIFY!  RIDE SAFE.

[Skinhead]

I've not heard of the Zipper method before either.

It sounds to me like one of those things that only works in theory.

People just won't cooperate like that and last minute merging is really the problem anyhow.

If everyone would just start merging when the signs tell them which lane is closed it would work much better.

You generally have 0.5 to 1.0 miles to get it done.

Everything slows down because people try to run all the way up to the flashing arrow and then force themselves over.

If everyone would merge early and in an orderly fashion traffic wouldn't back up nearly as much.


I'm not a traffic engineer and I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

But, I do drive I-81 in Virginia on a regular basis, I've been in more than my fair share of traffic back ups and the source of the problem is always the same.

It is really the same thing, if instead of a lane closing ahead sign, they just said merge here, there would not be a line of vehicles in the open lane, with people jumping ahead in the closing lane.  You are basically using both lanes until you get to the merge point, then you take your turn.  All announcing that the lane is closing 2 miles ahead does is cause people to load up the open lane and allow people to cheat in the closing lane until you reach the merge point.

[3fan4life]

     NOBODY drives in most states these days thinkin here they All wanna QUALIFY!  RIDE SAFE.

I see people everyday that think they're Dale "Frickin" Earnhardt!

[Jess from VA]

I see people everyday that think they're Dale "Frickin" Earnhardt!

At 16, after I thumped (not rammed ) the back wall of my gas station service bay with our station truck, the boss got me another Mobil gas station shirt with Parnelli (Parnelli Jones) on it.

I only wore it once, but everyone called me Parnelli for a month.   

[da prez]

  People are to busy texting to pay attention to driving.  When I was returning from Northern Wisconsin Friday , I was on cruise at five over the limit. I'm in the left lane. SUV comes up behind me and I move over one lane to the right. She passes and pulls in front of me and jumps on the brakes. I avoided the issue by swerving left. She passes on the right and gets in front of me and doing it again. I was ready. I went left , slowed down and waited. She passed and got in front , I went right and she jumped on the brakes again. I was not there. I got in the left lane and paced myself with a semi. She was blocked.
 Maybe it was my tailgate sticker. ALL OF OUR DISABLED AND FELLOW VETERANS SHOULD AND WILL COME BEFORE ILLEGALS.  There was no other reason for her to do what she did.

                                       da prez