Missing Hand Signals

[Willow]

Thursday morning I was rolling along the Interstate.  The stretch upon which I was traveling was two lanes wide,separated from the other lanes heading in the same direction.  I was holding the left of the two, traveling well above the PRV about two car lengths behind a freighter.  A cage merged from the right and almost immediately decided he needed to be in the left lane directly on the rear of the freighter.  He rolled right across my front with enough room for his vehicle to squeak in but way too close for me to be comfortable with his maneuver.

Since the incident some three years ago I have shown a tendency to do some things, show some expression,that I did not do before.  I've tried to reduce at least the frequency of that activity but with much less success than I had hoped.  As the lanes on which we were running rejoined the other three eastbound corridors I moved left one lane and pulled alongside the young man's driver's window. I made eye contact and nonverbally, actually verbally as well, expressed my dissatisfaction with his driving behavior.  Unfortunately there is no accepted hand sign in our culture for, "I am quite pissed about what you just did but I do wish you well and I hope when your ignorance catches up to you that you don't kill or hurt anyone else."

I issued the regular motion that insinuates something regarding a hope for rape but should not be taken entirely literally.

I know it's asking a lot, but wouldn't it be nice if we were to develop a little more variety with our manual expressions?I don't guess it will happen within my lifetime.  Perhaps my grandchildren will be rewarded with such.

You all be careful out there.  The good news is that they're not really aiming for you.  The bad news is that their aim is really, really bad.             

[hukmut]

Ummm, oh, never mind.


Ride safe y'all

[Gryphon Rider]

This finger motion (left hand only)...



...with this facial expression:

[Jess from VA]

When I have a guy slip/force in between me and the vehicle I'm following (at what I consider a safe distance; close enough to hopefully not allow anyone in, but not that close), I tend to stand up on the boards and do a dramatic bow and right arm sideways wave from high to low with upright palm, like I am sarcastically inviting him to pull in front of me into a too-small space (by all means, pull right in front of me).  Or, I will release the throttle (slowing dramatically) and put both arms straight out to my sides, palms up in the universal WTF sign.  

These show displeasure, and to everyone present, not just the offender (a training moment), but are not the fighting gestures (like the you're number one assho)

I only do this where there is no excuse for the offender's maneuver..... sometimes in heavy traffic people are just doing the best they can.  It's often not very good, but I am more understanding in those circumstances (IMHO lots of drivers should have never passed the DMV driver's test).  

My personal favorite (and it happens often) is... you are cruising up the freeway to the next exit.  You get right to get off in a polite way, slowing down in line to get off, then Mr-can't-be-bothered-with-curtesy-and-safety comes roaring past the whole line and forces his way in just in time to make the exit.  When I see this guy coming up with his right blinker on, I ride 2 feet off the guy ahead's bumper and stare evilly at the interloper.

[Robert]

I struggle with some of the same expressions that you do and like you I have tried to curb my enthusiastic expression for the occasional moron. The problem is as with your description is I think its intentional. Being they have no idea what it takes to ride a motorcycle and are absorbed in their own little world and not considerate. What they do understand though is a direct confrontation that may end in pain and suffering. Now I do not condone violence but am expressing the idea of what seems to get to them.

 So they see you and frankly dont care, which has played out upon occasion with me. Oh there was no doubt that they saw me especially when I am next to them with a horn blaring. Even confirming this with the middle digit extended upward. But what I have found they also understand is being in the spot that they want to be making sure you lay claim to that spot and they see you clearly.  Ambiguity is a real danger for any motorcycle rider and defining the limits or your personal space or telegraphing the limits you are prepared to allow them to go makes for some thought on their part. There are many ways to achieve this without danger and the choice to even move back some spaces and allow the intended move is usually an option. You can pretty much spot a desire to change like the telegraphing of a punch. Its intentional, deliberate, and you can usually spot the start of the follow through and the direction they want. On days when I am not prepared to take charge of my space is the time my space usually gets violated. This leaves me pissed, upset and may even take my thought on this event rather than the ride. Even more so than if I said no your are not in any way available. There is no perfect way to address every situation and you are always going to get an occasional butt head. But conflict resolution is one of the things motorcycle riding teaches you since attitudes and actions require us to take appropriate steps to keep us safe on some unsafe roads and situations.

[hukmut]

Back in the day, (ask an old HD rider) a hammer was standard equipment.

Don't know just what it was used for myself,

 but I hear that it was sometimes used on the drivers mirror.

Wow! What a concept!

[Willow]

...  Or, I will release the throttle (slowing dramatically) and put both arms straight out to my sides, palms up in the universal WTF sign.  

LOL!  You remind me of something I had forgotten.  Before the event i did have other ways of expressing my displeasure.  Most often was exactly the one you described with arms outspread.  My loving wife told me once or more that it was going to get me killed one day.

There was a time that we were crossing Mississippi, I believe, in a column. Mama was a ways in front of me and a couple of us were at the rear.  We were riding staggered and Mama in the left track.  A cage came alongside and pushed his way into the lane next to Mama and then pressed over immediately behind her bike.  I was pissed.  I was almost lethal.  My friend and I both passed the intruder on the right and pushed back into the column in front of the offender.  I slid just across his front fender and assumed the left track at the rear.  I slowed ever so slightly and turned in the saddle to make eye contact with the man driving the cage.  I pointed to my chest and then to him.  I then held up a cliched fist.  It wasn't the smartest thing to do.  He had me by tons and I was a long, long way from home.  The gap that resulted, though, made it look like that man had suddenly put his car in reverse.

Sometimes my life has not been characterized by the most intellectual of behaviors.

The irony of Thursday morning is that I was on my way to a session with a therapist who is supposed to be helping me develop better behavior these days.          

[BobB]

Carl, I encountered a very simulator driver somewhere in IL, on the way to Inzane.  I was also in the left lane.  I tagged this guy as an aggressive driver as soon as I saw him.  He squeezed into the right lane.  I covered the front brake with two fingers and moved my left thumb just above the horn button.  I was even with his rear wheel when he entered my lane.  He got the air horn while I moved left and decelerated.  But this turd just kept coming, looking around for this invisible motorcycle.

Back in the day, (ask an old HD rider) a hammer was standard equipment.
Don't know just what it was used for myself, but I hear that it was sometimes used on the drivers mirror.
Wow! What a concept!

A variety of accessible weapons have been and continue to be carried.  Hammers, four cell Mag lights and tire irons are popular.  These days, I would not recommend it...

[Jess from VA]

Hey Carl, there's nothing wrong with showing up to an anger management class with a bloody nose and knuckles.             (I know it's not anger management)

PS:  Showing displeasure while behind an offender is much better than doing it in front of (or beside) him.  

[fudgie]

Back in the day, (ask an old HD rider) a hammer was standard equipment.

Don't know just what it was used for myself,

 but I hear that it was sometimes used on the drivers mirror.

Wow! What a concept!

My HD bud welded a bracket to his saddle bag guard to hold his ball pean hammer. He says he has hit a few mirrors. Hes pulled it out a few times while riding with him.

[John Schmidt]

Back in the day....waaay back, as in my teen years, I used to carry either large heavy washers or steel balls taken out of some bad bearings. If some clown kept cutting me off I'd finally pull in front, flip my license plate up using the wire I had attached, then flip a couple washers or steel balls straight up. The jerk behind me would run into them at highway speed, scratch one windshield. Some punks were actually rather fast learners....don't cut off or tailgate a bike.

[old2soon]

There ARE times I miss my eight and a half feet wide and thirteen and a half feet tall and bout seventy five feet long and near 80000 ponds. On the Phatt Ghurl I have used the air horn to announce my displeasure along with the universal-DUH slap to the forehead! Granted my Valkyrie IS bigger than my old C B 500/4 or my Virago-BUT you piss off the WRONG cage driver you MAY become a statistic!   NOBODY wants to become a statistic! When I first learned to drive 18 wheeler a man I Trusted and Respected told me to try and figure the biggest dumb ass move a cage driver could make-RARELY have I been disappointed in my initial assessment. I use the same formula to this day whether in the cage or on Phatt Ghurl. Cuz it IS illegal to shoot the sorry assed sumbitches!   RIDE SAFE.

[therapist]

I left my size 11 boot print/dent, in the driver's side door, of many a  New York taxi
back in the 70's. In my defense, those guys drove like hired biker assassins. They seemed
to be upset, that we on two wheels, could maneuver through the pot hole filled city
streets, even faster then them. They would cut me off and try to drive me into the curb,
and I would catch them at the next light and leave my imprint. It was kind of a game.

Ah...youth.

[F-six]

Oh yeah, back in the days.... 

But now I'm a lot older (for sure) and a lot wiser (I hope) and I don't care much about idiot actions from others on the road anymore. It's a mind game. I leave home, convinced that everybody else is crazy and I'm the only sane person out there. That state of mind will keep me out of trouble. Cars are everywhere, idiots are everywhere, it's a fact of life, just like the weather. And you don't give the clouds the finger when it rains, do you?

   

 

[Rams]

The problem with physically reacting is that, the cage has the advantage should they decide to respond.   The most viable option is to get their tag number and report the driver for their erractic/dangerous driving.  

Of course, you could do what my friend did when a similar act occurred to him.   She cut us both off and almost ran my buddy off the road.   He said he observed her looking at him prior to her pulling over into our lane.   I didn't see that but, I know she never signaled and just pulled into our lane forcing me to emergency brake and him onto the what could be called a narrow emergency lane.  He pulled up beside the other driver and then took his chewing tobacco out of his mouth and threw it onto the opposing driver smacking her upside of the head.   The result was very entertaining.  

I just about lost it watching and laughing out loud.  Of course, my friend ran the risk of his actions being reported to the police and being arrested for assault with a weapon of some kind.    That would have been an interesting case to observe.    Of course, I would have been called to testify as a witness.    Apparently, road rage can get messy.  

[Mr Whiskey]

I used to carry either large heavy washers or steel balls taken out of some bad bearings.... scratch one windshield.

Pennies!
(but porcelain spark plug tip would shatter it)

[Wizzard]

I just give them 1/2 of the peace sign. I am making an effort to be civil. 

[MarkT]

There have been a lot of road rage shooting incidents around the country lately including locally here.  And the more they happen and are reported in the media - the more they will happen.  One recently on the nightly news was filmed by a following driver and the miscreant fired two shots because his agitator beeped at him.  I was recently forced almost into a median curb by an inappropriately aggressive road rager who was upset at my pass.  (Who the F appointed these jerks as the passing police?)  Such incidents have inspired me to chill somewhat on the finger signals.  Don't really have a soln.  I have thought of following the bastards to their destination - from a distance - and make a note of where they work or live.  For what I don't know.  I have written down their plates - and done nothing with it.  I have considered open carry to chill their behavior some - but not really a good idea; that enables them to call 911 and claim you pulled a gun on them.  Don't have the answers.  Which is probably not a good thing.  I like to be prepared.

[Willow]

... and I don't care much about idiot actions from others on the road anymore. It's a mind game. I leave home, convinced that everybody else is crazy and I'm the only sane person out there. That state of mind will keep me out of trouble. Cars are everywhere, idiots are everywhere, it's a fact of life, just like the weather. And you don't give the clouds the finger when it rains, do you? 

That's actually an excellent perspective.  I understand that intellectually and have tried to follow it most of the time.  Unfortunately I have let my emotions override my mind at times.  Truthfully, expressing my displeasure did nothing to enhance either my or his safety.

I'll pass on responding to the trailing question.        

[solo1]

Yesterday morning there was a road rage shooting in Ft. Wayne with one in serious condition.

I have found out that driving the small Miata is just like riding a bike.  Cagers, especially those who are driving big Dodge Rams take one look and pull out in front of me (yeah, I'm prejudiced against Chrysler products, maybe they can read my mind). At any rate, we would be losers if we picked on someone bigger than us.

It's hard not to take some kind of action with these arseholes.

[The emperor has no clothes]

... and I don't care much about idiot actions from others on the road anymore. It's a mind game. I leave home, convinced that everybody else is crazy and I'm the only sane person out there. That state of mind will keep me out of trouble. Cars are everywhere, idiots are everywhere, it's a fact of life, just like the weather. And you don't give the clouds the finger when it rains, do you? 

That's actually an excellent perspective.  I understand that intellectually and have tried to follow it most of the time.  Unfortunately I have let my emotions override my mind at times.  Truthfully, expressing my displeasure did nothing to enhance either my or his safety.

I'll pass on responding to the trailing question.        

I'm jealous of people who can keep their emotions in check. As a kid it seemed like my Dad never drove anywhere without cussing out fellow motorists and occasionally flipping them off. I think it's true that we are a product of our genes. But I'm getting better. 

[cookiedough]

I just flip them the bird, beep the horn, and keep right on moving AWAY from them.

I once passed a driver doing 55 mph and he decided he didn't like that so he tailgated me doing 65-70 mph in a 55 mph zone.  What do you do in that instance going near 70 with a guy mere 5-10 feet behind you tailgating you??

Any ideas or suggestions?    I thought about slowing down and seeing if he/she will pass vs. smashing into my cycle and if I try to outrun him/her doing say 90 mph,  will he/she also do 90 mph and chances are greater I won't live in case something bad happens at that speed.

Or, pull over and stop and see if he/she stops as well?  All of this done a rural 2-lane country road with no one around.

I just kept right on going 65 mph with him right behind me for 4-5 miles until I turned off onto another road where I was going on my cycle.    Man,  I HATE tailgaters not even 1 second behind me.    Why was he going 55 mph in the first place and then thinking it would be funny or something to get on my rear doing near 65 mph?   I pass people all the time doing 55 mph me wanting to do 63 mph or so.  

[Jess from VA]

If being tailgated at a high rate of speed, look carefully, then quickly shift to a different lane and brake.

When done correctly, the crazy person is by you in a flash.  Then just keep him in front of you.  If he stops, you stop, well back.

If attacked, find a neutral car to use as a blocker... who then becomes a good eye witness. 

[cookiedough]

If being tailgated at a high rate of speed, look carefully, then quickly shift to a different lane and brake.

When done correctly, the crazy person is by you in a flash.  Then just keep him in front of you.  If he stops, you stop, well back.

If attacked, find a neutral car to use as a blocker... who then becomes a good eye witness. 

my instance 2-land country rural road NO other lane to get over as well as no other cars guessing 1 car comes along every 30 minutes or so.  I could get over into the gravel ditch but much over 20 mph is dangerous to do.

[Mr Whiskey]

I once passed a driver doing 55 mph and he decided he didn't like that so he tailgated me doing 65-70 mph in a 55 mph zone.  What do you do in that instance going near 70 with a guy mere 5-10 feet behind you tailgating you??

Any ideas or suggestions?  

I stop, or leave 'em in the dust, depends on numerous contributing factors, but I won't let them continue to ride me, period.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I once passed a driver doing 55 mph and he decided he didn't like that so he tailgated me doing 65-70 mph in a 55 mph zone.  What do you do in that instance going near 70 with a guy mere 5-10 feet behind you tailgating you??

Any ideas or suggestions?  

I stop, or leave 'em in the dust, depends on numerous contributing factors, but I won't let them continue to ride me, period.

+1

[Jersey mike]

http://thechive.com/2016/08/21/road-rage-memes-are-the-driving-force-behind-humor-22-photos/

[old2soon]

Who actually KOWS what's gonna set the doofus off that's under the wheel? OR for that matter the doofus on he scooter? Course in todays no fault society maybe they lookin fer cheap thrills-well cheap to them-me-NOT so much. Are they drunk? Or high on drugs? Their S O piss em off? Comes back to who Knows? Oh-nuther thing I learned-NEVER EVER trust ANYONES turn indicators-if the EVEN use em in the first place. RIDE SAFE.

[Rams]

Cagers, especially those who are driving big Dodge Rams take one look and pull out in front of me (yeah, I'm prejudiced against Chrysler products, maybe they can read my mind). At any rate, we would be losers if we picked on someone bigger than us.

I find that remark very intriguing.   I drive a Dodge Ram (Cummins powered).   I always pull one of a couple of different Goosenecks trailers and, I'd swear that when looking at the front of my Dodge, it must read something like Porsche, Lambo or Corvette because, it seems to me like most folks think I can stop or slow down on a dime and give them change.   Seriously, it happens every trip.    I'm not suggesting folks don't pull out in front of you but, I can say, they must think I and my truck/load can stop like the Enterprise coming out of warp drive.      Every trip I take, someone manages to scare the crap out of me and, I'm tired of explaining the underwear issue to the S.O. 

[Bighead]

Cagers, especially those who are driving big Dodge Rams take one look and pull out in front of me (yeah, I'm prejudiced against Chrysler products, maybe they can read my mind). At any rate, we would be losers if we picked on someone bigger than us.

I find that remark very intriguing.   I drive a Dodge Ram (Cummins powered).   I always pull one of a couple of different Goosenecks trailers and, I'd swear that when looking at the front of my Dodge, it must read something like Porsche, Lambo or Corvette because, it seems to me like most folks think I can stop or slow down on a dime and give them change.   Seriously, it happens everyr trip.    I'm not suggesting folks don't pull out in front of you but, I can say, they must think I and my truck/load can stop like the Enterprise coming out of warp drive.     Every trip I take, someone manages to scare the crap out of me and, I'm tired of explaining the underwear issue to the S.O.  

Well Ron may I suggest start wearing brown underwear or none at all

[Wizzard]

I once passed a driver doing 55 mph and he decided he didn't like that so he tailgated me doing 65-70 mph in a 55 mph zone.  What do you do in that instance going near 70 with a guy mere 5-10 feet behind you tailgating you??

Any ideas or suggestions?  

I stop, or leave 'em in the dust, depends on numerous contributing factors, but I won't let them continue to ride me, period.

+1

Amen,, that's me

[Jess from VA]

If being tailgated at a high rate of speed, look carefully, then quickly shift to a different lane and brake.

When done correctly, the crazy person is by you in a flash.  Then just keep him in front of you.  If he stops, you stop, well back.

If attacked, find a neutral car to use as a blocker... who then becomes a good eye witness. 

my instance 2-land country rural road NO other lane to get over as well as no other cars guessing 1 car comes along every 30 minutes or so.  I could get over into the gravel ditch but much over 20 mph is dangerous to do.

Even on a two lane, I'd make my move into the oncoming lane (you said was empty), double yellow or not.  He blows by, you get back over and slow and let him leave.   

[Rams]

Cagers, especially those who are driving big Dodge Rams take one look and pull out in front of me (yeah, I'm prejudiced against Chrysler products, maybe they can read my mind). At any rate, we would be losers if we picked on someone bigger than us.

I find that remark very intriguing.   I drive a Dodge Ram (Cummins powered).   I always pull one of a couple of different Goosenecks trailers and, I'd swear that when looking at the front of my Dodge, it must read something like Porsche, Lambo or Corvette because, it seems to me like most folks think I can stop or slow down on a dime and give them change.   Seriously, it happens everyr trip.    I'm not suggesting folks don't pull out in front of you but, I can say, they must think I and my truck/load can stop like the Enterprise coming out of warp drive.     Every trip I take, someone manages to scare the crap out of me and, I'm tired of explaining the underwear issue to the S.O.  

Well Ron may I suggest start wearing brown underwear or none at all

Obviously, you haven't seen my beach calendar........................   

[Jersey mike]

I used to carry either large heavy washers or steel balls taken out of some bad bearings.... scratch one windshield.

Pennies!
(but porcelain spark plug tip would shatter it)

Marbles are great too, especially the clear ones. They break up on impact and can't be seen in flight.

[6shutr]

Your actions and reactions are absolutely normal Willow. Don't let the shrink convince you otherwise. Appreciate you sharing with us.....rick

[Hooter]

   I don't remember much about it but I got hit in the ass on the xway and never saw the guy that hit me. He just wanted me real estate and took it.    He ended up with my bike under his truck. It was bad enough but I'm glad I went another direction than the bike did! It always has but since then  It really pisses me off to have someone tail gate me, even in my truck. I pay a bunch more attention to my mirrors than I ever have.
   I don't  slam on the brakes either.  Why invite some jerk in a hurry to hit you. With all the inattentive drivers anymore I pay a whole bunch more attention to what goes on around me. Ride scared..no, just pay more attention than I used to
 Getting hit hurts, hospital's I like to stay away from.

[solo1]

Rams, Although I'm not a Dodge fan I find that all guys in Pick Ups seem to do the same.  Something about "I got a big rig and I ain't stopping for you'

On an associated note, at Interstate cloverleafs, I always hang back to allow semi drivers to be able to pull over in the left lane to clear the lane for cars coming up the ramp. As you know, it's hard to slow a heavy rig.

[Rams]

Rams, Although I'm not a Dodge fan I find that all guys in Pick Ups seem to do the same.  Something about "I got a big rig and I ain't stopping for you'

On an associated note, at Interstate cloverleafs, I always hang back to allow semi drivers to be able to pull over in the left lane to clear the lane for cars coming up the ramp. As you know, it's hard to slow a heavy rig.

No argument here.   Although, I find jerks behind the wheel of just about any and all vehicles.   

Most likely because my truck is almost always pulling a large gooseneck trailer, I seldom drive it anywhere without said trailer.   That being said, I find my driving habits are still the same with or without the trailer.    I try to give everyone room to screw up their own lives without any interaction with me.   The interesting part is, when I get into my little hot rod cage, it brings out the young stupid kid I used to be while driving.    Over the years, the more mature me and gradually taken control (most of the time). 

[solo1]

I find that age brings about a magic transformation from 'stupid kid' to just "kid"

Don't ever get rid of the 'kid"  I'm a kid again when I get behind the wheel of the Miata. Its 142 horses is just right fro me. couldn't handle the 300 plus horses of a Corvette, stupid could come back.

[RP#62]

In the various cross country bike trips I've done, I've never had a problem with pickups.  It always those fn minivans.  Apologies to minivan owners, but I swear in some states, I don't think they'll sell you one unless you can prove you're retarded.  I've had them do the left turn across my lane thing, crowd me out of my lane, decide the do half the speed limit in no passing zones and then twice it when you can pass, slow down when approaching a green light because they're scared its going to change, and then floor it to get through the yellow, leaving me stuck at the light, and the list goes on and on.  I've had a few run ins with other vehicle types, but its way out of proportion with minivans.  I've got to the point where I give them a wide birth assuming that they're about to do something stupid.  I'm usually right.

-RP