Why can't Americans drive ?
Jun 15th 2007, 12:58 am
#106
Unmitigated Gall
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: it's still too dark to tell
Posts: 16,162
Re: Why can't Americans drive ?
I watched a guy in a tri-axle dump truck play this game with a fellow who tried to get by him on the shoulder. Mr. dump truck would weave back and forth blocking him, once pulling diagonally across the lane and shoulder and stopping, blocking both! The guy in the car eventually got by, being way quicker and more manuverable but it was fun to watch while I was stuck sitting there. The truck driver got a lot of 
from the others in line.
from the others in line.
Jun 15th 2007, 2:32 am
#107
Account Closed
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 191
Re: Why can't Americans drive ?
I've always related driving ability, to one's intelligence level, read into that whatever you like.
Jun 15th 2007, 2:49 am
#108
Unmitigated Gall
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: it's still too dark to tell
Posts: 16,162
Jun 15th 2007, 3:16 am
#110
Concierge
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 46,474
Re: Why can't Americans drive ?
As Brits we are taught to move over unless overtaking...ie don't drive down the middle lane. A woman was once telling us that her husband annoyed the hell out of her when she was driving because he kept telling her to move over to the right. She said she didn't know why all drivers couldn't just choose a lane and stay in it. 
Patrick will love this...I bet he's been behind her many times. 
Patrick will love this...I bet he's been behind her many times. I only remain in the center lane or the left lane IF I am passing cars on my right. If I'm not, I will go to the right hand lane. I can't see the point of passing on the left, switching lanes back to the right, then one minute later having to switch to the left again to pass the car in front of me on the right. Too many lane changes and therefore, too many opportunities to have and/or cause an accident.
As for truckers, I drive the local branch of the NJ Turnpike and always pay close attention to trucks and their speed. Never try to overtake one of them unless they are only doing the speed limit of 65 or under. And will always switch back in front of them when I know there is a minimum of three car lengths between us.
My life ain't so hot at the moment, but I don't want to die quite yet.
Jun 15th 2007, 3:22 am
#111
Concierge
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 46,474
Re: Why can't Americans drive ?
I watched a guy in a tri-axle dump truck play this game with a fellow who tried to get by him on the shoulder. Mr. dump truck would weave back and forth blocking him, once pulling diagonally across the lane and shoulder and stopping, blocking both! The guy in the car eventually got by, being way quicker and more manuverable but it was fun to watch while I was stuck sitting there. The truck driver got a lot of from the others in line.
from the others in line.
Jun 15th 2007, 3:23 am
#112
Unmitigated Gall
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: it's still too dark to tell
Posts: 16,162
Re: Why can't Americans drive ?
On the approach from the NJ Turnpike to the GW Bridge if there is a large breakdown lane. During the summer and on holidays when traffic is backed up for a mile or so to the toll plaza, there is always some selfish I don't want to wait guy who drives the breakdown lane for the mile or so. I try to ride over the line to stop them in their tracks. The last time I did this one guy in a Lexus had the nerve to slowly squeeze by, call me unprintable names and then turn my side mirror in so he could pass. So now I don't care, do what you want, I stay in my lane and I'll get home when I get home.
Jun 15th 2007, 4:34 am
#113
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Location: Avon Lake, OH
Posts: 5,270
Re: Why can't Americans drive ?
I think we should build a few of these here and see what happens when they open. I'd like to see the looks they give the sign as well.
Jun 15th 2007, 4:36 am
#114
Account Closed
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 15,455
Re: Why can't Americans drive ?
Lol my BIL lives near there
Jun 15th 2007, 4:43 am
#115
Septic Sprout
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 7,995
Re: Why can't Americans drive ?
Many moons ago I lived near Hemel Hempstead, and I swear theirs is even better!
Jun 15th 2007, 4:49 am
#116
Unmitigated Gall
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: it's still too dark to tell
Posts: 16,162
Re: Why can't Americans drive ?
I think we should build a few of these here and see what happens when they open. http://home.san.rr.com/roundabout/rndabout.jpg
I'd like to see the looks they give the sign as well.http://www.strum.co.uk/pix/mrs.jpg
Jun 15th 2007, 4:52 am
#117
Septic Sprout
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 7,995
Re: Why can't Americans drive ?
Forgot to mention earlier, I have seen truckers in the above situation (usually during a massive jam due to construction on a major highway like I-70 where it's stop and go for miles) form a block where one truck gets in the lane that is closed ahead and matches "speed" with a truck in the lane that remains open. The truck in the lane that eventually closes blocks the cars from speeding ahead and cutting in. It's fun to watch how pissed off the drivers get when their plans to bypass everyone and jump in right before the closure are foiled. I get just as angry at the do gooder that lets them in.
Jun 15th 2007, 6:06 am
#118
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2006
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 387
Re: Why can't Americans drive ?
Depends on the state - in AZ all that is required is an emissions test for cars over a certain age registered in certain zip code areas of Tucson or Phoenix... best bit is, if your car fails it then a) the cost of repairs are capped by local legislation, depending on where you live and b) if you can't afford them, you can apply for a one-off waiver!
Is there a MOT equivalent in some states?
