How dumb can drivers get?

[SS MAYFLOAT]

A couple of weeks ago in Wickliff Ohio. There were severl patrol cars assisting an accident. They had their lights on flashing and blinding an indvidual as usual. Then Kaboom! someone runs into one of the patrol cars. If that wasn't bad, several minuets later after a few more patrol cars arrived at the scene with even more lights flashing, KABOOM again. One of the patrols which was a 4x4 Jeep K-9 unit got rear-ended. It hit so hard the rear wheels was where the backseat floorboards were! <br /><br />I just can't understand why some drivers don't pay attention what is going on. Nobody was seriously injuried thank god. I would think those that were involved should never ever be allowed behind a steering wheel again!<br /><br />I was really upset when I found out that 1200 roadside construction workers were killed last year. They were not work related, but were killed because bad drivers failed to read and abide by the posted signs. <br /><br />Everybody is worried about the 1 in 4 fatalities from drunk drivers. Hey People, what about the 3 out of 4 thats not drunk? Huh? 5 times the amount of people die every year compared to those that died on 9/ll. This is real sad, and little is really done about it.<br /><br />In my opinion, there is absolutly no excuse for an accident. The driver/operator is completely responsible for their actions period!<br /><br />Sorry to rant, but I have had lots of friends that have been crippled or killed due to unobservant idiot drivers.<br /><br />SS

 

[Whaler Proud]

Re: How dumb can drivers get?

Here in Texas we have a new law that requires a driver to slow 20 MPH below the posted speed limit if they are in the lane next to emergency vehicles or safely switch to a lane away from the situation.<br /><br />In regard to the road worker fatality numbers, I can attest to that. I spent most of my youth and a number of my young adult years working on highway projects with my dad. We found that the lights needed to let people know we were there actually increased our chances of being hit,especially by drunks or fatigued drivers.<br /><br />I have experienced tractor-trailers blowing a lane enclosure and scattering our equipment. No matter how many warning signs you put up there is going to be someone who ignores them. The only thing I have seen work 100% to protect highway workers is a net similar to the ones used on aircraft carriers. Unfortunately you cannot use them in all situations.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: How dumb can drivers get?

I agree.<br />I set at these big store parking lots sometimes while the wife is shopping and it just amazes me at the stupid things drivers do.<br /><br />It is real scary.<br /><br />I have seen a lot of stupid stuff from young people and a lot of scary stuff from the older folks as well.<br /><br />But some of their's is just from not paying attention or just not knowing.<br /><br />I think that once a person gets so old that they need to be retested.<br /><br />Some of them are still good drivers, but a lot of them aren't.<br /><br />Some of the young drivers should not even have a drivers license.

 

[Homerr]

Re: How dumb can drivers get?

Yep...<br /><br />Moronic drivers not paying attention to the road.<br />They would much rather pay attention to their cell phone. As if simply talking on it was bad enough while driving... Now they text message each other!<br />I didn't believe this until I found out that 2 of my co-workers do this. Reason? They said it was free and 'it's fun' ????<br /><br />What's scaring me even more is the older drivers.<br />I don't mean to criticize or bash our peers, but the elderly have no business driving UNLESS they can pass some very stringent tests (imo)<br /><br />Heck, when I'm that old... I don't want to drive! (isn't that what your kids are for? )<br /><br />Always DEFENSIVE drive. You never know where the next idiot is awaiting to nail you.<br /><br />H.

 

[BrianFD]

Re: How dumb can drivers get?

Where I work, everyone who drives a company vehicle (CDL or not) were required to take "Smith Driving" safe-driving course. Now I have always considered myself a fairly good driver, but I wish I had a copy of these CDs for my friends and family. The 5 safety rules to remember are:<br />Aim High in Steering (look high in the windshield to know what's happening at least 15 seconds ahead of you);<br />Get the Big Picture (know what's happening in front, all sides and behind you);<br />Leave yourself an Out (know where you will go if you detect an emergency situation developing);<br />Keep Your Eyes Moving (continually scanning around you keeps you alert and your mind can constantly process the changing information);<br />and Make Sure They See You (use your lights, horn, turn signals, emergency flashers, and brake early to give people behind you an indication of what to expect).<br />I don't have scientific data if it has helped with the company's driving record, but I know I'm a lot more aware out there. Too bad it's not required across the nation.<br />If you ever get the opportunity, these are good training tools!

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: How dumb can drivers get?

One of my pet peeves is the idiot that goes 20 under the posted limit on a two lane and all you want to do is the limit. Then they turn on to the interstate and run 20 over the posted limit. What up with these drivers.<br /><br />Oh, yeah, the idiots that come to a complete stop on the acceleration ramp?<br /><br />Driving is serious business and you need to keep your mind on what your doing. Plain and simple..<br /><br />SS

 

[Homerr]

Re: How dumb can drivers get?

Think of this...<br /><br />Giving illegals a drivers license...<br /><br />How many do you think would be able to read the road signs that are in English?<br /><br />H.

 

[JB]

Re: How dumb can drivers get?

Another one of my favorite one liners from brother Dave Gardner: <br /><br />"There aint no such a thing as an accident on the hiway. It's all premeditated carelessness."

 

[snapperbait]

Re: How dumb can drivers get?

West Palm Beach lost one of our finest motorcycle officers not to long ago... Some piece of gutter trash with no license and no insurance pulled directly in front of Officer Morash... <br /><br />Due to an outcry from the "community" , and because she is a mother of 3 or 4 with another bun in the oven, she will only recieve what amounts to a slap on the rist, and will not serve any time.. If i did that, they'd bury my butt under the county jail.. what a crock of crap..<br /><br />

How many do you think would be able to read the road signs that are in English?<br />

Homerr, Very true.. I see it every day... One in particular... Same hispanic guy, darn near everyday.. The three signs before the intersection clearly state, "RIGHT LANE MUST TURN RIGHT" and the arrows painted in the lane, -> only.... Every day, he's in the righthand lane, and everyday he goes straight... He can't read the signs, and he can't speak english! Yet, the state will administer the drivers license exam in spanish..<br /><br />Assume everyone around you is an idiot who does not know where their going...

 

[jee70611]

Re: How dumb can drivers get?

I know all too well about the idiot drivers out there. I deliver for Papa John's here in Knoxville while going to school full time. I see SOOOO many idiots out there it just makes me sick. I think that since I've been driving in Knoxville on a daily basis, I've become a much better driver. I know what to expect and what to do about it. These people really are scary. Not quite as bad as the really big cities, but still scary as hell. I use all the previously mentioned advice plus I also give twice the stopping distance so, that if necessary, I can let off my brakes for a second and then hit them again. This causes them to slam their brakes on when they think they're gonna hit you, then you actually increase their stopping distance thus avoiding a wreck. I do this while keeping my eyes slightly on the person behind me to make sure they're gonna stop. I've been rearended a few too many times. What aggrivates me the most is when you get an old person in the left lane going 20 miles an hour in a 55. I also think that they should be tested more often the older they get. Especially their responsiveness. I've avoided more wrecks with old people than anyone could imagine. Now, I know not all old people are like this, but a test should be devised to protect THEM and US on the road. I could see they were old and unpredictable. They'll sit and wait for you to get right up on them and then pull out in front of you. Then, to top it all off, they go like 30 in a friggin 50 and make you slam your brakes on and dang near hit them. The whole situation just disgusts me. I hate to seem like the mean guy wanting to take away their independence, but from what I've witnessed, they are the most dangerous drivers on the road. Mainly because they drastically disrupt the flow of traffic. <br /><br />James

 

[roscoe]

Re: How dumb can drivers get?

Drive defensively, The best defense is a strong offense!!!! A strong offense starts with a big truck.<br /><br />If I were elected Chief Driving Law Maker, All drivers would have to drive a motorcycle for the first year. The smart ones would learn how to survive, and the dumb ones would ......., well they wouldn't be around for long.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: How dumb can drivers get?

Never go on an interstate to find a law abiding citizen. It just won't happen. If they are doing the speed limit, their fixing their hair, reading a book, talking on the cell, eating, and one lady that was arrested for nursing her baby while driving.<br /><br />With new technology, I like the idea of picture taken/citation sent. Cheaper than paying a patrolman and safer for the patrolman.<br /><br />There should be a driving channel since there is others like TLC, Food, Court, HGTV etc: <br /><br />Insurance companies should give those that drive without accidents for over 20 years a big break and maybe a discount for every 5 years without a citation or accident.<br /><br />Insurance companies should void out a persons insurance if they were not using their seat belt in an accident. That would have more effect than making laws making them wear them. They don't abide by the laws anyway, so why wear the belt?<br /><br />SS

 

[jimchere]

Re: How dumb can drivers get?

Best way to reduce accidents would be to position the driver's seat on the front bumper of all vehicles!

 

[jtexas]

Re: How dumb can drivers get?

I always say "I want to go like grandpa, peacefully in my sleep, not screaming in fear like the other guys in the car."<br /><br />about tailgaters: there's a minimum safe distance between moving cars that increases with speed. If someone's too close, I figure we need to be going the speed that is safe for the distance between us. But to avoid panic I don't use the brake - just take my foot off the gas.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: How dumb can drivers get?

To answer your question, EXTREMELY STUPID.<br /><br />Police always say, speed kills and I couldnt disagree more. STUPIDITY KILLS!<br /><br />Trying to go 80 mph in a rainstorm...STUPID<br />Trying to go 80 mph on a road full of curves...STUPID<br />Trying to go 80 mph while changing the radio or dialing the phone...STUPID<br />Going 80 mph on an empty road on a bright sunny day...PERFECTLY SAFE<br /><br />Ken

 

[KennyKenCan]

Re: How dumb can drivers get?

The only accident I had in a car, (had 2 motorcycle accidents) was when a drunk rookie Police Officer, celebrating his graduation from the Police Acadamy, ran the RED light and totaled out my car!<br /><br />Once Suffolk County's Finest (the highest paid police dept. in the U.S.A.)arrived, I was told to sit in the back of the patrol car and to shut up!<br /><br />The drunk Rookie Police Officer was then allowed to drive his wrecked car home! (After they pulled his car out of the store front.)<br /><br />Once the Officer returned to the patrol car I was in, I asked what was going on, and asked if they realized that that guy was drunk, I was told to not say that ever again or I would be charged with DUI!!!!<br /><br />The Police Officer then proceeded to drive me home, (which they never do) and my car had to be towed away, even though my car had less damage than the drunk Officer's car, which he drove home while loosing parts all the way home from the scene of the accident.<br /><br />Now, I am not trying to bash my local police, but on that perticular night, they most definitly protected one of their own, whereas, if it was I who was intoxicated, I would have been incarcerated for a minimum of 2 years!<br /><br />Not exactly fair when an Officer of the Law is involved.<br /><br />I just kept quiet, and nothing ever became of that incident.

 

[salty87]

Re: How dumb can drivers get?

AAA has done studies about cars that run into parked emergency vehicles on the side of the road. apparently, the emergency lights have an unconscious sort of effect that grabs the mind's attention. if a person isn't paying attention (common theme here) you can be drawn toward the distraction and BAM. <br /><br />if i recall, this also applied to tired drivers, your mind wanders when you're tired.<br /><br />in Austin, about 2 weeks ago, an officer was about to get out of his car to approach the vehicle he had just pulled over. the computer system had him check something extra, the plate had been reported missing or something, that extra time saved his life as a drunk driver side-swiped the cruiser....pretty much ripped the driver's door off. if the cop had gotten out sooner, he'd be dead. it was all caught on his dashboard camera. the drunk was pulled over further down the road and busted.

 

[grampa's toy]

Re: How dumb can drivers get?

december 13th. was the 1 yr annaversary of my brother-in-laws death. he was killed by a 16 year girl arguing on a cell phone, perfectly strait road she lost control and hit him in the drivers door. he was wearing a seat belt and had air bags, he died instantly. he left behind a wife kids grand kids friends and family. the girl that killed him lost her liscence and got probation. wish it was her that died. part of her probation is to go to schools with my sister and give talks on the dangers that drivers face when not paying attention,talking on the phone, reading, eating, etc. I haven't been to see the presentation but it is very emotional. I know this kid is suffering every day for what happened. but what ticks me off is that most people won't except responsibility for what they do. people forget driving is a privilage not a right, and privilages come with responsibilities.

 

[Snailman]

Re: How dumb can drivers get?

Hey Salty! Cars don't run into emergency vehicles... People drive them into emergency vehicles! <br /><br />Seriously... I've given this subject quite a bit of thought over the years.<br /><br />Folks always tease me because I drive so "slowly." I suppose I do drive slowly compared to most folks... I won't exceed the speed limit.<br /><br />Oh, I'll put another 10mph on while I'm on the interstate and I always stay in the right lane when that's an option. <br /><br />When I'm on the surface streets I won't speed. My logic is that "folks" live on these streets. They walk along and work along these streets. Their kids and pets are sometimes in or along these streets. They should expect that people driving through the neighborhood will obey the speed limit.<br /><br />Folks don't expect that anymore. Folks are very tentative or even scared to death when crossing in a crosswalk or riding a bicycle long the street. Why? Because there is no longer a negative stigma attached to being a jerk in traffic.<br /><br />There is no longer a negative stigma attached to being a jerk in traffic or in the grocery store or most public places. We're anonymous. We're MOST anonymous in our cars.<br /><br />I used to be one of those drivers.... (25 years ago) who was always rushed no matter where I was going. I got angry at all these other cars in my way! I would "flip off" other drivers for transgressing against me. I flipped off a neighbor once. I was never so embarrased. <br /><br />I thought long and hard about it and I've come to realize that civility is slipping away. I've decided that I will be civil and that I will lead by example but I must admit that it's a very slow process... No one is following yet. When they do follow they're usually tailgating.

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: How dumb can drivers get?

Kenimpzoom- As a LEO I have to disagree with your statement that we think speed kills. Its not the speed, its the sudden stop!