Intimidating Drivers

[troutsqueezer]

It's interesting, when I drive the wife's Prius, I noticed that some folks who are driving in much larger vehicles, usually with over-sized tires, tend to tailgate me, pass unsafely and generally try to intimidate, using the size of their vehicle as a weapon. I don't get this behavior much when I drive my truck. Now, I'm going to generalize here, I'm aware: Sometimes, after something like this happens, the other driver and I will happen be headed to the same destination and when we each get out of our vehicles I can't help but notice that the other driver tends to be on the small side, physically. Rarely does this happen with big people in big trucks. I think perhaps they don't have self-image problems nearly as much, or at least don't use their vehicles to make up for their small size. I'm guessing they buy those big trucks to actually haul something big. I'm 6'2" at 220 lbs. and I sense that the other driver is sometimes a little surprised that the person they just tried to intimidate is not the person they envisioned driving a smaller car so they avoid eye contact at all costs. I'm not the type of person who intimidates others, the opposite in fact, but sometimes I would like to pick them up by the collar and say, "Hey, do you feel like intimidating me now, Punk?" :laughing:

 

[houstonscott]

When you are in Prius everything seems big and close like they are tailgating. LOL. Have you heard of big car little car rule?


HS

 

[troutsqueezer]

When you are in Prius everything seems big and close like they are tailgating. LOL. Have you heard of big car little car rule?


HS

Yes, I think so.... "The size of one's uhhh... Little finger is inversely proportional to the size of the car they drive." That's the one, no?

 

[TripleR]

Sometimes we just see what we expect to see.

 

[homedad]

I think everyone drives at an unsafe distance from me. I think that improved technology has changed people's opinions on what is "safe". It was once recommended one car length for every 10mph. That is an invitation for being cut off now. I realize that it's me and everyone else is changing.

 

[turnkey4099]

Sometimes we just see what we expect to see.

IME 90% of the drivers out there tailgate even if you go by the old 2 second rule.

Harry K

 

[Stick895]

It seems to me with all the Prius drivers up here, which has the most in the state of VA, that evryone of them are more interested in maxing out their mpg than in actually getting somewhere. Coupled with the perceived political leanings of Prius drivers and their ability to pay $,000s more for a car like the Prius may create a sense of resentment in some people.

 

[hawkeye08]

Did you ever notice (I have) that most Prius drivers don't want to follow a larger vehicle and will often pass, cut back in way too soon and then slow down? I wish I had kept track in a log but I am guessing well over 80% Prius drivers are out to prove something based on their poor driving habits at least, but not sure what... It amuses me now (better than getting mad) when they pass me and then slow down... wonder if they are telling their friends that they get tailgated...

 

[greasemonkeyok]

I just have five words to say, Bradley Manning and Edward Snowden.

 

[houstonscott]

I laugh every time I pass one of those junky road slugs in my BMW 335d, with the mpg gauge at 42mpg.


HS

 

[greasemonkeyok]

I laugh every time I pass one of those junky road slugs in my BMW 335d, with the mpg gauge at 42mpg. HS

But have you actually calculated your real MPG based on fill-ups?

 

[MoKelly]

I laugh every time I pass one of those junky road slugs in my BMW 335d, with the mpg gauge at 42mpg.


HS

I didn't think anyone in Texas bought imports?

MoKelly

 

[houstonscott]

Yes I've done it manually, both times the manual measurement was higher by about 1mpg, so I use gauge.


HS

 

[troutsqueezer]

Coupled with the perceived political leanings of Prius drivers and their ability to pay $,000s more for a car like the Prius may create a sense of resentment in some people.

Doesn't cost anywhere near a nice, super cab full-size pick up. I bought my Prius well before it became a political statement. I bought it solely for the technical advancements it championed since I am a geek at heart. Looking back now, it was a game changer.

 

[Depmandog]

Yes I've done it manually, both times the manual measurement was higher by about 1mpg, so I use gauge.


HS

Wondering - is this ALL highway mileage? The reason I ask, there is a neat website called fuelly.com, and I use it to compare what people claim their MPG is.

BMW 335d MPG Reports | Fuelly

People with the same make and model across the US log their fuel stops and mileage using this website. Your make and model seems to average in the 32 MPG range. I am not calling you out...just curious why your mileage varies from the mean average.

 

[Bird]

I think almost everyone over estimates their own gas mileage. That's just one reason I actually keep spreadsheets and know exactly what kind of mileage I get. If you only calculate the mileage from one tankful now and then, you're almost sure to be way off.

 

[MossRoad]

Well, don't take this the wrong way and I'm guessing from your story that you are not one of these.... but, in general..... most other drivers are annoyed at Prius drivers. Why? Because they are too slow. Get out of the way. I have to get to that next stop light in a hurry! :laughing:

As for small man in a big truck syndrome.... I see the same thing with big man in a big truck syndrome as well and just as often.
Now if you want to see real attitude, start a discussion about man with chip on his shoulder and concealed carry syndrome.... that and gear VS hydro!

 

[MossRoad]

I think almost everyone over estimates their own gas mileage. That's just one reason I actually keep spreadsheets and know exactly what kind of mileage I get. If you only calculate the mileage from one tankful now and then, you're almost sure to be way off.

Good example is our 2000 Impala. It gets an honest 29mpg average on the highway while driving highway speeds over distances greater than a hundred miles or more. In town, its lucky to get 18 average in summer. In winter, its closer to 14 because I let it warm up for 5-10 minutes when its below 20. 10 minute warm-up + 10 minute five mile drive = really bad gas mileage when averaged stricktly on "how many miles I drove divided by how much gas I put in the tank". A better method to me is "how much gas did I use to drive X miles" and how much gas did I waste warming up, side trips, stuck in traffic, etc...

 

[houstonscott]

http://cf.cdn.vid.ly/y0r5c2/mp4.mp4


Sometimes people just think they are buying high tech. Prius is marketing success. I average 38 in mixed driving and can exceed 42 if i can find the will power to stay down below 62mph. Remember now this car has 425 foot pounds of torque, (think F250 with power stroke diesel) and will go to 60 in 5.3 (think mustang GT). If up at speed think Porsche 911gts. This is where all the gas technology is flowing from, the high pressure diesels, been around for about 15 years now, just getting into American gas cars.

HS