As I ‘mature,’ I admit I probably drive a little less aggressively, and I don’t drive at night unless I need to. I guess that naturally happens when you are in the third chapter of the three chapter book of life. 🙂
Two days of driving interstate from South Carolina to New Hampshire was enough long-distance driving for me for a while.
However, after I got home I was astounded at how aggressive some folks drive in town. Twice in the same day, I found myself in the merge lane waiting for the closest lane to clear. Both times, a vehicle (a pickup and a FedEx truck) that were behind me just went between me and the car in the right hand lane and sped up to pull in front of the other car.
I’ve given this considerable thought and even discussed it with a younger driver to see if things have changed that much, but it appears driving rules haven’t changed but driver patience has. I guess driving 20 mph over the speed limit on the interstate isn’t enough these days, you also have to do that on the entrance ramps as well.
Are you seeing more aggressive drivers in your area? Or, feel free to tell me I’m showing my age, I won’t take offense. 🙂
NewEnglandGardenAndThread 
No, haven’t noticed any change here. But we drive so infrequently that perhaps we just have encountered any examples yet. Lots of old folks in the small town where I live, so maybe we’re all just tooting around. 😉
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I like ‘tooting’ around so maybe that’s my problem. 🙂
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I see it occasionally but I rarely drive on limited access highways. I can get to most places by driving on the smaller roads. I can’t drive at night. I wish I didn’t have to drive at all!
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We need to win the lottery and we could both get a driver. 🙂
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Sounds good!
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I used to do a periodic post on “Bat Sh*t Crazy Drivers” – I stopped because the bar on crazy has gone too far. I used to shake my head at people who turn right on red where the sign says “No Right Turn on Red” – now people behind me honk at me for not turning. Add to that, we’ve seen people who think “Left on Red” – “Straight on red” and “U-Turn on Red” are perfectly fine. 80 mph is not fast enough for some, and the right lane has become the BS-Crazy auxiliary passing lane.
It’s getting harder to stay safe out there.
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This is true! I’ve had one guy pass me on the right shoulder as you described. Scary out there some days.
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I have noticed crazyness when visiting Florida, around here in upstate New York we are pretty laid back, lately there has been more horn honking though
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Funny you should mention horn honking. When we were in SC, there were two cars fighting for one lane, and there was a senior woman driving behind them who laid on her horn and didn’t let up until they got in line and moving. I thought at the time, you’d think she’d know better, but…
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yikes
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Drivers are definitely crazier than ever! They pass on double lines, pass on curves, pass on the right and tailgate. Most don’t use signals and all of them speed. Bat S**t Crazy doesn’t begin to describe them. Remember when truck drivers were the most courteous drivers on the road? Well, them days are gone forever!
Everyone is in such a hurry to get no place fast! Driving used to be fun for me. Not any more! 🤬
Ginger
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There are a lot of trucks on the interstates between SC and NH. I always find it intriguing when one passes the other on a hill because they both slow down and all the traffic behind them slows down and then the crazy ones start passing on the shoulders. It happens every time.
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I have seen it,and as I travel on the Spauding Hwy., usually a few miles over the speed limited.
I feel like that old guy traveling at 45 with his right blinker always on. And having lived in hibernation for the last two years it hasn’t helped . Thanks for the post i did enjoy it
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Thanks for the comment, Jon. 🙂 I usually drive 4-6 over the speed limit on the Spaulding, and you’d think I was coasting as they just about blow my doors off going by.
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My husband’s night driving isn’t so good so I drive at night. We mostly don’t do things at night because of that or stay very local. We haven’t done a beach vacation (3 to 4 hours driving) so I’m awed at your winter trips.
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1,100 miles one way is a trek for us, and we certainly see every type of driver imaginable. I’m to the point where I much prefer meeting someone for breakfast, brunch, or lunch and leave the nighttime driving to others.
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There isn’t enough cyberspace to allow me to say everything I’d like to say on this topic. When I moved to this place, it had a lovely small-town feel to it even though it was part of a large metropolitan area. Then it decided to be a city and build, build, build. Construction/destruction everywhere. Traffic exploding with the population. Roundabouts every other block. Semis groaning through local traffic. Trees down, buildings up. Drivers have become aggressive and apparently illiterate, not to mention colorblind — I swear they can’t read or distinguish red from green. I think everyone feels squashed. I drive as little as possible these days, well aware of my age and growing limitations, but I am not that little old lady that can’t see over the steering wheel. I am rather an old lady that sees that driving has become a bloody competitive sport. Thanks, Judy, for this opportunity to squawk.
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‘Competitive sport’ certainly describes what is going on right now. You mentioned building, and I’m sorry to say they are building an entire village just down the road from us which will increase our local traffic to an unbelievable level. So far, I have a couple of options to go around it if necessary, and I’ll be using any options I can find to avoid more traffic. They keep building while other areas stand empty. Interesting.
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No, it is not you. I found the same thing in our travels. Very aggressive drivers!
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High speed and aggressive driving is a real challenge for the rest of us trying to do it safely.
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Yes!! Even here people drive a little too fast, but I haven’t seen crazy driving until I have to or need to go up to Reno. That’s where it gets really crazy they drive faster and are more aggressive and I really hate having to merge and get in the line at the “spaghetti bowl”! The crazy place up there where several freeways meet. I have but have learned which lane I need to be in and get in it ahead of time and wear my most patient hat!
As I’ve aged I have gotten real picky about which lanes/entrances and exits I use to get on and off the freeway too.
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We have a lot of circles and roundabouts up here, and there is definitely one that we avoid at all cost. It’s just way too busy and people have zero patience. We also choose our entrances based upon how long the merge lanes are. It’s crazy how some of us plan our driving and attempt to do it with courtesy while others just blast away.
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They’re starting to put round abouts here too. We’ve got two in town and a new one up in Carson City that people are complaining about because it forks and you need to know which lane to be in ahead of time or you screw up the traffic flow and the point of a round about trying to merge into the right lane at the last minute. Better signage way ahead of the split would fix it I think. I like round abouts, but I think a lot of people don’t.
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I remember when I’d have to go to Boston to witness brutality on the road. No more. It’s everywhere! But just read an article that described increased aggression as a side effect of Covid restrictions. Plane passengers beating each other up and attacking attendants. Smash and grab robberies. Stark insanity at school board meetings. None of these things were common five years ago. We drive side roads to church, grocery store, and grandkids’ homes about five miles away. Too skerd to venture any further!
So glad you’re home safely! STAY THERE! 🙂
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The word in your comment that jumped out at me is ‘aggression.’ I think that just about sums it up. The sad thing is now that this type of behavior has been released and allowed to exist I can’t quite imagine it going back to the more polite interactions we had in the past.
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I see crazy speeds and cutting in and out here in MN. Like you, I don’t like driving at night. Stay safe!
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One thing about the price of gas, we’re probably all driving a little less, but that in itself seems to make the pandemic isolation just stretch out further. You stay well too.
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I’m seeing the opposite around here. Driving on the interstates used to be menacing, but lately everyone is playing all nice-y nice-y. I don’t get it, but I like it. You stay safe out there, ok?
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Oh, I need to come drive in your part of the country because that sounds great. Here, it is dog eat dog and do it fast on the roadway.
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No, you’re not imagining it, Judy. Consideration has gone out the window, along with following the rules of the road.
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On the way north, I really questioned why we have speed limits because everyone seems to just do their own thing, and there certainly aren’t enough Highway Patrol to police the roadways.
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My parents lived in Oregon for a year in 1992 while Mum did a teacher exchange. One thing that really impressed them was the courtesy of drivers on the roads. It would sadden them to know that has changed. I think there will always be rude and impatient people everywhere, and hopefully we will be able to avoid them as much as possible.
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I’m glad your parents had a good experience, and back in 1992 speed limits actually meant that. Today it seems to be more of a guideline. I use secondary roads if at all possible because the speed limit is lower and they are more apt to have a police presence.
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California drivers have always had a bad rep… and they are getting worse. Too many distractions and too little patience. Like others, my night vision has gotten worse so I try to avoid it as much as possible. Be careful out there!
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You summed it up – distractions and lack of patience. Our ability to be comfortable at night certainly changes as we mature. Glare is not our friend.
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I think you are probably seeing a true phenomenon in more aggressive and impatient driving. I trend the opposite way myself. What is so dang important that they must risk everyone’s life and limb?
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That’s the question of the day for sure. Once you merge on an interstate, it is like you’ve entered a racetrack instead of a highway. When I can, I pick and choose times for appointments that don’t involve busy early or late hours.
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Here, Many times, even Town buses become Racers, on Busy roads.
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So New Hampshire has the same kind of Arizona crazy horrible drivers?!?! Your story happens here often… and turn signals, what are those??
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I forgot to mention turn signals, but you are so right. Some folks just move in and out of lanes with no signals which equate to no warning at all. Getting from point A to point B isn’t enough, you have to do it at the fastest speed possible.
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I agree! It’s crazy out there!
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Turn signals, yes. Some people treat traffic rules as suggestions.
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That’s it exactly – suggestions!
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Yes exactly the same here in the UK too. Angry drivers and bad driving manners are getting worse.
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It is like after being pent up with the pandemic, a lot of folks came back out enraged and their driving habits are showing it.
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Showing Your age? It’s been decades since I drove. Can’t even handle two wheelers now. And, living in India, one ‘Has’ to cross pot holes in the top gear, (imagine the fun on a two wheeler!). You can always blame the municipality.
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We have pot holes, and we also have frost heaves where the road just buckles from the freezing and thawing process. It sure makes driving challenging. When I was young, we didn’t have a car, lived in a city, and walked everywhere. There’s something to be said for just letting your feet get you there if possible.
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Yes, I absolutely have. First, on the highway, it has become common to see a car here and there whose driver seems to think we’re living in some kind of video game, weaving around from lane to lane, at astonishing speeds. Also, I’ve felt unsafe crossing the street as a pedestrian. It’s like there are some drivers who lately seem to enjoy terrorizing pedestrians. I read an article in the Times that says that pedestrians are being hit by cars at record numbers, and that it seems to be due to a sense of lawlessness and frustration in society lately.
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I think that Times author may have something there. I watched a local news program this morning, and a lady who had been hit by a pickup truck while walking in a pedestrian walkway was appealing for help to find the driver and have him charged. There sure seems to be a lot of rage out there right now.
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Hi Judy! I know that I have a lead foot, but always try to be a courteous driver to others. Even if I’m in the fast lane, doing 20 mph over the speed limit, I will get over in the slow lane to let the person on my back bumper pass. You are not alone, there are crazy drivers in my neck of the woods that are either impatient or don’t use their mirrors when changing lanes or don’t really care about other drivers because they have to get to Starbucks in the next two minutes so they are one car ahead of the next guy in a long line of cars. It’s silly, huh?
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I move over to allow those behind me to pass as well and have no issue with it. There have always been drivers who go faster than others, but this current situation seems to have moved way past that into some other dimension. Sometimes, I wish Scotty would just beam me up to my destination.
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Drivers aren’t bad in our town but when we drive down to south Florida to visit family, we can’t wait to return because of all the crazy drivers who think nothing of driving 100 mph, weaving in and out of the traffic on I95.
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I think they should change ‘speed limit’ to ‘suggested speed.’ 🙂
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It can get pretty ugly out there these days Judy – truth be told I prefer to drive closer to home vs get out on the highways. Last time we went any distance I got a bad ding in my windshield from one of the many huge trucks on the road. I think COVID has made people more irritable and therefore more aggressive. Remember that old TV show “As the World Turns”? Seems to be turning the wrong way these days. Sigh
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I’m with you on staying closer to home and lower speed limits. Yes, I certainly do remember “As the World Turns,” and that is a perfect description for what we’re seeing right now.
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Golly, Judy, we need more laughter in life. Smile and wave—that’s my motto. 😎
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You are lucky to live in a ‘community’ where you know a lot of your neighbors. That sure keeps things on a more level driving ground.
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If you don’t like aggressive drivers, definitely don’t go to Johannesburg. The driving there is really scary especially the taxi drivers who have their own set of rules. 😱
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Good to know. I’m sure I wouldn’t do well.
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