Does car type polarize other driver reactions?

[Exterous]

Due to one of the worst intersection designs I have ever experienced every day I have to cross several lanes of traffic in a fairly short distance. To make matters even more fun there is a stop light in the middle of that short distance. As a result I often have to accelerate quickly at the light, relay on nice people to let me in or wedge myself into the necessary lane

I regularly change between driving my 05 civic vp and 08 audi tt and was pretty sure I noticed a change in how drivers reacted to my actions based on which car I was driving

So over two months I kept track of my driving actions and, while uniformity is impossible, I tried to normalize them across cars. For example I alternated weeks with the cars so I wouldn't always be driving a particular car on a particular day. I tried to get the times I accelerated quickly from the light to be even across cars etc. I admit my attempts were of a more casual nature than rigorous scientific inquiry

I found that at the stop light people were 2x as likely to accelerate quickly or 'race me' to prevent me from getting over into the lane I needed to be in when I was driving the audi vs the civic. (Even though I actually needed to get into the lane on the other side of them)

That result didn't surprise me that much. What did surprise me was that people were 50% more likely to let me in when I was driving the audi vs the civic

So clearly not scientific or conclusive but I was surprised that the car seemed to polarize driver actions.

Anyone else experience anything similar?

 

[dullard]

I personally give expensive cars a bit more space. (1) in an accident the Audi is probably far more costly to repair than a Civic and (2) the Audi drivers tend to be more aggressive than Civic drivers which tends to cause more accidents. So, I personally would give the Audi driver more room knowing that s/he will then aggressively cut me off to change lanes.

That said, I have an intersection very similar to what you are describing. An interstate ends by merging with another parallel road. So, to turn left off of the interstate, I have about 2 tiny blocks to cross 4 busy lanes and a stop light in between. I'm pretty certain that it is illegal to change lanes 4 times in that amount of distance. I haven't been pulled over for doing it, but I had a boss who was pulled over for changing 4 lanes in such a short amount of space at that very location. The real solution, is to not cross so many lanes of traffic. Instead of turning left, I now turn right then left then left. You probably should consider doing something similar if possible.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I know cops around here tend to pay more attention to older cars than newer ones.

To answer your question... I don't care if people drive aggressive in those situations as long as they use traffic signals and practice overall safety. Too often, people around here simply don't use traffic signals and you have no idea when they'll lock up their brakes to make last second turns.

 

[IronWing]

My daily commute includes a seven mile stretch of two lane rural road w/o paved shoulder. When I drove the Brady wagon, people would make stupidly dangerous maneuvers to get around me on the assumption that I would be a slowpoke. It mattered not that there was a line of twenty cars in front of me, people would risk head-on collisions to pass me. It mattered not that the freeway on-ramp was only a half mile ahead and they would gain nothing by passing me. No risk/benefit analysis at all. "It's a wagon, must pass."

 

[madoka]

Anyone else experience anything similar?

I've noticed that other drivers are more respectful and treat me better when I'm in my GT-R vs. my Maxima. Most drivers don't even know what a GT-R even is, so maybe it's a sports car thing.

 

[nakedfrog]

My I drove my old-school Beetle, people would constantly cut me off. When I drove my old (1977) Grand Marquis, nobody ever cut me off. Sometimes it appears my '92 Miata has a cloaking device. Yes, other drivers do react differently depending on the car you're driving.

 

[IronWing]

My I drove my old-school Beetle, people would constantly cut me off. When I drove my old (1977) Grand Marquis, nobody ever cut me off. Sometimes it appears my '92 Miata has a cloaking device. Yes, other drivers do react differently depending on the car you're driving.

When I drove an Escort, I took to driving with the headlights on at all times for this very reason.

 

[destrekor]

Due to one of the worst intersection designs I have ever experienced every day I have to cross several lanes of traffic in a fairly short distance. To make matters even more fun there is a stop light in the middle of that short distance. As a result I often have to accelerate quickly at the light, relay on nice people to let me in or wedge myself into the necessary lane

I regularly change between driving my 05 civic vp and 08 audi tt and was pretty sure I noticed a change in how drivers reacted to my actions based on which car I was driving

So over two months I kept track of my driving actions and, while uniformity is impossible, I tried to normalize them across cars. For example I alternated weeks with the cars so I wouldn't always be driving a particular car on a particular day. I tried to get the times I accelerated quickly from the light to be even across cars etc. I admit my attempts were of a more casual nature than rigorous scientific inquiry

I found that at the stop light people were 2x as likely to accelerate quickly or 'race me' to prevent me from getting over into the lane I needed to be in when I was driving the audi vs the civic. (Even though I actually needed to get into the lane on the other side of them)

That result didn't surprise me that much. What did surprise me was that people were 50% more likely to let me in when I was driving the audi vs the civic

So clearly not scientific or conclusive but I was surprised that the car seemed to polarize driver actions.

Anyone else experience anything similar?

Which intersection designs are you talking about?

The Michigan Left? I like those, but then again, I have not experienced them on major roads at peak rush hour, so perhaps I would change tune with such experience.

 

[SP33Demon]

I think so. Whenever I see a prius, I always pass it because it's silly to see grown men driving in a moving vagina (I blame The Other Guys for this POV). Unless the prius is going 80mph~, then at least I'll semi-respect them for at least driving aggressively despite the shitty hand that life dealt them.

Not to mention people get really pissed when I drive aggressive in my late 90's beater, which has a V6 and is pretty quick to boot.

 

[nakedfrog]

When I drove an Escort, I took to driving with the headlights on at all times for this very reason.

Some guy in a pickup truck nearly plowed into me on a roundabout at night, when I had my headlights on D:
That one I guess I can chalk up to him being a terrible driver. I was already in the roundabout and he was entering.

 

[destrekor]

My daily commute includes a seven mile stretch of two lane rural road w/o paved shoulder. When I drove the Brady wagon, people would make stupidly dangerous maneuvers to get around me on the assumption that I would be a slowpoke. It mattered not that there was a line of twenty cars in front of me, people would risk head-on collisions to pass me. It mattered not that the freeway on-ramp was only a half mile ahead and they would gain nothing by passing me. No risk/benefit analysis at all. "It's a wagon, must pass."

I pass all the time on two-lane roads, if necessary.

If there is an obvious line of cars, I won't make an attempt to pass, if that line is moving at the same speed.

If someone is going slow and there are cars up ahead going much faster, I'll monitor the oncoming traffic and pick a good spot and time to pass. Passing isn't a constant "risk of head-on collision" if you remotely pay attention.

 

[purbeast0]

some comedian did a bit about this, how he will let someone over who's driving a nice car dressed up nicely in the middle of the day, because that person has somewhere to be. but if the guy is driving a beat up honda in the middle of that day, that guy probably has no place to be and is unemployed. damnit it's killing me that i can't remember this bit and who said it.

 

[IronWing]

I pass all the time on two-lane roads, if necessary.

If there is an obvious line of cars, I won't make an attempt to pass, if that line is moving at the same speed.

If someone is going slow and there are cars up ahead going much faster, I'll monitor the oncoming traffic and pick a good spot and time to pass. Passing isn't a constant "risk of head-on collision" if you remotely pay attention.

I pass all the time on that road, when it is safe to do so and when there is a benefit to doing so. Neither of those criteria applied to the situation I described above. People just make the assumption, station wagon = slow even when their speedometer tells them otherwise. The Brady wagon had a 5L V8. It didn't do jack rabbit starts but once up to speed it hauled ass.

 

[SearchMaster]

Some guy in a pickup truck nearly plowed into me on a roundabout at night, when I had my headlights on D:
That one I guess I can chalk up to him being a terrible driver. I was already in the roundabout and he was entering.

Well that's another topic altogether. Many Americans have no idea how to handle a roundabout at all. They're starting to be implemented here in GA with more regularity so hopefully people will figure it out.

I tend to drive conservatively most of the time and try to treat everyone with courtesy. Sure there are a LOT of things that people do that piss me off but I'm too damn old to let it get to me. I have always been pretty good at predicting what people are going to do and I'm trying to pass that on to my 15 year old. "OK now watch this guy....he's going to wait until we get almost to his side street before he pulls right out in front of us." My general message is "always assume the other guy is an idiot and will do something stupid" - it helps prevent a lot of accidents even if they wouldn't have been your fault.

 

[Cuular]

My work buddy has a Ford CMAX and a Tesla S. People gleefully let him merge in, leave room for him in the Tesla. In the CMAX, they cut him off, don't let him in.

I alternately drove an Intrepid, and a 300C for a few moths after I just bought the 300C. And people treat the 300C with a lot more respect than the Intrepid.

So yes the type of car you drive, greatly influences how other drivers treat you.

 

[TheGardener]

Due to one of the worst intersection designs I have ever experienced every day I have to cross several lanes of traffic in a fairly short distance. To make matters even more fun there is a stop light in the middle of that short distance. As a result I often have to accelerate quickly at the light, relay on nice people to let me in or wedge myself into the necessary lane

I regularly change between driving my 05 civic vp and 08 audi tt and was pretty sure I noticed a change in how drivers reacted to my actions based on which car I was driving

So over two months I kept track of my driving actions and, while uniformity is impossible, I tried to normalize them across cars. For example I alternated weeks with the cars so I wouldn't always be driving a particular car on a particular day. I tried to get the times I accelerated quickly from the light to be even across cars etc. I admit my attempts were of a more casual nature than rigorous scientific inquiry

I found that at the stop light people were 2x as likely to accelerate quickly or 'race me' to prevent me from getting over into the lane I needed to be in when I was driving the audi vs the civic. (Even though I actually needed to get into the lane on the other side of them)

That result didn't surprise me that much. What did surprise me was that people were 50% more likely to let me in when I was driving the audi vs the civic

So clearly not scientific or conclusive but I was surprised that the car seemed to polarize driver actions.

Anyone else experience anything similar?

When I see someone driving a German car, I have expect them to try and cut me off or do something stupid or rude. I do think of this, and I drive more defensively. You interpret this as being nice. That's probably the reason other drivers react the way they do.

From your post, you sound like the typical ahole German car driver. I sometimes find myself thinking that when you aholes are cutting people off weaving in and out of lanes, that you wrap your car around a guardrail or somehow otherwise crash your car. Of course I would never want innocents to be hurt. Just you. Does this reply answer your question?

 

[Exterous]

The real solution, is to not cross so many lanes of traffic. Instead of turning left, I now turn right then left then left. You probably should consider doing something similar if possible.

I'm not sure if it is illegal but people working here have been doing it for years without a ticket being issued. Sadly the other option is far far longer

It mattered not that there was a line of twenty cars in front of me, people would risk head-on collisions to pass me. It mattered not that the freeway on-ramp was only a half mile ahead and they would gain nothing by passing me. No risk/benefit analysis at all. "It's a wagon, must pass."

I used to drive a 20' delivery vehicle when I did home theater installs and people would cut me off all the time regardless of speed and space.

Which intersection designs are you talking about?

The Michigan Left? I like those, but then again, I have not experienced them on major roads at peak rush hour, so perhaps I would change tune with such experience.

I wish it was as simple as that. No it involves 4 lanes of traffic from 2 different sides with stop signs trying to merge onto a 3 lane road with right of way and a one way thrown in for flavor

 

[Fritzo]

I notice people keep trying to aggressively pass me when I'm in my Cooper S.

They get surprised a lot if they're just doing it to be an ass

 

[TheGardener]

I used to drive a 20' delivery vehicle when I did home theater installs and people would cut me off all the time regardless of speed and space.

People who have never driven a real truck have no idea of the skill required. A truck cannot maneuver with the agility of a car. Only by driving one, can one understand that turning and breaking requires more time and distance. I always give truck drivers more consideration and distance.

 

[Exterous]

From your post, you sound like the typical ahole German car driver. I sometimes find myself thinking that when you aholes are cutting people off weaving in and out of lanes, that you wrap your car around a guardrail or somehow otherwise crash your car. Of course I would never want innocents to be hurt. Just you. Does this reply answer your question?

What seems particularly ahole-ish about my post? Does it hurt your preconceptions to know that the majority of the people who work at my company have to do the same thing despite german car drivers being in the minority?

 

[JeepinEd]

I think so. Whenever I see a prius, I always pass it because it's silly to see grown men driving in a moving vagina (I blame The Other Guys for this POV). Unless the prius is going 80mph~, then at least I'll semi-respect them for at least driving aggressively despite the shitty hand that life dealt them.

Not to mention people get really pissed when I drive aggressive in my late 90's beater, which has a V6 and is pretty quick to boot.

Funny, I was just going to say that when I'm driving my Prius (70 mile each way commute), people pass or tailgate me, even though I usually cruise at 75+. When I'm in my lifted Jeep, I'll be doing 70 and everyone keeps their distance.

LOL @ moving vagina. I guess you have to be comfortable with your manhood to be in a vagina for hours on a daily basis.

 

[Ackmed]

I have two drastically different cars, and yes people can treat you differently. Old Mustang that is fast and loud as shit, and a newer Mercedes SUV. I do the same, so whatever.

 

[Thump553]

I admit to treating different types of vehicles differently. If I'm at a four way stop and the only other car is an Audi, Cayenne or BMW I always wait for them to move first regardless of who has the legal right of way. From long experience I've learned those drivers' mindset is they always have the right of way. Also either those vehicles are not sold with working turn signals or the drivers are above using them.

PS-the nice thing about driving a Prius is that the rear spoiler very effectively blocks the headlights of tailgaters. Also, as a lawyer, I know I am bound to win the jackpot when one of those a*holes rear ends my car, so tailgate all you want, doesn't bother me at all.

 

[paperfist]

I think so. Whenever I see a prius, I always pass it because it's silly to see grown men driving in a moving vagina (I blame The Other Guys for this POV). Unless the prius is going 80mph~, then at least I'll semi-respect them for at least driving aggressively despite the shitty hand that life dealt them.

Not to mention people get really pissed when I drive aggressive in my late 90's beater, which has a V6 and is pretty quick to boot.

People try to kill me in my Prius

And if you pass them on the thruway you hurt their manhood and they start to do really stupid things to pass you.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I think so. Whenever I see a prius, I always pass it because it's silly to see grown men driving in a moving vagina (I blame The Other Guys for this POV). Unless the prius is going 80mph~, then at least I'll semi-respect them for at least driving aggressively despite the shitty hand that life dealt them.

Not to mention people get really pissed when I drive aggressive in my late 90's beater, which has a V6 and is pretty quick to boot.

Why would you assume that someone driving a hybrid was dealt a shitty hand in life?

I could afford a much more expensive car than the Camry Hybrid XLE I own currently but a) I drive a lot of miles commuting and b) I hate stopping to fill up every few days.

Oh, and NOBODY beats me from a stoplight when I'm riding the Ducati.