How would you rate yourself as a driver?
Not great, and that is partially why I don't drive much. It's not so much that I'm a "bad driver" but more that I don't really like driving and the other people on the road. I guess it's more a inexperience thing which makes me rate myself as "not great".
I'd say I'm decent to more than decent. I'm never aggressive. I mostly avoid big cities, so that helps. It's hard to be aggressive toward drivers who aren't around. I make it a habit to obey the laws: speed limits, complete stops, turn signals, and all that. I have gone over the speed limit in heavy traffic when needed for safety, but I haven't found it necessary since the DFW area freeways got higher speed a couple of years ago. I drive a lot and have gone about half a million miles with no tickets or accidents. I did once get hit by a deer on the right rear fender. It left a small dent that I never cared to fix because the deer was moving slowly and I was moving slowly because the road was like a drive-through petting zoo. I keep my mind focused by reading every road sign, even on familiar roads, and watching my speed, fuel level, engine temperature, and mirrors regularly. It helps me keep alert.
8-9 out of 10 on most days. I say that based off the amount of mileage and scenarios I've driven in. I'm fairly close to 500,000 miles among all the cars I've owned or operated over the years. I known how to drive a manual, how to use 4wd properly, use transmission braking to my advantage, along with having driven a copious amount of winter mileage. Usually I can take down a mountain road or twisty far faster than other drivers which I attribute mostly to confront level. I can't recall the last time that I was lost or really "needed" an aid of GPS beyond just trying to find a really specific address along a street. Really the thing that throws me off my gate is irritation with commuting, urban driving, traffic jams, and worst of all....tourist traffic. I enjoy "driving" but I would be hard pressed to call something like a commute as real driving and more a task of tedium.
I'm obviously the best driver ever and nothing you can say will ever prove me otherwise. :awesomeface:
https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/motr/when-it-comes-to-driving-most-people-think-their-skills-are-above-average.html
Some think I'm a terrible driver because I can be aggressive - but nearly every decision I make on the road is well-calculated, even if it comes off aggressive sometimes. Whether that makes me a "good" driver or a terrible and selfish driver is for somebody else to decide.
I am very well versed in the rules of the road and what is legal and what is not in states I drive in often, and push those rules to their legal limits - for instance, in Idaho I will always turn left on red from a two-way onto a one-way, because that is legal in Idaho even though I often get weird looks because people do not know it is legal.I know in Idaho it is illegal to turn right on red on a red arrow, but that in Washington and Oregon it is perfectly legal to do so. I know in several western states it is legal to exceed the posted speed limit by 10 MPH to pass vehicles on two lane roads, and also take advantage of that as often as possible. I could keep going.
I speed, but only within known local tolerances - usually between 5 and 9 over depending on the state. In urban settings, I'll go faster than that if the flow of traffic allows for it, and on rural highways I'll go faster than that if there is a car in front of me going faster, and I can keep a safe distance behind him. If I don't know what the local tolerance is, I keep it to 5 over in most places, or 2 over in small towns along rural highways.
I'm fairly liberal with the horn - I do not hesitate to honk if somebody is delaying traffic or doing something otherwise stupid.
I very very very religiously keep right except to pass, but also do not hesitate to defend lane space if it appears that somebody is going to have to cause me to unnecessarily brake.
I take curves very quickly on mountain roads, and do not hesitate to pass as necessary - but only where legal to do so. I've driven enough on mountain roads in Eastern Europe and in Mexico now that I am comfortable with the more aggressive passing style in place in those countries - and feel like I understand how to do so safely. I prefer driving in those countries because I find the driving style to be much more focused and efficient.
I often make lane changes at the last minute following lights, in order to "cut" the line - but I do so without slowing traffic because I am always very quick off the line when lights change and there is nearly always somebody not paying attention that will leave a gap, at least in this part of the country.
I've been driving in snow extensively since I got my license at 15, and have yet to go in the ditch. I've never been in an accident, and have two tickets to my name in 14 years of driving - one for 80 in a 65 on the New York Thruway in 2007, and one for rolling through a stop sign in the middle of nowhere Montana in 2013. I also bribed my way out of an 88 km/h in a 60 km/h ticket in Bosnia last year, but I don't know if that counts.
Where I fail in driving (beyond the occasional mental lapses that we all sometimes experience) is that I do occasionally experience mild bouts of road rage when I feel like somebody is needlessly obstructing the flow of traffic, and have been known to flip people off/stare at them/honk in ways that are not appreciated - I've never escalated it beyond that - I'm a "flip off and move on" kind of guy, but have gotten myself into several situations where the other car tries to retaliate by trying to run me off the road/sudden braking in front of me/etc. I also probably tailgate more than is explicitly safe in dry road conditions.
4/10, because Dunning-Kruger.
I can be an aggressive driver when needed and polite when needed. I don't get angered by too much when driving; annoyed, yes...but retaliation, never. I might use a horn once or twice a year (usually because someone hasn't moved after 4-5 seconds when the light turns green). I exceed speed limits at times, corner spiritedly, but never tailgate and almost always use my blinkers. I don't close the door on other drivers. I leave room for others, and keep in my lane. But as you all know, there's a camera nearby if I'm driving alone.
Search yourself when you see the faults of others, but only copy them on a closed course with a professional driver.
I rank myself as a fast, slick driver but safe overall. Driving around in Miami taught me to drive sort of aggressive when needed. I tend to go over the limit most of the time but always practice safe measures. When I drive long distances, I am a much more relaxed driver.
I am hesitant to rate myself as a driver -- I'm not an unbiased observer. The one thing that I will say though is that I am experienced. Just doing a quick calculation this morning while getting ready for work, I think I have driven about 90,000km or so in the last year. That seems more or less typical of the last several years. I'm sure some have done more than that on this forum, but that still seems like a lot for a non-commercial driver. Because of this, I have driven in many different weather conditions in many different types of terrain, and am pretty confident in any situation.
The thing with driving however, is that any driver is only ever as good as their worst lapse in judgement. In my opinion, being experienced doesn't mean that I never make mistakes behind the wheel, but it does mean that I generally always have the skills to recover from mistakes when they happen.
Most people will say they are a good driver. Most people will say that most other drivers suck at driving.
Then again, most people will say they don't speed, and that if they do speed it's no more than 5 mph above the limit. When data shows that most people speed, and most people are traveling at least 5 mph above the speed limit, these perfect drivers say that the data is wrong. When asked how many speeding tickets they have, they'll tell you a few, but then say that the cop's radar gun wasn't working right, and the cops should've been going after murderers instead. When they're told they look like the guy on America's Most Wanted, they speed off.
I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned nor referred to this yet:
Maybe I'm showing my age here.
I consider myself excelent.
A good driver, IMHO:
Can drive at the safe speed, which is the flow of traffic, far above the revenue based speed limits.
Understands how expressways work, including keeping right, except to pass, reading signage and preparing for exits well ahead of time, and why they call on-ramps exceleration lanes.
Can read a map, and has a basic understanding of the entire continent, and a deep understanding of his own area without a map.
Can drive in any type of topography, including big cities, small cities, rural area, mountains, etc.
Knows when the weather is too bad and to STF home.
Keeps his car in excelent condition and understands that if he cannot afford to, he cannot afford said car.
Knows that if someone slows on an expressway, especially a truck, for no apparent reason, the reason is probably stopped traffic ahead and that a quick lane change is not the correct action.
Knows how to use hazard flashers.
Knows how stop signs and stop lights work. Yellow does NOT mean to speed up.
NEVER uses a cell phone other than handsfree. Uses a cell phone hands free ONLY in easy driving conditions, not in parking lots, city streets, etc.
Knows that, while it is very safe to drive well over the SL on the highway, most accidents happen on streets and parking lots, and drives accordingly. There is NO reason anyone should be able to cause body damage in a parking lot. STF down.
Inpatient. Very impatient. I'll roll 80/90 down most highways (the cops around here really don't give a shit).
I am okay. My biggest flaw is getting mad at LLBs and then getting caught LLB-ing myself despite my best efforts (typically think I am catching up to a car in front of me faster than I am). Embarrasses me something awful.
This is kinda like asking "how do you rate yourself having sex?". Damn right I am the best! Better than a porn star!
I think it's worth separating knowledge from skill here.
Academically, I know the correct method of handling just about any situation I might reasonably encounter on the road. How successful I am at properly executing all of these methods in practice is another story. As with anyone else, I am susceptible to fatigue, distraction, impatience, anxiety, and all of the various human failings that may negatively impact my success in handling a given situation.
My knowledge is above average (I would posit the same is true for most roadgeeks). I will make no such claim about my skill, since I have no objective basis for doing so and don't subjectively believe it to be the case besides.
I would rate myself a 9, but my wife would probably rate me a 5. I've never gotten a ticket or had an accident, though I've been stopped for speeding 3 times but got away with just warnings. Got pulled over once for my license plate light being out. I've ended up in the ditch because of snow or ice maybe twice. I'm generally courteous to other drivers, and use the left lane only to pass, then get back over when I'm done. I usually drive 5 to 10 over the limit and have never had a problem getting stopped or keeping up with the flow of traffic. I live in a small town now, but grew up in a bigger city, so city driving doesn't phase me. My wife however, claims I look around too much at the scenery, and follow too close at times. I won't deny a couple near misses, but otherwise disagree!
LGL56VL
I'll let you guys decide how good/bad I am. Some of you know, as you've been in my car during road meets.
I've only gotten one ticket, for overstaying a parking meter in downtown Joliet ($10). If I had one more quarter that day, I wouldn't have gotten it.
Speeding over the limit depends on where I am. In town, I don't really go much, if any, over the limit. Outside of town, it might be 5-10 above on the rural highways. As for freeways, screw the limit.
Red signals and stop signs are a must to stop at. I will give the horn to other drivers and bicyclists who blow the signal or sign (and even pedestrians who cross against the light).
I believe in being quick and nimble while driving (hence why I like smaller over larger cars). I tend to let off the gas before entering a curve, and accelerate through the curve, more often than not exiting at a high speed than I entered at.
There is a reason cars come with accelerator pedals and rear differentials. Use them. Square your corners, that's why the manufacturer put a rear differential on your vehicle. Also, accelerate out of the way of traffic.
Enter a freeway at speed. I believe one should enter at the speed of the flow of traffic. If traffic is going 70 mph, then you should damn well be at 70 by the end of the ramp. If you enter below speed and cut me off while I'm on the freeway, I will not hesitate to hit the horn. Also, there's a reason why ramps have some sort of length. Decelerate on the ramp, not on the freeway.
Drive smoothly. I had a coworker once who was involved in a nasty crash. She did not sleep or rest in a moving vehicle. She did rest (even closing her eyes) when I drove the company truck.
I also tend to get better gas mileage than the EPA or Consumer Reports claims for almost any given vehicle.
Quote from: tchafe1978 on September 06, 2017, 09:09:09 PM
I would rate myself a 9, but my wife would probably rate me a 5. I've never gotten a ticket or had an accident, though I've been stopped for speeding 3 times but got away with just warnings. Got pulled over once for my license plate light being out. I've ended up in the ditch because of snow or ice maybe twice. I'm generally courteous to other drivers, and use the left lane only to pass, then get back over when I'm done. I usually drive 5 to 10 over the limit and have never had a problem getting stopped or keeping up with the flow of traffic. I live in a small town now, but grew up in a bigger city, so city driving doesn't phase me. My wife however, claims I look around too much at the scenery, and follow too close at times. I won't deny a couple near misses, but otherwise disagree!
LGL56VL
Then you're a 5.
And that's probably being generous.
I would say that I'm a capable driver. That being said, all other drivers are idiots. At least that what I said when I was around them on the road.
I drive a bit faster than what seems to be the average around here (but then this area has more than its share of reticent drivers), but still make every attempt to be aware of the specifics of the environment in which I'm driving. Pushing 70, my peripheral vision isn't what it used to be, so I find myself having to compensate by moving my head around a bit more than previously. Overall, I'd say I'm a bit better than simply competent -- and with 52 years of experience behind the wheel behind me -- I'm doing OK!
I'm so bad I can't even steer.
Something that I saw the other day made me think of this thread, so I hope it's OK to revive...
I was on a two-lane portion of NY 104 heading EB, following a string of six or so cars, the first of which was a large camper. I could tell the Accord in front of me was getting antsy, and that was confirmed when he took a chance to pass up the two cars in front of him (so now he's fourth in line instead of sixth). After a few miles, we came upon a red light, at which point the Accord went zooming up on the right shoulder with his right blinker on. I thought that was odd, since it happened to be an intersection (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.229719,-77.036185,202m/data=!3m1!1e3) where turning right is nearly a 180° turn. Sure enough, within a few seconds the light turned green, and the Accord switched from right blinker to left and quickly accelerated in front of the camper to continue going straight.
Now, I think I can come across as aggressive sometimes, but that was a bridge too far even for me. I've passed other traffic using acceleration lanes, and even using turn lanes once or twice, but never using the shoulder. I can't imagine what was so urgent that couldn't have waited for one of the many passing zones just down the road, except maybe an emergency of some sort.
I guess we'll find out in Maui next week. All that one lane mountain stuff I do locally apparently will come in handy.
Much better than average, judging by the number of people who can't keep a lane even when not distracted. Only accidents I've been involved in were either not-at-fault or animal-related, with many more avoided through defensive driving.
Not very good at complex maneuvers. Conservative driver.
I would say my driving is fine. I'm not going to say I'm an incredible driver because about twice or so a year I'll make some sort of stupid mistake but nothing critical or enough to almost cause an accident. My mother tells me I'm a better driver than her, and she's never caused an accident or did anything critically stupid, so there's that.
I've gone probably about 55,000 miles so far (which is all I've driven) without being ticketed or causing an accident. I got pulled over on an empty road once for going quite a bit over the limit but was let off with a warning. In my defense, I was about to shit myself if I didn't get to a bathroom ASAP. When IBS is calling, it's calling. I'm guessing the trooper was sympathetic.
I have been involved in an accident. My old car was totaled in August when a lady who was late to work rear ended me as I was inching out to turn right on red. She claimed I slammed on my brakes but dashcam footage and my SO in the car as a witness proved otherwise. I was designated as not at fault.
Quote from: Brandon on September 08, 2017, 01:33:51 PM
Drive smoothly. I had a coworker once who was involved in a nasty crash. She did not sleep or rest in a moving vehicle. She did rest (even closing her eyes) when I drove the company truck.
That's something people who've rode with me have actually complimented me for. My SO is afraid of riding in the car due to a nasty crash he was in but will fall asleep when I'm at the wheel. At my old college I was typically the carpool driver for my friend group. Although to be fair, the only other person who could drive in my group only barely manages to drive his car while staying in one piece.
Quote from: webny99 on September 14, 2022, 03:12:48 PM
Something that I saw the other day made me think of this thread, so I hope it's OK to revive...
I was on a two-lane portion of NY 104 heading EB, following a string of six or so cars, the first of which was a large camper. I could tell the Accord in front of me was getting antsy, and that was confirmed when he took a chance to pass up the two cars in front of him (so now he's fourth in line instead of sixth). After a few miles, we came upon a red light, at which point the Accord went zooming up on the right shoulder with his right blinker on. I thought that was odd, since it happened to be an intersection (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.229719,-77.036185,202m/data=!3m1!1e3) where turning right is nearly a 180° turn. Sure enough, within a few seconds the light turned green, and the Accord switched from right blinker to left and quickly accelerated in front of the camper to continue going straight.
Now, I think I can come across as aggressive sometimes, but that was a bridge too far even for me. I've passed other traffic using acceleration lanes, and even using turn lanes once or twice, but never using the shoulder. I can't imagine what was so urgent that couldn't have waited for one of the many passing zones just down the road, except maybe an emergency of some sort.
An unfortunately common maneuver by those not skilled enough to pass on a two-lane road with passing zones.
I might think that I am a good driver. However, seeing that I live in the most dangerous place to drive in the US (see https://embed.neomam.com/the-most-dangerous-US-cities-and-states-to-drive/table.html (https://embed.neomam.com/the-most-dangerous-US-cities-and-states-to-drive/table.html) for the proof), it would stand to reason that what is good here is mediocre to bad elsewhere. It's the Louisiana way.
Quote from: webny99 on September 14, 2022, 03:12:48 PM
Something that I saw the other day made me think of this thread, so I hope it's OK to revive...
I was on a two-lane portion of NY 104 heading EB, following a string of six or so cars, the first of which was a large camper. I could tell the Accord in front of me was getting antsy, and that was confirmed when he took a chance to pass up the two cars in front of him (so now he's fourth in line instead of sixth). After a few miles, we came upon a red light, at which point the Accord went zooming up on the right shoulder with his right blinker on. I thought that was odd, since it happened to be an intersection (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.229719,-77.036185,202m/data=!3m1!1e3) where turning right is nearly a 180° turn. Sure enough, within a few seconds the light turned green, and the Accord switched from right blinker to left and quickly accelerated in front of the camper to continue going straight.
Now, I think I can come across as aggressive sometimes, but that was a bridge too far even for me. I've passed other traffic using acceleration lanes, and even using turn lanes once or twice, but never using the shoulder. I can't imagine what was so urgent that couldn't have waited for one of the many passing zones just down the road, except maybe an emergency of some sort.
I think one problem with COVID is people with no clue what they're doing have decided to try to drive like assholes despite having no idea how to do so. Someone did that same thing to me recently where they decided there was an opening to cross the street at a 2-way stop that was busy with cross traffic, went around me on the right and ignored the stop sign to keep going straight. Summer of 2020 was the worst when I started noticing these people more. A guy illegally passed me on a 30 MPH neighborhood street. Another car went up to 55-60 in a 30 to beat me to a lane merge.
Ever since I was stopped by a Texas state trooper in West Texas for being caught doing 83 MPH on an 80 limit zone (luckily escaped speeding citation that time), I have gotten very nervous when my speedometer pointer rises higher than the number on the posted limit.....I have a very real fear of the radar guns equipped in the police vehicles.
Ever since I was injured by a drunk driver because he failed to yield to cross traffic, I approach each and every intersection, especially for those where I have the right-of-way, very carefully and look out for those waiting to cross.
Even though I am a firm believer in the Slow Traffic Keep Right laws, if I know my exit is going to be from the left lane, I strive to get on the left lane at least a couple of miles before I exit. In general, I try to remain in the lane that I know will keep me to my route miles before the split and the lanes separate.
Also a firm believer in seat belts since it saved my life. Typical of so many South Texans, I am a very laid-back driver.
I don't know what number to rate myself as.
As an aside from describing my driving, I am also a believer that speeders aren't the only problem causers on the road; that those intentionally driving well below the limit are also equally as problematic. If all drivers on a highway drive at thin variation of speed difference that (all within five MPH above or below the posted limit) accidents would be a rare thing. But unfortunately here on Texas freeways, we see several speeders who push it to almost 100 MPH along with several more who fail to reach half of that speed all sharing the same roads as the majority who do drive close to the posted limit; that much variation in freeway speeds is why accidents are anticipated on a regular basis.
And above all I said, my biggest fear in life are drunk drivers.
Better than average. Although from time to time I do find myself wondering, "What just happened back there?" And I can't recall if I did something that should reduce my self-rating. Maybe there's some aspect of my personality that makes me believe that every time I hear a car's horn, they're honking at me.
Quote from: jgb191 on September 15, 2022, 12:53:39 AM
Even though I am a firm believer in the Slow Traffic Keep Right laws, if I know my exit is going to be from the left lane, I strive to get on the left lane at least a couple of miles before I exit. In general, I try to remain in the lane that I know will keep me to my route miles before the split and the lanes separate.
I am very different in this respect. There's a left turn I make fairly often coming off of a divided highway, and, when traffic is light, I don't move left until the 800 ft warning sign unless I'm passing someone. When traffic is heavy, I'll start thinking about it a little sooner, maybe 1/2 mile or so at most, to ensure I can find an appropriate gap in time.
Now, that's a left turn I'm extremely familiar with. If it was one I had never made before, I would probably think about it even sooner still, maybe 1 mile or so in advance. However, if I was going to move left early and sensed approaching traffic that may need to pass, I would consider waiting for them to pass, or speeding up a bit to avoid slowing them down.
Quote from: jgb191 on September 15, 2022, 12:53:39 AM
If all drivers on a highway drive at thin variation of speed difference that (all within five MPH above or below the posted limit) accidents would be a rare thing. But unfortunately here on Texas freeways, we see several speeders who push it to almost 100 MPH along with several more who fail to reach half of that speed all sharing the same roads as the majority who do drive close to the posted limit; that much variation in freeway speeds is why accidents are anticipated on a regular basis.
This has been debated on the forum before, probably many times. It sounds great to have all traffic traveling at very similar speeds, but that also means that passing occurs at a much slower pace. This can lead to frustrated drivers, such as happens when one truck passes another at a 0.01 mph speed differential. This can in turn cause road rage and aggressive driving behavior.
I'm not sure what the ideal speed differential between lanes is, but I would think 5 mph would be on the low end of that spectrum. Upwards of 20+ mph can obviously be dangerous, but traffic flow is a lot less efficient when the lane speeds are too close.
Average, but easily distracted.
Quote from: webny99 on September 15, 2022, 09:31:50 AM
Quote from: jgb191 on September 15, 2022, 12:53:39 AM
If all drivers on a highway drive at thin variation of speed difference that (all within five MPH above or below the posted limit) accidents would be a rare thing. But unfortunately here on Texas freeways, we see several speeders who push it to almost 100 MPH along with several more who fail to reach half of that speed all sharing the same roads as the majority who do drive close to the posted limit; that much variation in freeway speeds is why accidents are anticipated on a regular basis.
This has been debated on the forum before, probably many times. It sounds great to have all traffic traveling at very similar speeds, but that also means that passing occurs at a much slower pace. This can lead to frustrated drivers, such as happens when one truck passes another at a 0.01 mph speed differential. This can in turn cause road rage and aggressive driving behavior.
I'm not sure what the ideal speed differential between lanes is, but I would think 5 mph would be on the low end of that spectrum. Upwards of 20+ mph can obviously be dangerous, but traffic flow is a lot less efficient when the lane speeds are too close.
I've driven in Mexico somewhat regularly since 2009. (In fact, I've driven more total miles in Mexico than I have in Oklahoma, even though I live less than an hour from Oklahoma). In Mexico it's common to come upon an overloaded, poorly maintained truck that's pulling two trailers at about 20 mph in the right lane, at the same time that there's a Porsche SUV barreling down the left lane at 95 mph about to pass you. People there will also tailgate you with 2.5 inches between their bumper and yours, with their left blinker on, riding the left edge line, for as long as you're in the left lane completing a passing maneuver–and, if you don't move back to the right soon enough for their liking, then they don't hesitate to drop down into ½th gear and squeeze around you on the right.
With all that said, I'm sure crashes there are more likely. However, I've never experienced any sort of road rage in Mexico. People just drive in whatever way allows them to make the progress they want to make–even if that means passing two abreast with two-way traffic, driving on the shoulder, or using the coned-off lane in a construction zone. But, because there are rarely two vehicles going side by side at the same speed (except the occasional slow trucker passing another slow trucker), there's rarely an opportunity for frustration to build up for more than just a few seconds. In contrast, here in the US, it's fairly common to find a couple of vacationers tootling along side by side on the Interstate for a few miles straight: by the time there's an opportunity to pass one of them, that frustration has been building up within multiple other drivers for
minutes. There still might be less chance of real damage happening, but I'd still rather drive where there's less opportunity for rage.
What's your scale for good driver.
Quote from: bing101 on September 15, 2022, 12:34:56 PM
What's your scale for good driver.
I guess I never specified in the OP. I didn't really have in mind a number ranking, more just a discussion of your driving habits, skills, etc. in relation to "average" or what you see in other drivers. But, if you wish:
1 = terrible
10 = exemplaryThe top three things that I personally think are most important are:
-Alertness - noticing what's going on in the environment around you and reacting to it promptly and appropriately
-Adaptiveness - openness to try something unfamiliar and willingness to change your behavior based on your surroundings
-Efficiency - taking advantage of opportunities to save time and other resources in a non-disruptive way
But honesty and self-awareness are important too. A 10 is earned by driving behavior, not words.
On-road, a 9 out of 10. Sometimes I drive a little fast or follow a little too closely, but I'm fully aware of my surroundings, I don't drive either too fast or too slowly in inclement weather, and I'm a gracious driver making sure to allow merges and whatnot.
Off-road, I'm probably a 6 out of 10. I have a decent amount of experience, but certainly wouldn't try the Rubicon Trail or anything like that.
Quote from: bing101 on September 15, 2022, 12:34:56 PM
What's your scale for good driver.
The scale doesn't have to be entirely linear...
:thumbsup: – I'm the best driver to ever grace these fair streets.
:) – I've never had an accident, never had a ticket.
;-) – My driving is characterized by chillz and skillz.
:sombrero: – I own the road, and I drive however the heck I want.
:spin: – I'm clueless, I just point the car and go.
:-o – My passengers tend to grab things and brace themselves a lot.
:-P – I drive high, but so far it's worked out OK.
:cheers: – I'm fine when I'm sober, but I'm not always sober.
:verymad: – I am the rage.
:angry: – Not gonna lie, I suck at driving.
:thumbdown: – I'm not allowed to drive anymore.
Well, let's see. Last Saturday we played nine holes; three of those were par 3s and so I didn't hit driver there. On the other six holes, I hit the fairway on #1, #2, and #5, just missed the fairway to the left on #4 and #9, and lost the ball in the trees on #7. So I'd say I did OK as a driver. On #5, in particular, I smashed the ball; it felt like my clubhead was almost like a spring.
:bigass:
Everyone thinks they're the best driver on the road...but that's impossible in reality.
Quote from: kphoger on September 15, 2022, 02:03:53 PM
Quote from: bing101 on September 15, 2022, 12:34:56 PM
What's your scale for good driver.
The scale doesn't have to be entirely linear...
:thumbsup: – I'm the best driver to ever grace these fair streets.
:) – I've never had an accident, never had a ticket.
;-) – My driving is characterized by chillz and skillz.
:sombrero: – I own the road, and I drive however the heck I want.
:spin: – I'm clueless, I just point the car and go.
:-o – My passengers tend to grab things and brace themselves a lot.
:-P – I drive high, but so far it's worked out OK.
:cheers: – I'm fine when I'm sober, but I'm not always sober.
:verymad: – I am the rage.
:angry: – Not gonna lie, I suck at driving.
:thumbdown: – I'm not allowed to drive anymore.
:clap: - Just passed my driving test!
:crazy: - I'm no good at multitasking
:cool: - I care more about the car than the road
Quote from: webny99 on September 15, 2022, 02:30:33 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 15, 2022, 02:03:53 PM
Quote from: bing101 on September 15, 2022, 12:34:56 PM
What's your scale for good driver.
The scale doesn't have to be entirely linear...
:thumbsup: – I'm the best driver to ever grace these fair streets.
:) – I've never had an accident, never had a ticket.
;-) – My driving is characterized by chillz and skillz.
:sombrero: – I own the road, and I drive however the heck I want.
:spin: – I'm clueless, I just point the car and go.
:-o – My passengers tend to grab things and brace themselves a lot.
:-P – I drive high, but so far it's worked out OK.
:cheers: – I'm fine when I'm sober, but I'm not always sober.
:verymad: – I am the rage.
:angry: – Not gonna lie, I suck at driving.
:thumbdown: – I'm not allowed to drive anymore.
:clap: - Just passed my driving test!
:crazy: - I'm no good at multitasking
:cool: - I care more about the car than the road
:confused: - I paid so much for my car, I feel like I bought the road.
Quote from: webny99 on September 15, 2022, 09:31:50 AMI'm not sure what the ideal speed differential between lanes is, but I would think 5 mph would be on the low end of that spectrum. Upwards of 20+ mph can obviously be dangerous, but traffic flow is a lot less efficient when the lane speeds are too close.
Here In Texas, it's not uncommon for the variation to be as much as a 50+ MPH difference; the speed limit on most rural freeways is 75 MPH, the fastest drivers will push to almost 100 MPH, and the slowest might barely push it past 50 MPH all mixed in with the mainstream traffic going 65-85 MPH. And then those with heavy truck traffic will complicate traffic flow even more.
One should drive with the intensity of Michael Schumacher and the discipline of an airline pilot.
Quote from: 02 Park Ave on September 16, 2022, 12:15:24 PM
One should drive with the intensity of Michael Schumacher and the discipline of an airline pilot.
Agreed about the second part - if possible! - but I'm not sure about intensity. That can be a feeling that leads to demanding too much out of others on the road. It can be frustrating to drive in traffic or at less than your desired speed, but it's equally important to remember that it's
not a race and just relax and enjoy the road.
Should we include people's ability (or willingness) to park decently in this rating, or should that be its own separate category?
Quote from: GaryV on September 15, 2022, 02:35:55 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 15, 2022, 02:30:33 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 15, 2022, 02:03:53 PM
Quote from: bing101 on September 15, 2022, 12:34:56 PM
What's your scale for good driver.
The scale doesn't have to be entirely linear...
:thumbsup: – I'm the best driver to ever grace these fair streets.
:) – I've never had an accident, never had a ticket.
;-) – My driving is characterized by chillz and skillz.
:sombrero: – I own the road, and I drive however the heck I want.
:spin: – I'm clueless, I just point the car and go.
:-o – My passengers tend to grab things and brace themselves a lot.
:-P – I drive high, but so far it's worked out OK.
:cheers: – I'm fine when I'm sober, but I'm not always sober.
:verymad: – I am the rage.
:angry: – Not gonna lie, I suck at driving.
:thumbdown: – I'm not allowed to drive anymore.
:clap: - Just passed my driving test!
:crazy: - I'm no good at multitasking
:cool: - I care more about the car than the road
:confused: - I paid so much for my car, I feel like I bought the road.
:colorful: - People who don't know driving aren't in my shoes of my neighborhood.
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 18, 2022, 12:01:13 AM
Quote from: GaryV on September 15, 2022, 02:35:55 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 15, 2022, 02:30:33 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 15, 2022, 02:03:53 PM
Quote from: bing101 on September 15, 2022, 12:34:56 PM
What's your scale for good driver.
The scale doesn't have to be entirely linear...
:thumbsup: – I'm the best driver to ever grace these fair streets.
:) – I've never had an accident, never had a ticket.
;-) – My driving is characterized by chillz and skillz.
:sombrero: – I own the road, and I drive however the heck I want.
:spin: – I'm clueless, I just point the car and go.
:-o – My passengers tend to grab things and brace themselves a lot.
:-P – I drive high, but so far it's worked out OK.
:cheers: – I'm fine when I'm sober, but I'm not always sober.
:verymad: – I am the rage.
:angry: – Not gonna lie, I suck at driving.
:thumbdown: – I'm not allowed to drive anymore.
:clap: - Just passed my driving test!
:crazy: - I'm no good at multitasking
:cool: - I care more about the car than the road
:confused: - I paid so much for my car, I feel like I bought the road.
:colorful: - People who don't know driving aren't in my shoes of my neighborhood.
:hyper: I'm a great driver. I have to be since everyone else is on the wrong side of the road coming at me.
As long as none of your act like this driver you're probably fine:
https://m.youtube.com/c/LetsRideIllinois
Quote from: Rothman on September 15, 2022, 02:24:17 PM
Everyone thinks they're the best driver on the road...but that's impossible in reality.
Ok I am 6 to 7 depending on the conditions. But I quit driving for sometime and it might be lower than that now. I used to know how to respond to driving in the rain but that's been gone for a few years due to the pandemic scare reasons.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 14, 2022, 03:19:10 PM
I guess we'll find out in Maui next week. All that one lane mountain stuff I do locally apparently will come in handy.
Yes Road to Hana will really test your driving skills and it's Hawaii's answer to Pacific Coast Highway.
Quote from: bing101 on September 18, 2022, 03:30:42 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 14, 2022, 03:19:10 PM
I guess we'll find out in Maui next week. All that one lane mountain stuff I do locally apparently will come in handy.
Yes Road to Hana will really test your driving skills and it's Hawaii's answer to Pacific Coast Highway.
We'll see, I have my doubts it will outclass the Nacimiento-Ferguson Road. It's unclear if I'll have a chance at Piilani Highway, that seems to be more what I'm used to.
In this thread: people who either a) think that 7/10 is average, or b) don't understand how the vast majority of people, likely themselves included, are simply average drivers.
Quote from: thspfc on September 18, 2022, 05:31:38 PM
In this thread: people who either a) think that 7/10 is average, or b) don't understand how the vast majority of people, likely themselves included, are simply average drivers.
What makes someone better than average? It's a good question, not as easy to answer as you'd think.
I think a list would include things like situational awareness and habits that are largely supported by most roadgeeks, like KRETP. So, I get that everyone can't be above average, but also recognize that people here tend to be more invested in driving than elsewhere, even if only as a leisure activity, so it would tend to follow that they would also be better at it.
My dad taught me the most important piece of information I've learned as a driver, which he himself learned from my grandfather: "When in doubt, yield." That means if it's unclear whether me or someone else should have the right-of-way at a four-way stop or roundabout for example, out of courtesy I should (and usually do) give the other driver precedence over me.
On a multi-lane highway, I always make sure to only switch lanes on a broken line, and not a solid one. I always signal when I turn too. My weaknesses are that sometimes I tailgate slow drivers in front of me, and am guilty of adding 5-10 MPH to every speed limit.
Quote from: kphoger on September 15, 2022, 02:03:53 PM
:cheers: – I'm fine when I'm sober, but I'm not always sober.
I just remembered this gem:
Quote from: Alps on August 29, 2012, 12:28:43 AM
I drive better after 3 drinks than on 0 - less aggressive and smoother.