Traffic dilemma . . .

[linderlizzie]

Answer me this: Why do people insist upon tailgating no matter how much traffic there is around them? 

AND why do they make a huge conga line with their cars traveling at excessive speeds? 

Do they think they're going to get where they're going faster, or what?

Psychologically speaking, there must be some sort of mentality that lends itself to these habits, but I've yet to discover what it is. 

I would love to hear if anyone can offer something that might help me understand it. I'm hoping if I can understand it, it won't make me so dern frustrated. 

[ricdsm]

I'd say that the primary issue is low frustration tolerance.

[vickysue]

Part of it is just being stupid and sometimes not even obeying the law.  Not leaving  early enough to take the time to get there at a regular speed.  Some times they are using the cell phones. so yep just acting stupid.

[monnee]

They're in a rush to go some place and risking for an accident to happen.

[Skyisbluetoday]

I've rode with other driver's and they just normally drive fast, it's totally frustrating for slower drivers!

[ancmetro]

    Do not drive during rush hours...and you will not get rear-ended! Get to know your traffic patterns to avoid these risky situations.

[kimber62372]

Pure ignorance is frustrating! I just don't get it either and why are there traffic jams? There is no need for them if they allowed truck drivers to drive at certain times to avoid rush hour! The Jetsons had a plan with flying our cars in the sky...will it ever happen?? lol

[bigfoot951]

For whatever reason there are a lot of people that are going to be the same distance from the car in front of them no matter how fast that car is going.  And those people tend to like to stay pretty close to that car in front of them.  At that point it just becomes their comfort zone and becomes habit.

[UGetPaid]

For whatever reason there are a lot of people that are going to be the same distance from the car in front of them no matter how fast that car is going.  And those people tend to like to stay pretty close to that car in front of them.  At that point it just becomes their comfort zone and becomes habit.

And driving with a greater distance between you and the car in front of you only encourages the people that bigfoot speaks of to use that car gap as an opportunity to squeeze in. 


A few years ago, I was nearly run off the road by a truck driver who did not have the right of way, yet he blew his horn at me like I was at fault.  I was actually traveling to see a client before a court hearing and I told him the story (not even thinking beforehand that he has a good bit of truck driving experience in his job).  After confirming with me that the other driver was wrong and a complete jerk, he began talking about many situations where cars do some of the dumbest things when driving among the big trucks. 


One comment he made = if he maintains a certain distance between his truck and the traffic ahead of him, it is because he needs at least that much empty space when carrying a full load to safely stop -- should an emergency arise.  But other cars see that large gap and decide to 'fill it', which requires him to slow down even further to regain the assured clear distance those drivers just took away.  It becomes a vicious cycle and really was a pet peeve of his.


So keep that in mind when you pull in front of a big truck on the highway!  Give him some good space before you decide to do it.

[aflyingmonkey]

They ride your bumper because they want you to pull over & let them pass... no matter how fast you are going, it's not fast enough for them.      They are passive aggressive & trying to show you that you are going to slow for their liking.       

[pstovall]

Over and over, I've seen cars speed past me, exceeding the speed limit, then we both get stopped at the same red light.  All that risky, (illegal) speeding doesn't even help them get to their destination any faster!

[camellia0]

I''m of no help. I wonder the same thing as well. Especially when in they are only going to work or home during the week. Makes no sense.

[autumnsparklemom]

Folks are just rush rush now a days and some people wonder why there is road rage.

[debidoo]

There is no way to understand it I don't think.  I now have to drive my son back and forth to work and it is driving me insane.  All I can say is what the heck is wrong with people and what is the point of these things.  I don't want to be in a car accident and people drive crazy and act like they never worry about it.

[Liquidfire_43]

If people tailgate me and I am within + or - 5 miles the speed limit, I just maintain speed or I go slower.. If they want to go somewhere they can do some aggressive or illegal turns to pass me... Won't be sad if they crash or kill themselves because they are in a rush