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Evolve Dammit

(19,827 posts)
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 06:27 PM Jan 13

Just experienced another "road rage" incident. It's becoming common. NEVER used to happen. Laws and rules are optional.

Don't know what to do about it. Seems like we are spiraling and I'm sure 45's cabinet and Vlad are excited to see it.
I don't do "social" media but it looks pretty ugly as well, from the reporting I see.

69 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Just experienced another "road rage" incident. It's becoming common. NEVER used to happen. Laws and rules are optional. (Original Post) Evolve Dammit Jan 13 OP
The big guy (djt) takes no personal responsibility,.... magicarpet Jan 13 #1
It seems that cars are getting bigger Jerry2144 Jan 13 #2
????? yagotme Jan 14 #35
I remember those cars Jerry2144 Jan 14 #54
Aerodynamics and "sporty" look. NutmegYankee Jan 14 #60
60's and 70's mustangs were kind of scowly. yagotme Jan 15 #62
Twice a week a DIY camouflage pickup truck with a "We the People" vinyl wrap on the tailgate... EarthFirst Jan 13 #3
Yeah. I have two daughters who are not as experienced as I am and I worry like crazy. One already had a "mishap" from an Evolve Dammit Jan 13 #4
I used Rebl2 Jan 14 #42
It's sad. We're going to be shooting at each other is my prediction. Evolve Dammit Jan 14 #44
We just Rebl2 Jan 14 #58
We will be settling our differences with gun violence I fear. It is becoming unhinged. Evolve Dammit Jan 14 #59
Maybe Worse, But Nothing New ProfessorGAC Jan 13 #5
Speed limits, stop signs and red lights are OPTIONAL in the NE. Evolve Dammit Jan 13 #7
I think they're optional EVERYWHERE!!!! a kennedy Jan 13 #15
Saw a stop-and-go at a red light in a small town in IL. yagotme Jan 14 #36
I'm in Lincoln currently... rasputin1952 Jan 14 #53
It has changed a lot. And not for the better. Rude drivers have no tolerance to give anyone some slack. Disgusting Evolve Dammit Jan 14 #55
They follow their leader malaise Jan 13 #6
Overall rejection of rules, laws and basic civility and safety. Pathetic Evolve Dammit Jan 13 #8
And not just in the USA malaise Jan 13 #9
Very sad. We seem to be hurtling into "might makes right." Not a new concept. Evolve Dammit Jan 14 #23
I get the impression durablend Jan 13 #10
I'm worried you're correct proud patriot Jan 13 #13
Orange Julius has set the tone by example. Evolve Dammit Jan 14 #18
Since Covid there has been significant decrease in traffic stops in our area. One officer told me they just didn't want dutch777 Jan 13 #11
They don't have to "stick their heads in with possibly contagious folks". Mariana Jan 13 #16
Yes, it's just an excuse. Traffic stops are one of the most Mike 03 Jan 14 #24
Really good idea. It's getting really dangerous Evolve Dammit Jan 14 #19
Cops are such fucking cowards. Aristus Jan 14 #27
One of the things that differentiates 21st-Century road rage from previous years ... Intractable Jan 13 #12
Very true. I think it is turning into the wild west Evolve Dammit Jan 14 #20
Hell, cars and trucks have been weaponized . . . hatrack Jan 14 #32
Just out of curiosity, couldn't they have also been armed in the past? yagotme Jan 14 #37
There are many more guns in circulation now. Intractable Jan 14 #39
More vehicles are on the road now too. yagotme Jan 14 #41
Is a rifle as easy to fire in a spontaneous rage situation as a pistol? Intractable Jan 14 #43
In my post I stated that pistols were also available during that time frame I was referencing. yagotme Jan 15 #61
This discussion is not interesting to me. Intractable Jan 15 #63
Rifles fall under the gun moniker. yagotme Jan 16 #64
Get a dashcam. flvegan Jan 13 #14
Very good thought. Any recommendations on brands? Evolve Dammit Jan 14 #22
I can only speak to those which I have personal experience. flvegan Jan 14 #33
Thanks very much! Evolve Dammit Jan 14 #45
Vlad gave Big $ to GOP and NRA Kid Berwyn Jan 13 #17
Sadly. It won't get better over the next two years minimally Evolve Dammit Jan 14 #21
I have no data that says road rage incidents are up Johnny2X2X Jan 14 #25
I would guess that 99% goes unreported. I only called 9-11 once in all the instances I've seen. Even with plate number Evolve Dammit Jan 14 #50
Is jury duty optional now? Nt LSparkle Jan 14 #26
Don't know. I've served twice. I suppose if you have substantive reasons?? Evolve Dammit Jan 14 #46
Not just road rage newdeal2 Jan 14 #28
Impatience. Plus Jacked up on whatever. Yeah Evolve Dammit Jan 14 #47
We had a class in HS "Drivers Ed." It was really good and included road practice. They don't offer it where we are. Evolve Dammit Jan 14 #49
Folks seem to be ruder and cruder overall, not just when driving. Midnight Writer Jan 14 #29
Agreed 100%. It has manifested in the last 10 years. Evolve Dammit Jan 14 #48
I like driving about 10 under the speed limit in the far left lane. I feel safe and secure there but, Hotler Jan 14 #30
I figure that finger is telling me, I'm the number one safe driver. multigraincracker Jan 14 #31
Yup. yagotme Jan 14 #38
My wife loved getting behind a city bus, Conjuay Jan 14 #52
Well, don't do that late at night. yagotme Jan 14 #40
Ya riight Evolve Dammit Jan 14 #51
The violent crime rate has been dropping during the Biden Administration Kaleva Jan 14 #34
One of my favorite Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey JoseBalow Jan 14 #56
Today you risk being shot. It ain't funny anymore Evolve Dammit Jan 14 #57
That's been happening ever since the COVID lockdown ended.... Blue_Tires Jan 17 #65
I don't link it to that necessarily. It has increased over time and I noticed well before covid. More people on the Evolve Dammit Jan 17 #66
Well there's definitely a lot more speed demons out there Blue_Tires Jan 17 #67
They think they are in NASCAR, but most are just fucking rude and unsafe. Evolve Dammit Jan 17 #68
Check out YouTube Blue_Tires Jan 17 #69

magicarpet

(17,555 posts)
1. The big guy (djt) takes no personal responsibility,....
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 06:43 PM
Jan 13

.... why should the MAGA Meathead Goons ?

Blaming everyone else for your shortcomings is the new and accepted normal.

Jerry2144

(2,700 posts)
2. It seems that cars are getting bigger
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 06:45 PM
Jan 13

And more power and performance while looking like the have a more aggressive face. All of that has to contribute to road rage. Off a car has lots of power and looks mean, wouldn’t it lead people to be angry? We need cars with more friendly faces and round head lights. No more scowling cowls

yagotme

(4,039 posts)
35. ?????
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 12:41 PM
Jan 14

Don't know how old you are, but I remember cars from the 70's that you could just about land a helicopter on the hood. With 400+ Ci engines. Sold as family cars.

It seems that cars are getting bigger... And more power and performance

Jerry2144

(2,700 posts)
54. I remember those cars
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 03:36 PM
Jan 14

But post gas crunch when things shrank to save fuel to now.

Those old lights were mostly round. Those car faces didn’t look like they wanted to eat your. Note, almost every car has narrow, rectangular headlights, on a slight angle, and with accents that look like eyebrows in a scowl. Look at the front of a Mustang, Camaro, or other modern sports car or truck. Then look at the front of a 60s version of the same car. Which looks mean and which looks like fun?

NutmegYankee

(16,379 posts)
60. Aerodynamics and "sporty" look.
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 07:08 PM
Jan 14

1960s sports cars were styled in the front like many modern cars. What drives the style today is the drag coefficient and the need for daytime running lights.

yagotme

(4,039 posts)
62. 60's and 70's mustangs were kind of scowly.
Wed Jan 15, 2025, 12:49 PM
Jan 15

Just depends on how far you let your imagination take you, I guess. Are the modern VW's with the cute eyelashes OK??

But post gas crunch when things shrank to save fuel to now.

So, cars were large, then they shrunk, then are getting bigger again. So, if larger cars cause road rage, then there must have been a TON of it back in the day.

EarthFirst

(3,382 posts)
3. Twice a week a DIY camouflage pickup truck with a "We the People" vinyl wrap on the tailgate...
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 06:50 PM
Jan 13

…blasts by a line of traffic 8-10 vehicles down a double solid lane; I’ve seen him have to squeeze into that traffic twice in the last month or so to avoid oncoming traffic.

It isn’t just MAGA though; it’s a remarkable amount of aggressive drivers lately. 70 is the new 55 on our local highways; winter weather or not.

Not sure what the answer is.

Until then; I hope we get there in on time; in one piece…

Evolve Dammit

(19,827 posts)
4. Yeah. I have two daughters who are not as experienced as I am and I worry like crazy. One already had a "mishap" from an
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 07:03 PM
Jan 13

aggressive driver that was screaming at her and beeping, moving his vehicle toward her and she was intimidated enough to swipe a parked car. Really tough on young drivers to adapt to "today". I never saw this shit for over 40 years. Last ten, I've seen it multiple times a week.

Rebl2

(15,508 posts)
42. I used
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 01:00 PM
Jan 14

to see it back in the late 70’s where I am. It’s much worse today because some of these people shoot at people as well, not just run you off the road or hit or yell at you.

Rebl2

(15,508 posts)
58. We just
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 06:26 PM
Jan 14

had a road rage incident last week and the person shot died. It happened in the late evening where there are no cameras I am pretty sure, so no arrest made as of now.

ProfessorGAC

(71,482 posts)
5. Maybe Worse, But Nothing New
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 07:09 PM
Jan 13

I was on a 2 lane highway a few years back. Speed limit 55.
I have cruise set at 55 (worst case, 54) and a guy is so close I can see his hairline in my rear view mirror.
Traffic going the other way finally clears, and he jets past me. Flipped me off, quite assertively.
I got flipped off for going the speed limit!
BTW: over the next 5 miles to the next light (where the road goes to 4 lane) none of the other cars caught up to me.
It was just the one maniac.

a kennedy

(32,725 posts)
15. I think they're optional EVERYWHERE!!!!
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 09:14 PM
Jan 13

Ugh, it’s damn scary out there. I just try to follow the rules, not piss off to many people and absolutely hate driving on Fridays.

rasputin1952

(83,453 posts)
53. I'm in Lincoln currently...
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 02:51 PM
Jan 14

Not as bad as Boston (nor nearly the population). Speed limits are ignored, stop lights and signs are ignored, and I should do a count of the mini-liquor bottles I find on the streets and byways.

I learned how to drive in the 1960s in NYC. Different time, different place. No 12 ft high pickups, 7 ft high vans, (w/no windows) and no one ever thought of "joining" a funeral procession to get through a red light.


dutch777

(3,834 posts)
11. Since Covid there has been significant decrease in traffic stops in our area. One officer told me they just didn't want
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 08:04 PM
Jan 13

to be sticking their heads in with possibly contagious folks during Covid and their patrols have never gone back to traffic law enforcement at the same levels as pre-Covid. I keep griping locally they should do unmarked car traffic enforcement task forces for all the nonsense that is increasing. You have a task force with 8 or 10 officers in unmarked non-police looking vehicles and hop around an area and folks start getting snagged and you publicize it folks will start to be more compliant. When I lived in WA state, they used vehicles seized in drug busts and such as they were free and didn't stand out as cop cars. They just added undercover sirens and lights and the radio/computer set-up.

Mariana

(15,301 posts)
16. They don't have to "stick their heads in with possibly contagious folks".
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 10:11 PM
Jan 13

They can stand outside the car and talk through the open window from short distance away, like normal people do. I get that they often like to perform informal searches that don't require probable cause or a warrant by sticking their heads inside to look around, but it's not required for them to do so.

Mike 03

(18,067 posts)
24. Yes, it's just an excuse. Traffic stops are one of the most
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 08:23 AM
Jan 14

dangerous procedures LE performs, and probably more dangerous now than anytime in our history due to the prevalence of firearms and mental illness.

Aristus

(69,035 posts)
27. Cops are such fucking cowards.
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 09:17 AM
Jan 14

You can’t shoot a virus, so they’re not going to bother with any situation in which they might get exposed.

Intractable

(835 posts)
12. One of the things that differentiates 21st-Century road rage from previous years ...
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 08:45 PM
Jan 13

Now, the assholes are armed.

Be careful out there.

hatrack

(61,693 posts)
32. Hell, cars and trucks have been weaponized . . .
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 10:10 AM
Jan 14

I'm surprised GM or Ford haven't come out with SUVs that have three-foot spikes welded to the frame, or retractable 20mm cannon in the quarter panels.

yagotme

(4,039 posts)
37. Just out of curiosity, couldn't they have also been armed in the past?
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 12:46 PM
Jan 14

I remember the "redneck window decoration" of a rifle rack installed in the back window of a pickup truck. In the 70's.

Intractable

(835 posts)
39. There are many more guns in circulation now.
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 12:55 PM
Jan 14

The problem is more about pistols easily accessible to the driver in a moment of rage.

yagotme

(4,039 posts)
41. More vehicles are on the road now too.
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 12:59 PM
Jan 14

A rifle is, in most areas, as easy to get (for an adult) as a pistol. Pistols were readily available in the 70's. Perhaps it's not the guns that are the problem, maybe it's the people...

Intractable

(835 posts)
43. Is a rifle as easy to fire in a spontaneous rage situation as a pistol?
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 01:03 PM
Jan 14

Perhaps the driver can hold the rifle in his waist band at the ready?

Rifles in gun racks are not an issue.

yagotme

(4,039 posts)
61. In my post I stated that pistols were also available during that time frame I was referencing.
Wed Jan 15, 2025, 12:41 PM
Jan 15

You must have missed that. However, in answer to your post, a rifle that is at the ready in a rifle rack, and can be quickly deployed if the driver stops and gets out, is quite dangerous, as most rifle rounds will readily defeat car bodies/glass. A short barrel rifle, with collapsible stock, COULD be held across their lap, at the ready.

Intractable

(835 posts)
63. This discussion is not interesting to me.
Wed Jan 15, 2025, 01:40 PM
Jan 15

I made the point that there are more guns in circulation today. But, you want to talk about rifles. Whatever.

yagotme

(4,039 posts)
64. Rifles fall under the gun moniker.
Thu Jan 16, 2025, 09:47 AM
Jan 16

I pointed out there are more cars on the road today also, but that doesn't seem to matter to the discussion.

flvegan

(64,743 posts)
14. Get a dashcam.
Mon Jan 13, 2025, 09:14 PM
Jan 13

One that can shoot a good portion of the frontal view, and if possible, also behind you. It doesn't have to be the best one on the market, those tend to be unnecessary for most folks. I think mine cost $80, but I've seen them for as little as $40. It should never just be your word against theirs if something does happen. Just an idea.

I'm sorry this happened to you.

flvegan

(64,743 posts)
33. I can only speak to those which I have personal experience.
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 10:12 AM
Jan 14

I currently use a Rove. Depending on budget, one can spend a lot of money on a known brand (Garmin, Cobra, etc). Since I'm in Florida, and the cam is mounted to the windshield in the sun, I don't expect to get 5 years of use out of it, so I go with a good, well reviewed choice that's far less expensive.

One thing I did do as part of my "research" was to go to YouTube and find dashcam crash compilation videos from North America. The cam displays will often have a brand/model label on the bottom of the video feed that's been uploaded. Nothing like a real-world application example to review.

Johnny2X2X

(22,201 posts)
25. I have no data that says road rage incidents are up
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 09:07 AM
Jan 14

But I know for a fact people with dashboard cameras to capture road rage incidents are at an all time high.

Evolve Dammit

(19,827 posts)
50. I would guess that 99% goes unreported. I only called 9-11 once in all the instances I've seen. Even with plate number
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 02:21 PM
Jan 14

what will they do? Dash cam sounds like the way to go, so it's actually documented.

newdeal2

(1,627 posts)
28. Not just road rage
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 09:25 AM
Jan 14

But driver stupidity. Impatient people making left turns at red lights, turning from the wrong lane, speeding even when there is heavy traffic etc.

Midnight Writer

(23,411 posts)
29. Folks seem to be ruder and cruder overall, not just when driving.
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 09:32 AM
Jan 14

I dread even going to the grocery store or the pharmacy.

Most people are fine, business as usual. But there is a contingent that seems to think being obnoxious, overbearing and inconsiderate is some kind of flex move.

Hotler

(12,636 posts)
30. I like driving about 10 under the speed limit in the far left lane. I feel safe and secure there but,
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 09:35 AM
Jan 14

every time I do, I get the anger and the finger, I don't get it?

multigraincracker

(34,776 posts)
31. I figure that finger is telling me, I'm the number one safe driver.
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 09:55 AM
Jan 14

I drive five under the speed limit. I stay to the right and pull off if I see lots of cars behind me and let them go.
One time I stopped at a rest area and a gentleman came up to my window and asked if I knew what the speed limit was. I said yes I do, do you know what the speed minimum is. I said I was driving 10 over that. After I got out of my car and he saw me, he took off in a hurry.
This week we have had snowy, iced roads and I've seen tons of accidents because no one wants to slow down. Some really bad injuries.

Conjuay

(2,274 posts)
52. My wife loved getting behind a city bus,
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 02:26 PM
Jan 14

All the crazies avoid a lane with a bus, and she could turn up the radio and enjoy her ride to work.

yagotme

(4,039 posts)
40. Well, don't do that late at night.
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 12:56 PM
Jan 14

Drunk drivers tend to "safely" drive in the slow lane, but they use the wrong ramp, and now they're going the wrong way, in the fast lane...

Evolve Dammit

(19,827 posts)
66. I don't link it to that necessarily. It has increased over time and I noticed well before covid. More people on the
Fri Jan 17, 2025, 04:01 PM
Jan 17

road and many seem to be in the "get oughta my way" mode. Speed limits mean nothing to many. Common courtesy is largely gone and there is no slack for elderly, student drivers, and folks like me who typically abide by the posted limit. I just see it as another sign of an intolerant culture.

 

Blue_Tires

(57,596 posts)
69. Check out YouTube
Fri Jan 17, 2025, 06:24 PM
Jan 17

There's hundreds of police videos of them trying to lead cops on a chase only to meet a grisly end because they had way more horsepower than driving skills...

Folks really need to learn to save it for the racetrack 😏

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