How your driving style ?
- Thread starter MetalSlug
- Start date
- Status
I drive defensively.
If conditions permit I drive the speed limit (never more than 4 or 5 miles over). I've driven more miles than I care to count, and I haven't had a ticket in about 40 years. Never an accident that was my fault (I was rear-ended once). I never let the actions of others dictate what I do behind the wheel (as in getting angry or cutting people off for revenge).
The result is very low insurance rates, vehicles that last a long time, and much lower blood pressure.
If conditions permit I drive the speed limit (never more than 4 or 5 miles over). I've driven more miles than I care to count, and I haven't had a ticket in about 40 years. Never an accident that was my fault (I was rear-ended once). I never let the actions of others dictate what I do behind the wheel (as in getting angry or cutting people off for revenge).
The result is very low insurance rates, vehicles that last a long time, and much lower blood pressure.
My daily driver (Civic), I drive speed limit, pretty non-aggressive. Weekends (Camaro), a tad more aggressive. =P
Most of the time, I'm within a few mph of the posted speed limit. Most of the time.
But when I work out of town, I take a winding two-lane blacktop. Stick to within 5 mph of the posted speed limit. It amuses me how the tailgating SUV completely disappears from my rearview when I don't slow down for the corners. They usually re-appear back on my bumper when the road straightens out....usually.
I leave a lot of space between me and the car in front of me. For some reason, with about 6 car lengths between me and the car in front of me at 60mph, a large number of drivers still feel it necessary to pull directly in front of me and apply their brakes.
But when I work out of town, I take a winding two-lane blacktop. Stick to within 5 mph of the posted speed limit. It amuses me how the tailgating SUV completely disappears from my rearview when I don't slow down for the corners. They usually re-appear back on my bumper when the road straightens out....usually.
I leave a lot of space between me and the car in front of me. For some reason, with about 6 car lengths between me and the car in front of me at 60mph, a large number of drivers still feel it necessary to pull directly in front of me and apply their brakes.
Ive got a sort of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde thing going on. Ill switch randomly like some sort of bipolar.
As an example, once I was driving my Mom to work since hers was at Ford.
I was in Hyde mode; accelerating lightly, running just over the limit (1-2mph) and I was estimating lights so I was doing a lot of coasting. I do take turns fast though. They are fun and it does conserve energy as long as you are not so fast you start skidding.
Anyway.
She told me I drive like a Grandma on the way to the church house when I dropped her off.
Well, when I picked her up I drove like that out of the parking lot up until the on ramp for the highway.
I switched and dropped the hammer about half way though the turn. Kicked the rear out and everything. Kept it mashed through 1st. Drove like that all the way home.
I get about 1 ticket per year. I already got this year's, so I have to be extra careful where and when Im being funny.
As an example, once I was driving my Mom to work since hers was at Ford.
I was in Hyde mode; accelerating lightly, running just over the limit (1-2mph) and I was estimating lights so I was doing a lot of coasting. I do take turns fast though. They are fun and it does conserve energy as long as you are not so fast you start skidding.
Anyway.
She told me I drive like a Grandma on the way to the church house when I dropped her off.
Well, when I picked her up I drove like that out of the parking lot up until the on ramp for the highway.
I switched and dropped the hammer about half way though the turn. Kicked the rear out and everything. Kept it mashed through 1st. Drove like that all the way home.
I get about 1 ticket per year. I already got this year's, so I have to be extra careful where and when Im being funny.
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I dirve for economy and longevity, coupled with safety, in every car I have. It works. i dont need to prove to myself that I have a fast car every time I drive, all it does is waste gas. I care about optimized lifecycle cost in a vehicle that I enjoy owning and driving.
Me too, pretty much to the letter. And I actually enjoy my cars more when driving them this way. I like to feel the mechanical movements of the car, of the suspension, of the tires on the road. I like to feel the harmony of everything working in concert together. If I'm driving faster than everyone else, I can't enjoy those aspects of the car because I'm too concentrated on performing some Dale Earnhardt move.
How can anyone average 25 mpg in a 3500 lb AWD SUV in their rush hour commute? By taking the "rush" out of "rush hour". It's such an obvious win-win, I think it gets overlooked a lot.
Agreed...it doesn't mean much to get home 5 minutes earlier..
I keep it easy 90% of the time....but I do like to have a little fun now and then. Nothing wrong with a good italian tune up...
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I dirve for economy and longevity, coupled with safety, in every car I have. It works. i dont need to prove to myself that I have a fast car every time I drive, all it does is waste gas. I care about optimized lifecycle cost in a vehicle that I enjoy owning and driving.
Me too, pretty much to the letter. And I actually enjoy my cars more when driving them this way. I like to feel the mechanical movements of the car, of the suspension, of the tires on the road. I like to feel the harmony of everything working in concert together. If I'm driving faster than everyone else, I can't enjoy those aspects of the car because I'm too concentrated on performing some Dale Earnhardt move.
How can anyone average 25 mpg in a 3500 lb AWD SUV in their rush hour commute? By taking the "rush" out of "rush hour". It's such an obvious win-win, I think it gets overlooked a lot.
Agreed...it doesn't mean much to get home 5 minutes earlier..
I keep it easy 90% of the time....but I do like to have a little fun now and then. Nothing wrong with a good italian tune up...
I drive for the conditions and within my skill limits. When I am in town or commuting I drive the speed limit or close to it (keep up with traffic). When my kids are in the car its speed limit only. However, I drive a sports car and I live in the mountains so when I drive by myself and the roads are clear I drive 'spiritedly'.
When I am at work, I drive customers cars at the limits of their capabilities and up to 160 MPH, literally. That is what they pay me to do. It sucks, but someone has to do it.
When I am at work, I drive customers cars at the limits of their capabilities and up to 160 MPH, literally. That is what they pay me to do. It sucks, but someone has to do it.
I match my driving to a variety of things. Since I routinely drive very heavily loaded Savanas I have a lot of caution in me. I don't hit things or get tickets anymore. Just being efficient and safe. No emotions at work.
But I make sure and get out at least a couple of times a month and meet up with some enthusiast friends. We have a couple of controlled roads that we use for very spirited competition. Keeps the old reflexes sharp.
But I make sure and get out at least a couple of times a month and meet up with some enthusiast friends. We have a couple of controlled roads that we use for very spirited competition. Keeps the old reflexes sharp.
I tend to pick a speed, and drive that. When traffic gets thick I tend to pick a lane. I don't care too much for when others weave around traffic so they can drive faster--so, I make sure I don't either. Only weaving I will do is to get around left lane bandits.
Right now I have the luxury of being able to drive to work early--and leave early--and miss the worst of rush hour. Thus, I can sit at or below the limit, in the right lane. Boring, but the 10-20% boost in mpg is nice.
But I have certainly enjoyed driving 10+ over the limit, maximizing my time in the left lane. It was actually the opposite of stressful to do that: it could be a form of unwinding. Mind you, I make sure to pass properly, use signals, all that jazz. It was just nice to feel like I was not only driving fast, but getting away with it.
[No tickets in many years.]
On my regular commute, driving fast saves maybe 5 minutes (10 at most), each way; costs 10% or more. Since that is where the majority of my miles comes from, might as well take it easy. But when I need to drive 3+ hours?
Right now I have the luxury of being able to drive to work early--and leave early--and miss the worst of rush hour. Thus, I can sit at or below the limit, in the right lane. Boring, but the 10-20% boost in mpg is nice.
But I have certainly enjoyed driving 10+ over the limit, maximizing my time in the left lane. It was actually the opposite of stressful to do that: it could be a form of unwinding. Mind you, I make sure to pass properly, use signals, all that jazz. It was just nice to feel like I was not only driving fast, but getting away with it.
On my regular commute, driving fast saves maybe 5 minutes (10 at most), each way; costs 10% or more. Since that is where the majority of my miles comes from, might as well take it easy. But when I need to drive 3+ hours?
Originally Posted By: Scott_Tucker
I drive for the conditions and within my skill limits. When I am in town or commuting I drive the speed limit or close to it (keep up with traffic). When my kids are in the car its speed limit only. However, I drive a sports car and I live in the mountains so when I drive by myself and the roads are clear I drive 'spiritedly'.
When I am at work, I drive customers cars at the limits of their capabilities and up to 160 MPH, literally. That is what they pay me to do. It sucks, but someone has to do it.
I want your job!
I drive for the conditions and within my skill limits. When I am in town or commuting I drive the speed limit or close to it (keep up with traffic). When my kids are in the car its speed limit only. However, I drive a sports car and I live in the mountains so when I drive by myself and the roads are clear I drive 'spiritedly'.
When I am at work, I drive customers cars at the limits of their capabilities and up to 160 MPH, literally. That is what they pay me to do. It sucks, but someone has to do it.
I want your job!
Usually 5mph above the posted speed limit except in neighborhoods, then I stick to the speed limit. On the interstate 75 to 80mph, especially on 285 here in Atlanta. Left lane hammer down!
Originally Posted By: CBR.worm
Originally Posted By: Scott_Tucker
I drive for the conditions and within my skill limits. When I am in town or commuting I drive the speed limit or close to it (keep up with traffic). When my kids are in the car its speed limit only. However, I drive a sports car and I live in the mountains so when I drive by myself and the roads are clear I drive 'spiritedly'.
When I am at work, I drive customers cars at the limits of their capabilities and up to 160 MPH, literally. That is what they pay me to do. It sucks, but someone has to do it.
I want your job!
I can't tell you many people tell me that, but it's not all fun and games and I'm ready to move on.
Originally Posted By: Scott_Tucker
I drive for the conditions and within my skill limits. When I am in town or commuting I drive the speed limit or close to it (keep up with traffic). When my kids are in the car its speed limit only. However, I drive a sports car and I live in the mountains so when I drive by myself and the roads are clear I drive 'spiritedly'.
When I am at work, I drive customers cars at the limits of their capabilities and up to 160 MPH, literally. That is what they pay me to do. It sucks, but someone has to do it.
I want your job!
I can't tell you many people tell me that, but it's not all fun and games and I'm ready to move on.
It depends.
I drive about twenty five mostly two lane miles to work.
I usually drive at a pretty gentle pace, between 60 and 65 mph on this wide, smooth two lane.
I might pass a couple of cars each week coming or going to work, since it is fun to redline a gear or two every now and then.
The payoff for driving gently is that it's much easier on the machine, you get maybe 10% better fuel economy overall and it allows lower blood pressure.
OTOH, there are those on the same route who drive like they're fleeing a felony with the cops in hot pursuit.
Last Thurday, I saw two particulalry risky passes, one invoving a guy in a Cobalt, nobody's idea of a fast car, who (slowly) passed me and the two cars and concrete truck ahead of me uphill into a blind corner.
The other involved a guy in an Odyssey, who got out in the left lane of this two lane road as though he were on a four lane divided highway, and just hammered the thing along.
He passed me and I don't know how many cars ahead of me, through at least one intersection, and finally forced his way back into line while coming pretty close to a head-on.
The irony is that these people normally don't get very far ahead of me.
I sometimes notice that very agressive drivers I see on my commute on a regular basis are suddenly transformed into grandmas.
I take that to mean that they just bought themselves a healthy ticket.
I drive about twenty five mostly two lane miles to work.
I usually drive at a pretty gentle pace, between 60 and 65 mph on this wide, smooth two lane.
I might pass a couple of cars each week coming or going to work, since it is fun to redline a gear or two every now and then.
The payoff for driving gently is that it's much easier on the machine, you get maybe 10% better fuel economy overall and it allows lower blood pressure.
OTOH, there are those on the same route who drive like they're fleeing a felony with the cops in hot pursuit.
Last Thurday, I saw two particulalry risky passes, one invoving a guy in a Cobalt, nobody's idea of a fast car, who (slowly) passed me and the two cars and concrete truck ahead of me uphill into a blind corner.
The other involved a guy in an Odyssey, who got out in the left lane of this two lane road as though he were on a four lane divided highway, and just hammered the thing along.
He passed me and I don't know how many cars ahead of me, through at least one intersection, and finally forced his way back into line while coming pretty close to a head-on.
The irony is that these people normally don't get very far ahead of me.
I sometimes notice that very agressive drivers I see on my commute on a regular basis are suddenly transformed into grandmas.
I take that to mean that they just bought themselves a healthy ticket.
I live on a narrow street in a quiet neighborhood. I don't have a backyard so my 4 year olds playground equipment is in the front yard and that is where we play. We used to live on a 1 lane farm road and my son could wander anywhere and be safe so at the new house we are having trouble keeping him out of the street. We have this family that insists on driving 40mph down the street. I don't know how many times I've screamed at them to slow down. Some of our nieghbors have actually gone to their door and asked them to slow down but they won't. It seems like anytime someone mentions it they drive faster. I'm ready to pull the old throw-the-ball-in-the-street-trick. Someday they are going to hit someone.
Yeah, 99% of the time Im not even going the limit in residential areas. I can feel the trans shift into 3rd at 20mph so I look for that and hold it just above. Itll mostly just idle down the road at that speed with no/little throttle.
Originally Posted By: Scott_Tucker
"I want your job!"
I can't tell you many people tell me that, but it's not all fun and games and I'm ready to move on.
I understand. About 15 years ago, I worked as an instructor for a motorcycle racing school, leading people around the track at a moderate pace all day. I would lead them for a few laps; then follow them and give advice, repeat all day. There were some fast guys (experts) who would come out just for the track time and actually push me - which was fun, but for the most part it was monotonous. I moved on pretty quickly. It was a good experience overall and helped pay for my racing 'career'.
I would be nervous driving other peoples cars that fast, I assume you must do some sort of tech inspection to make sure a wheel or brake caliper isn't going to fall off. Whenever someone asked me to ride their bike I always refused unless I had time to go over it myself with some wrenches. They had to be wired and pass tech prior to getting on the track in the morning, but once through tech there would be tire changes, brake changes, who knows what.
As for the neighborhoods, some people are just idiots.
"I want your job!"
I can't tell you many people tell me that, but it's not all fun and games and I'm ready to move on.
I understand. About 15 years ago, I worked as an instructor for a motorcycle racing school, leading people around the track at a moderate pace all day. I would lead them for a few laps; then follow them and give advice, repeat all day. There were some fast guys (experts) who would come out just for the track time and actually push me - which was fun, but for the most part it was monotonous. I moved on pretty quickly. It was a good experience overall and helped pay for my racing 'career'.
I would be nervous driving other peoples cars that fast, I assume you must do some sort of tech inspection to make sure a wheel or brake caliper isn't going to fall off. Whenever someone asked me to ride their bike I always refused unless I had time to go over it myself with some wrenches. They had to be wired and pass tech prior to getting on the track in the morning, but once through tech there would be tire changes, brake changes, who knows what.
As for the neighborhoods, some people are just idiots.
It angers me to try and count how many times I've been passed in my own neighborhood. And usually driving between 25-27 mph too. Too many yahoos want to drive 35-40.
Since I don't drive as agressively as I once did, I am not having to pay for traffic violations, my brakes/tires(maybe even suspension parts) last much longer and my fuel economy is better.
The savings is spectacular and my passengers are more comfortable and relaxed by not being thrown around the compartment. But, that was a long time ago!
It's not that I drove like an idiot, it's just that I wanted to use some of that power/handling that I paid for(usually when I was driving alone). And also, my agressiveness was more along the lines of having too much coffee, rather than like someone thats tailgating and weaving in/out of traffic and driving 20-30 over the posted speed limit.
The savings is spectacular and my passengers are more comfortable and relaxed by not being thrown around the compartment. But, that was a long time ago!
It's not that I drove like an idiot, it's just that I wanted to use some of that power/handling that I paid for(usually when I was driving alone). And also, my agressiveness was more along the lines of having too much coffee, rather than like someone thats tailgating and weaving in/out of traffic and driving 20-30 over the posted speed limit.
Last edited:
- Status
Similar threads
