I will say this about speeding and driving aggressively:
I have driven for over 20 years, and I have had jobs which have required me to extensively drive (close to 45k miles in my highest year). I have lived in 5 states and driven in about 30 of the 50. I have observed a LOT of drivers, seen plenty of accidents including fatalities.
In my observation, drivers who are driving the limit are no more likely to observe proper driving (both legally and general etiquette) as those who drive over the speed limit. Also, I see no direct correlation between aggressiveness and following driving rules. The general population, as a whole, no longer thinks of driving as a privilege or a responsibility. They view it as a right as well as a chore at best, an annoyance at worst. They do not deem it worthy of their full attention. They text, drink, eat, chat, do whatever. I see so much wandering, driving in the left lane without passing, changing lanes without signalling, etc.. It's pathetic.
I would love everyone in this country to drive in Germany for a week. Despite most people's thoughts, Germany is not cris-crossed with unlimited autobahen. Those are few and far between. Speed limits are plentiful, and they are obeyed. Drivers are taught to respect each other. There is no passing on the right and those in the left lane not passing earn a horn and flashing lights....and they get out of the way, they don't wave their middle finger. Speed limits are generally reflective of the roads they are on, they are not artificially low like they are here.
And they are low here. I have my reasons why, but will not say as to not offend anyone. But as an engineer, I know that the roads are designed to handle traffic at a much higher rate than they are generally posted.
Flashing lights and horn, that's just plain rude, not respectful and you won't see me move. I have had idiots who are speeding do that, I'm passing on the highway and they are behind me speeding, I see them come up and they flash their lights and honk their horn, of course, I'm passing and have NOWHERE to go, even if I did, it's poor driving etiquette here to do that, it's just plain rude.
Going to HEB yesterday afternoon the idiots had the crossover backed up because no one knows how to use one and the way the pull they can not see the traffic coming so they can't cross because they don't know what's coming.
TxDeb writes:
Flashing lights and horn, that's just plain rude, not respectful and you won't see me move. I have had idiots who are speeding do that, I'm passing on the highway and they are behind me speeding, I see them come up and they flash their lights and honk their horn, of course, I'm passing and have NOWHERE to go, even if I did, it's poor driving etiquette here to do that, it's just plain rude.
Goes to show you the difference in cultures.
In Germany, driving is serious. If you are in the left lane, you do not own the road. You are still required to keep an eye on your surroundings including overtaking traffic. You, the driver, are always responsible.
People don't flash generally unless this rule is being abused.
There are always idiots who don't wait for you to overtake and will flash. But far fewer there than here. Here, there are too many people who do as you say.
Personally, I never flash if someone is actively passing. Or if they are moving faster than the traffic in the travel lane and don't have a good opportunity to pull over. Honestly, I rarely flash a car to get out of the way. However there are plenty who just don't EVER pull over. I'm sorry, if you are on Woodlands Parkway passing 6 pines, the fact that you are making a left on Gosling does not entitle you to be in the left lane for 4 miles while cars stream by you on the right. If more than two cars pass you on the right, it's time to move the hell over. Honestly, if you are in the left lane, cars passing on the right, I'll more than likely pull up behind, not pass on the right (risky and illegal) and wait for you to move over.
txwoodchuck writes:
If your in the right lane and NO ONE will let you into the left lane when you need to turn,, then what?
What do you think is the correct time/distance to start trying to get into the lane you need to turn from?
Exactly, sometimes on Woodlands Parkway, Research Forest or 242 the traffic is too heavy to pull over in the left when you KNOW you are going to have to turn left. People speed on Woodlands Parkway and it's not a highway. I'll stay in the left and if you want to travel 80 and flash your lights I will not move, there is no reason to drive that fast on a 50-55 MPH road or even a 45. Leave earlier if you think your going to be late.
Evidently, you like to backtrack your way out of a position. That always makes you appear more guilty.
Whether you were joking or not, the fact that you said sometimes you have to drive aggressively just to get away from some of you tells me there is a probable chance(50% or more) that you are comfortable driving aggressively.
Do you always attempt to use a possible and/or potential life or death situation(Original poster's wife) as comical relief?
"Lighten up, this community (thewoodlandstx.com forums) are a happy place. stop being so serious, goodness.... "
I don't apologize for taking a hit and run like this lightly and never will. Not sure why you do.
Besides, we moved to the Woodlands specifically to have a much better perspective on life(not like the outside world)
So, when we enjoy driving to our destination, calmly, respectively and slowly within the speed limit, I always wonder just how tense and angry the drivers seem to be who rush past us. I usually just wave at them which seems to anger them more. Seems as if the ones who moved to the woodlands for the same reason we did take their time while others who rush and tailgate them try to involve them into their over scheduled day? After all, they are called villages for a reason and each village feels villagy, don't you think?
"if the speed limit is 45 on the woodlands parkway then im going the speed limit of 45"
Again, this just can't be true if you pass drivers going the speed limit.
"i used the youtube video as an example"
That was very self explanatory.
"um you mentioned that i was threatening to someone"
That was in reference to the way you came across which conflicted with the original poster's story. I thought that was pretty clear?
"the point that you missed is that i obey the law to the t and without disregard"
This never surfaced. Again, the fact that you even joked about it lead me to believe that you don't follow the law because you pass others who do, by driving aggressively. Therefore, you never had that point to begin with.
:i never said i was speeding. and you just cant take a joke about people supposedly driving aggressively..."
Once again, you are back tracking. Now you are adding the word "supposedly" and trying to weasel your way out of it and appear "more" innocent. I have contradicted you multiple times now.
"You have moot points because I don't drive aggressive."
There is nothing moot in my argument here. You already admitted to driving aggressive. You attempt at back tracking your position and now attempt to turn it into a joke proves you are being moot.
Anyways, we just bought our home towards the back area here with the view of a golf course. How can we not be happy and joke when we have a view like this? LOL. More of a reason for us to not drive aggressively.
We enjoy living here and will drive slooooowly and safely wherever we go. There is no reason to ever step foot out of the woodlands for anything.
Seems kind of interesting though, how people who live outside of it, seem to use our amenities, but at the same time insult it? It's not like we use yours.
And they are low here. I have my reasons why, but will not say as to not offend anyone. But as an engineer, I know that the roads are designed to handle traffic at a much higher rate than they are generally posted.
Don't be coy, just like red light cameras, it's all about generating revenue, which is the primary function of a police force. The endless laws we have in this self-proclaimed 'limited government, pro Constitution' state also gives anything and everything a reason for police to pull you over and circumvent the 4th Amendment.
Also, I voted today. My goodness, was it packed. I was sad because I know most people there weren't voting for a president like I was. They were there to vote AGAINST someone.
A 45 mph limit means just that. The "woodlands parkway" makes it sound like the limit should be like,, 65, or something
Many of the speeding drivers on The Woodlands parkway, Research Forest and Gosling aren't residents of The Woodlands, but just using those roads as a "cut through" to somewhere else.
Despite what is going on in Town Center, The Woodlands is a residential community. I have a right to travel safely. I don't care for those who act as though I'm in their way and a good reason to let out some of their anger.
It's only getting worse. I question those who defend their lawbreaking as some type of constitutional issue.
Don't be coy, just like red light cameras, it's all about generating revenue, which is the primary function of a police force. The endless laws we have in this self-proclaimed 'limited government, pro Constitution' state also gives anything and everything a reason for police to pull you over and circumvent the 4th Amendment.
Also, I voted today. My goodness, was it packed. I was sad because I know most people there weren't voting for a president like I was. They were there to vote AGAINST someone.
Just wondering. What's it like being the smartest damm guy on this board and having so many people disagree with you?
Txdeb...i dont drive in the left lane but my husband i taught him to not drive in that lane either. Tonight was an exception coming from the air show...a person in a red ford expedition kept clearing out two lanes so i told my husband to move. I would have called it in but my phone was way in the back...kind of wish i had it with me.
Im not political but finally being an adult ive figured out that the govt has alot of their hands in the cookie jars lols....i just hope when they build up the rest of research....that they will add lights for those who think they can speed from i45....i think too much building is going on.if not careful the woodlands will be called treeless....just my opinion
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