10 July 2007

Another Rant...Drivers This Time


I've had enough of the ignorant drivers I encounter on the way to work...the majority of whom are men, I'm sorry to say. Mostly young guys, you know, the ones with too much testorone in their systems.

I leave home at 6.00 am...yep, it's early, but I'd rather start early than get home late. Anyway, I use the Greenbank/Springfield arterial and from there, the Centenary Highway, for those of you who live in metro Brisbane, or know where I'm talking about.

Now Springfield is one of those suburbs that have been built overnight...or so it seems, and it's an ongoing project which means that there are a few trucks around. There are also all the idiots in their utes, and 4WDs using this route. This morning, I went through the lights at Springfield. The left-hand line merges with the right. The merge had just about run out when this stupid guy in a truck shot passed me on the inside, just missing me. I got a hell of a fright, because I didn't even realise he was there. I've had the same thing happen to me on the Ipswich Motorway, too...not today, but a few weeks ago.

Unfortunately, I had to follow this clown along the Centenary Highway, it's only two lanes, therefore no passing (not that it stops some people). Australian bloggers know just how dry the country is due to the drought...and this litter vandal throws a lit cigarette butt out the window! I was wishing I could read his registration plate because I would have reported him, but it was too dirty to read...another violation...and there were no identifying names on his truck.

However, it's not always the men...I have to be honest. Coming home, there is a very large roundabout at Darra and it is busy...sometimes there's a relatively long wait until a gap appears in the traffic. One evening, I had been waiting there for probably two or three minutes...which isn't all that long but can seem that way when waiting in traffic. I heard someone sounding their horn behind me, telling me to get a move on...yeah right, into a line of fast moving traffic...I don't think so. I glanced into my side mirror and it was a very well built woman (to be very polite) mouthing obscenities at me...it was unmistakable. I ignored her and when I was able to go, I did. She was in this grubby beat up Holden Commodore...you know the kind of car, looks as if it's held together by good luck alone...and of course, I got the one fingered salute as she went past.

I just shook my head...and hoped to God she didn't end up killing someone through sheer discourtesy.

Quite often I've had senseless drivers tear past me in a hell of a hurry...and I catch up with them at the next set of lights...they've gained absolutely nothing, but are too dumb to realise it. Then there are the ones who pass, taking risks, then sit right in front of you...on the speed limit. Why? What difference does it make to be in front of someone rather than behind them? I think they must have some sort of complex...whatever, they need their heads read.
So there's my rant for the day...I think I feel better. I'd better have a glass of wine to make certain.

Have a good evening/day, depending on where in the world you are...

14 comments:

Gattina said...

That seems to be an international problem ! It's exactly the same over here. Apparently normal people just transform themselves into monsters when they sit behind a stirring wheel ! And you can learn a vocabulary of words you didn't even know they existed ! So agressive for nothing only to win one second !

Peter said...

Sit calmly Robyn take a few deep breaths and a few sips of your wine..... feel better now??
Ya gotta calm down a bit girl or you'll blow a fuse or something.

Liz Hinds said...

Sometimes I just want to be able to catch up with people and explain reasonably why I did or didn't do what they're mad about. Just so I can say, 'So there, smart arse!'

Tammy said...

I'm like you, I hate when someone passes me at a tear only I catch up with them at a light or stop sign...I sit there and ask em...now just what did you accomplish huh...huh??
:)

Anonymous said...

I constantly rant about cagers--though from the point of view of a pedestrian who does not own a car.

Piloting a 2 ton vehicle confers responsibilities that, unfortunately, most people don't take seriously.

Carole Burant said...

Oh Robyn, I SO hear you about idiot drivers! When I think of how many times I've almost been hit or worse because of someone's stupidity behind the wheel, it makes me cringe!! You know, I'd rather take my time and arrive at my destination in one piece...not zigzag my way through heavy traffic with my horn blowing and middle finger up! lol Now where's that wine....xoxo

Gattina said...

I have been nominated as a "Schmoozer" at least my blog seems to have the "power of schmooze" So I thought if my blog is "schmooze" yours too and I nominated you for this. I don't know who had or created that thing, I didn't even know what it was and had to look it up in my dictionary !!

Mountain Mama said...

I understand how you feel. When drivers are so wreckless they scare the life out of you, it's hard to forget and get over it.
I live in a college town and we have many young drivers here. Some are very aggressive drivers and many are wreckless, cutting corners, driving on your back bumper, etc. I generally feel like I am taking my life in my hands when I get behing the wheel. I always pray for protection before I leave my driveway.

Lee said...

You're allowed to have a rant, Robyn. I had one the other day. It's good to let of some steam at times. Enjoy your wine...I'm enjoying mine here! ;)

Merle said...

Hi Robyn ~~ Sorry you are having so much strife driving around Brisbane.
Bec is here ans sys the places you mentioned are very busy. As for the indigenous kids - so long as they get some help, no matter what started the
idea. Thanks for your comments, glad
you liked the photos, and Bec's tip about ctrl and Z to restore.
The Wings story was good. Take care my friend, Love, Merle.

Merle said...

Hi Robyn ~~ Sorry you are having so much strife driving around Brisbane.
Bec is here ans sys the places you mentioned are very busy. As for the indigenous kids - so long as they get some help, no matter what started the
idea. Thanks for your comments, glad
you liked the photos, and Bec's tip about ctrl and Z to restore.
The Wings story was good. Take care my friend, Love, Merle.zhsdr

wazza said...

Gidday Robyn,

Youse is rite of cause, there's too many drongos on the road, especially on the freeways. Sure a lot of young guys are speeedsters, but also I have seen a lot of young women in very new cars taking risks and weaving in and out of traffic and giving the one finger salute.

Walker said...

I have had my share of idiot drivers almost kill me but I remember once I had enough.
Someone cut me off sending me onto a sidewalk and into a light standard.
I hit is just a bit because I had the brake to the floor.
I pulled back and caught up to hiom and I said to hom he almost killed uss. The Ex was 8 months pregnant.
He flipped me the bird and told me to !@#$%^*^&
There you go, and the wonder why I was beating his head in at the next lights.

Andree said...

Oh don't I know what you're talking about! My area is a mecca for vacationers in the summer and the New York drivers make me nuts: they are tense speeders and drive too close. I spend my driving time in the summer trying to relax despite their pressure.