Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

So I'm motoring along a neighborhood street in the ole girl when this old gizzard[ I can say that cuz I almost are one] pulls out from a side street without stopping.. Hes pulls right up to the side of the car almost t-boning me and I can reach over out touch his headlights.. No one was parked along the curb so I could slid over and keep away from him.. I was going a bit faster so I pulled in front of him and gave him the salute.. I turned on another road to head home[ 3 lane] and along comes this gizzard-ess in the center turn lane passing everyone and driving merrily along the full length of the road .. So now I need to turn onto another road, here comes this 40ish moron who whizzes through the stop sign and then decides to come to a stop half-way into the road at about a 45 degree angle blocking both lanes.. I come to a stop and wait for him, he doesn't move, I drive around him and call him something kinda unmentionable, all the while he seems to be bouncing around completely oblivious to where or what he is doing and never looks at me..He had to have been on something illegal.. Anyway, be careful out there, this world is full of stupid people, we have more than our share here in New York and would love to loan some to you..

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

Thats ok. We have enough out here in California. But most dont live here legally.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

maybe someone put a bulls eye on your car

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

As a result of years of liberalism our society has been dumbed down and it transfers to the drivers. Don't criticize little Johnny it might hurt his self-esteem. He looks so intelligent wearing his baggy "loser uniform" while wearing his hat sideways. The tattoos all over his neck give him such a mark of distinction don't you think.

As for many of the codgers, that's just their nature. The lights are on but nobody's home (which also applies to many of the young punks referenced above).

Moreover, when I was a young kid 45 years ago or so, a policeman would write you a ticket for all sorts of violations as compared to today; so a person would naturally become a better driver if they had any sense.


Larry B.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

Well said Larry.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

' Liberalism' ,, you bet !! And you're not even from New York !! This state was known as the 'Empire State' ,, liberals have turned us into the ' welfare state '.. I'm having a real hard time getting JoAnn to let me put a 'for sale' sign in the front yard.. Its a shame too because this is a beautiful part of the country,, but,, the damn liberals have certainly ruined it..

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

You got a way with words, Larry! Please keep posting. BTW, what are the exact qualifications for being a gizzard?

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

During the 15 years we spent in Baltimore, I really missed some of the quaint southern customs I grew up with, such as people stopping for red lights.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

That wild driver sounds like he ought to be running for Governor of Illinois, my home state, I am embarrassed to say.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

Well, I liked it when there was no politics on the new forum, but Larry's cheap shot at liberals will go unanswered this time, and I hope it ends. I suggest Larry stick to building heads and posting MOdel A comments here, because if he "keeps posting" political stuff here as requested I am going to respond in kind and that just detracts from the purpose, fun and value of the forum.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

Well said PC/SR. Besides being immature, the political wise cracks on this thread show a profound disrespect for Ryan's effort to create a quality forum based on the love of the Model "A" which many of all political persuasions have in common. May I suggest that those responsible privately e-mail Ryan an apology?

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

Forst of all LOVE that truck!!

Next, here is south florida we have special traffic laws that took me a little time to get an understanding or what and how they work.

Examples,

Stop signs are only a suggestion.
When making a left hand turn you can make it from any lane into any lane.
Red light means the next 4 cars can go through.
Red light number 2, you must gun it within 300 milliseconds of the light changing green so the person behind you won't have to blow his horn.
Yellow light means hit the gas.
Directionals signal that some SOB is trying to get in front and the car should speed up and block the person trying change lanes.
Highway traffic lanes, If you are in front of someone you were there first so you can drive at any speed in any lane.

There are sites that rates states drivers, how does your state rate?
2010 GMAC Insurance Driver's Test Results

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

Here in Calif we have some odd rules too.
Green light means people will be crossing in front of you and you will probably be broadsided.
Red means if you stop you will be rear ended.
Yellow means nothing. Its an eye test to see if you can floorboard it before it changes color.
Do Not Pass zones mean pass, preferably on the right, fast and close.
Left, or right, turn only means stop, then go opposite of the direction indicated.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

Apology, get on over it, he was posting his comments about his driving experience and events, if you read more into it you are looking for something to complain about, read someone else's story, Have a safe day!!! Bruce Johnson ( have a name )

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

"...here comes this 40ish moron who whizzes through the stop sign and then decides to come to a stop half-way into the road at about a 45 degree angle blocking both lanes..." Gotta luv those California stops hey?

Non~Drivers are amazing. How they creep up on the stop light to make it change faster, late braking, instant lane changes prior to going through intersections or plain out playing the game 'What's my lane?'.

And my highway pet peeve, hurrying up to pass me and then cut in front of me to make the get-off ramp. When I'm even with the ramp they are about five car lengths down the ramp from me. Why can't they just stay behind me? Hurry up and wait.

I watched a teen hold her cell in the right hand. Apply eye make-up with an eye lash brush with her left hand while tilting her clueless head toward the rear view mirror and still steer I assume with her knees while motoring down Egg Harbor Road in her parent's A-4 Audi and coming up to a stop sign. Man if I was a cop...I'd give her a tit twist and a ticket!

"Governor of Illinois" Where our Governor make our licenses plates. Thanks Frank.
Diddo Larry!

Thanks. "I luv's Rants." skip.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

LOL. "the Rules of California" bring back memories! How true these are. I've driven a multiple of vehicles in a good number of places and a few countries but the experience left a lasting impression on me. On a short business trip to California a few years ago, I wasn't two blocks from leaving LAX when I received my first "finger salut". Why do they hate tourists? It seems as the week progressed it appeared that I would be receiving this "finger salut" daily. Its a good thing that I'm not from a remote country as I would begin to think this gesture was part of the drivig exam.:eek:

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

I am a liberal and I liked Larry's comment. Why has no one taken to task the first poster that categorized all the people driving? People who do not like politics are the reason why there are comics in the paper.

Last week an old guy backed into the side of my car. No real damage as it has 262,000 miles on it and I do not particularly care about a few scrapes. But he was an old person and had plenty of room in the daylight. He clearly lacked the simplest driving skills but my poor liberal a** lacked the b**** to turn him in. So when you are all old and still driving remember it was made possible by liberals like me.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

I agree with Larry and his right to comment on what he feels are the reasons that the traditional "courtesies of the road" and respect for law (any recent news events come to mind?) is disappearing these days. It even extends to the show field as parents stand by and admire little Johny climbing all over my car to "express himself." The "grown-ups" do it too. And then look surprised and offended when an "authority figure" (ME) walks up and politely requests that no-one touch the car without permission!

This increased sense of entitlement and unrestrained liberty that people exercise at other people's expense does NOT come from our once-honored traditions of respect, decency and self-control that kids use to be raised with. Now it's all about ME, My rights, MY self-esteem and what others owe ME. An "old-fashioned" sense of personal conservatism and respect for all definitely did not create this!

Call this "political", if you like but we all, in this hobby, are feeling the effects of a radically-changing society. And it does affect the hobby we all love. Shoddy parts and service, incompetent run-arounds from state and government "service" agencies (clueless motor-vehicle clerks?...etc), rude, reckless drivers on the highways, Flea-Bay dishonesties and rip-offs, teen vandalism against my car when I leave it briefly on the street in front of my house, ... you name it. It DID NOT come from the traditional, conservative up-bringings that most of us here had!

There is more to the big picture of our treasured Model A hobby than just head-nut torques and types of motor oil. I love chatting about all those technical things as I enjoy my roadster and sharing her with the public. But things, in general, are changing and there's a reason. Larry just hit a nerve - with many here, I suspect.

I certainly agree that folks of all "political" persuasions can love, enjoy and chat about our beloved Model A's, but that sometimes involves broader topics that impact on our hobby. And I would think that common sense should prevail most of the time!

OK, Larry....Now back to reasons for Model A engine overheating and thoughts on various compression ratios.....

(Thanks, Larry!)

Earle

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

[Quote],,I am a liberal and I liked Larry's comment. Why has no one taken to task the first poster that categorized all the people driving? People who do not like politics are the reason why there are comics in the paper.[end quote]..
I liked Franks comment,, it kinda made my point for me.. And I think since I was the first poster I believe his post was pretty much directed toward me and thats fine,take me to task, I welcome it..There wasn't any political comment in my first post and I think I 'categorized' the drivers appropriately..
I think I mentioned up front that the post was just a rant,,but,, in the future I will try and keep things Model A mechanical related.. Whenever possible I always try and help a liberal just as quickly as I do a conservative..

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

Patrick, I had no problems with your observations either. I just thought Larry was being unfairly singled out. And as Earle correctly pointed out, laws made by politics will define what our hobby will be in the future.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

Got on a road a couple weeks ago that they had recently covered with tar and gravel, was only for a couple miles and most had been driven over pretty good, not much traffic, so kept motoring along at 50 mph. (55 speed limit two lane country road). This guy came up behind me right on my tail, waited a few seconds then pulled out and passed me. I wasn't thinking or would have slowed down quickly. As he pulled in front of me and went through the loose gravel, car got sprayed. Have about 4 nicks in windshield now and numerous small paint chips. The worst part is we went less than a 1/4 mile and this guy pulls off the road into a business parking lot. If the wife hadn't been riding no telling what my poor judgement would have allowed me to do. So we have them in Michigan also.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

Patrick, Got your message and enjoyed reading about your day on the road. Hope tomorrow will be better. And come on boys,the man was just venting about a bad day on the road. Can't we all just get along.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

Politics aside, I'll get back to the rant. . .

It's the same here in Michigan, lack of common courtesy when driving anymore. It's definitely a defensive world out there.

MI recently passed the Distracted driving Law but it does little good if there aren't enough of MI's finest out there to enforce it. I commute rought 140 miles (yes I know - waaaay too much but I prefer living outside of the urban areas) and see a lot of wacky, goofy stuff going on out there. But I really notice a big difference between commuter traffic vs. casual - or as I call it - "mall shopper" traffic. Generally the commuters are predictable; we can draft at 80 mph on the freeways without too much problem. But soon as I hit an exit and have to take the service roads or 2-lanes, watch out! I've seen those guys like you mentioned doing almost the same exact thing, and seen 'em t-bone cars while racing thru a red light.

Defense, defense, and CYA. It's scary anymore to go for a leisurely evening drive with the old car, and a definite no-no to park & leave it someplace where it's out of sight.

It might be politics that's gotten us into this situation but sadly it's reality.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

Just remember when driving especially with our older cars that the majority of people driving the other vehicles on the road are texting, on their cell phone, hundreds of other tasks while driving, high on something or mentally challeged. This being said expect them to do dumb things and they will invaribly prove you wrong they will pull stunts proving them even dumber than you can imagine. We live in the mountains and hate it when the flat landers come up for the weekends. Best solution is to not drive on the weekends.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

So apprently our political views determine the type of driving we do? I am not a radical either way (was too young to NOT vote for bush and was old enough to NOT vote for Obama). I consider my self pretty much in the middle and Im young so Im going to say the music I listen to would put me into that young "punk" category. However i can asure you that i dont drive like a moron in any of my cars whether its the A or my truck. But it seems that i must drive like a moron because i fall into the "moron" category according to most of your posts. Since being a "moron" only takes being more liberal then the most conservative person and listening to music you dont like. This is the most ridiculous thing ive read. I havent been a member long but I have already seen plenty of threads turn into a pissing contest or some sort of arguement.

Depending on your age, which im assuming the large majority of you are much older than i am being that i am only 24. The kids climbing on your car were probably raised by some one not too much different from your children and you probably wouldnt say your kids did a poor job of parenting. Yes its annoying but its not a kid being raised by a liberal or a conservative its a kid being a kid and wanting to play. The parents should definitely stop them and i would say something too. And if the parent gives you an attitude then they obviously lack respect that everyone should have for each other. I definitely agree with the idea that America is dumbing down but i dont lump everyone into one category because i dont agree with something they say or do.

So can we all have some of that respect, exchange stories and have a good time. Im trying to learn as much as i can about Model As from as many of you as i can. So stop the BS and contribute something useful.

Getting back to the original topic Florida drivers are by far the worst.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

Being brought up in the inner city I learned how to look at both sides, try to understand others, take action and live. So I enjoy the same with political talk. However, I do not enjoy one sided banter. I do not enjoy conservatives that blame everything on liberals or vice versa. If Larry or anyone else has diarhhea must they blame liberals? My dad does things like that and haven't enjoyed it for well over 50 years. Perhaps closed mindedness is why I chose to live 2,000+ miles away from him.

For those of you who have driven in other countries you understand that even with a few jerks on the road, the United States is a great place to drive a vehicle (car, truck, RV, motorcycle, etc.). Try driving through an African market place; anywhere in Gibraltar; Paris during rush hour; Ireland with the hedges and bicyclists; a 7 lane roundabout just about anywhere. I've driven well over a million miles in these here states and have experienced quite a lot but I wouldn't trade it for anywhere else.

Right now I'm going to get in the '28 Tudor, drive down some dusty dirt roads and "ahooga" a few of my cowboy friends.

Happy Trails!
Dean

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

The biggest cause of poor driving is inattentiveness, usually caused by cellphone use now. But there is a remedy out there.

Trinity Noble is a Pennsylvania-based company that is trying to make a device available to the public that would limit cell phone use while driving. It only prevents use in the driver seat area. According to the company, what this device does is it senses when your cell phone is trying to connect and it 'chirps' across the RF frequency spectrum the cell phone operates on and it basically shows that you have no signal.

Section 333 of the Communications Act specifically prohibits the operation of jamming devices. Currently, the FCC will not allow Trinity Noble to sell the product to the public. That law will have to be amended before it can be used.

I hope that they will become standard equipment on new vehicles. I don’t think there is any legitimate reason to be using a cell phone while driving. If you need to call 911 the unit could be designed to allow that or you can just shut off the car to make the call.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

Driving here in Florida is terrible Red light running is becoming a huge problem and people tailgate me while im driving the A quite a bit. But the way i look at it is the same way i look at riding a motorcycle. I enjoy so I am going to continue to do it with the risks always in the back of my mind. Hopefully I will be able to continue to drive/ride around on a nice day and stay clear of any accidents. Im also hoping that people notice the A so if the hit something it will wont be me since they are looking at the car :)

Unfortunately people find it that they must talk on their cellphones every where they go. The real problem now is texting while driving. That to me surpasses talking on the cellphone. It is probably the dumbest thing you can do next to driving blindfolded. I believe there are studies out there that show it is worse then driving drunk, if thats possible.

Like you mentioned, Cool Hand, technology will always be there and fortunately there are people smart enough to make programs and devices that take some of the distractions away. There are programs now that let you talk, it converts what youve said into a text message and will send it for you. Now we just need everyone to use it instead of taking their hands off the wheel and their eyes off the road to send that oh so important text about god nows what.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

Now it is texting and driving that causes distractions. When I was a kid it was scantily clad women that caused distracted driving. Now I'm too busy looking for another playlist on the ipod to be distracted by scantily clad women. BTW ever try working the climate controls in a newer Lincoln?

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

Can I relate a story that kinda concerns texting?? Don't read if you're not interested and I promise it is not political.. I started flying with a friends daughter[ I've flown with 3 generations of this family]when she was 15 and she soloed on her 16th birthday..She flies well.. Her mother taught her to drive and on the way to the airport one day the daughter told me about her driving test and she was livid over failing it because she was only going 5 mph over the limit and that the light was yellow when she started through the intersection so it wasn't her fault that it changed before she drove through it and that she just barely hit that other car while she was demonstrating parallel parking..She deserved to pass.. Well, some years later, I'm now giving her commercial flight lessons and whenever she is driving when we ride together she is constantly on the phone or texting,, and,, she is still a terrible driver.. I would rather fly with her than drive.. Anyway she is furious with me because I told her that I refuse to teach her if she continues any type of cellphone usage while I'm with her.. Oh, this kinda came about when she pulled out her cellphone and started calling someone while we were flying one day.. No matter where you go or what you do, everyone around you has a cellphone stuck in their ear and if you can't see the phone its even scarier cuz their probably texting.. Have you also noticed that when you're out with other people as soon that phone goes off they feel the need to answer it??!! I turn mine off in those circumstances.. AH OH,, I'm ranting again aren't I ??!! Sorry..

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

Look at the bright side atleast if your flying and using the phone theres pretty much only one thing to hit, the ground.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

Be careful out there. Just this past Friday in Moline, Ill. a 54 year old woman honked her horn at a guy who cut her off in traffic.

He used his truck to block her car, got out and proceeded to punch her face in,,,police report said she was bleeding PROFUSELY from the face and nose. Broke her face and nose, then he turned on her son and beat the hell out of him.

This maniac is in jail now. Has quite a record already ranging from assault and battery on an 18 year old girl and her baby to drug possession. Not bad for a 24 year old 'tough guy' who beats women.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

Patrick, No problem - your initial post was NOT "political" at all. Just a general rant against bad drivers. - and well said!

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

If that had happened in Texas there's a good chance that someone would have dusted his butt with a pump shotgun!

The baggy pant moron would wake up instantly and see the err in his ways ..... if he's still breathing.


Larry B.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

Patrick as I read your post I was saying to myself ,this sounds like New York. The last sentence confirmed my thoughts.
I get these a** holes all the time with the model A or the Harley. I lost many a gas cap on the Harley by throwing them. Now they are too expensive to hurl away so we use stones. I wish I could do what Larry stated about Texans.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

"Stop signs are only a suggestion"

Here in New York they mean: Squeal Tires On Pavement

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

[quote] If that had happened in Texas there's a good chance that someone would have dusted his butt with a pump shotgun!

The baggy pant moron would wake up instantly and see the err in his ways ..... if he's still breathing.[end quote]

Thats funny,, I like that !! I think the place where that 'moron' would wake up would be very very warm !!
I usually have a Gold Cup tucked between the seats/cushions,but, the politicians would take them away from us if most of them had their way and I won't say what kind of politicians they are.. The problem is though that that 'punk' would only pick on an older defenseless lady,, like your mother or grandmother..
Boy, I'm surprised how far this one little post has gone.. OH, BTW, todays ride to the diner was cool, breezy and uneventful.. In other words it was very nice, until our local 'know it all' had to tell me the ownership history of my car.. It was especially nice to tell him how full of #$@* his was..But, I was polite about it.. Well, somewhat polite..

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

You can fix a lot of stuff - Stupid isn't one of them.

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

[QUOTE=Patrick L.;


I usually have a Gold Cup tucked between the seats/cushions of my car..


Hey Patrick,What kind of coffee you have in that "Gold Cup"? :p

Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..
 

What???? you mean there is no law that says you can only turn off from a freeway unless you pass a car in the right lane 50 feet before the off-ramp?