Monday, January 28, 2008

A quick blast from the past!

Have you ever had someone tailgate you before?
It is so annoying.
Not to mention it is dangerous.
I know that when someone does that, it usually means they are in a hurry and want you to speed up.
Guess what? It doesn't make me speed up. In fact, it irritates me so much, that I do completely the opposite.
There is one particular incident that stands out for me.

One night, I was on my way home, driving the speed limit, just minding my own business. All of the sudden a guy comes up behind me and starts riding my bumper. He was obviously very impatient and started honking. Well, that really didn't sit well with me, so I gradually slowed down, way down. I never stomped the brakes (something I know people do) and I tried to remain calm. We came upon an intersection in which we both made a right turn onto a 4 lane road. I immediately got back up to the speed limit as he went to the left lane in order to pass me.


What he didn't know was that my boyfriend was ahead of me and had slowed down when he had not seen me for a while.

He saw what was happening through his rearview mirror.
Just as the guy was coming up along side of me, Howard moved to the left lane, which blocked the guy from passing me.
At that point Howard and I both slowed down and drove together, which kept him in a blocked position.

I don't think the guy liked that very much, as he threw his arms up and honked at Howard. We were approaching the intersection to turn. Howard slowly moved over behind me as we began to make a right turn, and the guy made it to the intersection only to be stopped by a red light. As we made our turn, he sat at the red light, gesturing, yelling and honking.

The timing of everything was impeccable, and of course he had no clue that we even knew each other.

You know what "they" say about patience!

Howard and I still laugh and say every so often...."wonder if he is still mad".

Slow down and be safe!

I posted this on July 12, 2005

~xo

Lee Ann


Just a side note: At no time during the drive home did we ever drive in a manner that would be harmful to anyone.

22 comments:

Hypersonic said...

Oh, good one. Brazilian drivers are terrible and impatient. I generally try and fuck them up in some way. Normally by sticking to the speed limit and driving properly.

Happy New Year by the way. Belated but heart-felt.

DirkStar said...

Nice blog!

Anonymous said...

I say!

I thought that honking was illegal in the USA. Very little need for it hereabouts as there is not too much traffic. Mostly used to clear goats off the road.

MM III

Gyrobo said...

Speaking of blasts from the past, I thought I'd drop by and let myself in.

Have an excellent week!

~Tim said...

I would have gotten here two-tenths of a second sooner, but the car in front of me had a bike rack....

Hotboy said...

Thank God I don't drive! I'd be really polite in America and let everyone go first in case they shot me. Hotboy

JM said...

Yes, he is still mad. Those kind of people don't let anything go.

Tim said...

That's a great story, even though I have been known to be an impatient driver. I guess it's part of the northeast mindset and "get it done yesterday" pace of life around here.

BeckEye said...

I love your little disclaimer at the end. Don't want anyone to think you drive like Britney!

All this talking of driving just makes me miss driving.

Anita Baker said...

that is awesome. have i mentioned lately how much i miss you? i really need to email!

onan the bavarian said...

Enjoyed this just as much the second time around.

rob.

Jason said...

Yeah, some people should just not leave their homes. You should have stayed true to your Houston roots. Flash him a middle finger or a handgun.

;-)

The T-Dude said...

Awesome. I loathe tailgaters. I have been known to slam on the brakes in hopes of them puddling their seats.

Becky said...

I can't lie, I'd be pretty pissed off too.

John Bryson said...

possibly one of the best tailgating stories I have ever heard! I hope you guys celebrated afterwards!
john

Barkfoot said...

I really hate tailgaters, I'm glad you managed to put him in his place.
On my previous car I had a switch so that at traffic lights I could turn my reversing lights on even when in first gear. While they were debating whether to back away from me, I would be off. On my current car I have to resort to plan B. Turn around , smile, wave and indicate that they should give you a call. They don't know you, but a nagging doubt tells them they do, and no one wants to cut up someone they think they know....

Unknown said...

Road Rage is too dangerous here. I follow the Triple A book and slow down and get over to the right (and I never shake my head, because many people have guns). You two are a team!

jiggs said...

you are the driving equivalent of a practical joker. Like instead of calling it "punkd" it could be "axle'd"

Phats said...

Just stopping by to say hi

Bad drivers piss me off

Chuck fka: Meanie said...

Me mawmaw letz me honk duh hown wen der iz kowz in duh wode! hehehe

Michael K. Althouse said...

I though I had read this before. Still a good story though.

Mike

Anonymous said...

I say!

Have a wonderful weekend when it comes.

MM III