Time for a time-out.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,610
Likes: 12
Time for a time-out.
Two different drivers honked their horns at me today within a 10 minute time period.
At the time my ego just assumed they were irritated that I changed lanes too fast and too close in front of them, that they were just not accustomed to aggressive driving and they would get over it.
A few hours later after thinking it over, I've changed my view and now feel my driving behavior was not appropriate for city freeways.
I'm always confident about my own driving, however sometimes I forget that others may make a mistake and pull in front of me, or run into a third party in reaction to me.
I'm thinking that I should take a time-out for a day or two; maybe investigate one of the local tracks since I seem to have the need for that kind of driving.
At the time my ego just assumed they were irritated that I changed lanes too fast and too close in front of them, that they were just not accustomed to aggressive driving and they would get over it.
A few hours later after thinking it over, I've changed my view and now feel my driving behavior was not appropriate for city freeways.
I'm always confident about my own driving, however sometimes I forget that others may make a mistake and pull in front of me, or run into a third party in reaction to me.
I'm thinking that I should take a time-out for a day or two; maybe investigate one of the local tracks since I seem to have the need for that kind of driving.
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
Trying to see things from someone else's perspective is always a good thing. While I wouldn't think you'd need a time-out, revising your street driving protocol may be in order.
Driving on a track (emphasis on a road course) I believe to be beneficial as well...both to improve one's driving abilities and to relieve one's 'need for speed.' Go for it!
Driving on a track (emphasis on a road course) I believe to be beneficial as well...both to improve one's driving abilities and to relieve one's 'need for speed.' Go for it!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 856
Likes: 1
From: Bovina New York "WOOF"
St. Jude Donor '08
after reading the recent posts of vette crashes I have also given my driving a reality check and am being mindfull of my actions behind the wheel of my Vette...I certaintly dont want to be cause for someone or myself wrecking.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,289
Likes: 129
From: Providence Forge, VA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
I, for one, appreciate your candor. I believe you've reached the correct conclusion. It's an interesting phenomenom that "aggressive" driving (other terms for it are far less charitable) with a Corvette affects us all. Rather than thinking, "that guy is a jerk", many people think "Corvette drivers are jerks", and broad brush us as a collective. (This is not directed at the OP). 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,418
Likes: 198
From: Wilkes-Barre Pa
PA has something going on now called smooth operator where the police are looking for aggressive driving. The warning they a playing on the radio pretty much describes how you were driving.
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,446
Likes: 313
From: Tarpon Springs FL
FL Events Coordinator
I've been driving a LOOOOOONG time. And in the course of my lifetime I have lived in many places and driven in all kinds of vehicles in all kinds of weather and encountered all kinds of drivers. Also, I have driven on many race tracks both drags (10 yrs) and road courses. Like everyone else, I consider myself a excellent driver. The key as far as I am concerned is driving defensively. Aggressive driving, in todays traffic is inviting a accident. I have NO idea what driving class is teaching kids today but "keep right except to pass" is NOT one of the teachings. On every road today, Drivers think it's their duty to stay in the left lane and do the "speed limit". Weaving in and out is dangerous. Thanks for letting me RANT about this. ONE of my pet peeves. Stay safe out there and 
as you go by.
as you go by.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
I, for one, appreciate your candor. I believe you've reached the correct conclusion. It's an interesting phenomenom that "aggressive" driving (other terms for it are far less charitable) with a Corvette affects us all. Rather than thinking, "that guy is a jerk", many people think "Corvette drivers are jerks", and broad brush us as a collective. (This is not directed at the OP).
and well said.Some know this one, but there's a ditty said about pilots, and it can be applied to driving on land.
"There are old pilots and there are bold pilots. But there are no old, bold pilots."
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
Two different drivers honked their horns at me today within a 10 minute time period.
At the time my ego just assumed they were irritated that I changed lanes too fast and too close in front of them, that they were just not accustomed to aggressive driving and they would get over it.
A few hours later after thinking it over, I've changed my view and now feel my driving behavior was not appropriate for city freeways.
I'm always confident about my own driving, however sometimes I forget that others may make a mistake and pull in front of me, or run into a third party in reaction to me.
I'm thinking that I should take a time-out for a day or two; maybe investigate one of the local tracks since I seem to have the need for that kind of driving.
At the time my ego just assumed they were irritated that I changed lanes too fast and too close in front of them, that they were just not accustomed to aggressive driving and they would get over it.
A few hours later after thinking it over, I've changed my view and now feel my driving behavior was not appropriate for city freeways.
I'm always confident about my own driving, however sometimes I forget that others may make a mistake and pull in front of me, or run into a third party in reaction to me.
I'm thinking that I should take a time-out for a day or two; maybe investigate one of the local tracks since I seem to have the need for that kind of driving.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,565
Likes: 5
From: stafford country, va. Avatar: Me on turn 3 @ Bristol (The World's Fastest Half-Mile)
I've been driving a LOOOOOONG time. And in the course of my lifetime I have lived in many places and driven in all kinds of vehicles in all kinds of weather and encountered all kinds of drivers. Also, I have driven on many race tracks both drags (10 yrs) and road courses. Like everyone else, I consider myself a excellent driver. The key as far as I am concerned is driving defensively. Aggressive driving, in todays traffic is inviting a accident. I have NO idea what driving class is teaching kids today but "keep right except to pass" is NOT one of the teachings. On every road today, Drivers think it's their duty to stay in the left lane and do the "speed limit". Weaving in and out is dangerous. Thanks for letting me RANT about this. ONE of my pet peeves. Stay safe out there and as you go by.
as you go by. btw: imo, overly aggressive driving is so dangerous in todays world, (folks don't even pull over for emergency vehicles) not because of your ability to handle the situiation but rather the lack of ability of others. you never know when some 'numbnut' will either try to keep up (and end up smashing up themself or others) or will pull right out in front of you.
imo, if you're gonna go faster than the 'flow' you should take it to the track. although, i admit, i will (at times), go quicker than the 'flow' so i can get into the 'empty pocket' between the 'packs'.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,267
Likes: 8,542
From: Rochester, NY
If you know you are being a bit too aggressive in lane changing, speed, or other areas that is great that you recogonize the need to change. Now it is simple as that, change your aggressive driving habits. Going to the local track is a great time, but I always felt just as aggressive if not more leaving the track. Best bet, CHANGE and THINK.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
From: Quaker City Ohio
I've had many cars of all makes drive "aggressively" around me. Any type of driving, from not using turn signals to tailgating,that does not abide by the laws is just as dangerous and discurtious. But, why is it that when a corvette owner happens to do one of these things they are judged as being arrogant or dangerous.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,948
Likes: 0
From: Hudson Valley Region, NY The "sonoma/napa" of the Northeast~~~~~ Are we there yet?
St. Jude Donor '08
While its always good to keep oneself in check .. remember its not your responsibility to cower to the jealous haters in society either.
I cannot tell you HOW MANY TIMES I will be in my Daily Driver (2006 Red Saab 9-3 Aero with tints) I look like a punk kid in the car... but anyways.. Ill be in the daily driver and people let me change lanes, they let me makes turns out of a side street or lot, they are actually courteous to me.. BUT when Im in the vette
Its like everyone is out to be DICK.. they wont let me out, they cut me off, etc.. I could literally be driving Miss Daisy in the vette but still... I get abuse.
People like THAT are the ones who cause accidents.. driving is about skill and conditions.. not personal attitude or feelings
I cannot tell you HOW MANY TIMES I will be in my Daily Driver (2006 Red Saab 9-3 Aero with tints) I look like a punk kid in the car... but anyways.. Ill be in the daily driver and people let me change lanes, they let me makes turns out of a side street or lot, they are actually courteous to me.. BUT when Im in the vette
Its like everyone is out to be DICK.. they wont let me out, they cut me off, etc.. I could literally be driving Miss Daisy in the vette but still... I get abuse. People like THAT are the ones who cause accidents.. driving is about skill and conditions.. not personal attitude or feelings
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 993
Likes: 0
From: Plano TX
I, for one, appreciate your candor. I believe you've reached the correct conclusion. It's an interesting phenomenom that "aggressive" driving (other terms for it are far less charitable) with a Corvette affects us all. Rather than thinking, "that guy is a jerk", many people think "Corvette drivers are jerks", and broad brush us as a collective. (This is not directed at the OP).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 6
From: San Diego CA
And the second thing was the correct order of priorities:
Aviate, Navigate, Communicate.
C6 content now. I drive several vehicles, but always notice people acting more aggressively around me when I drive the Vette. And my driving style is pretty constant in all vehicles, i.e. Defensive.
Aviate, Navigate, Communicate.
C6 content now. I drive several vehicles, but always notice people acting more aggressively around me when I drive the Vette. And my driving style is pretty constant in all vehicles, i.e. Defensive.