More "close calls" since owning a Mini.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 291
Likes: 4
From: Las Vegas, NV
I had several close calls. I was almost rear ended several times, and it scared me every time!! I did install the third brake light pulsar, (which was extremely easy),
and no close calls! It's been on for about 5 months.
I learned long ago to drive defensively. Long before My MINI came along, I realized there are way to many bad drivers. People need to realize that multitasking while driving is a very bad thing!!
and no close calls! It's been on for about 5 months.
I learned long ago to drive defensively. Long before My MINI came along, I realized there are way to many bad drivers. People need to realize that multitasking while driving is a very bad thing!!
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,403
Likes: 0
From: Brentwood, TN
Swear this to be true. On my way to the office a woman driving an Escalade (the long one) was holding the cellphone with her shoulder, putting on make-up in the mirror and pulling out of McDonalds so she may have been unwrapping her biscuit with her left foot. She almost drove over me like a monster truck rally. I'm 45 and I'm amazed every day by at least one fool driver in my workday commute. Hang up the phone (your story isn't that important), put the make-up away (the mortician's going to have to touch it up anyway), and eat at home or when you get to the office...dumba$$! 
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
I don't tend to get tailgated as I'm usually one of the faster folks on the road. But people changing lanes into me? Yeah. And I agree with others -- it doesn't matter what you drive. Seeing cars that collided off to the side of the road, there are no patterns at all.
I do have one advantage -- nobody in MN uses their horns. Like, even if someone is merging into them, they would sooner move over to the next lane, drive onto a shoulder, jump a median, etc. than deal with "upsetting" someone else or "making a ruckus." People who honk get flipped off or some other passive-aggressive treatment like purposely slowing down in front of them, brake-checking, etc. People unrelated to the issue at hand will even glare at people who honk, it's kind of hilarious. Me? I love my horn. Since so few people honk, it ALWAYS gets attention. I'll take that finger and my intact car any day.
I do have one advantage -- nobody in MN uses their horns. Like, even if someone is merging into them, they would sooner move over to the next lane, drive onto a shoulder, jump a median, etc. than deal with "upsetting" someone else or "making a ruckus." People who honk get flipped off or some other passive-aggressive treatment like purposely slowing down in front of them, brake-checking, etc. People unrelated to the issue at hand will even glare at people who honk, it's kind of hilarious. Me? I love my horn. Since so few people honk, it ALWAYS gets attention. I'll take that finger and my intact car any day.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
From: DFW
I do have one advantage -- nobody in MN uses their horns. Like, even if someone is merging into them, they would sooner move over to the next lane, drive onto a shoulder, jump a median, etc. than deal with "upsetting" someone else or "making a ruckus." People who honk get flipped off or some other passive-aggressive treatment like purposely slowing down in front of them, brake-checking, etc. People unrelated to the issue at hand will even glare at people who honk, it's kind of hilarious. Me? I love my horn. Since so few people honk, it ALWAYS gets attention. I'll take that finger and my intact car any day.
I don't tend to get tailgated as I'm usually one of the faster folks on the road. But people changing lanes into me? Yeah. And I agree with others -- it doesn't matter what you drive. Seeing cars that collided off to the side of the road, there are no patterns at all.
I do have one advantage -- nobody in MN uses their horns. Like, even if someone is merging into them, they would sooner move over to the next lane, drive onto a shoulder, jump a median, etc. than deal with "upsetting" someone else or "making a ruckus." People who honk get flipped off or some other passive-aggressive treatment like purposely slowing down in front of them, brake-checking, etc. People unrelated to the issue at hand will even glare at people who honk, it's kind of hilarious. Me? I love my horn. Since so few people honk, it ALWAYS gets attention. I'll take that finger and my intact car any day.
I do have one advantage -- nobody in MN uses their horns. Like, even if someone is merging into them, they would sooner move over to the next lane, drive onto a shoulder, jump a median, etc. than deal with "upsetting" someone else or "making a ruckus." People who honk get flipped off or some other passive-aggressive treatment like purposely slowing down in front of them, brake-checking, etc. People unrelated to the issue at hand will even glare at people who honk, it's kind of hilarious. Me? I love my horn. Since so few people honk, it ALWAYS gets attention. I'll take that finger and my intact car any day.
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 201
Likes: 1
Most people that are driving should not have a license.
Our mini has been in two accidents. It was parked at the curb both times. One time we were in it, and were rear ended by an idiot who was not looking, the other time it was parked by a driveway and somebody backed right over it; looked like they turned right into it while backing out.
Our mini has been in two accidents. It was parked at the curb both times. One time we were in it, and were rear ended by an idiot who was not looking, the other time it was parked by a driveway and somebody backed right over it; looked like they turned right into it while backing out.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Netherlands
It's because the other drivers have more view on the road (so they think they can see everything coming). The effect will seriously be worse if you drive a convertible MINI. At least I've noticed when i started driving a convertible. (and I'm even in Europe, where average car is significantly smaller than NA).
Neutral
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I just remember seeing a classic Mini on the freeway here in California, in between a Ford Excursion and a Chevy Suburban...the size discrepancy of the vehicles and the complete lack of driving skills I've seen in my area makes me wonder if the Mini ever made it home.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: SC
honking the horn doesn't help here in SC. People here don't use their turn signals!!!!!!! I usually have to anticipate a turn when someone lets off the gas. I've had several instances where my guardian angel was on my shoulder and I am driving an X5 right now. I've had women putting on makeup driving 75MPH on the interstate, a guy reading a newspaper, a woman doing her nails, etc....enough multitasking on the highway! and when I get the MINI, it's going to be worse!
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
w3rd. This coming from someone who only ever drove in Driver's Ed (no other experience) and didn't have to take a driving test to get her license. My first year on the road, if there had been cell phones and such in those days, I would have killed myself and everyone around me.
I promise I'm better now.
You don't even need to say people "here." I don't think there's a city in the entire US where someone doesn't swear up and down that theirs is the worst for people not using their turn signals. You would think that with so much complaining about this issue, people would recognize the faux pas and stop being part of the problem. But dang, y'know, it's just so HARD to reach all the way over to that left stalk...
But I'll fess up to being the type to not hit the turn signal until RIGHT before a lane change. That's mostly to avoid the passive-aggressive people who see your blinker and then quickly speed up to close the gap. Also, to pretty much say, "I'm not asking you to let me in, I'm telling you I'm moving over." Which I suppose is better than not saying anything at all, right?
I promise I'm better now.
But I'll fess up to being the type to not hit the turn signal until RIGHT before a lane change. That's mostly to avoid the passive-aggressive people who see your blinker and then quickly speed up to close the gap. Also, to pretty much say, "I'm not asking you to let me in, I'm telling you I'm moving over." Which I suppose is better than not saying anything at all, right?
w3rd. This coming from someone who only ever drove in Driver's Ed (no other experience) and didn't have to take a driving test to get her license. My first year on the road, if there had been cell phones and such in those days, I would have killed myself and everyone around me.
I promise I'm better now.
You don't even need to say people "here." I don't think there's a city in the entire US where someone doesn't swear up and down that theirs is the worst for people not using their turn signals. You would think that with so much complaining about this issue, people would recognize the faux pas and stop being part of the problem. But dang, y'know, it's just so HARD to reach all the way over to that left stalk...
But I'll fess up to being the type to not hit the turn signal until RIGHT before a lane change. That's mostly to avoid the passive-aggressive people who see your blinker and then quickly speed up to close the gap. Also, to pretty much say, "I'm not asking you to let me in, I'm telling you I'm moving over." Which I suppose is better than not saying anything at all, right?
I promise I'm better now.
You don't even need to say people "here." I don't think there's a city in the entire US where someone doesn't swear up and down that theirs is the worst for people not using their turn signals. You would think that with so much complaining about this issue, people would recognize the faux pas and stop being part of the problem. But dang, y'know, it's just so HARD to reach all the way over to that left stalk...
But I'll fess up to being the type to not hit the turn signal until RIGHT before a lane change. That's mostly to avoid the passive-aggressive people who see your blinker and then quickly speed up to close the gap. Also, to pretty much say, "I'm not asking you to let me in, I'm telling you I'm moving over." Which I suppose is better than not saying anything at all, right?
I have have never ridden with anyone that drives like what I see on the road. I just one day just want to ride with some of these people and ask what they are thinking when they do what they do.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,961
Likes: 0
From: Robertsdale, Alabama
I drive a harley plus my Mini and have had close calls on both. I drive defensively and just assume the other idiot is going to pull out in front of me or rear end me. I'm constantly watching my back. I have the 3rd light pulsar on my Mini and I really do think it helps. When I first saw one come on in front of me it definietly got my attention.
Then, just yesterday (clear day) just going through a green light (55mph speed limit) a young girl coming from the side street pulled out in front of me (probably about 20 feet of intersection), I don't think see even looked so it didn't matter what I was driving. Then within a block she turned right (no signal). Felt road rage coming on so I just chilled and shook my head.
Point is, sometimes it doesn't matter how careful you are there's always that one fool that's going to ruin your day.
I'm done.
Then, just yesterday (clear day) just going through a green light (55mph speed limit) a young girl coming from the side street pulled out in front of me (probably about 20 feet of intersection), I don't think see even looked so it didn't matter what I was driving. Then within a block she turned right (no signal). Felt road rage coming on so I just chilled and shook my head.
Point is, sometimes it doesn't matter how careful you are there's always that one fool that's going to ruin your day.
I'm done.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Mountains of So Cal
I was driving west on the 210 in CA in Pasadena. A lady next to me in the #1 lane (fast lane), I was in the #2 lane. It was moderately fast rush hour traffic at about 50 mph. She was driving with the flow of traffic then slowing down to about 20mph less than the flow of traffic; swerving in and around her lane obviously doing something besides driving and paying attention to the road. She almost side swipped a Mercedes, almost rear ended the car in front of her, then almost side swiped another car in the car pool lane. She got flipped off by someone who went around her.
Traffic started to slow and she was still bouncing around in her lane and poking her bumpers into the #2 lane. I pulled up next to her (traffic slowed to about 30mph now) and she almost side swiped me. A few minutes later she did it again so I honked my horn and waved my finger at her (the classic "no no no" wave of the index finger). My horn must have startled her so much she swerved left and almost hit another car in the car pool lane. Yes...she was talking AND texting!!! She wasn't happy with me
Be careful when you honk at someone who is obviously clueless of us as they may react in such a way as to actually cause an accident.
Traffic started to slow and she was still bouncing around in her lane and poking her bumpers into the #2 lane. I pulled up next to her (traffic slowed to about 30mph now) and she almost side swiped me. A few minutes later she did it again so I honked my horn and waved my finger at her (the classic "no no no" wave of the index finger). My horn must have startled her so much she swerved left and almost hit another car in the car pool lane. Yes...she was talking AND texting!!! She wasn't happy with me
Be careful when you honk at someone who is obviously clueless of us as they may react in such a way as to actually cause an accident.
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: Mobile, AL
Was driving my now new to me MINI to get inspected by my local mechanic right before I signed the dotted line on all those fancy papers. Nearly got run over on the highway and was extremely glad that the MINI's horn is actually loud. My previous car would be near impossible to hear...I know this because I couldn't even hear it unless I opened my windows! I appreciate the difference between "hey...could you please not do that" to the now "WHAT THE F ARE YOU DOING?!" statements.
Well it isn't like three blips on the half press is meant to be any more than that and that is all that I use on the highway. Don't think lane changes justify any more than that for the very same reasons. I also have been known to not bother with my turn signal on highways, however that practice has been getting better and better with time.
But I'll fess up to being the type to not hit the turn signal until RIGHT before a lane change. That's mostly to avoid the passive-aggressive people who see your blinker and then quickly speed up to close the gap. Also, to pretty much say, "I'm not asking you to let me in, I'm telling you I'm moving over." Which I suppose is better than not saying anything at all, right?
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,461
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, WA
My answer to tailgaters is to leave 1-2 car lengths in front of me and putt along at what ever speed keeps this distance!!
Here's some Trivia for you...
Does anyone know what the safest stopping distance is behind the car in front of you?
a) 50ft
b) When you are able to see the cars tires in front of you touching the pavement.
c) 1ft or less
The answer is b) of course...see how many other drivers know this, not many will, although the other answers are just make someone think for a second. Did it work??
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,461
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, WA
It is my belief, that every other driver on the road, barring the majority of other MINI drivers, their sole purpose, is to try and kill you.
Driving requires 101% of your attention, most seem to devote, at best, about 23%. They're either on their cell phone or on drugs or reading the paper, or playing a trumpet (really, I saw this). Good luck.
LIFE IS DANGEROUS
.
Driving requires 101% of your attention, most seem to devote, at best, about 23%. They're either on their cell phone or on drugs or reading the paper, or playing a trumpet (really, I saw this). Good luck.
LIFE IS DANGEROUS
.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,461
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, WA
Swear this to be true. On my way to the office a woman driving an Escalade (the long one) was holding the cellphone with her shoulder, putting on make-up in the mirror and pulling out of McDonalds so she may have been unwrapping her biscuit with her left foot. She almost drove over me like a monster truck rally. I'm 45 and I'm amazed every day by at least one fool driver in my workday commute. Hang up the phone (your story isn't that important), put the make-up away (the mortician's going to have to touch it up anyway), and eat at home or when you get to the office...dumba$$!
It's all kinds of driver's that cause accidents from the single car accident going 70mph that killed the passenger to the Dad driving 130mph N on I-5, on the stretch of road he was on there is little lighting, it was raining and the icing on the cake...he had his two children in the car!! These two stories just happened in the last couple of days, people really need to wake up!!
Last edited by RJKimbell; Nov 24, 2011 at 01:47 PM.
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 603
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
Yesterday had a tailgater, I slowed down to about 35, she got the message, went around me, gave me the bird, and got behind the poor guy in front of me. As she gave me the bird, I laughed at her, seemed to make her madder
.
Yeah, I hear ya. Funny thing is an incident just this morning prompted me posting this.
I'm travelling in a 30mph zone, small town main street kind of setup. In NH it's the law to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. Well I see this one young girl walking to school every morning, by herself. She's obviously not one of the "cool kids", just making her way to school. I kinda feel for her, as that was me growing up. Always on the outside, looking in. Anyway...she's at the base of the crosswalk waiting for us idiot drivers to stop so she can cross. I stop at the crosswalk, a little harder than normal, but not aggressively. I watch in my mirror as the mazda suv locks 'em up. The young girl driving yelling at me as she does, meanwhile the toddler in the back seat finds his/herself now in the frontseat on top of the console between the seats. She got about a foot off of my bumper before completely stopping. The toddler makes a hasty retreat to the backseat. Now the driver looks over to the girl crossing the street, as do I. The pedestrian smiles at me and waves, as she crosses. Well, I smile back and wave. Then I look in the rear view mirror, and the driver is now gone from yelling at me to yelling at the girl to hurry up...move! Well, now you have my attention. I wait for the pedestrian to FULLY cross the street and exit the crosswalk, then look at the driver behind me in the mirror, and hesitate JUST enough to **** her off more. Sorry, I kinda took pleasure in that. Then I meander about my way.
I just don't understand what drives people sometimes. Is where you have to be THAT important that you don't strap your own kid in, or you take a chance on hitting another kid?!?! No, I think not.
The points made above certainly apply here, and I think that the size of the car comes into play here too. Hit the back of my jeep, and well your little euro-latte-suv is gonna crumple into nothing, and probably put a scratch in my rusted hulk of a rear bumper.
I digress, more of a rant really. I think it's time to slow down out there, too damned much of me first. How do I get off of this soapbox anyway?
I'm travelling in a 30mph zone, small town main street kind of setup. In NH it's the law to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. Well I see this one young girl walking to school every morning, by herself. She's obviously not one of the "cool kids", just making her way to school. I kinda feel for her, as that was me growing up. Always on the outside, looking in. Anyway...she's at the base of the crosswalk waiting for us idiot drivers to stop so she can cross. I stop at the crosswalk, a little harder than normal, but not aggressively. I watch in my mirror as the mazda suv locks 'em up. The young girl driving yelling at me as she does, meanwhile the toddler in the back seat finds his/herself now in the frontseat on top of the console between the seats. She got about a foot off of my bumper before completely stopping. The toddler makes a hasty retreat to the backseat. Now the driver looks over to the girl crossing the street, as do I. The pedestrian smiles at me and waves, as she crosses. Well, I smile back and wave. Then I look in the rear view mirror, and the driver is now gone from yelling at me to yelling at the girl to hurry up...move! Well, now you have my attention. I wait for the pedestrian to FULLY cross the street and exit the crosswalk, then look at the driver behind me in the mirror, and hesitate JUST enough to **** her off more. Sorry, I kinda took pleasure in that. Then I meander about my way.
I just don't understand what drives people sometimes. Is where you have to be THAT important that you don't strap your own kid in, or you take a chance on hitting another kid?!?! No, I think not.
The points made above certainly apply here, and I think that the size of the car comes into play here too. Hit the back of my jeep, and well your little euro-latte-suv is gonna crumple into nothing, and probably put a scratch in my rusted hulk of a rear bumper.
I digress, more of a rant really. I think it's time to slow down out there, too damned much of me first. How do I get off of this soapbox anyway?
I always take pleasure in pissing others off on the road that **** me off for no reason. You're not alone. I cannot STAND when people lay on the horn IMMEDIATELY after a light turns green. Like seriously? Are you that impatient? get a life. I drive about 20 mph every time they do that.
oh and all I do is just constantly check my mirrors. I think I look at my rear view every 5-10 seconds. I swear hardly anyone on the road does that. Its like everyone with their stupid toyotas are just drones on the road with no awareness whatsoever of their surroundings.
Last edited by minirooferS; Nov 24, 2011 at 12:11 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
oh and all I do is just constantly check my mirrors. I think I look at my rear view every 5-10 seconds. I swear hardly anyone on the road does that. Its like everyone with their stupid toyotas are just drones on the road with no awareness whatsoever of their surroundings.
The other day I was on a 3-lane one-way (left-most lane), headed to a green-light intersection, when a fire truck showed itself from the right looking to turn onto our street. The minivan in the middle lane alongside of me freaked out and nearly plowed into me in a desperate attempt to move to the left, never mind that the fire truck had stopped for the red light and would have had an entire lane to itself had it progressed anyway... there was NO reason to swerve, just slow down. The truck completely surprised the minivan -- people panic and do dumb things when they don't stay aware of their environment.
And actually, that's a situation where driving a MINI may have helped more than hurt -- the bike lane would have actually been a viable escape route for me.
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