Overtaking an Ego

pappyodaniel

A few weeks ago I was driving behind a car doing about 65kmph in an 80kmph speed zone. I was late for an appointment so I decided to overtake him as it was safe for me to do so. As I pulled out onto the other side of the road I sped up (as you do) and as I was parallel with the car I was overtaking I realised he was now speeding up. On the horizon I noticed a car approaching so I floored it and made it past albeit with a faster hearbeat. I was enraged at the conduct of this driver, but he was more enraged with me because he started flashing his lights and beeping his horn at me. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

I consider myself a very good driver and I knew my decision to overtake was a safe one. I think some drivers have some sort of an ego thing going on and hate to be over-taken.

And to cap all this off, the car I overtook was a licensed school of motoring car. I'd love to report the bastard but I feel the law would look more favourably on his version of events.


Any similar stories?

langdang

Have seen it a few times in my own car and when driving hers (some people really can't handle being overtaken by a "girls" car). Errah you have to laugh (as long as you get past them) - there's a lotta people would begrudge you anything..

pappyodaniel

pappyodaniel wrote: »

.......On the horizon I noticed a car approaching so I floored it and made it past albeit with a faster hearbeat. .............

If at all possible it's much safer to slow down and pull back in behind the nutter Let them off.

Shane732

pappyodaniel wrote: »

I consider myself a very good driver and I knew my decision to overtake was a safe one.

Of course you do.

pappyodaniel

What really irked me was the fact that the driver was a licensed instructor (not saying which company) so he should have known better than to put people's lives at risk. I can't stand dictatorial drivers.

-Corkie-

Ya they are everywhere. I often see it aswell people think they can set the speed limit themselves. OP you should report him or even contact the RSA with the report. I cannot see the AGS having any particular love for them. Thats a fairly serious offence BTW.

Of course you will be told that you were in the wrong etc etc.

Alanstrainor

RoverJames wrote: »

If at all possible it's much safer to slow down and pull back in behind the nutter Let them off.

+1!

pappyodaniel wrote: »

What really irked me was the fact that the driver was a licensed instructor (not saying which company) so he should have known better than to put people's lives at risk. I can't stand dictatorial drivers.

Everyone hates asreholes on the road. It's just part of life really, they're everywhere!

Big Nelly

Was on Trim road a few years back, car was doing 40 all the way down road, was an almera 2ltr petrol, I was behind him and if anyone know the road there is about 2-3 safe passing spots. So anyway, he was still going 40 on the first one so I indicated, no oncoming traffic and went to pass, as soon as I tried to pass he floored it. So I ended up side to side on straight so I pulled back in. No point risking it on that road

Kept going for next while at 40 again and a good line of cars behind me now, came up to next straight and car behind me had lost it at this stage and floored it to pass me and him, once he seen car on his outside he floored it again, car passed him but right on corner and if anything was coming around it would have been head on, I was raging. Anyway he turned off soon after and me and the plus 20 cars where allowed to drive on.

This is the gobs**ts on the road!!!

Thoie

I had a conversation with a friend about this recently - he was driving slowly, but then sped up as someone went to overtake him. I asked what the f*** he thought he was doing. His answer was that the guy behind was annoying him and "deserved it". He also tried to claim the other driver was overtaking in a dangerous spot approaching a corner. I pointed out that if he'd maintained the speed he was doing, the other car would have had plenty of time to overtake without danger.

He has now seen the error of his ways, and promises that once he's able to drive again, he won't pull that kind of stunt in future.

Tea drinker

one guy got upset and started flashing me after I went by him on a dual carraigeway. I slowed down wondering what his major malfunction is (I knew well actually) and he drew level on the inside lane where he then proceeded to make ramming manoevers at my car. I was livid but the missus was scared sh1tless so after giving him the fingers roaring and shouting etc I left it.

This was in morocco though

Big Nasty

I have been on the receiving and giving end of this TBH. Had it happen to me many times over the years in various cars. The only times I've been the 'giver' though is in Traffic Light Grand Prix situations - I never give in!:o

ArphaRima

You guys need faster cars. Not sportscars or anything like it, just better at accelerating than the gobsh1te's car!

-Corkie-

I was going to say that!!!. Octavia VRS!!:D

Pkiernan

OP:

Either call the cops and report the dangerous driving, or get over it.

freighter

I had a empty trailer one day and I was coming back from sligo. I was behind a old buck and when we came onto the overtaking lane I passed him out but he started speeding up.
After a minute a few cars built up behind me and were getting irritated so i moved in on top of the old geyser and pinned him with the back of the trailer..:D

That tightened him up and he didnt try it again..:)

CiniO

pappyodaniel wrote: »

A few weeks ago I was driving behind a car doing about 65kmph in an 80kmph speed zone. I was late for an appointment so I decided to overtake him as it was safe for me to do so.

First mistake.
From what you've written I assume if you weren't late you wouldn't overtake.
Never take any actions on the road because you are late, as people in hurry usually are more likely to make a mistake while driving and cause an accident.
That's one of the basic rules. No matter how much in hurry I am, I always drive in the same manner as everyday.
Probably I would overtake him either, but I would no matter if I was in hurry or not. That really makes a difference.
The golden rule - never change your driving style because you are in hurry.

As I pulled out onto the other side of the road I sped up (as you do)

That's another error.
You should keep the distance, check if it's safe to overtake, and then start accelerating. When you get bit closer to the car (not too close) then change lane. You will already have a speed difference build up, and overtaking will be shorter and safer.
The amount of time you will have to spend on right lane will be shorter.
The gap in cars coming from the other side needed for you to overtake safely will be smaller.
Believe me or not, that's the most correct way of overtaking.

I consider myself a very good driver and I knew my decision to overtake was a safe one.

As you described above it wasn't.
You didn't took under consideration that the driver in the front will start to overtake.
Good driver should be prepared for that kind of events. You weren't.

Usually that's like that good drivers don't describe themselves as good drivers, as the more about driving they know, the more they realize how much more they still have to learn.

vectra

-Corkie- wrote: »

I was going to say that!!!. Octavia VRS!!:D

Yup
they are decent for it alright :pac:

ArphaRima

@CiniO: Just how high is your horse?

Usually that's like that good drivers don't describe themselves as good drivers, as the more about driving you know, the more you realize who much more you still have to learn.

I'm still scratching my head at this one. English?

jaffa20

Has happend me a few times too. People seem to like been out in front no matter what speed they are going.

Also, I've noticed people overtaking me as i'm doing a steady speed and then they slow right down after overtaking. So then i overtake and go back to my steady speed and guess what...:(

-Corkie-

vectra wrote: »

Yup
they are decent for it alright :pac:

The poster that said it above has a serious point actually. A lot of people have very underpowered cars. For total arguement say a old Mondeo was passing me or you out and we only tipped the throttle the tinyest bit they would be left in the middle of the road.

Tea drinker

-Corkie- wrote: »

The poster that said it above has a serious point actually. A lot of people have very underpowered cars. For total arguement say a old Mondeo was passing me or you out and we only tipped the throttle the tinyest bit they would be left in the middle of the road.

Sure didn't we have the opposite conversation a few weeks back here, some lad in a V8 land cruiser was unable to to overtake an ould wreck of a skoda, and when after a half mile he did get by he brake tested the guy into crashing.

number10a

Kinda similar, but with a bit less danger involved - when you're stuck behind someone for ages, and you know there's a 2+1 overtaking lane coming up. You can't wait for it just so you can pass the bastàrd out. Then you get there, fingers on indicator ready to indicate right, and the cùnt floors it. These 2+1s are never long, so you don't have much of a chance to pass someone out. Then you get to the end, still behind them, and they're back down to 60km/h. :mad::mad::mad::mad: These people should be taken out and shot.

Big Nelly

I did hear in the US that you get a ticket for slow progress? is this correct?

I would like that in Ireland. Slow cars on N roads cause more accidents than fast drivers. If everyone travelled at 60 it would be grand apart from the odd pr**k but someone going 40 means people take chances taking over

-Corkie-

Tea drinker wrote: »

Sure didn't we have the opposite conversation a few weeks back here, some lad in a V8 land cruiser was unable to to overtake an ould wreck of a skoda, and when after a half mile he did get by he brake tested the guy into crashing.

Thats correct actually. I totally forgot about it actually..:)

langdang

number10a wrote: »

Then you get there, fingers on indicator ready to indicate right, and the cùnt floors it. These 2+1s are never long, so you don't have much of a chance to pass someone out.

You need more horsies!:D

bazzachazza

Very noticeable on motorways when you're driving with the cruise control on at a set speed. You are passing cars regularly and you are catching up on one car and just as you get to their rear three quarter they start matching your speed. You then have to increase speed to get passed and move back in. As soon as you do they slow down and a huge gap appears behind you.

OP it's just part of life. They don't do a Mensa test before they give driving licences out so any old eejit gets one.

pappyodaniel

bazzachazza wrote: »

Very noticeable on motorways when you're driving with the cruise control on at a set speed. You are passing cars regularly and you are catching up on one car and just as you get to their rear three quarter they start matching your speed. You then have to increase speed to get passed and move back in. As soon as you do they slow down and a huge gap appears behind you.

OP it's just part of life. They don't do a Mensa test before they give driving licences out so any old eejit gets one.

I don't think it's anything to do with these drivers being a bit thick or having a low iQ, it's more of a kinda 'Sadistic', 'Alpha Male', 'Dominant', king of the road mentality. They must see it as a sign of weakness to have another driver pass them out. I only brought up the subject because it happened to me again today, a little less dramatic though, and it reminded me of the incident with the 'driving' instructor.

number10a

langdang wrote: »

You need more horsies!:D

I know. Puntos aren't the best at overtaking big egos up a hill.

Matt Simis

fluffer wrote: »

You guys need faster cars. Not sportscars or anything like it, just better at accelerating than the gobsh1te's car!

Yup, this problem is easily avoided if you have a genuinely fast car.

-Corkie-

bazzachazza wrote: »

Very noticeable on motorways when you're driving with the cruise control on at a set speed. You are passing cars regularly and you are catching up on one car and just as you get to their rear three quarter they start matching your speed. You then have to increase speed to get passed and move back in. As soon as you do they slow down and a huge gap appears behind you.

OP it's just part of life. They don't do a Mensa test before they give driving licences out so any old eejit gets one.

I would say they would be fairly peed of trying to accelerate and you passing them with the car you drive!!:D

Big Nelly

bazzachazza wrote: »

Very noticeable on motorways when you're driving with the cruise control on at a set speed. You are passing cars regularly and you are catching up on one car and just as you get to their rear three quarter they start matching your speed. You then have to increase speed to get passed and move back in. As soon as you do they slow down and a huge gap appears behind you.

OP it's just part of life. They don't do a Mensa test before they give driving licences out so any old eejit gets one.

Haha, I was just thinking of this, have cruise control in car and drive a lot ot Cork/Galway/Belfast on a weekly basis. Set the speed and let it run. Going along and you try to pass someone and next thing you are sitting beside them on outside lane for ages as they try to match speed or undertake you. Then if you pull back in behind them you go thru the same thing 5 miles up the road

Was on Cork road recently, guy in Skoda, I was set at 120km, passed him out, then 5 mins later he went past me, 5 mins later had to pass him out again, 5 mins later he passed me, then I had to pass him out, remember 2 hour drive, then he passed me, as I had to pass him out again, never touching the cruise control, I just looked at him and threw my hands in air and laughed, he actually laughed too and just followed me rest of way to Dublin. What is the point?

Heroditas

Big Nelly wrote: »

I did hear in the US that you get a ticket for slow progress? is this correct?

California is well known for this.
In Oregon you dare not speed because the cops will nail you if you're even a mile or two over the limit.
Cross over into California and suddenly everyone speeds up by 20mph! If you don't, the cops will give you a bollicking!!!

Rega

Big Nelly wrote: »

I did hear in the US that you get a ticket for slow progress? is this correct?

I would like that in Ireland. Slow cars on N roads cause more accidents than fast drivers. If everyone travelled at 60 it would be grand apart from the odd pr**k but someone going 40 means people take chances taking over

Too right. I got stuck 5 cars back behind a bollox drawing a load of hay on his lorry last Friday. After a few minutes my girlfriend counted 12 cars behind us. We were stuck behind him for over 20 minutes.

I've no problem with the guy having to move a heavy load but we counted 4 decent places in which he could have pulled in safely and let all the cars pass. It was plain selfish and ignorant on his part.

EPM

-Corkie- wrote: »

I was going to say that!!!. Octavia VRS!!:D

Sure they just clog dpfs on motorways and shoot into limp mode:mad:

firefly08

You should keep the distance, check if it's safe to overtake, and then start accelerating. When you get bit closer to the car (not too close) then change lane. You will already have a speed difference build up, and overtaking will be shorter and safer

This is not really any safer IMO. I usually pull out before speeding up - it doesn't really require any more of a straight stretch, because you are pulling out sooner. With the approach you've described, you may spend less time on the wrong side of the road, but the time your spending there is later in the game, closer to potential danger around the corner. Not to mention that accelerating up behind another vehicle is very dangerous - if he gets on his brakes you're in trouble.

We were on the motorway once and looking to overtake someone in front. OH was driving and saw the overtaking lane was clear, indicated. Before he started moving out, someone way behind in the OT lane suddenly started flooring it. Still had room so we moved out, overtook, then moved back again. The guy who had been flooring it to try and block us went PSYCHO. Few mins later manoeuvred in front of us and jammed on the brakes. Then gave us a lot of rude gestures for the next while. Seriously, I don't mean a few of them and then took off. I mean he really kept doing it until we eventually got to our exit.
He was so busy gesturing at us I'm amazed he could even see the road :rolleyes:
Some crazy people out there, honestly.

Bigus

Look at 3.00 on this video perfect example of overtqking and ego

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXDrRgVozUM

bazzachazza

Bigus wrote: »

Look at 3.00 on this video perfect example of overtqking and ego

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXDrRgVozUM

Not this video again

Henry Ford III

I once overtook an Evo, or was it a BMW 535D?

colm_mcm

Shogun?

Esel

CiniO wrote: »

Usually that's like that good drivers don't describe themselves as good drivers, as the more about driving they know, the more they realize how much more they still have to learn.

fluffer wrote: »

I'm still scratching my head at this one. English?

I wonder what the Polish/Lithuanian/whatever is for dickhead?

The bit you quoted is possibly slightly hard to understand. I hope your head does not bleed easily, as it looks like you scratch it a lot.

Cuddlesworth

fluffer wrote: »

@CiniO: Just how high is your horse?

What's high horse about pointing out the bad practises involved in the OP's overtaking? CiniO has a valid point, seemingly ignored by the majority of you.

newmug

bluewolf wrote: »

We were on the motorway once and looking to overtake someone in front. OH was driving and saw the overtaking lane was clear, indicated. Before he started moving out, someone way behind in the OT lane suddenly started flooring it. Still had room so we moved out, overtook, then moved back again. The guy who had been flooring it to try and block us went PSYCHO. Few mins later manoeuvred in front of us and jammed on the brakes. Then gave us a lot of rude gestures for the next while. Seriously, I don't mean a few of them and then took off. I mean he really kept doing it until we eventually got to our exit.
He was so busy gesturing at us I'm amazed he could even see the road :rolleyes:
Some crazy people out there, honestly.

So the overtaking lane WASN'T clear? Hmmmmm, might explain why the driver your OH pulled out in front of was so pissed off!

pburns

fluffer wrote: »

You guys need faster cars. Not sportscars or anything like it, just better at accelerating than the gobsh1te's car!

He right..I wonder what the OP is driving? Overtaking one slower moving vehicle where there's reasonable room shouldn't be a drama...even if the other guy does speed up... they're usually in something like an Almera 1.4 anyway.

vectra

EPM wrote: »

Sure they just clog dpfs on motorways and shoot into limp mode:mad:

Nah
You were driving your one wayy tooo sloooooow

gerarda

A similar thing happened to me recently on the back roads of the airport. I was driving along just under the limit when this gobs**te in a bmw comes right up behind me flashing me so I just ignored him. He passed me 2 mins later in a rage and I just gave him a wave, then met him again at a set of lights were was stuck behind a jcb! I don't understand this pointless overtaking? People are always in a hurry for nothing.

CiniO

Esel wrote: »

I wonder what the Polish/Lithuanian/whatever is for dickhead?

http://en.bab.la/dictionary/english-polish/dickhead

mickob16

Henry Ford III wrote: »

I once overtook an Evo, or was it a BMW 535D?

Stop fibbing:D

CiniO

firefly08 wrote: »

This is not really any safer IMO. I usually pull out before speeding up - it doesn't really require any more of a straight stretch, because you are pulling out sooner.

But the problem is, that you only start building your speed difference when in right lane. It's not really a problem with fast cars, but can be hazardous with small engine cars.

With the approach you've described, you may spend less time on the wrong side of the road, but the time your spending there is later in the game, closer to potential danger around the corner.

Not necessarely.
Imagine you are driving on a straight road with pretty big traffic from the other side. You want to overtake. From time to time there are gaps in traffic, but if you need to go to the right lane, start accelerating pass the car, and come back to left lane, the gap might not be enough, especially if your car is not the fastest.
So what you can do?
Just take a good look. Keep big distance from the car you want to overtake. When you see the gap, and you see it's getting closer, start accelerating (while still in the left lane). When the gap is here, you will already have a speed difference between you and the car you are overtaking. Then go to the right lane and overtake.
You will need much smaller gap, and will be able to proceed with overtaking safely.
Obviously you can't get to close to the car you are overtaking, because considering something might change in the situation you always need to have enough space to slow down and not hit the car.
It just requires some practice, especially a with good judgement of distance, but whenever you get it, you will be overtaking only that way.
Believe me that's the safest way.

Not to mention that accelerating up behind another vehicle is very dangerous - if he gets on his brakes you're in trouble.

That's why keeping proper distance is crucial.

Paparazzo

CiniO wrote: »

First mistake.
From what you've written I assume if you weren't late you wouldn't overtake.
Never take any actions on the road because you are late, as people in hurry usually are more likely to make a mistake while driving and cause an accident.
That's one of the basic rules. No matter how much in hurry I am, I always drive in the same manner as everyday.
Probably I would overtake him either, but I would no matter if I was in hurry or not. That really makes a difference.
The golden rule - never change your driving style because you are in hurry.

Most patronising post of the day?

CiniO

Paparazzo wrote: »

Most patronising post of the day?

What's so patronising about it?
Don't you agree with that rule?