It was not too long after buying my Prius that I began to suspect other drivers were deliberately, in comparison to the experience I had with my Passat, cutting in front of me, driving on my tail or performing other maneuvers which were meant to send a clear message. I initially attributed some of this new passive aggressive behavior to the more conservative driving style I had adopted, but it soon became clear that this persisted even when I changed my driving style to match the traffic around me. I truly believe this is basic human nature and it is something humans (and other animals) do when they detect something is different in their environment. While there are many examples of this same behavior, some much worst, I am reminded of living in Kansas for many years as a vegetarian and experiencing these similar types of behaviors (are you too good to eat meat?). Because of this I believe I have become more aware of opinions and attitudes expressed about the regular Prius owner. Yes, I have read the threads about this subject in this forum. All this leads to my Esquire magazine and their regular list of rules, which are meant to be wise maxims for the regular guy. In the July issue, they had rule #441 - "The car in front of you that is just in your stinking way is either a Prius or a Subaru." I thought here is that attitude again. Then in the August issue a reader wrote in to complain about rule #441. This guy from California says this rule is not true. "The Prius is the one tailgating you, then weaving in and out of traffic without signaling and cutting you off. Prius people seem to think that since they are environmentally correct, they can drive like jerks." I guess this can only lead to rule #442 - "Prius owners are family. Family does not disrespect family, especially when driving on the same road. It is open season on everyone else".
Rule# 443 - "The vehicle that cuts in front of you will either be too big to see around or spewing the kind of exhaust that requires you to push the "recirculate" button."
It had been a while since I got a real stupid comment from someone. "Aren't you afraid to drive that thing after that trooper and family died in theirs?" Geez, I don't know, how do you feel about your SUV after thousands have died in rollover crashes?!
I typically have my children with me when I drive, so I am a little cautious. I have noticed though that people tend to underestimate the speed and engine power of a Prius and will try to cut in front of me. That's okay. They might have SUV's, but I have a more manuverable car.
It has happened since we got our '05. Curiously, I'm currently in a city that is probably the last place to see large hybrid ownership and I haven't been tailgated or cut off yet in my 2010. I have had people change lanes well ahead of time or simply just overtake. Most overtakes usually come with a stare (or is it a glare?)
That's true....at certain moments I've seen, not once, but at least 3-4 times a Prius was tailgating faster car/coupe/SUV to show 'get out of my way' thing on the left-lane....my est. of their speed is 75+mph and above. Prius maybe sucks at 1/4 mile drag-racing, but when it gets up to speed it has no problem on keeping up with anything within the non-triple-digit speed. And it's still kinda Quiet inside.....
Rule# 464 - "In city driving the guy making the biggest show to speed up and get around you will be the same guy you pull up beside at the second stop light."
True story, I pulled up to a stop light in Manchester, NH in my Prius. I heard an engine rev, and looked over at a kid in a suped up Civic. He reved, I smiled and looked past him to the unmarked Manchster PD car one car over. I waved, the light turned green and he took off. I pulled out of the spot at an appropriate speed. A block down the road, racer boy was pulled over talking with the unmarked. The Klingons are right, revenge is a dish best served cold.
I thought it was just me. I definitely think more people tailgate me now even though my driving habits are essentially the same. Maybe it's just the way it looks through the rear window. Most people now seem uncomfortably close.
I think more people are riding my bumper I'm in the right lane going ~5mph under the speed limit) when the left lane is completely empty
Experience it all the time--even if I'm in the right lane going 15 *over* with all the other traffic. You want to go around? Go around, I don't care. I guess maybe some people are so self-absorbed they think we bought our cars just to p*ss them off. Maybe this explains why that poor guy in the other thread got rear-ended something like four times already. At least the split-bar in the rear window (sometimes) blocks their headlights... Peace, love and honor the two-second rule - Tim
Rule# 654 - "A clean Prius is quieter on the road, handles better, has a nicer ride, runs smoother, brakes quicker, gives better mileage, gets more smiles and makes the music sound sweeter."
I had this problem with my Volkswagens in the '70s (American car owner resentment of my better MPG); it's the same ugly jealousy at work again.
