2009.11.05
Put your 'nerds-who-can't merge' rant right here!
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This is an oldie but a goodie that we've explored in the column some months back. Gonzo blogger Michael A. Howdyshell resurrected it with a comment posted to a different thread this morning. Here is what he wrote:
I have a rant for you and I rarely rant about much. Merging onto 581 South at Orange Avenue. Don't the driver education class's teach merging anymore? Yesterday I witnessed a car that stopped as it came up on 581 I simply passed the car on right, as others did, and proceeded onward. Out of respect for propriety I will not mention the gender of the driver. This is very dangerous. The merge lane is designed for the merging vehicle to attain the speed of the ongoing traffic. I understand this particular entry ramp is a little difficult as cars are exiting 581 to Orange Avenue East, however that does not change the basic skill of merging does not involve stopping. To make this current for the blog I think the people that stop on the entry ramp are probably 1) not Virginians and 2) probably liberals.
Michael is certainly right about one thing: There are lots of drivers around Roanoke who reflexively stomp on their brakes when they should be hitting the gas pedal.
But like any good blogging provocateur, he had to blame it on liberals and/or non-natives who have been allowed in the wonderful commonwealth thanks to the good graces of the REAL Virginians. Heh, heh. And get a gender reference in there, too.
Then Elliot chimed in:
Even though this is off the topic of the post, I'm going to respond to Michael. Being from NY originally (although I've been here for 9 years now and I can't imagine living anywhere else), I've got to disagree with one of your two assessments. You are correct that people who stop on on-ramps are most likely liberals, but the "not Virginians" claim is backwards.
After moving down here I was shocked at how many people don't know how to merge. It was a drastic difference from anywhere else I've been. People will stop even when there are no cars coming. Orange to 581 is the worst but not the only place this happens. I think Liberal Virginians are the culprit.
And then some others, including Jason.
I understand the irritation. It gets to me, too. And I also get frustrated by:
Drivers running 10 mph under the speed limit (without any obvious reason for doing so);
And, by "biased" traffic lights such as the one at Grandin/Brandon southwest, where the cars on Brandon get all the time in the world to clear the intersection but barely 10 cars in line on Grandin, if that many, can make it through. Thus, many Grandin drivers have to sit through 2 stoplight cycles.
What do YOU say?
Please add you merging/traffic gripes here!
I beg to differ, the vast majority of traffic idiots I encounter on Orange Avenue and Gus Nicks daily have McCain/Palin, God loves you, or even W bumper stickers on them so the idea that it is mostly Liberals is as preposterous and insulting (as it was meant to be) as it is to pretend they are not natives. Now, having said that, I would also like to note that the further north you go the more kamikaze the drivers become and they will "merge" when they feel like it even if it sets you on your ears and they all drive by their horns. On Orange and again on Hardy Road where two lanes merge to one is always a jam up of the above mentioned idiots. I have many long and loud "conversations" on my rides home daily.
Comment by Sandi Saunders — November 5, 2009 @ 12:27 pm
I think the biggest problem is not liberals or conservatives - but drivers from Roanoke. I moved down here from Boston and I have never ever ever experienced such bad driving in my life - anywhere else in the country. The concept of merging does not exist in Roanoke - apparently in drivers' ed they do not teach that the yield sign does not mean stop. The biggest problem is the fact that Roanoke drivers are INCONSIDERATE. I use 581 from Orange Ave to the Colonial Ave exit. First of all, there is a reason that there is a sign that says "Through traffic use left two lanes." If you're not getting off of the road - get out of the right hand lane; there is a reason there are three lanes and not two. There are other drivers on the road and Roanoke drivers simply don't care.
The other part of the story is distracted drivers - smoking their cigarettes and paying more attention to lung cancer than the road or others who talk on their cell phones - again, with no consideration of any other driver.
I like this city - but the drivers are the worst.
Comment by Ace — November 5, 2009 @ 12:44 pm
Its got nothing to do with liberals and everything to do with Roanoke. The entire population operates like it has nowhere to be any time soon and doensn't understand why the 10 people behind them might actually have to BE somewhere. Ever. That day, ideally.
It's merging from a complete standstill. It's picking your nose for a good 20 seconds when the protected left arrow at an intersection turns green (and then red. With 2 cars getting through).
I'm from an extremely liberal state, and the good folks of Roanoke would get their lunches eaten pulling this sort of nonsense there. I love and adore Roanoke in about 99% of its characteristics, but a somewhat increased sense of urgency on the roads would not come amiss.
It's not often I get to exercise my roadrage in writing. At least, not in words suitable to be viewed by the general public. I think my kids learned all their worst words riding in the backseat of my car.
Comment by Kristen — November 5, 2009 @ 1:03 pm
Kristen, please tell us what state you're from! (I didn't know there were ANY liberal states left anymore).
Comment by Dan Casey — November 5, 2009 @ 1:10 pm
Dan! I'm from Massachusetts.I think (hope) it still qualifies as liberal!
Comment by Kristen — November 5, 2009 @ 1:12 pm
I'm originally from Kentucky. I spent the last five years living in Lexington, KY before my wife and I moved to Roanoke about a year and a half ago. I am amazed everyday at the poor driving to be found here in the valley. From people who will poke along miles under the speed limit acting as though they live to be caught by red lights to the insane drivers that will pull right out in front of you on a regular basis. But, here's my pet peeve of Roanoke driving: If you are entering the Valley View Mall parking area via the entrance between Smokey Bones and Chic-Fil-A, YOU DO NOT HAVE A STOP SIGN! You don't even have a yield sign! You have a magic thing we call the right of way! So, GO!!!!!!!
Comment by Joey — November 5, 2009 @ 1:23 pm
Don't get in a hurry in Blacksburg. They are ticketing for everything now. I guess they need the money.
Comment by Henry — November 5, 2009 @ 1:26 pm
Joey,
well said.
/applause
Comment by VVarlock — November 5, 2009 @ 1:39 pm
No Kidding Henry. Tuesday I was going south on Main Street near the new Hess and cruising right at 35 in the right lane. The lady behind me got irritated at going the speed limit and whipped around to pass at probably 45 or so, and got lit up by a town cop who was parked off on the right sidewalk between Moog and the Courtyard. I had fun watching that, it used to happen all the time when I drove the BT, especially the older Flxible's that belched a bunch of deisel soot.
Comment by Other John — November 5, 2009 @ 2:10 pm
Dan - I posted earlier on your other thread that this is the cause of obliviots - which IMO should be included into the next Websters.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Obliviot
Roanoke is full of them. I am sure we have all had our obliviot moments as well. I think its a great word and I have been using it for a few years now. It is borrowed from Mike Straka a columnist for Fox News (OH NO - IT CANT BE) who wrote a hilarious column called "Grrrr...."
Comment by Walker — November 5, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
I am flabbergasted at the amount of people that stop when trying to merge onto 581. It isn't just the Orange Ave on ramp either. It happens where Franklin/220 meet too. And where Wonju/220 meet. And where Hershberger/220 meet...
Though it doesn't help that people continually drive in the right most lane and refuse to pay attention to the traffic trying to merge onto 581. They're probably the same people that stop when merging.
Joey also touched on a sore spot with me. I think Roanokers just love stopping anytime they get a chance to, with or without stop signs, just for grins and giggles.
(Native Virginian from a much smaller town than Roanoke. Mostly liberal too.)
Comment by Bailie — November 5, 2009 @ 2:27 pm
I grew up in Virginia Beach, not really so liberal or conservative...but totally full of aggressive drivers. It has taken a solid 10 years to adjust to the way people drive here. I hate commuting to work, because I use 114, which is 2 lane most of the way. It never fails that I will get behind someone on a cell phone doing 40, or someone who thinks they have to drive 30 in the rain, or some such nonsense. The speed limit is 55, if that's too fast, there are plenty of alternative country roads to dilly-dally upon. Ok, so m aybe I don;t have the aggressive HR driving behind me, but I've mellowed a ton.
Comment by Other John — November 5, 2009 @ 2:43 pm
Sorry people but there is absolutely no correlation between one's political beliefs and how they drive. There are idiots on both sides of the spectrum, as Elliott, Michael, and Sandi's posts have clearly demonstrated.
Unfortunately for our country, liberals realize this more often than conservatives. Just compare how President Obama speaks of conservatives and the GOP with how Rush or Hannity speak of liberals and the Dems.
Comment by Justin — November 5, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
Good thread!! I fail to see why so many drivers exit I-81 and drive in the right lane ALL the way down to Elm on 581! No one can get off those short little accel lanes! Its tough to get to the short little exit ramps too!
O. John - 114 is a mess too!! I guess people think they are saving gas by driving 10 miles per hour below the posted limit!
Comment by Ken — November 5, 2009 @ 3:42 pm
I HATE IT WHEN PEOPLE DRIVE LIKE I DO! @!#%*&* it all
Comment by Will — November 5, 2009 @ 4:13 pm
think I posted this before, but....
"Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?" - George Carlin
I do agree and have always said that unless traffic is so packed in righthand lane on the interstate you should be approaching the speed limit by the time you are merging onto the highway.
And those in the righthand lane need to be scooting over, if able, to allow the mergers some room.
Comment by Dylan — November 5, 2009 @ 4:21 pm
Well said Justin! Thank you for that!
Comment by Sandi Saunders — November 5, 2009 @ 4:53 pm
i AM SO MAD I CAN JUST ABOUT
366er+9er
6
rtergegetrgoeuhp9ehfer0fgerg77rt36yhbl,mbv74dsffoljdo8qdqb dc/.sdbf
+cvsdc4
whew! I feel better, I will take Franklin rd home tonight!
Comment by Joe — November 5, 2009 @ 5:04 pm
haha- my husband (a richmond native) and one of our friends (also from the richmond area) were just commenting on this issue this past weekend. they seriously question the quality of the drivers ed. programs in our region. i, myself, am far more bothered by the people who can't read speed limit signs. if it says "45," you really can go 45. there's no reason to go 35. arg.
Comment by jenn c. — November 5, 2009 @ 5:05 pm
Walker - "Obliviots" I love it!!
Dan et al,
Funny that intersection came up, as I had the opposite problem going to an Express game years ago. I was coming off 581 and some obliviot figured they would re-write the right-of-way law and force me to slow down (I had tactical control anyway...not only did I have RoW, I was ahead of him). A little more gas to the Charger asserted my legal position. heh
But up here in NoVA we have a similar obliviot problem. *Many* times I have seen people STOP IN THE LANE when being pulled over by the police. Yes, they'll stop in the right hand lane of a four-lane highway.
It's bad enough that some stop in a turn lane (rather than take the few extra yards and pull onto a parking lot, or a side street at the very least.
What can I expect. So many people up here can't walk a shopping cart three parking spaces to the cart return. I'm glad I was born Southern.
Comment by Ed S. — November 5, 2009 @ 5:37 pm
Wow partisanship even on merging....Well we guys know the problem dont we..Its those ever present..God luv um ..cant live withum or withoutum..Women Drivers!
Comment by Tony — November 5, 2009 @ 5:45 pm
Very good point: It is well known that people on 581 will NOT get over and ride that right lane all the way so that merging can be difficult and dangerous.
Comment by Sandi Saunders — November 5, 2009 @ 6:01 pm
Ok, we have blamed this scourge on partisan-ism, and sexism (thank you, Tony) -- do I hear racism or theism?
Or atheism? Or Dominionism? Or ethnicity?
Certainly we can find many tribes to blame!
Comment by Dan Casey — November 5, 2009 @ 6:41 pm
Dan,
They're Windows users.
I will go out on a limb and say that none of the offenders use Linux.
Comment by Ed S. — November 5, 2009 @ 7:33 pm
OMG -- digitalism!
Comment by Dan Casey — November 5, 2009 @ 7:36 pm
All kidding aside..My girlfriend is from Cleveland..and points out how people here are much kinder say at a redlight that turns green..they dont immediately blow the horn..their a bit kinder here..although maybe more hesitant in a 'merge" situation..as my beloved Aunt Naomi says...They say its "slower here..but they retire here" Enjoy it Roanokers..theres some pretty good eggs in this town..
Comment by Tony — November 5, 2009 @ 7:48 pm
I don't even know where to start with this topic! Since moving back to Roanoke from Baltimore 13 years ago, I have been run off the road, tailgated, rear-ended and sideswiped. I have also been on the receiving end of curses, screams, hand written notes, and the dreaded middle finger salute! Why, you ask? My best guess is because I follow the speed limit, use my blinker, keep a safe distance between myself and the car in front of me, and expect others to follow the same rules.
Roanokers are THE WORST drivers in the nation. I can say that with some certainty as I have driven in almost every state in the country. My family and I took a cross country road trip several years ago and there is nowhere, in the continental United States with worse drivers! (with the possible exception of Boston - sorry Ace!)
No one here has mentioned the fact that merging is a two-way street. (pardon the pun!) Not only must the one doing the merging, ramp up to speed but the traffic already up to speed has an obligation to move out of the lane closest to the on-ramp. I rarely ever see anyone change lanes in order to allow the merging traffic a chance to safely gain access to the highway. Did they not teach this in high school driver's ed?
And while we are on the subject of bad drivers... I could write a 2000 word essay on tailgaters. If that blog should ever appear here, I'll definitely chime in with my 2 cents.
Comment by Lynda K — November 5, 2009 @ 8:29 pm
If wall street and all these banks had merged like Roanokers do, we probably would not have the mess we have now.
Seriously though, the bigger problem I encounter here is the absolute failure to use turn signals. I see all these expensive cars that should be going to the repair shop as their signals are broken...or is it the fact they are blabbing on the phone and too busy to flick the switch? Since I ride a motorcycle most of the time, I have to give plenty of room to these people to make sure they do not cut in front of me, or turn quickly or whatever their pea brains are instructing them to do...all without a turn signal.
As far as the liberal/conservative bent...I have found that stupidity comes in all flavors. Sort of like living at Baskin-Robbins!
Comment by Lauren — November 5, 2009 @ 8:35 pm
Since I have been given the title of "Gonzo" blogger I hope all my fellow bloggers understand the liberal, sexest, sectionalist comments were said tounge in check. I think bad driving in Roanoke is an equal oppurtunity offender. Some people will allege I'm the worlds worst driver, but I a least do soemthing and I don't stop on entry ways.
Comment by Michael A. Howdyshell — November 5, 2009 @ 9:14 pm
Tony-
I live in Cleveland and I can confirm your girlfriend's account. I'm not a world traveler or anything, but I've driven a good amount in places in many parts of the U.S., including Los Angeles. I can say without question that Cleveland drivers are the worst I've ever encountered, and it's not close. And yeah, they will honk over anything in the blink of an eye; even better, they'll honk for no discernible reason.
And here's the thing. Lots of people will claim this city or that city has the worst drivers. But almost all of our social circle is like us, transplants from cities all over the country who have no reason to lie, and they are unanimous -- Cleveland is the champ.
Comment by Jason — November 5, 2009 @ 9:29 pm
Dan-
I blame guns.
Comment by Jason — November 5, 2009 @ 9:30 pm
Dan, you need an "open rant" thread. I just saw the new Windows vs Mac commercial and I just have to ask: Can we buy, sell, decide on ANYTHING in this country without dissing something else. Can you not sell a Mac without insulting a PC? Can you not sell a Dodge without dissing a Ford? No wonder pols think this is what we want.
Mr. Howdyshell, we are all "gonzo bloggers" that is our chosen group name, "Dan's Gonzo Bloggers", be proud to be one of us! Thanks for the clarification on the "joke".
Comment by Sandi Saunders — November 5, 2009 @ 10:31 pm
Ed S, you're on to something. I know how to merge and I use Linux. My wife too...hmmm, a sound theory!
Comment by Other John — November 5, 2009 @ 11:55 pm
I don't think Roanoke drivers are any worse or better than most other places I've lived.
I think a lot of the problems are outdated road systems and just plain weird intersections. Someone already mentioned the entrance to Valley View next to chik fil a and smokey bones: sure the traffic coming from the light has right of way, but if you aren't familiar with the intersection it sure is confusing to have right of way in a T intersection like that. It only takes one person in that chain of cars to slow way the heck down to force everyone to slow down.
For the amount of traffic zipping around on 581, the on and off ramps should be separate. I'm guessing they aren't for space reasons. Most of the bad on ramps have a really tight turn radius, and if you don't have decent acceleration you're gonna be pressed to get up to speed in time. Luckily, when I moved to Roanoke I purchased a 6 cylinder, mostly to get around the silly short on ramps.
Other bizarre traffic oddities around Roanoke:
The light at valley view near shakers. The intersection is fine, but people turning left at the light to enter valley view, and people turning right with a yield sign get confused: the people turning right have their own lane but theres still a yield sign. The people turning left slow down a bit because it appears as if the people turning right are going to swing into their lane.
The blue ridge parkway where it hits 220 north. They changed it to a stop sign thankfully. It used to be a yield sign and I saw lots of closely averted almost-accidents there pretty frequently. People would merge on in, blithely assuming there was an on ramp, but there isn't: it's practically a T intersection.
None of the traffic lights on 460 east seem to be synced up. Maybe they are, but an awful lot of thru traffic backs up on every light. The new light at the hardware stores and chik fil a on 220 doesn't seem synced with the walmart light. You can see a bunch of 220 north traffic build up at the walmart light, then surge ahead and get stopped as the hardware store light turns red. It's gotten bad enough to back up completely through the two lights.
The exit from Hershberger to the airport is just plain weird in either direction.
I think a lot of the slow drivers are using cruise control. Whenever I notice that I'm behind someone going ten under the speed limit there's a hill or incline. There's not much VDOT can do about that though.
Comment by JD — November 6, 2009 @ 12:36 am
Sandi-
That's a good one. I think it's fine to compare features, but as you pointed out, that's not what Apple does. Have you ever noticed how Apple doesn't insult other MP3 makers? It's because they are winning that war. But since Microsoft is and has been kicking the ever living crap out of them for decades, they have to go for the insult.
Comment by Jason — November 6, 2009 @ 12:57 am
My peeves: Its called an acceleration lane, not a stop and look over your shoulder lane.
Getting off the highway its called the decelleration lane. You don't need to slow down so early unless your driving a heavy truck or towing a load.
That stalk on the left side of the steering column is for turn signals. Give it try. Its more fun than picking your nose.
If you don't like me passing you on the right, get out of the left lane.
My little car came equipped with cruise control. I'm sorry your much more expensive vehicle doesn't, but don't look at me like I'm crazy as we re-pass each other five times in ten miles -I'm not the one with the "jimmy leg".
I believe in a good defensive, but I am not affraid to be offensive.
And Delaware drivers are awful, New Jersey and Conn. will run you down, Florida don't get me started, the south will rise again with high speed and bad equipment, old men in hats are to be avoided, and this guy in his WRX has his fans too. We are all bad drivers to someone else. I feel better now, thank you.
Comment by Doug — November 6, 2009 @ 7:15 am
JD, you're right about weird driving patterns here. I live near the hospital, and if you drive up McClanahan and onto Broadway there are a series of intersections where the person coming up the hill and making a LEFT has "right of way". It's very counterintuitive and when I first moved here, I found it unnerving.
Comment by Kristen — November 6, 2009 @ 7:24 am
That is just it, they "go for the insult" because that is what works for so many people. Who wants to buy a product regularly being trashed? Who wants to support a vilified candidate? Who wants to drive a car people laugh at? We really are sheep. How so many can pride themselves on their independence, freedom and individualism when the evidence is plain?
Comment by Sandi Saunders — November 6, 2009 @ 8:04 am
But the interesting thing about Apple's insults is, they're all so TRUE!
Comment by Dennis Milvin — November 6, 2009 @ 8:25 am
But the interesting thing about Apple's insults is, they're all so TRUE!
Anyway, the intersection of Orange Ave onto 581 South is a deathtrap. More than once, I have pulled out to merge, and been forced to stay in the merge lane, than actually pushed back down onto the off ramp back onto Orange. The spacing between the "on" and the "off" there is just too short, and yes, Roanokers seem to love staying in that right hand lane on 581, from 81 all the way to 220 S.
Comment by Dennis Milvin — November 6, 2009 @ 8:29 am
I'd have to say that Apple has been kicking Microsoft's butt in computer sales ever since they invented personal computing, mainly because Microsoft doesn't make or sell any computers.
Comment by Dennis Milvin — November 6, 2009 @ 8:36 am
How about the Elm Ave..581 intersection..going south the turn lane has room for like 4 cars in one of the busiest intersections in town..
Comment by Tony — November 6, 2009 @ 8:58 am
@35. The commercials are right and how is it dissin' by telling folks the truth? - are you a PC geek? I LOVE my Apple machines - been on them for 14 years. If Jobs had sold out like Gates did in the early years Microsoft probably wouldn't exist. Apple is still fairing far better as a company even though "Microsoft is and has been kicking the ever living crap out of them for decades" PC users keep diving your Gremlins - I will keep my Porsche! Apple makes a MUCH better product in the end. Sorry the commercials are just telling the truth.
Comment by Walker — November 6, 2009 @ 9:35 am
Sandi- That's what we do in marketing. Sorry! If people made decisions based on serious thought and sensibility - I wouldn't have a job!
Comment by Walker — November 6, 2009 @ 9:38 am
Ace, you're from Boston and complaining about Roanoke drivers? Boston is the most dangerous place I've ever driven. Worse than D.C., L.A. and Atlanta
Comment by gdad — November 6, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
Sadly, it seems, more people than not take the attitude that if you don't get out of their way, they will run you down. I think a lot of the bad driving comes down to attitude...
How many times have you made a turn onto another street only to have a car run up on your bumper while blowing his horn? How often have you stopped to make a legitimate left hand turn and had the driver behind you swerve around, squealing his wheels to do so, while cussing and screaming out the driver side window? I've seen a lot more of this lately since I've been teaching my 16 year old to drive.
It's not just the rules of the road that are compromised here. The very fiber of "driving etiquette" has been thrown out the window. There are two many "offensive" drivers out there. I am in fear each time I send my 16 year old daughter out in the car. She is a good driver but she drives slowly because she is still learning. Yes, she is still hesitant and careful.
I would ask that the next time you swerve around someone that you have become impatient with, please ask yourself, is this somebody's kid, or maybe someone who's sick and trying to get themselves to the doctor, or perhaps someone who just lost a loved one in a car accident and can't see through the tears to ramp up to speed.
C'mon people... let's remember our manners! It's not all about us, as we speed around town wrapped in 2000 pounds of steel and fiberglass.
I remember a 1970's public service announcement, aimed at drivers, that used to run on TV. The slogan was "Watch Out For The Other Guy". We don't do that so much anymore because we are too busy getting to where we need to be and making sure no one gets in our way in the process!
Comment by Lynda K — November 6, 2009 @ 1:30 pm
Dennis Milvin-
"I'd have to say that Apple has been kicking Microsoft's butt in computer sales ever since they invented personal computing, mainly because Microsoft doesn't make or sell any computers."
The competition is in operating systems, not computers.
Walker-
"The commercials are right and how is it dissin' by telling folks the truth?"
They stretch the truth. For example, I've been using PCs and the internet for over ten years and never had a virus problem. This is the case for just about everyone I know.
"are you a PC geek?"
No, are you a filthy Apple hippie?
"If Jobs had sold out like Gates did in the early years Microsoft probably wouldn't exist."
BAHAHAHAH. See, this is something you don't see much with Windows users -- hero worship. And it's misplaced hero worship. Steve Jobs isn't a kindly artist stuck in a businessman's world who just wants to do cool things maaaaaan. He's a ruthless, throat cutting shark, just like Gates.
And had Jobs "sold out", we'd all probably be using Apples now. Apple had the personal computer market all but wrapped up and blew it.
"Apple is still fairing far better as a company"
By what standard? Apple's stock is higher, but Microsoft's total value is almost double Apple's. Microsoft's net income is around triple Apple's.
"even though "Microsoft is and has been kicking the ever living crap out of them for decades" PC users keep diving your Gremlins"
Yes, it's horrible. My Gremlin that just keeps working and working and doesn't seem to have all the problems that Apple commercials talk about.
"I will keep my Porsche! Apple makes a MUCH better product in the end. Sorry the commercials are just telling the truth."
If they just compared features and gave information, that would be fine. But if a person had lived in a cave for the last thirty years and then viewed them, they would conclude that not only was Apple better, but that Windows based computers were non-functional and their users retarded for even trying to use them. They would never know the truth that though the Mac OS is less buggy and more stable, Windows is not the Hellish nightmare that Apple portrays it to be.
Comment by Jason — November 8, 2009 @ 1:29 am