Dealing with boy racers and bullies?
Discussion
Haven't had the Elise for too long and this is the only area which bemuses me.
Here's today's scenarios:
1)I'm behind a fairly slow car on a road I do not know so well. I'm waiting for a decent gap so I can overtake. Behind me, 2 cm from my plate, is a donut in a standard tin box.
The problem is, of course, that in his 'red-mist desire' to get past an Elise, he pulls out to overtake far too early - blocking my overtake as he struggles to hit a proper speed, and needing a sharp pull to the left from me to avoid him hitting an oncoming car.
2) This may just be a co-incedence but I am finding 4x4s a real pain on the old 'force him out of the way' stuff, like cutting me up, refusing to give way when cars are on their side of the road, or pulling out from a side junction quite blatantly. Your experiences ?
Actually, this did make me think if there were some courses to help with methods to deal with these t
ts? Not a track day, more a skills/disciplines day?
I've become better at dealing with 2) - I just give these kids a wide berth. Although I am pleased I recognise the upcoming problem with 1), I am not sure how best to stop it/deal with it?
Here's today's scenarios:
1)I'm behind a fairly slow car on a road I do not know so well. I'm waiting for a decent gap so I can overtake. Behind me, 2 cm from my plate, is a donut in a standard tin box.
The problem is, of course, that in his 'red-mist desire' to get past an Elise, he pulls out to overtake far too early - blocking my overtake as he struggles to hit a proper speed, and needing a sharp pull to the left from me to avoid him hitting an oncoming car.
2) This may just be a co-incedence but I am finding 4x4s a real pain on the old 'force him out of the way' stuff, like cutting me up, refusing to give way when cars are on their side of the road, or pulling out from a side junction quite blatantly. Your experiences ?
Actually, this did make me think if there were some courses to help with methods to deal with these t
ts? Not a track day, more a skills/disciplines day? I've become better at dealing with 2) - I just give these kids a wide berth. Although I am pleased I recognise the upcoming problem with 1), I am not sure how best to stop it/deal with it?
I've not had much of a problem with 1 yet..no doubt thats to come.
Twice in the first week of ownership I had people almost pull out in front of me at junctions, it wasn't deliberate I could tell from thier faces they just never saw me. Since then, over the last two weeks Ive started doing two things. The first is I drive well back from the car in front when near junctions - gives them chance to see you and stops you being "masked" by the car in front. Second is I pretend Im driving a volvo and leave the blooming lights on
Still beats me how anyone can miss a bright red car with great big white stripes though! Knew I should have gone for the bright orange
Twice in the first week of ownership I had people almost pull out in front of me at junctions, it wasn't deliberate I could tell from thier faces they just never saw me. Since then, over the last two weeks Ive started doing two things. The first is I drive well back from the car in front when near junctions - gives them chance to see you and stops you being "masked" by the car in front. Second is I pretend Im driving a volvo and leave the blooming lights on
Still beats me how anyone can miss a bright red car with great big white stripes though! Knew I should have gone for the bright orange
Hi Jon. Hope you're enjoying your Elise, apart from the external idiot factor.
Long before I even started learning to drive my Father drilled into me 'Drive like everybody else on the road is an idiot'. It's particularly applicable when in the Elise, mainly as people don't seem to see you. I'd second Grinzz comments. Sit well back from car in front and lights on at all times. In my S1 putting the lights on also improves radio reception!
Regarding the second scenario; happens quite often. Really bugged me at first but now I just let 'em go - drivers like that are accidents waiting to happen and I don't want to be around when it does. Ditto the Burberry brigade in their Novas etc. When their trying to prove their manhood to mates/chavette I let em go. What's the point in getting involved? I know my car is much better! Anyway the Elise is far more fun to drive if you can create a bit of space (example: on a good driving road in Cornwall yesterday saw a long queue starting to form behind a slow moving truck. Usual nose to tail numpties with no intention/ability to overtake. Pulled over for five minutes and then had the road to myself!
Long before I even started learning to drive my Father drilled into me 'Drive like everybody else on the road is an idiot'. It's particularly applicable when in the Elise, mainly as people don't seem to see you. I'd second Grinzz comments. Sit well back from car in front and lights on at all times. In my S1 putting the lights on also improves radio reception!
Regarding the second scenario; happens quite often. Really bugged me at first but now I just let 'em go - drivers like that are accidents waiting to happen and I don't want to be around when it does. Ditto the Burberry brigade in their Novas etc. When their trying to prove their manhood to mates/chavette I let em go. What's the point in getting involved? I know my car is much better! Anyway the Elise is far more fun to drive if you can create a bit of space (example: on a good driving road in Cornwall yesterday saw a long queue starting to form behind a slow moving truck. Usual nose to tail numpties with no intention/ability to overtake. Pulled over for five minutes and then had the road to myself!
Thanks for above.
Believe me, these clowns will NEVER stop me enjoying the Elise! I do tend to mix all your suggestions, actually. Let racers go and now be very wary when in towns or close to junctions.
The lights on suggestion is certainly one to consider. Good one.
In fact, the Elise often gets compared to motorcycles with its free revving engine and nimbleness, so perhaps you need drive it like one!
Because then, as you say, when you do get the sunshine out and an open, twisty road ahead, all the hassles above don't matter a jot!
Ace car!
Believe me, these clowns will NEVER stop me enjoying the Elise! I do tend to mix all your suggestions, actually. Let racers go and now be very wary when in towns or close to junctions.
The lights on suggestion is certainly one to consider. Good one.
In fact, the Elise often gets compared to motorcycles with its free revving engine and nimbleness, so perhaps you need drive it like one!
Because then, as you say, when you do get the sunshine out and an open, twisty road ahead, all the hassles above don't matter a jot!
Ace car!
Things I have noticed.
1). Two types of interesting behaviour when people see you coming up from behind. First lot slow down so much to let you by that you often have to either brake quite hard or pull out much earlier than you would normally need to. This can be interesting. Second type speed up! Now around here these people mostly seem to drive Audis for some reason (which worries me coz my other car is an Audi S4!) The other day some middle aged lady in a 3.0 diesel got an attack of "fighter pilots syndrome" and roared past me at about 110mph after I had past her at 70 (ish) on a duel carriageway.
2). When you are heading towards people then you generally get lots of interested looks and the odd thumbs up from kids. This is of course unless you are on a narrow road and the oncoming car is a 4 by 4 driven by a farmer. Now these guys don't seem to like us at all. Most of them make like they want to drive over you rather then past. I am learning to pull in early and just let them get their "my car is bigger than yours" kick. Given that they are usually accompanied by a couple of mad dogs and a large shotgun this is sensible I feel.
One thing is for sure - other drivers behave and react totally differently when I drive my Sports Racer than in any other car I have ever driven; and most of the reaction is very poitive and friendly.
Also always drive with the lights on - habit from motorbike days.
1). Two types of interesting behaviour when people see you coming up from behind. First lot slow down so much to let you by that you often have to either brake quite hard or pull out much earlier than you would normally need to. This can be interesting. Second type speed up! Now around here these people mostly seem to drive Audis for some reason (which worries me coz my other car is an Audi S4!) The other day some middle aged lady in a 3.0 diesel got an attack of "fighter pilots syndrome" and roared past me at about 110mph after I had past her at 70 (ish) on a duel carriageway.
2). When you are heading towards people then you generally get lots of interested looks and the odd thumbs up from kids. This is of course unless you are on a narrow road and the oncoming car is a 4 by 4 driven by a farmer. Now these guys don't seem to like us at all. Most of them make like they want to drive over you rather then past. I am learning to pull in early and just let them get their "my car is bigger than yours" kick. Given that they are usually accompanied by a couple of mad dogs and a large shotgun this is sensible I feel.
One thing is for sure - other drivers behave and react totally differently when I drive my Sports Racer than in any other car I have ever driven; and most of the reaction is very poitive and friendly.
Also always drive with the lights on - habit from motorbike days.
I ll be lighting up all the time as I am sick of driving an apparently invisible Exige.
Also, I get a lot, and I mean a lot, of idiots on country roads who drive right in the middle to stop you getting past, this never happened 10 or 20 years ago, just seems as if they think being overtaken is a personal insult to their manhood, or have I missed new legislation outlawing overtaking manouvers?
>> Edited by aelord on Friday 14th April 18:03
Also, I get a lot, and I mean a lot, of idiots on country roads who drive right in the middle to stop you getting past, this never happened 10 or 20 years ago, just seems as if they think being overtaken is a personal insult to their manhood, or have I missed new legislation outlawing overtaking manouvers?
>> Edited by aelord on Friday 14th April 18:03
aelord said:
I ll be lighting up all the time as I am sick of driving an apparently invisible Exige.
Also, I get a lot, and I mean a lot, of idiots on country roads who drive right in the middle to stop you getting past, this never happened 10 or 20 years ago, just seems as if they think being overtaken is a personal insult to their manhood, or have I missed new legislation outlawing overtaking manouvers?
>> Edited by aelord on Friday 14th April 18:03
I think its more to do with the general lack of courtesy that is becoming endemic in our society. Mind you I was rapidly approaching a van the other day - he slowed and pulled over to let me pass complete with cheery wave as I flashed past and thanked him!
randy said:
I drive with the lights on most of the time, it's much safer!
Ding
Double Ding.
Statistically, you're much less likely to be involved in an accident if you have your dipped beams on no matter what you're driving or how badly you're driving it.
I always have them on in the Elise and I'm normally yhr first to turn them on and last to turn them off in other cars.
we're required by law to have the lights on here 
Only had positive experiences from people regarding my Elise so far.
A women came over when I was at a gas station. She said I had a lovely car and that she'd always wanted one,but her husband wouldn't let her (normally it's the other way around..LOL )
Only had positive experiences from people regarding my Elise so far.
A women came over when I was at a gas station. She said I had a lovely car and that she'd always wanted one,but her husband wouldn't let her (normally it's the other way around..LOL )
jondude,
About 1.):
I'm not sure what kind of a distance you leave between the car you want to overtake and yourself, but perhaps keep the distance a bit shorter unless you are already just about to accelerate. This has the advantage that the car behind you will need more speed, road and time to overtake both cars (yours and the one infront of you), so will most likely pass and just stay behind.
Usually when I drive and leave a bit a distance to overtake, visibility is equal zero and if I can't overtake the one infront of me, a slower car behind me will definately be thinking even less about overtaking. Once visibility improves (like after a corner followed by a straight stretch) or on-comming traffic driving past, I have the time advtange on my side and don't need to worry about any car "trying to beat me to the punch" behind me.
Cheers Phil
About 1.):
I'm not sure what kind of a distance you leave between the car you want to overtake and yourself, but perhaps keep the distance a bit shorter unless you are already just about to accelerate. This has the advantage that the car behind you will need more speed, road and time to overtake both cars (yours and the one infront of you), so will most likely pass and just stay behind.
Usually when I drive and leave a bit a distance to overtake, visibility is equal zero and if I can't overtake the one infront of me, a slower car behind me will definately be thinking even less about overtaking. Once visibility improves (like after a corner followed by a straight stretch) or on-comming traffic driving past, I have the time advtange on my side and don't need to worry about any car "trying to beat me to the punch" behind me.
Cheers Phil
Had a bloke in an Audi S3 TDI today who was driving like a complete to$$er just to stop me from passing.
I always find that they are worse if they have their wives / girlfriends in the car with them. It seems to give them a "he may have a better car than me but I will show my missus and him I am a better driver"
You will always come across them but dont let it worry you. Just find a nice quiet country road and it wont seem important.
I always find that they are worse if they have their wives / girlfriends in the car with them. It seems to give them a "he may have a better car than me but I will show my missus and him I am a better driver"
You will always come across them but dont let it worry you. Just find a nice quiet country road and it wont seem important.
I find a great defence against boy racers and bullies is to very openly point and laugh. If they are not even worth that amount of attention, just ignore them. Option 3 is to blow them into the weeds. Not hard and generally quite satisfying.
I have had a few heavily modded cars have a "try". If the conditions are right then a spirited run can be fun and 9 times out of 10 it ends up parting ways at some junction, giving each other the thumbs up.
As for hazard avoidance like people pulling out etc then learn how to properly assess risk on the road. Do your advanced course and keep that insurance excess very healthy.
I have had a few heavily modded cars have a "try". If the conditions are right then a spirited run can be fun and 9 times out of 10 it ends up parting ways at some junction, giving each other the thumbs up.
As for hazard avoidance like people pulling out etc then learn how to properly assess risk on the road. Do your advanced course and keep that insurance excess very healthy.
In situation 1, These guy's are determined to pass you a most any cost so, let them. As they pull past, (because you let them), give them romm to pull back in. Don't race. Bide your time. When the idiot has passed second car you are free to pass him too, within your own safety margins. Idiot is then probably round next corner, (so be prepared), climbing out of car his which, by this time is in the ditch! Please feel free to give him a little wave.
In situation 2, There is nothing you can do in the event of Discourtious drivers hoging the road. To drive safely, you are forced to stay behind at a safe distance. At your first opportunity, take a detour. This has two benfits. 1: Stops the frustration of following an idiot and 2: most likely lengthens your journey time thus giving you an overall extended pleasurable driving experience in a very worthwhile car.
Remember public roads are not race tracks, and I agree advanced driver training is of benifit espicially if you have limited driving experience and drive a fast car.
I wish you all, happy, safe driving!
In situation 2, There is nothing you can do in the event of Discourtious drivers hoging the road. To drive safely, you are forced to stay behind at a safe distance. At your first opportunity, take a detour. This has two benfits. 1: Stops the frustration of following an idiot and 2: most likely lengthens your journey time thus giving you an overall extended pleasurable driving experience in a very worthwhile car.
Remember public roads are not race tracks, and I agree advanced driver training is of benifit espicially if you have limited driving experience and drive a fast car.
I wish you all, happy, safe driving!
Agree, very helpful thread.
Thanks for all the tips and advice, comments.
Icees: Spot on. Think I may well try to get some advanced training, although after the initial 'shock' phase of how many drivers there are out there with chips on their shoulders about someone in a nice car, I'm getting more into the rhythm of things.
Just come back from a 2-3 hour A and B road spin, didn't take the bait with racers or blockers......for a beautiful 5-10 minutes a B road emptied.
Bliss, pure bliss!
To be fair, some drivers do get out of the way, too. I always do the blink right, blink left to thank them, as just as some dork deliberately blocking the road ahead looks devoid of class and manners, moving over shows proper class.
Yup, drive safely out there!
Thanks for all the tips and advice, comments.
Icees: Spot on. Think I may well try to get some advanced training, although after the initial 'shock' phase of how many drivers there are out there with chips on their shoulders about someone in a nice car, I'm getting more into the rhythm of things.
Just come back from a 2-3 hour A and B road spin, didn't take the bait with racers or blockers......for a beautiful 5-10 minutes a B road emptied.
Bliss, pure bliss!
To be fair, some drivers do get out of the way, too. I always do the blink right, blink left to thank them, as just as some dork deliberately blocking the road ahead looks devoid of class and manners, moving over shows proper class.
Yup, drive safely out there!
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