What's with the Traffic in Calgary?

[burn_this_city]

[quote=fotze;1435832]

Originally Posted by 4X4

Then you have the losers that pull up when they see you signalling to get into their lane. Saturday I'm driving down 9th in the right lane. As I approach the Palliser, I see a bus parked in the lane, so I signal to switch a lane and the buttsteak in the lane beside me pins it so that I can't get in front of him. What gives, a-hole? So I turned into Mr. Agressor and started changing lanes anyway. Wanna play chicken? Dick./quote]
The Palliser really pisses me off, why are people allowed to triple park (I have seen it) in front of that thing, its a cabbie, bus, tour operator, tourist orgy of fataheadedness. I want to rent a bulldozer and wait for anyone to double park and as soon as they have exited the vehicle ram the thing, scoop it up and huck it into the hotel that encourages it.

and on that bridge rehab, no one ever seems to actually be doing anything there, when the fata is that going to be finished, has it changed in the past 3 months.

Just use a garbage truck and flip the cars into the back

[MaxPower]

Originally Posted by ken0042

And we have such a good system here in Alberta already to allow us to do re-testing. Our licenses are good for 5 years. Why don't they make us re-do the tests to renew our license. One anniversary we do the written test, the next we do the road test. The registries are private so no problem with staffing; if one registry is too busy another one can open up down the road.

Excellent point. Not only the lack of testing, but the lack of relevant/challenging testing. I'm an engineer and getting through school was not the easiest thing I've ever done. Why? A part of it is because you can't have any pylon who feels like it working on projects/products that can impact public safety. Why is driving a car any different? Every day these people have an impact of public safety and yet the testing process is a joke.

[driveway]

I think the single biggest issue with traffic in Calgary - indeed with all of Calgary's infrastructure - is that we have really incredibly well-designed roads and etcetera for a city of 750 000.

Unfortunately, we are a city of one million. That extra 30% just puts a strain on everything. There is just barely enough space on the roads to handle the volume and it leaves very little room for error, which inevitably happens. Problems compound each other and the result is aggravating snarls.

To which I have only one thing to say - if you get aggressive, you're a jerk. Period, end of story. It doesn't matter what the other person did, you're still a jerk and you are at fault.

No matter where you have to be or what you have to do, it isn't that important. You'll get there, calm down.

[REDVAN]

OK... first of all, I don't have any tickets, photo or otherwise. So far, so knock on wood. Speeding is not the devil, driving slow for no reason is the devil.

I do speed at all times (except when it's icy or snowy, duh), and I honestly don't understand why not. If you have a good car that can do it, then do it. I am not saying I go 150 in your neighborhood, I am saying that I go 120-130 on Deerfoot in the evening, and 100 down Glenmore and Crowchild. I'll go 70/80 on a 60 boulevard. Generally I go 10-20 over. Is that something that I should be reprimanded for? I honestly don't see why everyone can't else can't do that too, when the weather is nice. If you don't have a car that can handle it, that's one thing. Stay in the right lane. If you don't WANT to do it, then stay in the right lane. You don't own the road any more than I do, and it's not your right to police how fast I go. There's a reason why freeways are built, and they are to get you across town as fast as possible. If you don't want to go fast stay on the side streets.

Being an agressive jerk is a bad thing. I am an agressive driver, but most of the time I am not jerky. I just like to go fast. I WILL tailgate people going under the limit when there is no need, and I will do sllightly unsafe lane changes to get around them. When you have a two lane road where both lanes are clogged by idiots going under the limit I don't feel bad about cutting them off. Learn to drive, you fools.

I also support driver re-testing. Unfortunately I think it would turn into a cash grab and then people who deserve to pass would fail because the testing ######s want more money for a repeat test. Or they would accept bribes... just like they do now (and don't try to tell me that doesn't happen- either that or a lot of people are driving without a licence, or we really need to make it stricter to get a licence). I cringe at half the people I see out there doing stupid stuff, because I just get the sense they're not really understanding the whole driving thing.

Also, as a side note- understanding traffic signs is not that hard. Try it some time?

[ken0042]

On the subject of bad drivers, I just want to verify that I haven't been ODing on my crazy pills lately. When two cars come to an intersection facing each other; both have stop signs, and both are turning. One car is going right and the other is going left (meaning they both want to travel the same direction after the turn.)

Who has the right of way?

I am positive I was taught the car turning right has right of way, but lately people seem to think it's like a 4 way stop; whoever gets to the intersection first.

It drives me nuts as I turn left coming off my side street; often in the morning there isn't a long break in traffic. And by the time I see that numbnuts is waiting for me, it's too late for either of us.

[SeeGeeWhy]

Originally Posted by ken0042

On the subject of bad drivers, I just want to verify that I haven't been ODing on my crazy pills lately. When two cars come to an intersection facing each other; both have stop signs, and both are turning. One car is going right and the other is going left (meaning they both want to travel the same direction after the turn.)

Who has the right of way?

I am positive I was taught the car turning right has right of way, but lately people seem to think it's like a 4 way stop; whoever gets to the intersection first.

It drives me nuts as I turn left coming off my side street; often in the morning there isn't a long break in traffic. And by the time I see that numbnuts is waiting for me, it's too late for either of us.

Person turning right has the right of way.

Here's a simple way to remember - the vehicle who has the driver that will be exposed to the oncoming vehicle is the one with the right of way. Right of way conventions are the way they are to protect exposed drivers.

And REDVAN - you shouldn't speed because the road you are on is designed for the posted speed and the average human response capabilities. It has NOTHING to do with your vehicle, and EVERYTHING to do with YOU.

[The Ditch]

Was going to a yard to look at a rig today and saw a dump truck turn left when he shouldn't have and smoked a small car, I was reading this thread before I left.

[driveway]

Originally Posted by REDVAN

Is that something that I should be reprimanded for?

Well, I'm not throwing stones, because I do tend to do 5-10 over fairly frequently, but it is illegal.

You don't own the road any more than I do, and it's not your right to police how fast I go.

No, that is the job of the laws and the police - who have established speed limits.

There's a reason why freeways are built, and they are to get you across town as fast as possible. If you don't want to go fast stay on the side streets.

Freeways exist to facilitate efficient movement of masses of vehicles - not for the purposes of allowing high-speed driving. Since they do make it quicker and easier to get across town, you have no right to ask people to avoid them simply because youlike doing 130kph.
Doing 85 on Deerfoot will still get you from one end of town to the other way faster than doing 50 on side roads the whole way, and if someone wishes to travel in this manner, it's their right to do so. They are within the law, you are not.

Being an agressive jerk is a bad thing. I am an agressive driver, but most of the time I am not jerky. I just like to go fast. I WILL tailgate people going under the limit when there is no need (1), and I will do slightly unsafe lane changes (2) to get around them. When you have a two lane road where both lanes are clogged by idiots going under the limit I don't feel bad about cutting them off (3). Learn to drive, you fools.

1. Jerky
2. Jerky
3. Jerky

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by REDVAN

Being an agressive jerk is a bad thing. I am an agressive driver, but most of the time I am not jerky. I just like to go fast. I WILL tailgate people going under the limit when there is no need, and I will do sllightly unsafe lane changes to get around them. When you have a two lane road where both lanes are clogged by idiots going under the limit I don't feel bad about cutting them off. Learn to drive, you fools.

I'm not a jerk I just act like one.

I love arguements like this one.

For the record I generally speed, but I've never claimed that the following is correct.

1. It is my right to speed.
2. People who do the speed limit are stupid
3. Peope who do the speed limit are not as safe as me
4. Since those people are not as safe as me, I am well within my rights to do dangerous things like pass in the shoulder and tailgate them
5. A am making the roads safer by doing these things
6. The roads are safer for having smart drivers such as myself on the road

[MaxPower]

Originally Posted by REDVAN

OK... first of all, I don't have any tickets, photo or otherwise. So far, so knock on wood. Speeding is not the devil, driving slow for no reason is the devil.

I do speed at all times (except when it's icy or snowy, duh), and I honestly don't understand why not. If you have a good car that can do it, then do it. I am not saying I go 150 in your neighborhood, I am saying that I go 120-130 on Deerfoot in the evening, and 100 down Glenmore and Crowchild. I'll go 70/80 on a 60 boulevard. Generally I go 10-20 over. Is that something that I should be reprimanded for? I honestly don't see why everyone can't else can't do that too, when the weather is nice. If you don't have a car that can handle it, that's one thing. Stay in the right lane. If you don't WANT to do it, then stay in the right lane. You don't own the road any more than I do, and it's not your right to police how fast I go. There's a reason why freeways are built, and they are to get you across town as fast as possible. If you don't want to go fast stay on the side streets.

Being an agressive jerk is a bad thing. I am an agressive driver, but most of the time I am not jerky. I just like to go fast. I WILL tailgate people going under the limit when there is no need, and I will do sllightly unsafe lane changes to get around them. When you have a two lane road where both lanes are clogged by idiots going under the limit I don't feel bad about cutting them off. Learn to drive, you fools.

I also support driver re-testing. Unfortunately I think it would turn into a cash grab and then people who deserve to pass would fail because the testing ######s want more money for a repeat test. Or they would accept bribes... just like they do now (and don't try to tell me that doesn't happen- either that or a lot of people are driving without a licence, or we really need to make it stricter to get a licence). I cringe at half the people I see out there doing stupid stuff, because I just get the sense they're not really understanding the whole driving thing.

Also, as a side note- understanding traffic signs is not that hard. Try it some time?

Not helping.

[MaxPower]

Originally Posted by SeeGeeWhy

And REDVAN - you shouldn't speed because the road you are on is designed for the posted speed and the average human response capabilities. It has NOTHING to do with your vehicle, and EVERYTHING to do with YOU.

This is interesting.... You mention average human response capabilities. Response to what?

Edit: Alright I should elaborate where I'm going, I guess.

First of all, according to your statement, anyone with below average response capabilities, i.e. many senior citizens, should not be allowed to drive on any of these roads because that is dangerous to everyone else. As good as that would be IMO, it is obviously not the case. Roads are designed for the lowest common denominator, the LEAST capable person still able to drive a car. So why can't a person with better "human response capabilities" go faster?

And I'll argue that it also has A LOT to do with the vehicle. How can you possibly think it's safe of a fully loaded 18-wheeler to go the same speed on any road as it is for a Ferrari? Two opposite ends of the spectrum but it illustrates that handling, braking capability and vehicle weight have a huge effect.

Now consider that an 80-year-old lady is considered, under the law, just as safe driving 100kph in an 18-wheeler as any professional race car driver is doing 100kph in a Ferrari. Make sense? Nope.

Now consider the highway speed limit has been 100kph for decades. Compare the handling, braking capability and weight of vehicles from the 70s to new cars today... How 100kph be the safest allowable speed limit at both times. ######ed.

[REDVAN]

Originally Posted by SeeGeeWhy

And REDVAN - you shouldn't speed because the road you are on is designed for the posted speed and the average human response capabilities. It has NOTHING to do with your vehicle, and EVERYTHING to do with YOU.

What if I am above average and exceptional in driving skills? Should I be punished by having to stoop to the lowest common denominator? I am tired of having to live my life in the slow lane, pun intended, because some people can't do things at my level. I guess some of my frustration with driving might stem from the fact I do consider myself above average in driving skills. I know, I know, so does everyone. But I'd be willing to put it to the test and get scored on skills in order to prove it, if there was such a test available. I also consider myself above average in general brain function, general motor skills, and general common sense. It's gotten me places in life, why should I have to be below average when I am on the road?

I also beg to differ that is has nothing to do with my vehicle. I have driven big trucks, big vans, mini-vans, SUVs, cars, and even a bus or two. Having driven modern and older vehicles, I can confidently say the speed limits are designed for the big clunky vehicles in the best conditions. I don't get mad at big vehicles who go the speed limit-ish. (Notice that almost every commercially driven vehicle follows the rules of the road and speed limit... mostly). When I am driving my car, I can and should go faster than those vehicles, and they should move out of the way of a faster vehicle, just like I did when I drove a big truck. But really, my driving can be affected by what vehicle I drive. So should everyone's. When you are driving a sedan or little sporty thing, you can go the speed limit or higher at all times. When you are driving a minivan or SUV you can go the speed limit or higher at all times. When driving a larger vehicle, it might take you longer to get up to speed, but you should still be able to drive the correct speed. Although, there are some vehicles (such as school buesses) that cannot legally go over 90km/h. Now that I type this out, and re-read the quote, I think we might be roughly agreeing on this point.

Originally Posted by driveway

1. Jerky
2. Jerky
3. Jerky

Yeah but it's equally jerky to block me though. Not saying two wrongs makes a right, but I am saying that if I have to do something that pisses them off, in order to get around them, then I am not going to "be a nice guy" and not do it. I just don't consider what I did to them any more jerky than what they did to me... I think that is fair.

Originally Posted by Bring_Back_Shantz

I'm not a jerk I just act like one.

I love arguements like this one.

For the record I generally speed, but I've never claimed that the following is correct.

1. It is my right to speed.
2. People who do the speed limit are stupid
3. Peope who do the speed limit are not as safe as me
4. Since those people are not as safe as me, I am well within my rights to do dangerous things like pass in the shoulder and tailgate them
5. A am making the roads safer by doing these things
6. The roads are safer for having smart drivers such as myself on the road

1.) It actually IS my right to speed, just like it's my right to spend my money how I please, eat what I choose, and vote for who I choose. It is against the law, and it is my right to decide to break this law because I don't think it is all that important. And don't try to come back at me with some faulty logic like "what's the difference between speeding and murder then" because I refuse to let you go down that sliperry slope. Speeding is a crime that anyone who has ever gotten in a vehicle is guilty of.

2) People who drive the speed limit don't usually get a bad rap from me. It's the ones who go under the speed limit that I want to slap repeatedly. Those who are going the correct speed limit also usually move over if they see someone faster coming up behind them, because they are generally good drivers and aware of their surroundings. Those who go under are usually dumb and not aware of their surroundings.

3) I speed. That does NOT make me any more dangerous than anyone else on the road, and I will argue that forever. As I say, with my above average driving skills and brain function, I MIGHT be safer, despite the fact I am going faster. I still contend that people who are oblivious and drive slow are more dangerous than those who are acutely and keenly aware of their surrounds. (Note I do not text, watch movies, etc, while driving).

4) See above answers. Danegerous in this case is a relative term. I don't do things that will mess up people who have been doing their thing properly. I just do things to get away from the people who are a menace on society aka slow drivers.

5) I am making nothing safer by doing these things, but am not making it any less safe than the guy who is doing the reverse of me. People driving however fast they want to is not the dangerous part, really, it's the people who do so inconsiderately and haphazardly. Plus, if you slow drivers don't like me tailgaiting or passing, then get outta the way quicker. It's not hard to figure out.

6) Anytime you put more drivers on the road, regardless of skill, it is more dangerous, obviously. BUT if there were more people who drove like me, then we would get places faster and JUST AS SAFELY as if we drove like an old granny. Trsut me on this one.

Not sure why people keep arging with me, except maybe they think I am getting all riled up! Because I don't think I am saying anything that is that outrageous...

[REDVAN]

Originally Posted by MaxPower

This is interesting.... You mention average human response capabilities. Response to what?

Edit: Alright I should elaborate where I'm going, I guess.

First of all, according to your statement, anyone with below average response capabilities, i.e. many senior citizens, should not be allowed to drive on any of these roads because that is dangerous to everyone else. As good as that would be IMO, it is obviously not the case. Roads are designed for the lowest common denominator, the LEAST capable person still able to drive a car. So why can't a person with better "human response capabilities" go faster?

And I'll argue that it also has A LOT to do with the vehicle. How can you possibly think it's safe of a fully loaded 18-wheeler to go the same speed on any road as it is for a Ferrari? Two opposite ends of the spectrum but it illustrates that handling, braking capability and vehicle weight have a huge effect.

Now consider that an 80-year-old lady is considered, under the law, just as safe driving 100kph in an 18-wheeler as any professional race car driver is doing 100kph in a Ferrari. Make sense? Nope.

Now consider the highway speed limit has been 100kph for decades. Compare the handling, braking capability and weight of vehicles from the 70s to new cars today... How 100kph be the safest allowable speed limit at both times. ######ed.

Yeah, agreed. Although, I will say one thing. The Ferrari might actually not be as safe on the road at a normal sedan, especially of it's driver kicks it up a lot. That is because the road conditions (pot holes, etc) make it dangerous for the Ferarri but maybe not the sedan. Basically, the Ferrari is not suited to the road. Of course at "normal speeds" (below 200) this won't matter, but I would not take a Ferrari over 200 on Deerfoot because of the crappy road quality.

[metal_geek]

What if I am above average and exceptional in driving skills? Should I be punished by having to stoop to the lowest common denominator? I am tired of having to live my life in the slow lane, pun intended, because some people can't do things at my level. I guess some of my frustration with driving might stem from the fact I do consider myself above average in driving skills. I know, I know, so does everyone. But I'd be willing to put it to the test and get scored on skills in order to prove it, if there was such a test available. I also consider myself above average in general brain function, general motor skills, and general common sense. It's gotten me places in life, why should I have to be below average when I am on the road?


You might be exceptional, you might not be, but you have to share the road and the rest of the planet with people of all skill levels.


Yeah but it's equally jerky to block me though. Not saying two wrongs makes a right, but I am saying that if I have to do something that pisses them off, in order to get around them, then I am not going to "be a nice guy" and not do it. I just don't consider what I did to them any more jerky than what they did to me... I think that is fair.

There's a time and a place.... When you're getting even in front of 60 other vehicles on Deefoot, it's not the place..


1.) It actually IS my right to speed, just like it's my right to spend my money how I please, eat what I choose, and vote for who I choose. It is against the law, and it is my right to decide to break this law because I don't think it is all that important. And don't try to come back at me with some faulty logic like "what's the difference between speeding and murder then" because I refuse to let you go down that sliperry slope. Speeding is a crime that anyone who has ever gotten in a vehicle is guilty of.

No it's not.. just cause you chose to do something doesn't make it your right to do it...


3) I speed. That does NOT make me any more dangerous than anyone else on the road, and I will argue that forever. As I say, with my above average driving skills and brain function, I MIGHT be safer, despite the fact I am going faster. I still contend that people who are oblivious and drive slow are more dangerous than those who are acutely and keenly aware of their surrounds. (Note I do not text, watch movies, etc, while driving).

Yes it does make you more dangerous... Even with your superior driving skills when someone who isn't aware turns into you.. The sheer fact you're "speeding" is gonna add an extra roll or 2. If someone really wanted to work it out the math they could tell you exactly how much more dangerous you are...


6) Anytime you put more drivers on the road, regardless of skill, it is more dangerous, obviously. BUT if there were more people who drove like me, then we would get places faster and JUST AS SAFELY as if we drove like an old granny. Trsut me on this one.

I think we already established you have more skill then most drivers and above average in other walks of life.. More people aren't capable of driving like you so the answer is we eliminate the right to drive for over half the current drivers, or you're just gonna have to get to where you're going the same as everyone else.

Not sure why people keep arging with me, except maybe they think I am getting all riled up! Because I don't think I am saying anything that is that outrageous..
.
Maybe they just think you're wrong?

[AFireInside]

Originally Posted by REDVAN

What if I am above average and exceptional in driving skills? Should I be punished by having to stoop to the lowest common denominator? I am tired of having to live my life in the slow lane, pun intended, because some people can't do things at my level. I guess some of my frustration with driving might stem from the fact I do consider myself above average in driving skills. I know, I know, so does everyone. But I'd be willing to put it to the test and get scored on skills in order to prove it, if there was such a test available. I also consider myself above average in general brain function, general motor skills, and general common sense. It's gotten me places in life, why should I have to be below average when I am on the road?

Wow.. First of all get over yourself. Where do you get the idea that you are above average in every category known to man. I'm sure you're about average, get over it, just because you think you are ABOOOOVE AVERAGE at everything does not mean you actually are.

If you truly are above average in brain function and general common sense I'm not sure why it is so difficult for you to figure out why its not the best idea to speed around like a maniac on roads that are not designed for it. Especially when there are people on the road who are not up to your skill level.

With the comments and arguments you are making you are pretty much contradicting your statements about having having above average brain function, and general common sense.

[StealthOiler]

This discussion on speeding is fascinating. It's funny (well, not really), but a friend of mine was rear-ended last week on Glenmore (just past Elbow, approaching 14st). It's an 80 limit, which then slows to 50 and has a sign that says a 50 limit is ahead. He slowed in the middle lane to the legal limit, and was hit from behind by a driver who didn't feel it was necessary to slow down.

Since I'm on that route several times during the day, I've been very aware of when the police are out lately. In that zone, I never let me speedometer pass 55, and usually 50 when I'm near the construction workers - which, by the way is rare nowadays...are they finished that damn thing yet? But anyway, I've seen cars come up on me going so fast and then slamming on their brakes to avoid hitting me. It's ridiculous. Over the past two weeks, the cops have been there nailing seemingly dozens of cars at a time. As a full-time student, I don't have the funds to be paying double speed fines.

I must say, when I see someone blow past me when that zone changes to 50 ,and I see them just moments later pulled over to the side of the road by the men in blue, my day gets a little better.

[jammies]

Some of you remind me of my one buddy, as he does everything you talk about - speeds, follows too close, makes unsafe lane changes, and worst of all, is emotionally volatile when driving and gets angry when a mere peasant dares to impede his lordly progress along the asphalt. He is also convinced he is a very good driver, but he is very, very wrong.

Anyone who tailgates when they want to pass has already pegged themselves as a bad driver. End of story. It is dangerous and stupid. It shows you let your emotions drive the vehicle instead of your brain.

Reflexes and superior vehicle handling skill are NOT the measure of a good driver, the measure of a good driver is avoiding situations where reflexes and superior vehicle handling skills are necessary. If you can't internalize that and drive defensively yet confidently, you can't call yourself a good driver - you're just a bad driver who's been lucky so far.

[Shawnski]

Originally Posted by REDVAN

I also consider myself above average in general brain function, general motor skills, and general common sense.

OK Chris, I have met you in person many times, and I do like you. That said, it is time to duck.. literally and figuratively. What you are portraying is the typical aggressive jerk on the roads.

You want a test of your "general motor skills"? Let's take slopitch as an example. You pitched in at least our game, and I know you have done others. As for dexterity, an aspect of motor skills, I was less than impressed by your ability to even throw a strike. You tried, yes. But your control of a simple pitch was below average. And that was simply throwing an object to a target.

If you want to dwell further on that, and you want a "test" of those skills, I would be happy to oblige.

I propose a "pitcher killer" contest. Me against you.

Unlike normal play, where everyone USUALLY does their damndest to avoid drilling a shot up the middle at the pitcher, you and I will go head to head on who CAN drill the other guy.

Now you are what, 24? And I am your polar opposite.. 42. You think you have better motor skills, brain function, yada yada yada... but in a head to head like this, not only would I destroy you, I might actually kill you.

I, however, have no such concern as I have already defended myself for decades from just such events. I can and will defend myself.

Similar to driving, I would indicate. You don't think about defense, just offense. I have mastered both.

Bottom line , errr, REDVAN, I think you are a great, fun guy. But on this front, you need a reality check. I will provide it if I have to.

You hit at me, I hit at you. Bring your own ambulance.

[4X4]

I want front row seats to this event...!

[REDVAN]

Originally Posted by Shawnski

OK Chris, I have met you in person many times, and I do like you. That said, it is time to duck.. literally and figuratively. What you are portraying is the typical aggressive jerk on the roads.

You want a test of your "general motor skills"? Let's take slopitch as an example. You pitched in at least our game, and I know you have done others. As for dexterity, an aspect of motor skills, I was less than impressed by your ability to even throw a strike. You tried, yes. But your control of a simple pitch was below average. And that was simply throwing an object to a target.

If you want to dwell further on that, and you want a "test" of those skills, I would be happy to oblige.

I propose a "pitcher killer" contest. Me against you.

Unlike normal play, where everyone USUALLY does their damndest to avoid drilling a shot up the middle at the pitcher, you and I will go head to head on who CAN drill the other guy.

Now you are what, 24? And I am your polar opposite.. 42. You think you have better motor skills, brain function, yada yada yada... but in a head to head like this, not only would I destroy you, I might actually kill you.

I, however, have no such concern as I have already defended myself for decades from just such events. I can and will defend myself.

Similar to driving, I would indicate. You don't think about defense, just offense. I have mastered both.

Bottom line , REDVAN, I think you are a great, fun guy. But on this front, you need a reality check. I will provide it if I have to.

You hit at me, I hit at you. Bring your own ambulance.

Don't use my real name. I talked to T_U and realized how big of a problem it can be.

And I will admit I am not the best slo-pitch player there is. I don't have near the practice a lot of people have. I have also only pitched for 10 games-ish, and my hitting power has decreased as the season wore on. I fully bow down to the master, at slo-pitch. But I don't think being a good baseball pitcher, and being a safe (yet fast) driver require the exact same skill set.

I'm pretty sure the usual thing has happened in this thread. People who have had one idiot cut them off ever get all offended about how fast drivers are dangerous. Then I go and argue, because I honestly don't think I am more dangerous than most other drivers, and I think I am safer. Safe does not mean slow, and fast does not mean agressive either.

I drive about 100km per day and have done so EVERY DAY for the last 9 years. I have (so far) done so without an accident, ticket, etc. I would like to think this amount of driving (personal and professional, so my vehicle as well as many other types), with that record, makes me above average. Not only do I claim it, but my stats back it too. There are many times when I have had to drive defensively, in many types of vehicles remember, to avoid other idiots (going too slow or too fast, being too passive or too aggressive). I really think you are missing my point.

My point is that people who don't understand how to drive, or are too timid while driving, OR TOO AGGRESSIVE, generally mess it up for everyone else. I am a fast driver, yes, but I am also pretty good. Even if you disagree, consider this type of thing as possible, please. Just because I drive fast doesn't mean I am dangerous, and a lot of people are too ignorant to even consider that a young guy can go fast without being a danger to everyone else. Get over yourselves and consider the possibility that I am right, just as I have had to listen to the mantra that speed kills. I say irresponsibilty kills. Dumb driving kills. Speed itself does not kill.

P.S. Drunk driving is worse and you'd be surprised how often it happens