Definition of a "Good Driver".

**Rain Man** · 12-01-2007, 07:42 PM

I have a new theory about driving, and why people are so annoyed by other drivers.

My theory is that we have differing definitions of what a good driver is. I see two competing definitions that do not live in harmony with each other. (Anything else on the upcoming poll is merely a red herring.)

Definition 1.

Definition 1 is a "societal good driver". This is a driver who may not possess the greatest of technical skills, but they are empathetic to other drivers and they follow the rules. They drive the speed limit, they stop for yellow lights, and they generally don't ever get mad at other drivers unless those drivers are inconsiderate or break the rules. Societal good drivers tend to pick one lane on the highway and stick with it.

Societal good drivers are disproportionately represented by people over age 50 and women in minivans.

Definition 2.

Definition 2 is a "technical good driver". This is a driver who can parallel park with one hand while drinking a Big Gulp, and who can get out of a skid while changing the radio. They prefer to drive at a speed that they can handle safely, as opposed to an arbitrary speed limit, and they generally ooze through stop signs where they see no danger in doing so. As a rule, they only get mad at other drivers who prevent them from driving as they see fit, such as people who drive too slow in snow when it's not necessary. Technical good drivers are often switching lanes to get around other vehicles.

Technical good drivers are disproportionately represented by men in large pickups and cab drivers.

My theory is that both groups sincerely believe that they are good drivers, and that the other group represents bad drivers. Therefore, the roads will not be a pleasant place until one side drives the other side off the face of the earth.

What do you think?

RJ · 12-01-2007, 07:58 PM

The definition of a bad driver is simple. It's anyone who drives differently than you do. The same as the definition of a speeder being anyone driving faster than you.

As to me, I am Mario Andretti meets Miss Manners, a guy who can maneuver an 18 wheeler through the eye of a needle while letting the guy next to me change lanes.

**Bugeater** · 12-01-2007, 08:25 PM

Anyone going slower than me: idiot

Anyone going faster than me: maniac

DomerNKC · 12-01-2007, 10:15 PM

Taylormade r7 quad W/ xstiff shaft.

RJ · 12-01-2007, 11:26 PM

I saw a driver who fit neither category just today. He drove his pickup through the window of the pizza shop next door to where I work. Then he backed up and sped out of the parking lot before anyone could stop him or get his license number.

I'd say he was neither technically nor socially proficient behind the wheel.

Pablo · 12-01-2007, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DomerNKC

Taylormade r7 quad W/ xstiff shaft.

Nice.

deadbabyseal · 12-01-2007, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugeater

Anyone going slower than me: idiot

Anyone going faster than me: maniac

George Carlin rules!!!!!!!

StcChief · 12-01-2007, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJ

I saw a driver who fit neither category just today. He drove his pickup through the window of the pizza shop next door to where I work. Then he backed up and sped out of the parking lot before anyone could stop him or get his license number.

I'd say he was neither technically nor socially proficient behind the wheel.

should be to tough to spot unless he takes it right to a chop shop

**cdcox** · 12-01-2007, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJ

I saw a driver who fit neither category just today. He drove his pickup through the window of the pizza shop next door to where I work. Then he backed up and sped out of the parking lot before anyone could stop him or get his license number.

I'd say he was neither technically nor socially proficient behind the wheel.

If it was Little Ceasars or Dominos, you coud make a decent argument that he was a socially proficient driver.

dtebbe · 12-02-2007, 12:03 AM

I got ran off the road by a woman turning out of her subdivision this AM. I shit you not, she had a big coffee mug in one hand and her cell phone propped up to her ear with the shoulder of the arm she was trying to drive with. I almost had to get all 4 off the road to miss her.

My 8 year old son (5 seconds after the off-road excursion) told me I should have hit her, so we could get a new truck with a crew cab

DT

Demonpenz · 12-02-2007, 01:25 AM

in my 3 years in insurance. I have seen a zillion accidents.

**KcMizzou** · 12-02-2007, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJ

The definition of a bad driver is simple. It's anyone who drives differently than you do.

Everyone going faster than you is a maniac.... everyone going slower is a moron.

Pitt Gorilla · 12-02-2007, 01:31 AM

Definition of a "Holy Diver?" Ask RJD.

View Poll Results: Read the thread header and then vote, please.
I resemble a societal good driver much more than a technical good driver.	6	18.18%
I resemble a societal good driver a little more than a technical good driver.	3	9.09%
I resemble a technical good driver a little more than a societal good driver.	9	27.27%
I resemble a technical good driver much more than a societal good driver.	14	42.42%
I resemble neither a societal good driver nor a technical good driver, but I am a good driver nonetheless.	2	6.06%
I'm a really bad driver.	1	3.03%
I can't drive.	1	3.03%
.	2	6.06%
...Part 2	1	3.03%
I'm a societal good driver, and the roads would be better if everyone was a societal good driver	5	15.15%
I'm a societal good driver, and the roads would be better if everyone was a technical good driver	1	3.03%
I'm a technical good driver, and the roads would be better if everyone was a societal good driver	5	15.15%
I'm a technical good driver, and the roads would be better if everyone was a technical good driver	11	33.33%
I fit neither type, and the roads would be better if everyone was a societal good driver	1	3.03%
I fit neither type, and the roads would be better if everyone was a technical good driver	1	3.03%
A mix of driving styles works best	7	21.21%
I want anarchy on the roads - no rules, no laws, just Darwinism at its most basic level.	8	24.24%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 33. You may not vote on this poll

12-01-2007, 07:42 PM
Rain Man NFL's #1 Ermines Fan Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: My house Casino cash: $3308491 VARSITY	Definition of a "Good Driver". I have a new theory about driving, and why people are so annoyed by other drivers. My theory is that we have differing definitions of what a good driver is. I see two competing definitions that do not live in harmony with each other. (Anything else on the upcoming poll is merely a red herring.) Definition 1. Definition 1 is a "societal good driver". This is a driver who may not possess the greatest of technical skills, but they are empathetic to other drivers and they follow the rules. They drive the speed limit, they stop for yellow lights, and they generally don't ever get mad at other drivers unless those drivers are inconsiderate or break the rules. Societal good drivers tend to pick one lane on the highway and stick with it. Societal good drivers are disproportionately represented by people over age 50 and women in minivans. Definition 2. Definition 2 is a "technical good driver". This is a driver who can parallel park with one hand while drinking a Big Gulp, and who can get out of a skid while changing the radio. They prefer to drive at a speed that they can handle safely, as opposed to an arbitrary speed limit, and they generally ooze through stop signs where they see no danger in doing so. As a rule, they only get mad at other drivers who prevent them from driving as they see fit, such as people who drive too slow in snow when it's not necessary. Technical good drivers are often switching lanes to get around other vehicles. Technical good drivers are disproportionately represented by men in large pickups and cab drivers. My theory is that both groups sincerely believe that they are good drivers, and that the other group represents bad drivers. Therefore, the roads will not be a pleasant place until one side drives the other side off the face of the earth. What do you think?
Posts: 141,433

12-01-2007, 07:58 PM	#2
RJ Supporter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: In a shotgun shack Casino cash: $9965202	The definition of a bad driver is simple. It's anyone who drives differently than you do. The same as the definition of a speeder being anyone driving faster than you. As to me, I am Mario Andretti meets Miss Manners, a guy who can maneuver an 18 wheeler through the eye of a needle while letting the guy next to me change lanes.
Posts: 14,931

12-01-2007, 08:25 PM	#3
Bugeater The Maintenance Guy Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Renovated Bugeater Estate Casino cash: $6252680	Anyone going slower than me: idiot Anyone going faster than me: maniac
Posts: 70,443

12-01-2007, 10:15 PM	#4
DomerNKC In Search of a Life Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Topeka Casino cash: $9995110	Taylormade r7 quad W/ xstiff shaft. __________________ Behold the bitten apple, the power of the tools, but all the knowledge in the world is of no use to fools.
Posts: 22,070

12-01-2007, 11:26 PM	#5
RJ Supporter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: In a shotgun shack Casino cash: $9965202	I saw a driver who fit neither category just today. He drove his pickup through the window of the pizza shop next door to where I work. Then he backed up and sped out of the parking lot before anyone could stop him or get his license number. I'd say he was neither technically nor socially proficient behind the wheel.
Posts: 14,931

12-02-2007, 12:03 AM	#10
dtebbe 3M TA3 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: SoFlo Casino cash: $9993039	I got ran off the road by a woman turning out of her subdivision this AM. I shit you not, she had a big coffee mug in one hand and her cell phone propped up to her ear with the shoulder of the arm she was trying to drive with. I almost had to get all 4 off the road to miss her. My 8 year old son (5 seconds after the off-road excursion) told me I should have hit her, so we could get a new truck with a crew cab DT
Posts: 4,305

12-02-2007, 01:25 AM	#11
Demonpenz I got Rice cookin in the micro Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $3112136	in my 3 years in insurance. I have seen a zillion accidents. __________________
Posts: 54,273

12-02-2007, 01:31 AM	#13
Pitt Gorilla Banned! Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: NOT Columbia, MO 65201 Casino cash: $2940194	Definition of a "Holy Diver?" Ask RJD. __________________ Your son is a bench warmer because of your weak genetics not because of the coach Norlin Mommsen is disgusting.
Posts: 46,032