Aggressive large vehicle drivers

**TomServo** · 10-14-2011, 10:31 PM

So let me preface this with some disclaimers:

1. I traded in a large vehicle for my 500, so this isn't some tirade against large vehicles.
2. I live in Minnesota, which recently officially changed its nicknames from "The Northstar State" and "Land of 10,000 Lakes" to "The Tailgating Driver State" and "Land of 10,000 Rear-end Collisions".

So, tonight on the way home from work I had a nice little encounter with somebody driving this huge pickup truck approximately 3/4 of an inch from my bumper. As I mentioned in my disclaimer, folks here like to ride on each other's bumpers here for some reason, but this felt a little different. This seemed to me to be intentional, and personal. Has anyone else experienced this yet in their 500? It almost felt like the guy was thinking "Hmm, let's see if I can scare the crap out of the driver of this tiny car".

I mean, I knew that I was going to have to be more alert in a small car, but I guess I didn't really think I was going to have to deal with someone targeting me. That is, if I'm right about the situation. Could have been just someone that is mad at the world and I happened to be in his way, I suppose.

**lorvar** · 10-14-2011, 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by TomServo

So let me preface this with some disclaimers:

1. I traded in a large vehicle for my 500, so this isn't some tirade against large vehicles.
2. I live in Minnesota, which recently officially changed its nicknames from "The Northstar State" and "Land of 10,000 Lakes" to "The Tailgating Driver State" and "Land of 10,000 Rear-end Collisions".

So, tonight on the way home from work I had a nice little encounter with somebody driving this huge pickup truck approximately 3/4 of an inch from my bumper. As I mentioned in my disclaimer, folks here like to ride on each other's bumpers here for some reason, but this felt a little different. This seemed to me to be intentional, and personal. Has anyone else experienced this yet in their 500? It almost felt like the guy was thinking "Hmm, let's see if I can scare the crap out of the driver of this tiny car".

I mean, I knew that I was going to have to be more alert in a small car, but I guess I didn't really think I was going to have to deal with someone targeting me. That is, if I'm right about the situation. Could have been just someone that is mad at the world and I happened to be in his way, I suppose.

Take a picture of the guy and call the police for possible drunk driver with a possible weapon. That'll take care of him.

**dean greenig** · 10-14-2011, 10:46 PM

I'm in Minnesota also and own a full size Ram also. I have noticed that ever since I've owned the 500 there has been a general lack of respect,tailgating, getting cut off on a regular basis and people looking to race. Not once ever, have these things happened to me in my full sized Ram. I have noticed you have to be very careful when driving your 500

**TomServo** · 10-14-2011, 10:52 PM

Originally Posted by dean greenig

I'm in Minnesota also and own a full size Ram also. I have noticed that ever since I've owned the 500 there has been a general lack of respect,tailgating, getting cut off on a regular basis and people looking to race. Not once ever, have these things happened to me in my full sized Ram. I have noticed you have to be very careful when driving your 500

Hmm, well I'm glad it's not just me being paranoid. Could it also be that when you're in the 500 you really see how close people get? I'm thinking that might also be a factor. When I had the large vehicle people were tailgating me but I often felt like that was something going on "way back there". In the 500 you can almost feel the heat from their radiator on the back of your neck.

**Fig** · 10-14-2011, 10:54 PM

About 3 weeks ago I was driving down the road and see a Acura TL flying up on me. He got right up my ass. So guess what happened text? He saw my rear end light up as I jacked up my brakes and see him swerve to the right from avoiding me it was great.... So instead of riding my rear he turned on his high beams. Oh well

**Tweak** · 10-14-2011, 10:59 PM

I drive the 500 like it is as big as any other car on the road, having owned both large and small I just drive as I like and haven't noticed any issues with other drivers except for them looking at the car and asking about it at stoplights or when parking.

**lorvar** · 10-14-2011, 11:16 PM

Originally Posted by Fig

About 3 weeks ago I was driving down the road and see a Acura TL flying up on me. He got right up my ass. So guess what happened text? He saw my rear end light up as I jacked up my brakes and see him swerve to the right from avoiding me it was great.... So instead of riding my rear he turned on his high beams. Oh well

Ah, the old stop and swerve. I usually do that with a faster car so I can hunt them down. I find pulling over abruptly, letting them pass and pulling up next to them again really freaks them out. When I was younger I used act like I was under meds and I'd laugh at them with my head out the window while swerving. That made them back off also.

**MikeThinks** · 10-14-2011, 11:38 PM

I always have a fuel cutoff switch installed in all my cars. Anything gets too close to my arse and my car loses power

As with all things in life, psychology works wonders, someone who rides your arse is trying to exert their will on you. When they get the opposite of their desire (ie: now your going even slower), they almost always zoom past at the 1st opportunity and display just how fast they are to you. This accomplishes two things, it makes you smile because you have caused them to react the way you want, and in their haste to show you just how awesomely fast they are...they are soon out of your life.

This has the added benefit of being much less likely to have the moron crinkle your bumper.

**MrFlippant** · 10-15-2011, 12:08 AM

I just drive like I'm in a bigger car, like Tweak. If someone is being belligerent, then I do like Lor and let them pass, then tail or pass them.

What I do NOT do is slow down and make them get even more upset... at least not when they have no way to get around me. If there's a way to get around me, then I take the initiative and move over, forcing them to go around. Most times, they just get stuck tailgating the car *I* was following. I just laugh at their stupidity and feel sorry for the next target in their sights.

Oh yeah, the reason I don't slow down when there's no way for them to get around me is 'cus I don't feel like trying to catch a bullet in my teeth, thanks. While I don't believe everyone who drives badly is a gun toting gangsta-wannabe (or a fo realz gangsta), one incident of just such a thing happening nearby recently is enough for me to avoid the situation entirely.

**J L S** · 10-15-2011, 08:42 AM

I've always driven small cars and this happens to me all of the time. There is no excuse why someone should be this rude (unless it's a medical emergency). It's not just trucks who do it, it's everyone.

I find it hilarious when I am driving the speed limit (sometimes over) and these jerks are tailgating me and then they pass me so fast to prove a point. But then we end up being stuck at the same light. What did it cost?

Me: a challenge to remain disciplined and controlled
Them: $20 and a punch to their ego