Why do we get angry when others drive slow in front of us?

Question

Is it valid anger? Do we really need to get to our location in a hurry, or are we being selfish?

Answer 1

Before answering, I'll tell a funny saying that I heard:
When driving, anyone going slower than you is a moron, anyone going faster is a maniac.

Anyways, I think that it is Murfy's Law in action. If we are truly in a hurry and we need to be there right away, you will get every light red and the slowest vehicles in front of you. Otherwise you are just being selfish.

Answer 2

It might be valid anger if the slow-driver is driving 10 mph below the speed limit, your nerves are already shreded, you're in a hurry (late for work/class), and you can't pass the person AT ALL.
People like to get things done and over with, but some people just take their time. I think we need more restrictions on who can drive!

Answer 3

Actually, I purposely drive in the left lane and drive slow. If i'm lucky I'll get someone in a pick-up pull up behind me. Eventually they will start blinking their lites and honking their horn. That's when it starts to become fun. Do they not realize there is another lane to their right that they could use? Then when I think they can't take anymore I'll put on my left turn signal and come to a stop at a corner to turn,, making them come to a complete stop behind me for me to make the turn. I guess I won't think It's so funny when a 38 caliber bullet comes crashing through my back window and smashing into the back of my head. I guess I should get some therapy.Drive friendly.

Answer 4

Look, if you are trying to get from A to B along a road with a 55 speed limit, you do NOT want to get behind some half-wit poodling along at 35 mph. This can happen where you are not even able to get around the person, or where the driver seems to be so oblivious of your presence that he or she wont even do the decent thing and move to the side to help you pass.

I don't get "road-rage" mad, but by golly it IS irritating when another road user who hasn't got anyplace to be at any particular time, just dribbles along as if he thinks you don't have to be anywhere either. It is not selfishness on MY part, but on the part of that kind of a driver who clearly has not got the slightest sense of common road courtesy. If you can't keep up with the appropriate speed for that stretch of road, then don't get on that road in the first place, or if there is something wrong that you can't match the speed of other road users at that time, move over so they can pass you.

As a matter of fact just yesterday I was going to keep a doctor's appointment, and wouldn't ya know I got behind this little ole lady who could barely see over the top of her dash. She was driving what looked like it could be a brand new, very spiffy set o'wheels, dead center of the lane, at 30 mph in a 55 mph area. I was right behind her and there were at least seven or eight cars behind me, all of us trickling along like a funeral procession, and we were unable to pass because of the traffic flow in the opposite direction. It's not a case of people being impatient, or in too much of a hurry. But dadgamit we have lives to lead, and we have itineraries to follow, and we shouldn't be expected to piddle down the highway like we had a donkey and cart.

Answer 5

you are being selfish because most of the time you are late getting out of the house and all of us look for someone else to blame and I have done it myself, I am guilty of it too , thinking I can make the time up driving a little faster not counting getting caught behind a slow driver.I find if I leave about 15 minutes before I really have too, getting caught behind traffic or a slow driver doesn't make me mad or upset, I know I can still make it on time. Being on time is a habit you have to make on your own. I have a reputation of if I am not there yet they have a lot of time to get things done before I am supposed to be there and they know I am always on time or 10 minutes early. It is good planning too and it takes time to develop that skill to be on time or early is even better. That way no matter what holds you up it doesn't get you all upset and mad at some one else who left early and has plenty of time to drive slow and cautious.

Answer 6

I would have to say that it depends on which state that you live in. I get angry just because I have no patience and I am always in a rush to get to the next place. This may fit into my type A personality or it may just be that I wish that everyone else worried about getting to places on time.

Answer 7

Here's a tip: the next time you're following someone and they're driving too slowly, remain perfectly calm, and flash your headlights while gesturing at them. Then pull over to the side of the road.

The other driver will probably interpret it as meaning that you need to talk to them about their tail lights or something, and they'll pull over as well.

Now you have them right where you want them. You can use anything from a steel pipe to a crowbar to make your point. Just remember to be environmentally friendly, and dispose of the body afterwards.

Answer 8

Because they are lazy.
Because they are afraid to drive.
Because they enjoy holding up traffic.
We have posted speeds for a reason.
Worse is on a 4-6 lane highway, and in the left lane; the fast lane, they are driving slow!

Answer 9

People like to be fast and in control.It drives us(or them because i dont exactly fit in this category)crazy when we cant have what we want when we want.So yes,its selfishness,greed,and INvalid anger.No reason for anger period.Inless of course you are running late :]

Answer 10

Depends on why they are driving slow. If they are driving slow because they are being careful, that's one thing. If they are driving slow because they are being *****, that's something else (and believe me, a lot of the time you can tell).