If somebody is doing something stupid AND illegal...

[bluesbassman]

how compelled are you to cut them slack and make their life easier?

I just ran down to the store and on my way back this person (I don't want to indicate gender as it might sway the poll) decides to execute a u-turn in the middle of Main Street (just two lanes) starting from the parallel parking spot they were in. Not being able to complete the maneuverer (Duh!) due to the cars parked on the opposite side of the street, this buffoon now has to attempt a three point turn and back up and will now be blocking traffic in both directions.

Would you stop and let them complete their shenanigans or blow on past, laying on the horn as you do so?

spelling edit - bbm

[csziggy]

1. Let them finish while staying well out of their way

And keep well back from them as they drive off so any mayhem that might happen in their wake does not affect you.

You are safer with them in front of you where you might have sufficient warning to stay out of the way.

[bluesbassman]

2. True enough. Altough this is why I've never installed 50 cal machine guns behind my grill.

:P

[Chan790]

3. I make them miserable anonymously.

DC allows you to take a plate picture and SMS/email it to LEOs along with a location, direction and description and they'll dispatch to intercept for serious driving violations...they find that many of the reports they get, when they get the person over, they're either drunk or high and better-off off the roads.

[bluesbassman]

4. Does that really work?

Here in California they have electronic signs all over saying to report drunk drivers, but I have my doubts whether the CHP really act on the tips.

[Chan790]

11. Only if they find them and they're still driving like a maniac.

Which is why they mostly catch the DUI ones, I suspect. I don't know how many of the tips they follow up on.

The "Report Drunk Drivers" signs have another effect though...they make people who are drunk and driving question whether they're drunk behind the wheel (and shouldn't be driving/should get off the road) and they act as a deterrent to future drunk driving. The effect is the same as the "Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving" and "Distracted Driving" ads...the goal is to make you question what you're doing and the repercussions before you get in the car.

[Recovered Repug]

5. Depends on what kind of car they drive.

If it's an expensive car, I'd maneuver to have them hit me - then sue the shit out of them. If it's a cheap piece of shit car, I'd let them finish the turn.

[bluesbassman]

8. You sure you recovered?

:rofl:

Just kidding, great answer! :)

[Recovered Repug]

10. I have occasional relapses.

An opportunity missed is an opportunity lost.


:toast:

[petronius]

9. Also, I'd need to be able to see the bumper stickers to make an informed decision

;)

(Seriously, I let them finish. I grew out of on-road dick-wagging in my twenties thirties forties - I'm working on it, OK!?!)

[MiddleFingerMom]

6. A "good" friend will come down and bail you out of jail...

.
.
.
... while a "great" friend will be sitting beside you on the
cell's bench saying, "THAT WAS FUCKING AWESOME!!!"
.
.
.

[bluesbassman]

7. Ain't THAT the truth Brother,

Ain't that the truth. (I know this from some experience :) )

[HopeHoops]

12. I think that was me.

[bluesbassman]

14. Oh. Sorry about the buffoon thing man.

:rofl:

[Shagbark Hickory]

13. Where I live, U-Turns are not illegal but I do think cars should have a special blinker to indicate

you're about to make a u-turn.

[bluesbassman]

15. We can make u-turns here too, just not in the middle of a block.

Great idea though, even at an intersectction U-turns can catch you off guard. A special blinker would make it a little safer.

However, in the case of my encounter last night the driver didn't even have the regular left turn signal signal flashing. :mad:

[Shagbark Hickory]

16. In that case I would use the horn to signify my displeasure and let them know they made a mistake.

I may even yell something out the window to educate them. :silly: