I get no respect!

[BailOut]

I've found that on my 2-lane commute, no matter what speed I go in my Yaris I tend to get tailgated and "postured" at. However, when I drive a pickup truck on the same commute, even if I go a few MPH below the speed limit everyone gives me some space.

I find it sadly funny how people equate their vehicle - which they didn't design, source materials for, build nor even likely maintain on their own - with their ego, and how they feel a need to project that false ego on the roadways that we must all share.

[fnkngrv]

Originally Posted by BailOut

I've found that on my 2-lane commute, no matter what speed I go in my Yaris I tend to get tailgated and "postured" at. However, when I drive a pickup truck on the same commute, even if I go a few MPH below the speed limit everyone gives me some space.

One of the biggest reasons for this IMO is that people know if you crash into a truck and you are in a car you WILL become squashed and the truck might, just might get a paint scratch on their bumper. It all has to do with the fact that trucks are just built rugged bottom line.

As for the respect thing I was actually run into the median grass area while moving down the Memphis back in 08. If I hadn't literally dripped from 5th to 2nd....yes that is right 2nd I would have died. Sure I hit the rev limiter however it gave me enough power to get past the end of the guard rail so that I didn't flip over it. I can say as well that if I had been in an A/T version I don't feel confident that I would have been able to do the same maneuver. This occurred almost in front of a hidden TN Statie. He took chase and I do not know of the outcome. I only know that the truck made sure he pulled off on the next exit.

The horn suggestion is a great one. Toyota might as well have not even put a horn in with how pathetic it is. I plan on getting a premium horn for sure once I get settled in AL. I plan on doing what the one dude did which was buy a premium horn from a Camry or Avalon from a junkyard.

[Zaphod]

Originally Posted by BailOut

I've found that on my 2-lane commute, no matter what speed I go in my Yaris I tend to get tailgated and "postured" at. However, when I drive a pickup truck on the same commute, even if I go a few MPH below the speed limit everyone gives me some space.

I find it sadly funny how people equate their vehicle - which they didn't design, source materials for, build nor even likely maintain on their own - with their ego, and how they feel a need to project that false ego on the roadways that we must all share.

I just simply couldn't have said it better myself.

I've actually found things to go far smoother in the Yaris than in the TJ. I think that at least part of the reason is that the Jeep was just taller and blocked people's view of traffic in front of them, so when it slowed down they'd get frustrated with what's happening directly in front of them. This is especially true in a traffic jam, and I couldn't really blame them.

I find the same to be true with the motorcycle, except that people tend to look through it.

I would never tap my brakes on the Yaris as I'd never offer someone a chance to dent or scratch my baby.

My most favorite trick for tailgaters is to hit the turns on ramps as fast as I can which typically gains me just enough distance, downshift just before the tightest part of the turn for some quick engine braking, coast with the clutch through the worst of it, and the hit the gas on the way out.

For those who are more focused on your brake lights then the road they're driving through, they don't realize they have to slow down until it's too late.