When's the last time you honked at someone, and someone honked at you... and why?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Last week. I honked at someone who didn't see me as he was backing out. Before that, it's been years. I couldn't tell you the last time I've been honked at

That’s on YOU. You’re supposed to let people back out of spaces.

This seems wrong. In most cases, drivers going forward in the flow of traffic have the right-of-way when someone is backing out.

Yeah, it is totally wrong. You pull out of a space (i.e., potentially interrupt the flow of traffic) only when it’s clear. Same reason why you have to yield to oncoming traffic when making a turn from a smaller street onto a larger street (if there’s no stop sign, for instance).

Incorrect PP probably also thinks they have the right of way at 4-way stops if they’re going straight (as opposed to the actual rule of “first to arrive is the first to go.”)

I think that the law and etiquette aren’t in agreement here. When backing out of a spot you really cannot see if any cars are coming. You should back out very slowly and make sure you stop the instant you see somebody coming. But if somebody is going faster than they should in the parking lot, there will be problems. If you’re backing out, even as slowly and as carefully as you can, and somebody hits you, you are legally at fault. Even if the other car is speeding. (I think). But I think it’s appropriate to recognize that people who are backing out can’t see and you should let them out if you are approaching that spot, without insisting on your right of way.

This sounds insane. I have a company car and have been forced to take numerous safe driving classes. The instruction when back out is to STEP on the brake, grab the passenger headrest and physically lift yourself out of the seat and look back to get a 360° rear view to ensure the path is clear while backing out SLOWLY. No way in hell I’m backing out without doing damn near an exorcist swivel to see who’s coming! I’ve seen people use only their rear view mirror which is 1000% wrong.

This.

People are not being taught to drive safely these days. That is why there are so many accidents and entitled people thinking they are in the right - leading to road rage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

This sounds insane. I have a company car and have been forced to take numerous safe driving classes. The instruction when back out is to STEP on the brake, grab the passenger headrest and physically lift yourself out of the seat and look back to get a 360° rear view to ensure the path is clear while backing out SLOWLY. No way in hell I’m backing out without doing damn near an exorcist swivel to see who’s coming! I’ve seen people use only their rear view mirror which is 1000% wrong.

I'm 5ft tall. There is no way I can lift my body enough to see over the seats while simultaneously reaching the pedals with my feet. No, I don't drive a big SUV.

But for what it's worth, because of my limitations (and because I'm smart), I'm a backer inner parker.

Seriously, then you shouldn't be driving.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:I was honked yesterday when I wouldn't make a right on red. In my defense, there was a No Right on Red sign.

Was it a No Right On Red or a No Right on Red when pedestrians are present sign? I see lots of people sitting at those and not turning, and I confess to honking at them.pretty often. It's like people see the first half and then have a reading comprehension fail on the second part.

Rght on red is permitted, not required. It is at the discretion of the driver who is the one who not only can see more of the intersection than the driver behind them but will also be liable if they hit someone or something because they just had to make that right turn right now. Or the person behind them thought they had to.

If it is permitted, and the intersection is clear, and you're choosing to block everyone behind you by not turning right on red... then it just makes you a willful ahole.

No, it makes you an impatient AH who doesn't have the temparment to safely operate a vehicle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Last week. I honked at someone who didn't see me as he was backing out. Before that, it's been years. I couldn't tell you the last time I've been honked at

That’s on YOU. You’re supposed to let people back out of spaces.

Nope. The driver in the "flow of traffic" has right of way. Insurance company will put you at fault if you hit someone backing out of a parking space.

You don't understand right of way.

I guess your definition of "right of way" is whatever you are doing is right?

Because in this case, the person backing out is supposed to yield.

[Anonymous]

One polite, muted honk when the red light turns green and the first car is spacing out. Yesterday, though, my husband was driving on 495 and someone veered into our lane and nearly hit us. My husband was too busy swerving to honk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Last week. I honked at someone who didn't see me as he was backing out. Before that, it's been years. I couldn't tell you the last time I've been honked at

That’s on YOU. You’re supposed to let people back out of spaces.

Nope. The driver in the "flow of traffic" has right of way. Insurance company will put you at fault if you hit someone backing out of a parking space.

You don't understand right of way.

I guess your definition of "right of way" is whatever you are doing is right?

Because in this case, the person backing out is supposed to yield.

Correct.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a regular green-light honker - sorry! People are too distracted these days. Also, I was distracted and got honked at recently. Other instances are when creeps honk at me from the car when I'm walking down the street dressed up or in yoga clothes smh.

[Anonymous]

I honked at someone sitting at a green light today. The last time I was honked at I was sitting at a green light.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I honk at other people all the time. At least a couple times a week.

Too many people only think about themselves about driving, and I use the honk to let them know: "hey, pay attention please. there are other people in this situation you know." Situations include people using their phones at lights (if there's "one Mississippi" and your brake lights are still on, you get a honk). Or you are making a left turn and refuse to pull up to allow people behind you to go around (and there would be space, if you pulled up). Or if they're not driving center-straight and their tire keeps hitting the line on a multi lane road.

Pay attention, be considerate, and you don't get a honk. I don't do it to be mean but to alert the driver to be more mindful of their surroundings.

The last time I was honked at was months ago, at least. Maybe a year or more. I think I probably succumbed to checking my phone at a light, though usually I'm very good about it.

I always pause a FEW seconds when a light turns green. I make sure the other side stops. I almost got T-boned once by a car that ran a light and I take 3-5 seconds to be safe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I honk at other people all the time. At least a couple times a week.

Too many people only think about themselves about driving, and I use the honk to let them know: "hey, pay attention please. there are other people in this situation you know." Situations include people using their phones at lights (if there's "one Mississippi" and your brake lights are still on, you get a honk). Or you are making a left turn and refuse to pull up to allow people behind you to go around (and there would be space, if you pulled up). Or if they're not driving center-straight and their tire keeps hitting the line on a multi lane road.

Pay attention, be considerate, and you don't get a honk. I don't do it to be mean but to alert the driver to be more mindful of their surroundings.

The last time I was honked at was months ago, at least. Maybe a year or more. I think I probably succumbed to checking my phone at a light, though usually I'm very good about it.

I always pause a FEW seconds when a light turns green. I make sure the other side stops. I almost got T-boned once by a car that ran a light and I take 3-5 seconds to be safe.

You should be paying attention and looking around while you're stopped at the red light. Once it turns green, is not the time to *start* looking and clearing your surroundings.

Yes, occasionally someone runs a red light but you should not be "always pausing a few seconds" after the light changes. Definitely not every time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My favorite honker was I was headed to Hamptons by myself very early on a Saturday morning. I wanted to get there by 8 am.

I was driving left lane Long Island Express way out East moody at exit on an empty road. A sports car is up my butt in an empty road flashing me to move over. I was going 80mph.

So I hit the gas up to 100mph. Guy comes up my tail and starts honking. I had the top down as I had an old Mercedes like 18 years old and a V8. Guy Is honking so I say screw it and floor it. OMG I guess for autobahn purposes car downshifted are 120mph and I hear tire chirp. Next thing at 140mph and guy is pulling back. As my pants us crapping as I just took a 18 year old car with 120,000 miles up to 140 mph he pulls up beside me salutes me, gets behind as we go back to a modest 85 and get off next exit.

Who the heck beeps at a car going 100 mph to speed up or move over?

Who doesn’t just pull over and let the person pass? You sound like a d$ck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Last week. I honked at someone who didn't see me as he was backing out. Before that, it's been years. I couldn't tell you the last time I've been honked at

That’s on YOU. You’re supposed to let people back out of spaces.

Nope. The driver in the "flow of traffic" has right of way. Insurance company will put you at fault if you hit someone backing out of a parking space.

You don't understand right of way.

I guess your definition of "right of way" is whatever you are doing is right?

Because in this case, the person backing out is supposed to yield.

No one has the right of way. Someone must yield it. If I start backing out and you turn into the aisle, I do not yield to you. I already started my traffic maneuver. Your presence does not give you immediate right of way because flow of traffic, whatever that is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I honk at other people all the time. At least a couple times a week.

Too many people only think about themselves about driving, and I use the honk to let them know: "hey, pay attention please. there are other people in this situation you know." Situations include people using their phones at lights (if there's "one Mississippi" and your brake lights are still on, you get a honk). Or you are making a left turn and refuse to pull up to allow people behind you to go around (and there would be space, if you pulled up). Or if they're not driving center-straight and their tire keeps hitting the line on a multi lane road.

Pay attention, be considerate, and you don't get a honk. I don't do it to be mean but to alert the driver to be more mindful of their surroundings.

The last time I was honked at was months ago, at least. Maybe a year or more. I think I probably succumbed to checking my phone at a light, though usually I'm very good about it.

I always pause a FEW seconds when a light turns green. I make sure the other side stops. I almost got T-boned once by a car that ran a light and I take 3-5 seconds to be safe.

I am watching traffic the whole time. But I can’t predict those who speed through on red. People are so damn inpatient these days.

You should be paying attention and looking around while you're stopped at the red light. Once it turns green, is not the time to *start* looking and clearing your surroundings.

Yes, occasionally someone runs a red light but you should not be "always pausing a few seconds" after the light changes. Definitely not every time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Someone honked at me a couple of weeks ago when my lane ended and I was merging into the traffic and (mistakenly) thought they would slow down to let me in.

I can’t remember the last time I honked at someone. My drivers Ed instructor told us that having to honk is a sign of bad driving on the honker’s part.

LOL. Where was this?

It was in VA. For example, for some of the scenarios expressed by PP's, he would have said that if you see someone is backing out, then you should stop and let them back out, rather than honking to make them stop. If they swerved to get into my lane at the last minute, I should be able to see them and slow down to let them in; no need for a honk. I only honk if someone is about to collide with me and I wouldn't be able to avoid the collision.

That explains a lot.

VA drivers are the worst.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And do you think it's an even ratio? Do others honk at you more often thank you use your horn on others... or vice versa?

yesterday. light honk because the light turned green and the person in front of me was focused on their phone while we all sat there with our thumbs up our butts. BTW that light honk is always met with a "sorry about that" hand gesture. no big deal.

Not sure the last time someone honked at me.