IS THE DARK HORSE ROAD RAGE BAIT?

[smurfslayer]

CT, NY, NJ drivers are certainly some of the most annoying to be around.

NY and NJ drivers think they're better than you and will will hog the left lane because they think its theirs.

CT drivers, however, are actually physically incapable of forming a single coherent thought and simply are not fit to be contributing members of society. They clump up across all three lanes going the same exact speed, with the only exceptions being a few clapped Nissans and Infinitis weaving through all the lanes. Otherwise, its just idiots drooling on the steering wheel driving straight through every single pot hole. I hate Connecticut. I intentionally time my drives through CT to take place in the very early hours of the morning where theres no drivers.

They may THINK they're better, but I can promise you, they would not make 2 miles in Rome or Athens during rush hour without being pulled from the car and beaten senseless. Athens traffic is orders of magnitude more intense than downtown NYC, and Rome, IMO is a very, very close 2nd.

I haven't been through CT in a good many years, so I'll defer on that. But I have to give a shout out to NoVA. Hear me out.
Virginia traffic laws are quite puritanical, owing to there being a freedom stealing government in place since 1607. There is a very large segment of non English speakers; New York and South America being the 2 most prevalent. ;-) A good many of these people have neither a license, nor insurance. It's also quite overcrowded. By itself, it's not that impressive, but when you add in the DC and Maryland surrounding traffic - Prince Georges and Montgomery counties primarily, it makes for a 'metro area' with a 3 hour morning rush hour and a 3 hour + evening rush.

Stated simply, stay out of the left lane, unless you are actively passing somebody to the right.

Drive to the right. Pass to the left.



I know you will be tempted to post excuses for each of these two situations in response to my post, but if they could pass you on the right, then you should have already been to the right.

As a motorcyclist of 30+ years, I can wholeheartedly endorse this. Left lane turtling is the single most negative and impactful act on traffic flow. It's also a precursor to or in some cases by itself, road rage. Unfortunately, it's almost never enforced.

One thing I will point out though is that no matter how fast you're going in traffic, there is always someone with more pace. I may be passing a semi doing 65mph, myself going 80, and it's not uncommon for someone to roll up behind me during the pass to an unsafe distance until I can move right. These folks are going triple digits and exceedingly difficult to account for since they're not in your mirror when you execute the pass.

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[Junkyard Dog]

I can promise you, they would not make 2 miles in Rome or Athens during rush hour without being pulled from the car and beaten senseless. Athens traffic is orders of magnitude more intense than downtown NYC, and Rome, IMO is a very, very close 2nd.

I have driven in Italy, but never in Greece, so I will have to take your word for it.

Generally speaking, in Europe drivers try to get out of the way of faster drivers, especially in German, where I lived for two years. It sort of spoiled me and perhaps drives me a little more crazy in the USA because I know what is possible with well trained drivers and a different culture with its different attitudes toward other drivers.

Germans will get out of the way if they see you approaching from half a mile back. Even on a two lane highway with broad shoulders, drivers in both directions will drive over into the shoulders so faster drivers can pass up the middle. It is amazing. Everybody paying attention and making sure to not hold up anybody else.

It isn't much to ask in the USA just to not drive in the left when not actively passing another car, but, well, apparently it is too much to ask.

 

[davidsteele1975]

Lots of good advice, and lots of similar circumstances. Something I noticed in the first few weeks is that the Mustang (and I have a poverty nite pony spec EcoBoost) can bring out the best and worst in people. People have stopped and looked, or said, "I like your car," not something I expected. And at the other end of the scale there are people utterly absolutely outraged that a Mustang is at the speed limit or otherwise in their way, even when as many have written, sir where the fox are you actually going to go?

I kept it to myself until my wife commented something along the lines of "sheesh what did you do to him?!" referencing some tool in a jacked up pickup truck making a big deal of going around me into the three second gap I'd left, which was ruining his day.

Disclaimer: as a Brit in Texas, it was long-drilled into me lane discipline, and you can bet on a two or three-lane road, I'm in the inside (left) lane at the speed limit. Freeways and an inability to move to the left is a constant reminder that here it's... different (lol).

 

[SmoothButter]

Just start downshifting aggressively

Or throw it in neutral and rev!

I like the excuse to listen to my car, and if you’re tailing me then I assume you also want to listen

 

[Wiley Marmot]

I agree it's likely A: Mustangs in general and B: driving skill/behavior/courtesy have seriously deteriorated over the decades. Throw in distracted driving at epidemic levels for good measure. YUCK!

I've been aggressively passed in traffic, had the snot revved out of me (manual transmission vehicles), received "rude sign language", etc. Mostly from rust bucket rice burners, Challegers, Chargers, older Mustangs, and jacked up pick ups. I don't respond to any of that BS. drive my drive; demonstrate road courtesy to others, etc.

Sadly; @Skye is right about the horrendous level of intoxication, hostility, frustration, anger, etc in drivers today. It's almost always a good idea to be circumspect and restrained in responding/reacting to provocation from/by others; whether on the road or else where.

 

[bountifulgoose]

My car will attract negative behaviors and reactions from time-to-time.

- Large truck and SUV owners that have something to prove

- Those who resent others owning these cars. For whatever reason, they don't have one. And they hate that

- People who want to prove that their 12 YO Volvo or Tercel is just as capable

- Others cannot stand to be passed, no matter how graceful and friendly you try to maneuver around them

- Some see the car as an opportunity to haul ass. Extreme tailgating is the result

- US drivers as a whole are driving more angry and more aggressive than ever before

- In-general, 30% of drivers are operating their vehicles in an impaired status (illegal drugs, alcohol, mis-use of prescription meds, medical and physical impairments, age, mental issues, etc.). With millions of drivers on the road, that can make a rather large group by itself

I do my best to avoid all of that.

- I can control my actions. I cannot control others'. Overall, I practice avoidance and non-confrontation. Getting me, my passengers and the car home safely is paramount

- I'm always looking for an exit route. I'm always playing what-ifs if something goes negative

- I maintain gaps to other vehicles as best possible

- I look at the position of my vehicle and ensure I'm not resting in someone's blind spot. Or they are not sitting in mine. People don't use signals any more. I don't think many drivers know what a blind spot is. I either accelerate past or slow down to avoid those. And any mis-understandings. Or accidents

- No spirited driving when in traffic or around other vehicles. It's safer, draws less attention

- I signal for everything

I see myself as something of an ambassador, for motorsports in-general and Mustangs in-particular.

- I never drive aggressive amongst or towards anyone

- When in traffic, I attempt to be as accommodating as possible

- Bike in the bike lane or kid nearby? I move way over and slow down

- Person in or waiting at crosswalk? I stop. In my state, it's the law. You'd be surprised how many just drive right past without so much as a glance. Person looking to cross the road, even without a crosswalk? I stop and wait, if possible

For about as many negative reactions I receive, I get ones that are positive. A wave, thumbs up or neck-twisting look.

Thats funny, speaking of an old Volvo I came across a guy with a volvo thats was probably closer to 20 years old but it looked clean and a lil ricey. Dude wanted to run it so we did. I was pleasantly surprised my dark horse only beat him by about 1 car length. Dude definitely had a big turbo and it sounded awesome. We complemented each other and went on our way. Most of my reactions from other drivers have been positive. There are some people that get very annoyed and dont want to be behind me because of how loud it is. There are also people that often dont want to go the speed limit so they aggressively pass, people basically see a fast car and expect you to send it at all times and are mad if you only go 5 over lol.

 

[JPGC_S650]

Papo, get out of the left lane.

Problem solved.

Stated simply, stay out of the left lane, unless you are actively passing somebody to the right.

Drive to the right. Pass to the left.



I know you will be tempted to post excuses for each of these two situations I quoted, but if they could pass you on the right, then you should have already been to the right.

Pay attention to the availability of a lane to the right and pay attention to cars approaching from the rear. Don't just drive obliviously staring out the front of your windshield until a car behind you can finally get your attention.

Then observe how these road rage situations simply evaporate.

You are causing them, not your choice of car.

It amazes me how many people (you can tell) don't do this: "Pay attention to the availability of a lane to the right and pay attention to cars approaching from the rear. Don't just drive obliviously staring out the front of your windshield until a car behind you can finally get your attention".

 

[LouG]

I've also driven all over Italy. from the Stelvio to Syracusa and through both coasts. They are the most aware drivers I've shared the road with, and actual aggression is rare. When you're passing a car at 130kmh and some big German diesel comes up fast and sits on your bumper until you pull over, that's just saying I'm in a hurry. Not, I'm trying to kill you. There's no bird flipping etc.
A different story here in my town. I've never seen this level of blind aggression, and I'm sure meth use has a lot to do with it. It's a huge problem in NZ. We have a big gang presence here, as many gang members as cops, and that's their main revenue stream.
We've just introduced roadside drug testing, and you should hear the howls of outrage.

 

[MachNroll]

I‘ve had my Dark Horse with the handling package for only a couple of months. With the cold temperatures, the rain and the snow here in Pennsylvania, the break-in process has been going slowly and I’ve only been able to put in ~350 miles. So far. in the few times I’ve taken it out, i’ve been gentle, keeping the RPMs below 4000, but still driving reasonably at the pace of traffic. But still, I‘ve found myself tailed by aggressive drivers who come right up to my rear bumper, almost bumping me, even when there is nowhere to go because of traffic. One time, after tailing me bumper to bumper, a Ford F-250 passed me aggressively on the right. Another time, a Volkswagen SUV that was also following me bumper to bumper went into the oncoming lane to pass me and the two cars in front of me while we were at a red light. On another occasion, another SUV pulled the same stuff, after following me aggressively, he gunned his engine and switched lanes to pass me on the right after I had signaled that I was merging into the right lane, almost causing a collision.. But it hasn’t been all negative. Several times I’ve gotten thumbs up and “nice car dude”, but in the few times I’ve taken it out, I‘ve definitely gotten some hostile vibes. Have any other Dark Horse owners out there gotten similar vibes?

Yep, and I attribute it, in part, to people just being miserable. They get up in the morning, late for work for a job they dislike. They work all day for little money. Their boss yelled at them for being late and making a mistake during the day. Their spouse texted them when they got off work complaining that there's a pile of dirty dishes in the sink that should have been washed but because they had been late for work weren't washed. Then, fuming, they drive home in their 15 year old beat up Honda and out of all the cars in traffic they see somebody in a really nice Mustang GT/GT350/GT500/Mach1/Dark Horse/Bullitt who made better life choices and has the audacity to simply exist and then it begins. The Honda driver takes it all out on the Mustang owner. Everything the Mustang owner does bothers the Honda driver. Ridiculous but I've experienced it many times. Just miserable petty people.

So, I don't engage. I remove myself from the situation whether that is changing lanes or changing my route. And, I don't call attention to myself any more than my car already does on its own. Because, let's face it; The aforementioned Mustangs stand out and can be a magnet for knuckleheads who are having a bad day. And one more thing I do; I make sure that nobody follows me home. Not paranoid, but cautiously aware.

 

[Jeff Ross]

I‘ve had my Dark Horse with the handling package for only a couple of months. With the cold temperatures, the rain and the snow here in Pennsylvania, the break-in process has been going slowly and I’ve only been able to put in ~350 miles. So far. in the few times I’ve taken it out, i’ve been gentle, keeping the RPMs below 4000, but still driving reasonably at the pace of traffic. But still, I‘ve found myself tailed by aggressive drivers who come right up to my rear bumper, almost bumping me, even when there is nowhere to go because of traffic. One time, after tailing me bumper to bumper, a Ford F-250 passed me aggressively on the right. Another time, a Volkswagen SUV that was also following me bumper to bumper went into the oncoming lane to pass me and the two cars in front of me while we were at a red light. On another occasion, another SUV pulled the same stuff, after following me aggressively, he gunned his engine and switched lanes to pass me on the right after I had signaled that I was merging into the right lane, almost causing a collision.. But it hasn’t been all negative. Several times I’ve gotten thumbs up and “nice car dude”, but in the few times I’ve taken it out, I‘ve definitely gotten some hostile vibes. Have any other Dark Horse owners out there gotten similar vibes?

I find that when I drive my SUV all is fine. When I drive my Mustang I have Dodge Charges and Nissan Altima’s all over me like fleas. What the heck is with Altima drivers!?!

 

[Junkyard Dog]

they see somebody in a really nice Mustang GT/GT350/GT500/Mach1/Dark Horse/Bullitt who made better life choices

Or worse life choices! This is the most expensive car I have ever purchased in my life. I could have purchased a $5k beater and invested the rest! LOL!

 

[Kaptain75329]

I‘ve had my Dark Horse with the handling package for only a couple of months. With the cold temperatures, the rain and the snow here in Pennsylvania, the break-in process has been going slowly and I’ve only been able to put in ~350 miles. So far. in the few times I’ve taken it out, i’ve been gentle, keeping the RPMs below 4000, but still driving reasonably at the pace of traffic. But still, I‘ve found myself tailed by aggressive drivers who come right up to my rear bumper, almost bumping me, even when there is nowhere to go because of traffic. One time, after tailing me bumper to bumper, a Ford F-250 passed me aggressively on the right. Another time, a Volkswagen SUV that was also following me bumper to bumper went into the oncoming lane to pass me and the two cars in front of me while we were at a red light. On another occasion, another SUV pulled the same stuff, after following me aggressively, he gunned his engine and switched lanes to pass me on the right after I had signaled that I was merging into the right lane, almost causing a collision.. But it hasn’t been all negative. Several times I’ve gotten thumbs up and “nice car dude”, but in the few times I’ve taken it out, I‘ve definitely gotten some hostile vibes. Have any other Dark Horse owners out there gotten similar vibes?

Part of this is the East Coast attitude.. cooperation and giving the benefit of the doubt is not how they roll over there. Anyone who's ever lived in an East Coast city like Atlanta, NYC, or Philly for an extended period of time knows what it's like: no patience, no grace. Everyone is in a hurry, they all think everyone else is stupid, and they sincerely hate having to deal with each other. There are good ones, but legitimately most of them are absolutely awful, miserable people.

Now, with that said, doesn't matter how many lanes there are; if several people are routinely tailgating and passing you on the right, then you're the problem and no, there isn't an exception to this. You're in the way and that adds frustration in a culture that's already pissed off by default. As it is, your driving habits are legitimately going to inflame tensions even in places with more patient drivers. Equally, if not more important: you also have to consider that you need to do your part to keep traffic moving - on public roads, you have a responsibility to avoid creating problems for police, ambulances, or even someone just like you who may be on the way to the hospital with a serious emergency.

The solution is simple: either keep up with traffic, or stay in the far right lane.

 

[MachNroll]

Or worse life choices! This is the most expensive car I have ever purchased in my life. I could have purchased a $5k beater and invested the rest! LOL!

You did make an investment. Into your mental health! Heck of a lot cheaper than therapy.

 

[Twizzty]

Simple answer, it's not the car that matters just that it's in the way and that really upsets some people.

Same way some people don't like a thread title in all caps...why are you yelling at us.

 

[Frogdog1]

I drove through Atlanta Sunday on I-75 from north of Atlanta through downtown then exited south of Atlanta. On I-75, the average speed I would guess was at least 87 with many people doing at least 95+. I exited when Google sent me through the countryside due to interstate blockages. Then, while in the country side everyone drove close to the speed limit and things got much more civilized. I got to my destination (Jekyll Island) ahead of ETA and chilled out. If we could just totally stay off interstates, sometimes it's quicker and certainly more relaxing. When every single car is speeding, all a cop does when stopping someone is cause rear enders. BTW, I was driving my Honda which has no trouble keeping up and out of the way while getting close to 39 mpg on a 489 mile trip. I knew better than to take my red mustang in that shit and I could care less about mpg. Yes, people have gotten uncivilized on highways, especially interstates.

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