[Dartman]

“I’ve often been close to being rear-ended many times because I’m also one of the rare people who stops behind the white line, rather than stopping halfway into the crosswalk.”

Now you’ve touched a nerve. I drive a big truck and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to make a left turn onto a street but can’t, because someone in a car is sitting 8 feet past the line. Do these people ever wonder why those lines are painted on the road?

[chrisser]

I drive a big truck ...

Boy, do I feel for you guys. I've always tried to be aware of trucks and be extra courteous in traffic, but a few years ago we bought a little travel trailer, and that experience, while nothing close to a big rig, really opened my eyes to some serious idiocy on the roads that you guys have to deal with.

I've had people so close to the back of my trailer I couldn't see them anymore (and I have trailering mirrors). I've had people almost merge into my trailer (how could you miss the giant beige box with red stripes and lights on?). Had people slip into the space I'm trying to leave ahead of me (so I can stop in time if needed) on the freeway, and then slam on their brakes for no apparent reason, or slow down to the point I try to pass them, then they speed up and pace me (whether I speed up or slow down) while I'm in the passing lane so I can't pass, can't get back over, and end up blocking the passing lane (which I hate to do).

It would be bad enough if all this was malicious, but I think it's almost worse that it seems to be due to total cluelessness. I don't know how some guys can do it for a living - I think I'd go insane.