Bad Drivers! [Archive] - Yosemite Area Forums

oakhurstleaf

Mar 19, 2005, 03:23 PM

"Mountain Life" or "Local Issue"? Probably both.

Monkey's post about the recent death from a tragic auto accident on Hwy 41 made my jaw drop. There are far too many tragic car accidents in this relatively small mountain area...and is it that our roads here are dangerous or are the people driving their cars too dangerous?

I come from an area where there are tons more drivers than here...and yet, accidents seemed so less common. Especially the tragic kind.

Even in my own little mountain neighborhood...people speed thru here like it's a Hwy! Nobody pays attention to the 25 mph speed limit signs...and they barely pay attention to humans who attempt to cross the residential street...they swerve around them. Gawd forbid they use their brakes!

I guess we all have to go some time...but do you think we all increase our odds of dying in a tragic car accident simply because we live in the mountain area? Shall we say a prayer before we head out on the Hwy?

Alice

Sandman

Mar 19, 2005, 06:21 PM

I know a lot of people that have died in car crashes up here. People do drive too fast for these roads. I must admit that I am sometimes guilty myself. I'm gonna make an effort to slow down and I hope others do the same.

Californee Girl

Mar 19, 2005, 08:35 PM

A while back I witnessed a car drive right over the edge of deadwood. The driver was ok, but boy does that change your perspective! Im a lot more cautious now.

Ironhorse

Mar 20, 2005, 02:53 AM

I say a prayer every time I head out on Hwy 41, coming or going. I drive what I consider to be safe for the road conditions at the time (rain, snow, fog, etc.) If some of these yahoos would leave for work a few minutes earlier, they might not have to speed. Funny thing is, when I get to the 41/145 junction, they're there, waiting for me, stopped by the traffic light, so was it really worth them passing me in the rock cut???????? And don't even get me started on the tourists, gee, I'm really looking forward to the summer increase of traffic.

BichonLover

Mar 20, 2005, 05:55 AM

Me, too, Myhome! Last trip up, I was driving up the hill (41), and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a guy who was driving an Excursion cross the center line to pass and coming straight at us.
We got lucky that time, but I always wonder will there be a next time...

I still dread the ride to Mammoth more than the ride to Oakhurst. There's way too many dips in that road...kind of like going to Laughlin, NV...one minute you can see ahead of you, and the next you can't...very condusive passing conditions.

We now have a new way to stop in OC...it's called the "rolling stop"...no need to bring your car to a complete halt and wear down your brakes...you just kind of cruise on through... http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/driving.gif http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/peace.gif
--------------------------------
Originally posted by myhome:
I say a prayer every time I head out on Hwy 41, coming or going. I drive what I consider to be safe for the road conditions at the time (rain, snow, fog, etc.) If some of these yahoos would leave for work a few minutes earlier, they might not have to speed. Funny thing is, when I get to the 41/145 junction, they're there, waiting for me, stopped by the traffic light, so was it really worth them passing me in the rock cut???????? And don't even get me started on the tourists, gee, I'm really looking forward to the summer increase of traffic.

Kahlua Kid

Mar 20, 2005, 06:46 AM

I totally agree OakhurstLeaf. I noticed that too - the per capita accident rate has to be much higher here than in LA/Orange/Ventura County areas - we had millions of drivers and yet I'd go weeks, even months, without seeing an accident. Here it seems to be a common occurence - and that is confirmed by the auto insurance costs here - they are exactly the same as what I paid in Los Angeles area. (I thought they would drop moving to a rural area with only a population around 50,000).

I have learned to slow down living up here - when we first moved here I was still in the fast-paced L.A. driving mode, but after a couple months of learning you're not going to get ahead, what is the point? You just catch up to the next slower group.

I never did anything crazy like passing on a double-yellow, but I probably did drive too fast.

I have had someone come at me head-on on Spinelli around a blind corner - I think they were drunk. And other idiots do stupid things around me. And no offense, but we do have a lot of retired senior drivers that we have to be aware of - some should not still be driving. Oh yes, and the deer, the ice, snow or hail and heavy rains, tourists who are unsure of where their turn-off is or are sidetracked by the scenery - we have a lot to watch out for here!

I've learned to just kick back, listen to the radio and enjoy the scenery - that's why we moved here after all! And I think I've made myself a much more defensive and offensive driver - always thinking about what could happen at a corner, blind curve, side-streets and people having to make-a-run-for-it to get across onto the 41, etc...

Now I watch idiot drivers passing when there isn't enough room and hold my breath when I see them heading towards another car that has the right-of-way.

What can we do?

I would love to raise money to purchase signs that say something like "Welcome to the Mountains, Slow down and enjoy the scenery!"

We used to have "Welcome home, Relax and Slow DOwn" in Simi. I don't know how much good they did, but I know for me they reminded me to slow down.

beautiful_mess38

Mar 20, 2005, 07:31 AM

Yesterday while taking the kids to the airport there was a accident northbound on 41. On the way home there was a accident southbound on 41.

I do have to say, I drive the speed limit. I'm a mom of 3 little kids and I have a huge responsability to them. When I'm driving the speed limit and someone is driving on my a**, I get pissed.

here in YLP the speed limit is 35. People go 45-50. However; since they got rid of the old board memebers and brought in new, we have new security and chp's. The chp's sit in front of my house its kinda cool.

I do ask my guardian angel to put a protective light over me before I head off on the "bloody Highway"

I see tons of chp's and sheriffs in this little town of ours. I hardly ever see them catching speeders.

oakhurstleaf

Mar 20, 2005, 07:34 AM

The fact that we have 2-lane highways and drivers averaging 50 mph plus...a head on collision is going to end tragically, fatally virtually everytime. There's not much room for error on many parts of the mountain highways...you're not always going to have a shoulder to swerve into to avoid a head-on, let alone the time to do it.

I think the speed limits should be lowered in many areas only because no one really follows them. I think most feel it's legal to go 5 or 10 miles over the speed limit. And frankly, in a residential tract, 35 mph is too darn fast...that's the supposed speed limit in the heart of Oakhurst (which most drivers do not adhere to)!

Back in January...I lost my cat to a speeding car and the following morning Todd was rearended at a stop sign. What were the odds? I've held back from shaking my fist and yelling obsceneties at the 8 out of 10 drivers who barrel thru past our house...but I want to do something! It's not just teenagers...it's moms in mini-vans and the elderly. They're all raving speed freaks!

Alice

oakhurstleaf

Mar 20, 2005, 07:34 AM

oakhurstleaf

Mar 20, 2005, 07:39 AM

How about "Welcome to the mountains. Slow down before you kill someone!"

I would love to raise money to purchase signs that say something like "Welcome to the Mountains, Slow down and enjoy the scenery!"

We used to have "Welcome home, Relax and Slow DOwn" in Simi. I don't know how much good they did, but I know for me they reminded me to slow down.

Ironhorse

Mar 20, 2005, 07:45 AM

Originally posted by Kahlua Kid:
And no offense, but we do have a lot of retired senior drivers that we have to be aware of - some should not still be driving.

Hmmm, I'm one of those retired senior drivers http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/wow1.gifhttp://oakhurstforums.com/icon/lol420.gif http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/jestera.gif (Good thing I know ya KK) http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/wave.gif

Ironhorse

Mar 20, 2005, 07:45 AM

Ironhorse

Mar 20, 2005, 07:48 AM

Originally posted by oakhurstleaf:
How about "Welcome to the mountains. Slow down before you kill someone!"

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">

I would love to raise money to purchase signs that say something like "Welcome to the Mountains, Slow down and enjoy the scenery!"

We used to have "Welcome home, Relax and Slow DOwn" in Simi. I don't know how much good they did, but I know for me they reminded me to slow down. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

How about billboards showing the results of stupid drivers????? And don't forget the tailgaters, they're as dangerous as the speeders!!!! http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/wow1.gif

beautiful_mess38

Mar 20, 2005, 08:06 AM

The Century 21 Real Estate Office on hwy 41 in Coarsegold has the light sign. Sometimes it will refer to speeders and tailgaters. Maybe we should ask them to put something on there that would be blunt but practical.

Californee Girl

Mar 20, 2005, 08:40 AM

Originally posted by Kahlua Kid:
we do have a lot of retired senior drivers that we have to be aware of - some should not still be driving. Oh yes, and the deer, the ice, snow or hail and heavy rains, tourists who are unsure of where their turn-off is or are sidetracked by the scenery - we have a lot to watch out for here!

But lets not forget THE KIDS!! A few years back I was rear ended full speed by a teenager ditching school. She pushed me into the truck ahead of me & sandwiched myself & my infant daughter. Showed very little remorse. I dont think she fully understood how miraculous it was that we walked away from that. A few months after that the same girl came inches from hitting my husband head on because she was too busy car dancing as she pulled out of the Vons/Raleys intersection.

I admit that I was a terrible driver when I was a kid. And I hate to be "that" person, but Im all for raising the driving age limit. These kids are crazy & dangerous.

Kahlua Kid

Mar 20, 2005, 09:53 AM

"I see tons of chp's and sheriffs in this little town of ours. I hardly ever see them catching speeders." Beautifulmess38

I see the CHPs always have someone pulled over - but I never have ever seen a Sheriff with someone pulled over...

Where we used to live Sheriff's also did traffic control - is it different here? Or are they too busy searching for all those with warrants or drug violations going on?

Myhome: Glad to see you know I didn't mean you - I meant those that truly shouldn't be driving any longer - can't see or react quick enough or drive 20 in a 55 mph!

CG: Yup and the kids - they race around thinking they are invincible til its too late.

Ironhorse

Mar 20, 2005, 11:04 AM

Originally posted by Kahlua Kid:
"I see tons of chp's and sheriffs in this little town of ours. I hardly ever see them catching speeders." Beautifulmess38

I see the CHPs always have someone pulled over - but I never have ever seen a Sheriff with someone pulled over...

Where we used to live Sheriff's also did traffic control - is it different here? Or are they too busy searching for all those with warrants or drug violations going on?

Myhome: Glad to see you know I didn't mean you - I meant those that truly shouldn't be driving any longer - can't see or react quick enough or drive 20 in a 55 mph!

CG: Yup and the kids - they race around thinking they are invincible til its too late.

You won't see much in the way of Sheriffs doing traffic stuff along Hwy 41, unless they're bored, it's real blatant, or get asked by CHP to do something. Since 41 is a State highway, traditionally Sheriffs considers it to be the CHP's problem (so much for inter-agency cooperation, doesn't exist unless the other agency can "look good". I speak from experience of working at one of those agencies) If you see SO doing traffic control, it's because CHP requested their assistance.

Yosemite Joy

Mar 20, 2005, 04:35 PM

A while back.. last summer or so.. a friend and I were coming back from the NF thrift store towards Oakhurst... down 426. We were going to drop off her junk she had bought and then head down further to my house in town. So we get about 2 miles from her house and this greenish Geo Storm (I think that is what it was) comes flying up behind us, two blonde girls in the front seats be-bopping to music and laughing.. riding my ***, and going recklessly back and forth in the two lanes like they were going to pass. I was going to turn out, but because we were a mere mile or so from turning and there isn't many places to turn out we kept going.
I had 3 children in the backseat, one in my tummy, and my best friend riding with me.

I turned my blinker on to make the left turn to my friends house and the (teenage?) girls went flying past us. We shook our heads and said how stupid they were and then dissmissed it.

After dropping off her stuff we got back in the car and headed down 426 again to my house in oakhurst.. as we rounded a corner we saw CHP, firetrucks, ambulances, a motorcycle, and a bunch of cars on the left side of the road..

The girls' car was in a front yard mangled all to hell.. I wonder if they survived that accident.. and felt some what responsible for it.. which is absurd.. but what if I had pulled out before I turned.. the timing would of been different.. I don't know. Anyway, that was a reality check, for me as well as those silly girls.. if they made it.

Teenagers scare the shat outta me. I wish they couldn't drive until they passed a test of maturity... and when they turn 18.

Michelle

Mar 21, 2005, 05:39 AM

I have four kids and none of them will drive until they are 18. I think that should be the age. I see more kids speeding all over town. showing off there little hot cars (they think they are hot and fast) why are they driving cars like that at 16-17 years old.
We were going into oakhurst the other night and it was raining so fricken bad you couldn't see the road and of course there is a butt behind up who wants to go thru coarsegold at 60 mile an hour.. they were so far up my rear it was sick... why drive like that... why not take your time and be safe.... makes me crazy... and my husband, the top of his head blows off when they tailgate. .. shakes my head.... just stupid........Do you know most of the traffic stops that CHP is making are out of date registrations on cars and trucks? Not speeding... shocking..............

Mysteefied

Mar 21, 2005, 06:05 AM

On our way back from Fresno yesterday afternoon, as we were going past the Casino street "Lucky Lane" a car that was stopped at the light, decided to get ahead of us. Then while we were behind him, he slammed on his brakes, luckily I don't follow that close, so after it happened two more times and he sped up to really high speeds and slowed down again, I called the police on my cell phone, because I seriously thought this guy was going to kill somebody. We were behind him all the way to Oakhurst, no police showed up, and he ended up turning down 425B at the top of Deadwood. Carl was so mad, we even gave the police the lisence number and make and model of the truck. I guess there's just nothing you can do.

ALSO, being I live on the corner here at 426 and Elliott, I have almost been hit, SOOOO many times, just coming out of my driveway. During summer, a teenage boy and his friend, came around the corner as I was heading up the road, and they passed me at the stop sign and flipped me off and then proceeded to try and run me off the road! I followed them to the high school and went to the principal, where the kid, acted all shocked and so sorry that I thought he was trying to speed past me, and convinced the principal that he didn't realize his friend flipped me off too. It was so stupid, the principal totally believed him. Again...guess there's nothing we can do, Just pray everytime we get in the car that we aren't killed or our kids arent hurt.

Mysteefied

Mar 21, 2005, 06:06 AM

actually, he didn't just slam on his brakes, he stopped in the middle of the road, so we had to stop too...but he didn't come to a slow stop, he slammed his brakes on to stop.

Just wanted to be clear

monkey

Mar 22, 2005, 05:35 AM

I drive up to Fish Camp from Oakhurst almost every morning and constantly have people riding my tail. I think they may be employees of Tenaya or Wawona and are on their way to work and may be late. I have one guy that nearly every day does this and I ALWAYS use a turn out as soon as I can. I have tried leaving a little earlier or later to avoid this, but it doesn't seem to work. Yesterday I pulled over 3 times. I don't drive like a granny, usually go 45-50mph or so where it's safe, but they want to go faster. After losing a friend and employee to an accident last week on 41 in Fish Camp, I am even more safe in my driving. Really, is saving a few minutes worth the risk of an accident or death? http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/disappointed.gif

MtnEagle

Mar 22, 2005, 06:58 AM

What I want to know is...

Why do so many people (including school bus drivers around here) wait till the last freakin minute to pull out into traffic when they often have plenty of time and room to do so before I get there?

I swear I could fill up a VHS tape of examples...

http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/rolleyes2.gif

TOT

Mar 22, 2005, 07:00 AM

I drive fairly fast most of the time. Not that fast, usually 45-50 which is a lot slower than i used to go, but apparently that is fast to a lot of people.

I dread tourist season. Driving behind someone going 35mph or less drives me insane. If you're going 20 i will pass you as soon as i can.

I also use turnouts a lot. A lot of times there's someone wanting to go faster than me. Sometimes i just feel like driving slow. I wish more people would learn where the turnouts are and use them. It doesn't take much more time to pull over and it's a courteous thing to do.

CatdaBrat

Mar 22, 2005, 07:14 AM

The biggest thing I have been noticing lately is the growing number of Oakhurst drivers who are reinventing the meaning of red traffic-signal lights. No longer does it seem to mean "STOP" -- now it means "The next two or three cars in line may now move through the intersection, while the drivers with green lights can sit there and wait."
Just saw three more examples of this yesterday. Once at the intersection of Crane Valley and School roads, once at Crane Valley and 41 and yet again at the light over by Vons. I really hate to see this stupid and dangerous habit becoming so common. What do they think traffic lights are for? Their amusement? ("Duhhh....see the pretty colors!!!")

oakhurstleaf

Mar 22, 2005, 08:37 AM

I don't want to generalize, so I'll just be specific ...

I along with a few other parents with pre-k aged kids followed our 1st graders on a schoolbus down to Fresno for a field trip....and that bus driver owned the road. She was averaging 60-65 mph the whole way (mtn hwy and fresno fwy)! Our caravan of cars had a hard time keeping up with her. Should we give the woman a hand or a lecture?

School busdrivers should be extra careful. They shouldn't be exceeding the speed limit or going much below either and definately not hanging their big front and rear-ends out to get clipped!..all can be dangerous. School busdrivers have a lot of responsibility with their precious cargo!

Alice

Originally posted by MtnEagle:
What I want to know is...

Why do so many people (including school bus drivers around here) wait till the last freakin minute to pull out into traffic when they often have plenty of time and room to do so before I get there?

I swear I could fill up a VHS tape of examples...

http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/rolleyes2.gif

Mibrew

Mar 22, 2005, 09:22 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by oakhurstleaf:
I along with a few other parents with pre-k aged kids followed our 1st graders on a schoolbus down to Fresno for a field trip....and that bus driver owned the road. She was averaging 60-65 mph the whole way (mtn hwy and fresno fwy)! Our caravan of cars had a hard time keeping up with her. Should we give the woman a hand or a lecture?
------------------------------------------

We'll if it was my kid in that bus, I think I would tell the School about how she was driving, there are too many accidents on that route, and I would do anything to lesson the chance of my kid or any kids getting in an accident.... http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/yes.gif

oakhurstleaf

Mar 22, 2005, 09:37 AM

In my presence, one of the caravan-ing mothers did complain to one of the teachers who rode with the kids on the bus. Guess I felt that was enough. But now wondering how far that complaint went.

My son avoided the bus trip back...I signed him out to ride safely back with me.

Alice

Yosemite_Wolf

Mar 22, 2005, 10:27 AM

ppl drive like idiots on 41
I dont speed.... nor do i creep along at 45.. last nite going to work.. some idiot in a white Altima hurried up to pass me at the passing lane at Black Hawk lodge... the as soon as the passing lane ended.. he/she slowed down to 45... bloody piszed me off! thats what burns me!

Ironhorse

Mar 22, 2005, 11:02 AM

the complaint should be made to the principal, not a teacher. Then something would get done about it. JMO

oakhurstleaf

Mar 22, 2005, 12:46 PM

You're right.

Originally posted by myhome:
the complaint should be made to the principal, not a teacher. Then something would get done about it. JMO

oakhurstleaf

Mar 22, 2005, 12:46 PM

You're right.

Originally posted by myhome:
the complaint should be made to the principal, not a teacher. Then something would get done about it. JMO

Michelle

Mar 22, 2005, 03:35 PM

Oh yeah, they go 40-45 mph and then hit the double lanes and go 60 and then back down to 45 when they reach the single lane.. now that really make me http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/shout.gif http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/frownface.gif

oh and I forgot this.. when the bus lights are flashing red that means to FRICKEN STOP!!!!
they drive right by on 417 and don't even care that kids are coming off the bus.. oh that really really really really makes me blow my top........ http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/shout.gif http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/rant420.gif

Kahlua Kid

Mar 22, 2005, 04:06 PM

Today saw NO bad drivers on the 41 - everyone was forced to go 30 or less due to the heavy down pour!!! And all were behaving!

Aloha

Mar 22, 2005, 04:25 PM

People driving up here are in too much of a hurry, just hangloose and relax. Esp. when your behind the Aloha Carpet Cleaning van, Im just catching wave on my way to another job. Im hanging loose and cruisin slow..lol

duke

Mar 22, 2005, 05:02 PM

I was on my way back home today from Fresno (between 430/500) and there was this 2 door red BMW screamin' up 41 ... passing whenever he could even over solid lines! I probably ticked off some people behind me but I slowed down to create a good size gap between me and the car in front cuz all I could picture was this nut whizzin' out of control creating a multi-car pileup. Everytime I'm out on 41 I feel like the odds are less and less in my favor. More than ever ... LIVE FOR TODAY!

beautiful_mess38

Mar 22, 2005, 05:42 PM

Wolfie and I were on our way back from crab cakes today. Going up deadwood and going thru Coarsegold I was going 35-45 because it was raining so hard there were times I couldnt see. There was a BMW behind me flashing his lights and getting very pissed cause i was driving slow in a down pour. When we came to a outlet he got very close wanting me to pull over. well I couldnt because the outlets were flooded. Mind you I'm not in my jeep yet. I pick that up in 2 weeks. I'm still in the rental a Kia rio. "death Trap". There is no way in hell i'm driving fast in a down pour in that car. I go to turn on 415 and I told Wolfie watch he's going to give me the bird and honk, sure enough the idiot did. i wonder if he made it to his destination safely?

Dodgergirl

Mar 22, 2005, 07:13 PM

especially since school buses do not have seat belts!

Originally posted by oakhurstleaf:
I don't want to generalize, so I'll just be specific ...

I along with a few other parents with pre-k aged kids followed our 1st graders on a schoolbus down to Fresno for a field trip....and that bus driver owned the road. She was averaging 60-65 mph the whole way (mtn hwy and fresno fwy)! Our caravan of cars had a hard time keeping up with her. Should we give the woman a hand or a lecture?

School busdrivers should be extra careful. They shouldn't be exceeding the speed limit or going much below either and definately not hanging their big front and rear-ends out to get clipped!..all can be dangerous. School busdrivers have a lot of responsibility with their precious cargo!

Alice

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by MtnEagle:
What I want to know is...

Why do so many people (including school bus drivers around here) wait till the last freakin minute to pull out into traffic when they often have plenty of time and room to do so before I get there?

I swear I could fill up a VHS tape of examples...

http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/rolleyes2.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Californee Girl

Mar 22, 2005, 10:18 PM

But now wondering how far that complaint went.

From my own experiences with a driver in Ahwahnee, youre probably right. The faculty stick together no matter how wrong they are.

Keith

Mar 22, 2005, 10:58 PM

A School Bus driver has a class2 or class b license.
You can turn in the bus # and the time-place-driver discription to the DMV directly or Give the information to CHP or Sheriff, these people are all able to follow-up and site-review or request a DMV hearing.

Michelle

Mar 23, 2005, 04:26 AM

Okay last night went to the market in coarsegold and I was driving it was raining pretty good. didn't go fast because the roads are flooded and sure enough i get an a$$ behind me right up my rear and i kept going 50 because of the rain and hubby so wanted them to turn into the market. I told him he better get out of faster then me if they do. http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/rant420.gif
for Bus drivers. my oldest has already been in an accident on the bus. A older lady wanted to race around the bus as she was stopping for a bus stop and she ended up hitting hte bus and knocked my daughter on the ground and hurt her knee. shakes my head........my kids bus driver is the best. she is so careful and drives like a bus driver should... http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/stretch.gif

MtnEagle

Mar 23, 2005, 02:39 PM

Well... I never said all school bus drivers...

http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/wink420.gif

But there have been several occasions of the afore mentioned gripe that were because of a school bus driver.

You see, I don't mind giving them the road, because the cargo IS precious, but come on...

You have anywhere from half to one full mile of clear in either direction to get into traffic, and you wait till I'm almost upon you to pull your vehicle out in front of mine, forcing me to brake rather substantially?

I guess maybe I'm expecting too much.

Michelle

Mar 24, 2005, 04:44 AM

MtnEagle,
I didn't mean to sound that you were stating all bus drivers. Just pointing out that there is one good one. but Yes I do see what you are saying and totally agree.. It is even in Fresno with the City buses too. they also pull out right in front of you. do you think they are told you run the roads and they will get out of your way... http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/wink420.gif
I hate buses. from school to city buses..

la1787

Mar 31, 2005, 08:31 AM

I too have trouble with bad drives when I make a left from road 200 onto 41south. My car doesn't have much pickup and I try hard as I can to stay ahead. But, those at the bottom of the hill must be driving 90mph because they always catch up to me. I feel like I'm playing 'dodge the car'...

Yosemite_Wolf

Mar 31, 2005, 08:48 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by CatdaBrat:
The biggest thing I have been noticing lately is the growing number of Oakhurst drivers who are reinventing the meaning of red traffic-signal lights. No longer does it seem to mean "STOP" -- now it means "The next two or three cars in line may now move through the intersection, while the drivers with green lights can sit there and wait."
Just saw three more examples of this yesterday. Once at the intersection of Crane Valley and School roads, once at Crane Valley and 41 and yet again at the light over by Vons. I really hate to see this stupid and dangerous habit becoming so common. What do they think traffic lights are for? Their amusem

Cat.. they are just imitating Fresburg drivers!!! they do the same at Blackstone and Herndon.. and they have RED light cams there too!! STOOPID!

Dodgergirl

Mar 31, 2005, 08:30 PM

Haven't you heard of the "California Rolling Stop"? or the 3 cars throught the light after it changes Red? That's how you know the driver is from L.A., you gotta wait until it turns Red, or you'll get hit & then sued!

BichonLover

May 17, 2005, 08:44 AM

This is enlightening...

http://www.msnbc.com/modules/tvnews/dtl_dangerousroads2005/form.asp?gt1=6542

Yosemite_Wolf

May 17, 2005, 08:01 PM

WOW.. theres actually been one fatal accident on Yosemite Springs Pkwy.... i take it they didnt include the dogs hit on the road... LOL. http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/sad420.gif. If they did..then YSP would be one of the MOST dangerous roads.

jjcheyenne

May 03, 2006, 12:18 AM

What is up with all the speeding drivers in our area?? http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/confused.gif I try to drive 60 and every day and night, I end up pulling over 6-7 times to let tailgaters go by. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/shout.gif With the gas prices as high as they are, it seems people would want to slow down to save gas. I can't afford to drive 70. (I can't really afford to drive at all) But, I am now wondering, am I wasting MORE gas by constintly pulling over to let these jerks by? Should I just give up and drive 70 like everyone else?? I don't know which is harder on my Jeep. But, my luck, the first time I hit 70, I will be the one to get the speeding ticket! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/annoyed.gif

beautiful_mess38

May 03, 2006, 04:24 AM

driving 70 is way to fast in these mountains. Even up 41 from Fresno. I feel if I don't pull over to let them by, 1. I saved them from getting a ticket or 2. I saved someone's life.

I refuse to drive over 60 in these mountains.

Kim

May 06, 2006, 05:11 AM

Just be careful with that though, hon...Epic and I had an awful time with a tailgater back in December that almost ended really badly for us.

medboysmom

May 06, 2006, 06:54 AM

I don't understand why there are not double yellow lines in some spots on 41. I have seen so many close calls, especially at these places that are supposedly safe places to pass. I have also seen people pass over double yellow. It really ticks me off. I have wanted so many times to follow these crazy people and ask them why they think their time is more valuable than my life. Often, I have my children in the car with me. My little angels that have not yet had the chance to live their lives, when some psycho comes at me on the wrong side of the road, going 90 to pass up some other psycho already going 75. Where do you need to be that is so important you lose all respect for the value of others lives? I too have called the CHP on a couple different occations about people I thought were drunk. Nothing happened. And why do people think that it is ok to drink alcohol and then get behind the wheel of a car. I have been drunk many a time okay. I am not some holier than thou person but I do have respect for the lives of others. There are so many drunk drivers on these roads. That does not help the situation. If you've had more than one drink, be responsible. Don't think your cool to drive and you'll make it. Drinking and driving is just as bad as passing over the doule yellow.
There's my two cents.