Ever feel intimidated in your Fit?
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 72
From: Westchester, New York
My problem is that I feel superior to people driving $60,000 pick ups that get 13 mpg.
I have been rear ended before by a teen that got his flip flop caught in the pedals. The sad part is that had seen him driving poorly in traffic earlier and I didn't get out of his way.
Occasionally I use the hazard flashers to encourage someone to back off.
I'm new to my Fit and retirement. Safety first is best in both endeavors.
I have been rear ended before by a teen that got his flip flop caught in the pedals. The sad part is that had seen him driving poorly in traffic earlier and I didn't get out of his way.
Occasionally I use the hazard flashers to encourage someone to back off.
I'm new to my Fit and retirement. Safety first is best in both endeavors.
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Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Westchester, New York
It must be some kind of game to motorcyclists to see how fast they can go while weaving in and among traffic and passing in the horizontal space between two cars. The motorcyclists often travel in packs (Hell's Angels aside). It's definitely something that freaks me out, and it happens quite frequently in my area.
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From: Westchester, New York
I don't feel intimidated in my Fit. It undoubtedly helps that drivers are generally courteous around here (or at least not crazy aggressive—one benefit of having comparatively little traffic, I suppose). That's not to say I haven't seen other drivers doing crazy stupid things from time to time, though; that's a fact of driving life. (At least a few times I've done some crazy stupid things, too, through inattention or distraction or misunderstanding the prevailing conditions.)
To be frank, I feel more apprehensive when driving my motorhome (which is, of course, a much bigger and more substantial vehicle). It's obvious that it cannot accelerate, turn, or brake anywhere near as quickly as the Fit or most other cars. It takes up a lot more space in the lane, making it imperative that one be pretty precise to stay in lane. It has worse visibility, by nature of the shape of the vehicle. And I have a nagging suspicion that a good many of the other drivers on the road don't entirely realize these limitations.
To be frank, I feel more apprehensive when driving my motorhome (which is, of course, a much bigger and more substantial vehicle). It's obvious that it cannot accelerate, turn, or brake anywhere near as quickly as the Fit or most other cars. It takes up a lot more space in the lane, making it imperative that one be pretty precise to stay in lane. It has worse visibility, by nature of the shape of the vehicle. And I have a nagging suspicion that a good many of the other drivers on the road don't entirely realize these limitations.
You're probably right that people don't give motor-home drivers the consideration they merit.
I know from experience, for example, that when you are in a car behind a CR-V, you cannot see what's in front of the CR-V. But that doesn't stop car drivers from tailgating me. Why would you risk your life like that? If I have to brake suddenly for whatever reason, you are meat unless your reflexes are superquick. People's capacity for stupidity never ceases to amaze me.
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From: Westchester, New York
Whether or not you feel intimidated in a small vehicle is much easier to judge when you are a passenger rather than the driver. Once you are relieved of ego considerations, you are better able to judge the level of intimidation that a larger vehicle can bring to bear on a smaller vehicle. In most cases, I feel quite intimidated when the driver of the car in which I am a passenger exhibits poor driving skills and is slow to react to what is happening. It has little to do with the size of the car. And then I have been in some really tiny cars driven by a friend who is very quick and smart about dangers---and felt completely at ease. On the other hand, I've been in some huge American cars driven by people with little talent and heavy, slow feet---and I felt VERY intimidated by ANY car that came within 50 feet.
I make it a point to never overestimate my own driving skills, and instead rely on defensive techniques and always making believe that my car is invisible to all other cars. Regardless of the size of what you are driving, if you always assume that the other guy cannot see you, your chances of making it home safely improve.
Few things piss me off more than someone who pulls some manouver that absolutely depends upon me hitting my brakes. Most professional drivers of big rigs would never think of doing that ----with vehicles that are many times smaller. And yet you see people in tiny vehicles jump in front of big trucks. (Compared to an 18-wheeler, all cars are tiny.)
If your car is agile and quick... and you are skillful and yet humble, few things on the highway should intimidate you. But if either your car or your drivings skills are clunky, you'd best be leaving huge margins of safety in every given traffic situation.
I make it a point to never overestimate my own driving skills, and instead rely on defensive techniques and always making believe that my car is invisible to all other cars. Regardless of the size of what you are driving, if you always assume that the other guy cannot see you, your chances of making it home safely improve.
Few things piss me off more than someone who pulls some manouver that absolutely depends upon me hitting my brakes. Most professional drivers of big rigs would never think of doing that ----with vehicles that are many times smaller. And yet you see people in tiny vehicles jump in front of big trucks. (Compared to an 18-wheeler, all cars are tiny.)
If your car is agile and quick... and you are skillful and yet humble, few things on the highway should intimidate you. But if either your car or your drivings skills are clunky, you'd best be leaving huge margins of safety in every given traffic situation.
I agree; if other driver force me to brake, it's really annoying. I try to avoid making moves like that at all costs; the only time I would do something like that would be if I were unfamiliar with an area and realized I was going to miss my exit almost at the point where I was past it; I might have to cut in front of someone to make the exit. But even then, if I were really going to endanger myself and others by trying to make the exit, I would probably just keep going to the next exit, get off, and backtrack.
As to your theory about being more nervous as a passenger than as a driver, I can't agree or disagree, as I am very rarely a passenger. But it's interesting to think about what you described.
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 690
From: Tennessee
I think when I first started driving my old 2008 Honda Fit, I was a little nervous about highway driving. Of course, I was coming from a full size Ford E-150 van at the time, so I was pre-conditioned to sit above everyone but the big trucks. Having said that, it has been almost 6 years since I got rid of the E-150, and I no longer feel like I am the smallest car on the road.
I also have access to a Honda Odyssey and Mazda CX-5 to drive, so for me I mix up my driving enough that I don't get stuck in that little car mentality.
I also have access to a Honda Odyssey and Mazda CX-5 to drive, so for me I mix up my driving enough that I don't get stuck in that little car mentality.
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From: Westchester, New York
Interesting, noripwr! Hope the big boys don't bump you!
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Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Westchester, New York
I think when I first started driving my old 2008 Honda Fit, I was a little nervous about highway driving. Of course, I was coming from a full size Ford E-150 van at the time, so I was pre-conditioned to sit above everyone but the big trucks. Having said that, it has been almost 6 years since I got rid of the E-150, and I no longer feel like I am the smallest car on the road.
I also have access to a Honda Odyssey and Mazda CX-5 to drive, so for me I mix up my driving enough that I don't get stuck in that little car mentality.
I also have access to a Honda Odyssey and Mazda CX-5 to drive, so for me I mix up my driving enough that I don't get stuck in that little car mentality.
Nice that you have access to the Odyssey and the CX-5. A neighbor of mine has the CX-5, and it looks like a twin of my CR-V. Zoom-zoom!
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Joined: Jun 2014
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From: North Carolina
That's what your middle finger is for, lol. Here in the urban rat race (btw, I think the rats are winning), the 40 something BMW drivers are everywhere and think they rule the world...cutting people off, laying on the horn if you hesitate 1 sec and don't jack rabbit start at the light change, waving their arms around like it's the end of the world. I love to drive them insane and add to their stress level by leisurely taking my time as if oblivious to their pushiness...it drives them nuts... then blow by them when they're pinned in traffic. If you play it right, it can be fun to be the intimidator in this car.
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Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Westchester, New York
That's what your middle finger is for, lol. Here in the urban rat race (btw, I think the rats are winning), the 40 something BMW drivers are everywhere and think they rule the world...cutting people off, laying on the horn if you hesitate 1 sec and don't jack rabbit start at the light change, waving their arms around like it's the end of the world. I love to drive them insane and add to their stress level by leisurely taking my time as if oblivious to their pushiness...it drives them nuts... then blow by them when they're pinned in traffic. If you play it right, it can be fun to be the intimidator in this car.
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Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Westchester, New York
Good to know, mike410b. I'd rather the awful drivers I share the road with weren't on it.
If you're that intimidated/frightened by others...your own driving is being impaired significantly.
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 690
From: Tennessee
Hi, everyone.
I did a quick search on "intimidated" and didn't find any threads in which it was used in the context I'm curious about, so I thought I would start a thread to ask this question:
Do you ever feel intimidated on the road (primarily by tailgaters) in your Fit, given that most other vehicles are larger than the Fit (whatever the model year may be)? After all (no offense), many drivers are way too aggressive and display very little concern for your life or theirs, and I wonder how I would feel driving a small vehicle like the Fit in that kind of environment. Granted, it's great the Fit has six or eight or whatever the number of airbags it has, but you don't ever want to have to use those airbags.
I drive a 2012 CR-V and sometimes feel intimidated in it, even though I've got plenty of mass in front and in back of me (and those same aforementioned six or eight airbags). I try not to feel that way, but tailgaters make it really tough sometimes.
For example, I've been passed on 90-degree turns that I've taken at 10 mph (even when there's no lane available for passing); these people are on two wheels on these turns and don't give a fig. I've also been passed (again, without benefit of a passing lane) on highway entrance ramps. The risks people take are breathtaking.
I considered the Fit before I bought the CR-V, but I couldn't tolerate the cabin noise on the test drive (it was a new 2012). I haven't driven the '15 yet; maybe it is quieter.
I like the CR-V fine, but sometimes I think it's a bit too much car for my needs and think how it would be nice to lower my car payments a bit, so every so often I think about the Fit.
Thanks if you have any thoughts!
I did a quick search on "intimidated" and didn't find any threads in which it was used in the context I'm curious about, so I thought I would start a thread to ask this question:
Do you ever feel intimidated on the road (primarily by tailgaters) in your Fit, given that most other vehicles are larger than the Fit (whatever the model year may be)? After all (no offense), many drivers are way too aggressive and display very little concern for your life or theirs, and I wonder how I would feel driving a small vehicle like the Fit in that kind of environment. Granted, it's great the Fit has six or eight or whatever the number of airbags it has, but you don't ever want to have to use those airbags.
I drive a 2012 CR-V and sometimes feel intimidated in it, even though I've got plenty of mass in front and in back of me (and those same aforementioned six or eight airbags). I try not to feel that way, but tailgaters make it really tough sometimes.
For example, I've been passed on 90-degree turns that I've taken at 10 mph (even when there's no lane available for passing); these people are on two wheels on these turns and don't give a fig. I've also been passed (again, without benefit of a passing lane) on highway entrance ramps. The risks people take are breathtaking.
I considered the Fit before I bought the CR-V, but I couldn't tolerate the cabin noise on the test drive (it was a new 2012). I haven't driven the '15 yet; maybe it is quieter.
I like the CR-V fine, but sometimes I think it's a bit too much car for my needs and think how it would be nice to lower my car payments a bit, so every so often I think about the Fit.
Thanks if you have any thoughts!
I alway's remember when exposed to someone trying to make me go faster by riding up on my tail, that they don't pay my insurance bill, I do. And I also get a great deal of satisfaction when someone speeding passes me in a dangerous manner, get's stopped by the police and I get to drive by them knowing they deserve it. Karma.
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Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Westchester, New York
I would say that your caution will make you a better driver. I suspect many accidents happen because a careless and over confident driver, who thinks they can do no wrong causes a dangerous situation to happen. It has been my experience that never forgetting just how much damage a careless driver can cause, particularly when in a larger vehicle, and playing on the safe side, will help you survive on the road.
I alway's remember when exposed to someone trying to make me go faster by riding up on my tail, that they don't pay my insurance bill, I do. And I also get a great deal of satisfaction when someone speeding passes me in a dangerous manner, get's stopped by the police and I get to drive by them knowing they deserve it. Karma.
I alway's remember when exposed to someone trying to make me go faster by riding up on my tail, that they don't pay my insurance bill, I do. And I also get a great deal of satisfaction when someone speeding passes me in a dangerous manner, get's stopped by the police and I get to drive by them knowing they deserve it. Karma.
That's a good thing to keep in mind (who's paying your insurance premium) while being tailgated. Sometimes it's tough for me to keep my cool in that situation, though.
I agree: It's great to see people who have passed me while speeding get pulled over, though it doesn't happen as often as I would like it to!
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 114
From: Upper Ohio Valley
Oh, sure it's nice to roll around in a cool looking ride---especially just after you've spent a few hours making every detail shine --- but it's best to save imagining that everyone is noticing your super-sharp car for those times when it is parked and everyone is afoot. That's a safer time to be seen.
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,083
From: CA
I'm going to be the odd man out here and say I do feel a little "taken advantage of" more than intimidated.
Now my last car was a 98 v6 accord, it was big and had the acceleration to let me get around anyone on the freeway.
But moving to a smaller GE8, (got it end of june) I will say that people take advantage of you for having such a small car. I constantly get cut off. People constantly change lanes in front of me or do the whole behind you then pull alongside then get in front of you deal.
And I believe this is because the car is considerable smaller than most other cars. They see a "small" car and just assume they have enough room to change lanes. Or than I will by default be slow on an incline and race to get around me so I don't slow them down.
Every single day driving to work there are people changing lanes in front of me barely missing my front bumper because they think they have all this room because its a small car.
Now my last car was a 98 v6 accord, it was big and had the acceleration to let me get around anyone on the freeway.
But moving to a smaller GE8, (got it end of june) I will say that people take advantage of you for having such a small car. I constantly get cut off. People constantly change lanes in front of me or do the whole behind you then pull alongside then get in front of you deal.
And I believe this is because the car is considerable smaller than most other cars. They see a "small" car and just assume they have enough room to change lanes. Or than I will by default be slow on an incline and race to get around me so I don't slow them down.
Every single day driving to work there are people changing lanes in front of me barely missing my front bumper because they think they have all this room because its a small car.
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Member
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Westchester, New York
I'm going to be the odd man out here and say I do feel a little "taken advantage of" more than intimidated.
Now my last car was a 98 v6 accord, it was big and had the acceleration to let me get around anyone on the freeway.
But moving to a smaller GE8, (got it end of june) I will say that people take advantage of you for having such a small car. I constantly get cut off. People constantly change lanes in front of me or do the whole behind you then pull alongside then get in front of you deal.
And I believe this is because the car is considerable smaller than most other cars. They see a "small" car and just assume they have enough room to change lanes. Or than I will by default be slow on an incline and race to get around me so I don't slow them down.
Every single day driving to work there are people changing lanes in front of me barely missing my front bumper because they think they have all this room because its a small car.
Now my last car was a 98 v6 accord, it was big and had the acceleration to let me get around anyone on the freeway.
But moving to a smaller GE8, (got it end of june) I will say that people take advantage of you for having such a small car. I constantly get cut off. People constantly change lanes in front of me or do the whole behind you then pull alongside then get in front of you deal.
And I believe this is because the car is considerable smaller than most other cars. They see a "small" car and just assume they have enough room to change lanes. Or than I will by default be slow on an incline and race to get around me so I don't slow them down.
Every single day driving to work there are people changing lanes in front of me barely missing my front bumper because they think they have all this room because its a small car.
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,083
From: CA
Thanks, Mr. Hollow. Very interesting! That's more along the lines of how I expected many Fit owners would respond. Has being taken advantage of made you want to sell the Fit and get back into a larger car? (What year is your Fit, by the way? I guess it doesn't really matter, given that they are all about the same size.)
No, I wouldn't really consider selling the fit I really do like everything about it and the styling. However it has changed my driving habits a little. I will say I am a little more on the defense, but living in Southern California that is probably for the best.
I do miss the acceleration of say a bigger engine but I don't really feel slow. just not fast...if that makes any sense.
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From: Westchester, New York
I have a 2013 2nd generation fit. Its bigger than the first gen but smaller than the 3rd generation.
No, I wouldn't really consider selling the fit I really do like everything about it and the styling. However it has changed my driving habits a little. I will say I am a little more on the defense, but living in Southern California that is probably for the best.
I do miss the acceleration of say a bigger engine but I don't really feel slow. just not fast...if that makes any sense.
No, I wouldn't really consider selling the fit I really do like everything about it and the styling. However it has changed my driving habits a little. I will say I am a little more on the defense, but living in Southern California that is probably for the best.
I do miss the acceleration of say a bigger engine but I don't really feel slow. just not fast...if that makes any sense.
Nice that you don't want to get rid of the Fit. Understand about how Southern California can change one's driving habits; I have spent time on I-10, I think it was: seven lanes of traffic in each direction, and not one of them moving! I thought East Coast traffic was bad (and it can be very, very bad, indeed) until I got out there.
Not fast but not slow. Heh. I think I get what you mean.