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Have you had any issues with other drivers on the road?
I've read some posts on here about people shoving them around on the road and cutting them off and such, and I wonder just how much this happens.
I live in the DC metro area - not a forgiving place to be driving. I've had my smart about 2.5 weeks, and have covered 590 miles so far. Not once have I had someone give me a hard time or drive like a jackass around me. if anything, people seem to be friendly and let me in in traffic and such. There are a decent amount of smarts on the road around here (compared to other areas from what I understand), so I'm curious as to when the novelty will wear off for other drivers.
That being said, at 6'2 and 220 lbs, I'm quite obviously a member of the big guy in a small car category - so I'm not sure if that has something to do with it or not. I drive it like a normal car... on the highway I'm usually in the middle to left lane and doing 75+ MPH, I have always been one to signal all of the time, and while I am bring friendly to my engine, I get up to speed quickly, and I don't abuse the small size of my car.
Just out of curiosity - how many of you have been the subject of smart rage?
Been riding motorcycles for about 40 years, so I'm used to having people tailgate, because that's just what people do when they can easily see right past the vehicle in front of them. Not saying I like it, but such is life. Small vehicles, the smart included, are safest when travelling through traffic, as opposed to crawling along and languishing along with it. My wife rides, too, so the both of us tend to drive our fortwo accordingly: most always a bit quicker.
No problems with others, unless one counts the usual smiles, waves, picture taking and questions.
Yeah.. I'm in the DC area also. Mostly I get smiles, stares and for some reason young women are always waving at me. I'm also a long time motorcycle rider and we have a tendency to drive proactively.
People overlook that though it's small, it is moving! I've had several people pull out in front of me while clearly underestimating my speed. The look of surprise on their faces has been amusing.
I got the laughter and pointing from some woman near my old apartment, as she was getting into her Cadillac Cimarron. I think I got the last laugh out of that deal. I've had nothing but complements and questions...
My car is actually going to be featured in a photo op for my company newsletter's "Green Scene" section this month - to complement an article from last month on the smart. Incidentially, the girl who wrote the article's fiancee is the one who PDI'd my smart
Two common themes for me:
1) rubber-necking/site-seeing, which generally happens while they pass in the left lane (and invariably lock me in the right behind a semi going up-hill)
2) "sleeping" drivers - I shoot past them doing 70 or so, and they realize they weren't paying attention, slowed down, and just got passed by a golf-cart... I see them shortly after, passing me doing 80 or so...
Two common themes for me:
1) rubber-necking/site-seeing, which generally happens while they pass in the left lane (and invariably lock me in the right behind a semi going up-hill)
2) "sleeping" drivers - I shoot past them doing 70 or so, and they realize they weren't paying attention, slowed down, and just got passed by a golf-cart... I see them shortly after, passing me doing 80 or so...
I travel up and down 395 from the mixing bowl to the airport every day. The trouble I've had is people rubberneckin and not realizing that I need to get over.
As for driving up the highway (I don't count 395 during rush hour highway driving) I love the what the F*%#@ was that and holy s*&^ it just passed me look I get. Some times I even yell MEEP MEEP when I pass them. Hee Hee. I'm rotten I know.
Other than that I just mainly get smiles, thumbs up and waves. And I noticed guys winking at me a lot more than they did when I drove my old car. .
Out in the Los Angeles area I've been surprised by the additional courtesy I've received. Particularly on the freeway and freeway entrance. It is almost like the car is expected to be slow by the other drivers and they have typically given me more space. Plus I think this car is just flat out respected for what it represents. Thumbs up L.A. appreciate it !
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