Cloaking Device

[anniede]

Anyone else have the problem of other drivers not noticing you? My husband jokingly say that our "Romulan Cloaking Device is engaged".

For example: This evening, we were driving through downtown San Jose when a driver in a open-top convertible (talking on her cell, of course), pulled to the curb. Just as I was passing her, she pulled right out in traffic! Thank god the car's new...new brakes and tires saved us from a good sideswiping. I can only guess that she didn't look and didn't hear us (we were coasting about 30 MPH at the time).

Another good one: the SUV last weekend who decided that he wanted my spot in my lane on I-5.

And that doesn't come anywhere close to the number of times I've had people pull out right infront of me...and other "interesting" moves.

This is a lot more prevelant than when we were driving my old Tacoma. Anyone else have this happen? What is it? Maybe they just don't notice us? Maybe they just don't think that little hybrid will do much damage to them? Or maybe they think the hybrid can't go that fast.

Or Maybe it's just CA drivers...

Annie in Sunnyvale, CA

[Porridge]

This happens to me, especially when the dilithium crystals are at full charge.

I park in an underground garage. I have to put my lights on full beam, wind down the window and crank up the music. Thank fully, I have a 500W 12" JL speaker in the trunk with the 350W MTX amp under the drivers seat. Insert the Orb CD and problem solved. If you are blind, you hear me. If you are deaf, you see me. If you are both.... your guide dog will hopefully hear or see me.

I live in Seattle. People generally have a latte in their hand more than a cell phone. As with all places, the traffic lights are decorative, pedestrians are a moving target and the speed limit signs reflect the average IQ of the person tail gating you.

Could be worse, you could be driving in Spain.

[Joel]

I have a suspicion that cell phones cause their users to become blind to the frequency of light that the Prius reflects. My experience is that this condition is amplified if the cell phone user is driving an SUV. This is doubly so if you're a motorcycle rider like me.

[Godiva]

I don't think its you. I think it's them.

Cellphone Chick and SUVhole probably just think they own the road, the world revolves around them and everyone else should just get out of their way and let them have whatever they want. And how dare you expect them to wait their turn for you.

When I learned to drive (in High School) we were taught "defensive" driving. Boy has it saved me a lot of grief (and damage).

[Bill Lumbergh]

I've tried to limit the miles I put on my Prius since my roadtrip. Of course, the one trip I make in it downtown has to be eventful.

I almost got tagged by an Explorer who decided it was more important that he be in my lane than me. One hand on the steering wheel and one holding a cigarette leaves no hands for the turn signal.

I hate Alaska and its drivers. California wasn't even this bad.

[djasonw]

Ahh.. yes... I guess you haven't driven on Long Island. The land where 50% of the people don't signal. Definitely have to drive defensive here!!

[clongwor]

This is a lot more prevelant than when we were driving my old Tacoma.

I too have had more problems with other drivers. I don't know if they are just getting more stupid or what. I am actually driving faster than I did in my Mustang GT (it rattled and felt like it was going faster than it was). But seems like I am getting many more tailgaters than before. I was doing 40 in a 35 mph zone yesterday and a bimbo in a big SUV was soooo close to me, I couldn't even pull over to let her by. She was looking at her phone and dialing numbers the whole stretch of the road.

Somehow I think when people saw me driving the Mustang slowly they had some warped respect for the car but with the Prius they seem to just have contempt because they know I am getting such good mileage.

On the other hand, they are probably too dumb to even know the car is a hybrid, although they're certainly close enough to read the tiny badge.

[Sid]

The concientious drivers will see your Prius, the distracted and selfish ones will miss seeing a Hummer
I was driving a minivan, stopped at a traffic light in the right lane (not a turning lane) the driver to my left in a full size van decided to make a right turn when the light changed, he turned directly into me. Of course he said he didn't see me.
Moron drivers come in all genders, ages, and nationalities.

[Tadashi]

On post I have to slow down to 10-15 mph when passing groups of runners. Sometimes they will suddenly notice the Prius passing them and I see then startle a bit (to go into stealth I shut off all A/C or fans and turn off radio also). lol

[anniede]

On post I have to slow down to 10-15 mph when passing groups of runners. Sometimes they will suddenly notice the Prius passing them and I see then startle a bit (to go into stealth I shut off all A/C or fans and turn off radio also). lol

LMAO Oh, now that is just CRUEL! We've scared our share of non-observant pedestrians...but not on purpose. For some reason, "Look both ways before crossing the street" is "so old fashion".

My question is, if the ped doesn't look and steps right out infront of you and you have no way to stop (like stepping out within 5 feet of you), who's fault is it? That question keeps me slow in residental and parking lots. LOL

Anne in Sunnyvale, CA