Do Other Driver's Hate My Prius?

Hello PrincessPri:

In many parts of the country, "cruising" in the left hand lane of a multilane interstate highway is actually contraindicated and may be even illegal, although many people seem to do it anyway. I'm not certain what your exact situation was, but if your speed was matching that of the center lane driver, and as such the Odyssey could not pass on the left lane, that is very likely the real reason for their frustration and the somewhat reckless behavior that you saw from that car.

So even though the speed limit may have been 65, and you were going 67, you cannot "hang out" or "cruise" in that passing lane. You are supposed to pass, and then pull back into the middle or right hand lanes.

I've had my G2 for almost 4 months. I live in Kentucky, and have not seen any extra measure of rudeness as compared with when I am driving my other vehicle, a minivan. However, I'm always conscious of the drivers behind and beside me. If I see that someone is coming up and may want to pass, I am certain to let them do so.

Best wishes,

 

Thanks Dan. I missed your reply until after I had posted mine.

 

Of course, over half of my commute is on 2 lane roads and streets, and one quarter is a no passing zone.

But, I don't think people hate my Prius. They just hate anyone going 4 or 5 mph over the speed limit.

It's just the way it is. Our state legislators here in Colo took it upon themselves to eliminate roadside photo radar (they have to post a BIG warning sign) because it wasn't fair. Like it's fair when they wreck their car and I have to pay higher car and higher health insurance.

 

wHAT

 

I agree 100% - left lane is fast; right is slower traffic, and I abide that law.

However, HOV stands for "High Occupany Vehicle." The HOV lane is NOT designated the fastest of all lanes, and is NOT exempt from the speed limit. Now, I make it a matter of habit to keep up with the traffic flow, and in most instances, I find the HOV lane a tad faster than the "left lane." My point was the motorist that are driving 15-20 MPH over the speed limit in the HOV lanes, and come up behind and flash their lights. Fortunately, we all know that does not occur every trip, but it occurs too often. They seem to expect you to cross the double lines to permit them to pass.

 

Well here in Idaho some Priuses sport Obama stickers. That is a double red flag for some of the yahoos here in their big rigs. I go stealth myself but still get buzzed occasionally.

 

Hi All,

Well, part of the reason I do drive slow, and hypermile in my Prius is that people got so pissed off at me outmaneuvering, and setting them up to the optimun accelleration situation in the Prius, and then dusting them in a "hyyyybbrrriiiiddd" with only 76 hp of engine, that I figure I would just let them have the road and go for the MPG. I mean, it really is dangerous what people will do. I had a guy in a CTS punch it at a light after he dove in front of me. But when we got up just shy of the 40 mph speed limit he was the one holding me up. So I honked and held speed. He was up to 80 before he realised he was in the downtown section of a nearby suburb.

Now they get mad when I am gliding into a red light! Its a catch 22! Today it was the first time I had seen the new Camaro in person. Around he went, only to be coming into a dead-end lane, with a line of traffic beside him. Finished my first day on this tank at 73.6 mpg (about 50 miles on the tank).

For the Des Moinse Posters, your just going to have to live with this for a few more years until there are more Prius cars in the area. Most of the problem is the perception of other people. Until they get used to the Prius just being another car on the street, which the average driver around here has, you just have to drive extra safe.

 

Hi volvowede...,

Just have to comment - I saw a "Palin 2012" sticker on the back of a black older volvo yesterday. Ha!

 

I had no idea this is a law, but it makes sense!! I will be more vigilant about getting back over into the "slower" lane even when there's no one coming up behind me.

 

You hit exactly on the point I was going to make - a lot of the Prius hating is political. In red states like Texas (where I live) many hostile rednecks assume Prius drivers are a) liberals, b) tree huggers, c) communists, d) any other perceived negative stereotype they can imagine. You may not believe this, but it is so very true.

So when some driver blows by you it might just be that he really does hate you. Sad how ignorant and intolerant so many people are in our great country.

 

Driving is not a popularity contest. It is a means of getting from point A to point B safely. There are plenty of example of 'road rage' having nothing to do with what vehicles were being driven.

All I can recommend is learn to be a defensive driver. Know where cars are around you both front, side and rear. Try to take 4 lane roads so you have 'outs.' Be willing to change lanes to let a tailgater speed up and pass you on the right and then pull back in once a safe distance is available. Mostly just drive to avoid an accident and don't worry about it.

If someone 'hates your ride,' they'll key the paint or slash your tires. These cowardly acts are done when you are not around and it happens. But realize paint can be repaired, tires replaced but people are a lot harder to fix and repair. So drive defensively and enjoy the ride.

Bob Wilson

 

I live in metro NY and I notice that driver behavior is the same regardless of what vehicle I'm driving. I keep up with the flow of traffic and usually stay in the center or left lane. I'm rarely overtaken because I am keeping up with the flow. If you are traveling slower than the traffic, then move over to the right. It has nothing to do with what you're driving. It has more to do with HOW you're driving.

 

In my experience with driving a hybrid for 7 years is there is a slightly higher chance that people will overtake (or try) no matter how fast I am going presumably because a hybrid is in front of them. Even at 80mph people will tailgate and pass me! Maybe they didn't like the way my 2-door Insight looks? -- I know I didn't until I actually got one. While driving a non-hybrid, even slowly (60mph) I tend not to get passed as often. So in my experience yes the car does matter, but only slightly.

I also find my self passing other hybrids at times (not because it's a hybrid), and particularly larger cars/trucks with bigger tires, to avoid getting my windshield cracked by rocks/pebbles.

Also I try to remind myself: what if the tailgater has an emergency? For example maybe s/he has a serious stomach ache and is desperately trying to get to a toilet ASAP? I would hate to delay them for even a few seconds, as I myself personally know how it feels to be in that kind of situation. Trust me -- not fun!

 

So knowing that most people use the HOV lane as the fastest of the fast lanes, doesn't it make sense to avoid it unless the regular lanes are going slower?

Personally, I'd rather travel a bit slower in the regular lanes and go with the flow than have to worry about the impatient yahoo who wants to travel much faster but has no where to go.