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[grc]

[highlight]I don't know what it is about mini-vans  that attract the absolute worst drivers, but that has been my experience as well.  We even comment about it when we ride.
 [/highlight]

IROAR
           People who drive minivans have an inferiority complex due to the fact they are driving the ugliest pieces of chit on the road. A minivan is the automotive equivalent of sweat pants. They compensate by driving like complete assholes and ignoring every rule of the road or courtesy there is as well as most of the laws.

OK, enough pussy-footing around - tell us how you really feel about minivans.  

Actually, there may be a valid reason for inattentiveness on the part of minivan drivers.  They tend to be driven by people with a bunch of kids, many of whom could test the patience of a saint.  Add in the ubiquitous cell phone permanently attached to the driver's head and poor visibility inherent in most vans, and you get minivans wandering all over the road, cutting people off, etc.  My personal opinion is that the driver's seat should be physically and acoustically isolated from the rest of the interior to reduce distractions.  Blocking all cell phone transmissions from a moving vehicle would also provide a huge increase in driver attentiveness as well, in all vehicles.  We all know folks who can't walk and talk at the same time; what makes these fools think they can drive, scream at the kids, and talk on the phone at the same time?

Jerry

[Garznhogs]

[highlight]Gee, I trust no one on here owns a minivan?!?[/highlight]  [smiley=nervous.gif]

Not exactly.  I have a Dodge Caravan.  An '87 Volvo 740, too.

Garz

[SEULTRA]

[highlight]Gee, I trust no one on here owns a minivan?!?[/highlight]  [smiley=nervous.gif]

Not exactly.  [highlight]I have a Dodge Caravan.  An '87 Volvo 740, too.[/highlight]

Garz

Talk about "coming out of the closet"!!!  [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]
Hehehehehehehehehehehehe !!!

Just kidding Garz!  

[SEULTRA]

OK, enough pussy-footing around - tell us how you really feel about minivans.  

Actually, there may be a valid reason for inattentiveness on the part of minivan drivers.  They tend to be driven by people with a bunch of kids, many of whom could test the patience of a saint.  Add in the ubiquitous cell phone permanently attached to the driver's head and poor visibility inherent in most vans, and you get minivans wandering all over the road, cutting people off, etc.  My personal opinion is that the driver's seat should be physically and acoustically isolated from the rest of the interior to reduce distractions.  Blocking all cell phone transmissions from a moving vehicle would also provide a huge increase in driver attentiveness as well, in all vehicles.  We all know folks who can't walk and talk at the same time; what makes these fools think they can drive, scream at the kids, and talk on the phone at the same time?

Jerry

Very astute observations Jerry... as always!  [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

[Garznhogs]

Definitely going "Off-thread", but I didn't start it...

I have a minivan, so I guess that makes me an azzhole,  even though I never talk on the phone while driving...goes to voicemail. Don't have kids in the car, either.  Groceries.. mulch.. maybe. And I obey the laws of the road and common sense and courtesy.  On a bright note: it's got a 3.8L.  Most kids in their "Hot-Wheels" with the tomato-juice-can exhaust tips dont' expect that. Don't do it often, but it's so easy to squeal away at the light, leaving them in the dust. The dam thing can really move. bWWAAAHAAAHAAAA!  

The Volvo... old white, 4-door, boxy sedan: has "Old Fart " written all over it.  But it's stick-shift and torquey. Again, off the line... I can make the tires squeal like a pig, and again at first-second. That just embarrasses the HELL out of so many 'hot' car drivers! You can tell, because they come screaming past me when I stop accelerating at 45 (speed limit).  (Is anyone relating to any of this yet??)

Now, IMHO, the worst drivers can be found driving SUVs. There's a superiority complex involved, judging from the way they drive; 9 out of 10 have a cellphone stuck to their ear, and are usually wrestling with children and animals while 'driving'. They block everyone else's view of the road, too.  The SUV has taken the place of the minivan for 'soccer moms'.  Moving on... there's the "Pickup Truck" that has nary a scratch in the bed paint. Why would you want to drive something that big if you aren't going to PUT SOMETHING IN THE BED? It's a "PICKUP" truck. The very name implies that you will be using it to 'truck' something.

Y' know, I'll bet you can find an azzhole behind the wheel of any car/truck/minivan made.
You NEVER talk on the phone while driving your 'car'?? No kids, EVER?
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.  [smiley=dead.gif]

Make fun of minivans, will ya?        Boy, there ain't nothin' like an early-morning rant! I feel much better now!  [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]    [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]    [smiley=jalapeno.gif]  [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]  [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]   (prolly get thrown out of the forum, and certainly pizzed some people off!!)  [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]

Garz  [smiley=smoking.gif]

[greglyon]

I think we can mostly agree that the close proximity of a mini-van overpopulated with kids and driven by a multi-tasking parent should be viewed as a warning to expect some conduct that will put us at risk.  

Maintaining escape routes while being vigilant should enable us to keep the rubber side down. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]  

[BK]

Now days with cell phones and all the other toys you have to watch them all, sometimes other riders too. [smiley=beatdeadhorse.gif]

[Garznhogs]

I think we can mostly agree that the close proximity of [highlight]a mini-van[/highlight] overpopulated with kids and driven by a multi-tasking parent should be viewed as a warning to expect some conduct that will put us at risk.  

Maintaining escape routes while being vigilant should enable us to keep the rubber side down. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]  

Yeah, that's what I meant to say.  (Substitute "[highlight]any vehicle[/highlight]")
Well said, IROAR and BK     and yes,  [smiley=beatdeadhorse.gif]

Garz  [smiley=smoking.gif]

[SPIDERMAN]

Hey IROAR
                 Happened to notice while in AZ for AZ Bike Week, that Phoenix drivers ALL seem to have it in for bikers. What's up with that ? Couldn't ride defensively, I had to ride OFFENSIVELY  

[grc]

Definitely going "Off-thread", but I didn't start it... ............................................................................................
Now, IMHO, the worst drivers can be found driving SUVs. There's a superiority complex involved, judging from the way they drive; 9 out of 10 have a cellphone stuck to their ear, and are usually wrestling with children and animals while 'driving'. They block everyone else's view of the road, too.  The SUV has taken the place of the minivan for 'soccer moms'.  Moving on... there's the "Pickup Truck" that has nary a scratch in the bed paint. Why would you want to drive something that big if you aren't going to PUT SOMETHING IN THE BED? It's a "PICKUP" truck. The very name implies that you will be using it to 'truck' something.

Y' know, I'll bet you can find an azzhole behind the wheel of any car/truck/minivan made.
[highlight]You NEVER talk on the phone while driving your 'car'?[/highlight]? No kids, EVER?  Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.  [smiley=dead.gif]

Make fun of minivans, will ya?        Boy, there ain't nothin' like an early-morning rant! I feel much better now!  [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]    [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]    [smiley=jalapeno.gif]  [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]  [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]   (prolly get thrown out of the forum, and certainly pizzed some people off!!)  [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]

Garz  [smiley=smoking.gif]

Garz,

Don't worry about pizzin' people off, we all do that on occasion.  That's how you find out just who is actually reading this stuff. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]  I'm sorry if we unfairly stereotyped all minivan drivers.  I'm sure there are a few more good ones besides yourself out there somewhere.  

Now, to respond to some of your comments:  
-No, you will never find me using a cell phone in my car while it is in motion.  If I need to make a call, which is very rarely, I pull off the road and make the call sitting still.  
-You are absolutely correct, the SUV has replaced the minivan as the vehicle of choice for the "soccer mom" types.  If you're going to drive like an idiot, it's probably a good idea to go with a bigger vehicle so you can do more damage.  Of course, with the current trend in fuel prices you may see this change soon.

This is just my personal experience, and may be different for others, but over 95% of the time when someone cuts me off or pulls out in front of me, they are glued to their eff'n cell phone.  I'd like to take that eff'n phone and stuff it where the eff'n sun don't shine.  I would also like to see some controls put on this technology, such as a signal blocking device that is automatically activated whenever the vehicle is in motion.  It seems that the majority of folks now days won't comply with regulations/laws voluntarily, so just passing laws about cell phone use in moving vehicles is a waste of time.  I know I haven't seen a significant difference since laws were passed here in the Chicago area.

Jerry

[CVOJOE]

[highlight]I don't know what it is about mini-vans that attract the absolute worst drivers, but that has been my experience as well.  We even comment about it when we ride. [/highlight]   [smiley=ROFLOL.gif]

Amen to that! Second worst is Camray drivers or in Calitfournayah, Kam-A-Rays. Nuff said.

[Garznhogs]

Don't worry about pizzin' people off, we all do that on occasion.  That's how you find out just who is actually reading this stuff. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]  I'm sorry if we unfairly stereotyped all minivan drivers.  I'm sure there are a few more good ones besides yourself out there somewhere.  

Now, to respond to some of your comments:  
-No, you will never find me using a cell phone in my car while it is in motion.  If I need to make a call, which is very rarely, I pull off the road and make the call sitting still.  
-You are absolutely correct, the SUV has replaced the minivan as the vehicle of choice for the "soccer mom" types.  If you're going to drive like an idiot, it's probably a good idea to go with a bigger vehicle so you can do more damage.  Of course, with the current trend in fuel prices you may see this change soon.

This is just my personal experience, and may be different for others, but [highlight]over 95% of the time when someone cuts me off or pulls out in front of me, they are glued to their eff'n cell phone.  I'd like to take that eff'n phone and stuff it where the eff'n sun don't shine.  [/highlight]I would also like to see some controls put on this technology, such as a signal blocking device that is automatically activated whenever the vehicle is in motion.  It seems that the majority of folks now days won't comply with regulations/laws voluntarily, so just passing laws about cell phone use in moving vehicles is a waste of time.  I know I haven't seen a significant difference since laws were passed here in the Chicago area.

Jerry

Thanks, Jerry, no need to apologize, I'm sarcastic by nature, and love the opportunity to stir it up a little.  [smiley=devil.gif]  Actually, I don't much give a poop what anyone thinks of what I drive/ride. The van is slightly taller than a car; better to see you with. It's like a tall station wagon. And rides comfortable.  Almost bought a Miata last year, but if you know Flarda drivers, you know why I didn't.  Always feel much safer on my bike.

Agree 100% with the cell phone stuffing.    You can tell even before you can see it, that a cell phone is being used.  Maybe it would work better where the sun don't shine.  [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]

I wish auto mfgrs would quit trying to figure out ways of keeping you alive in the car, and instead stress driving schools so you don't HAVE to have air bags, seat belts, extra bracing, "best in crash test".  "Crashing" is NOT a given. It's caused by the operator.  [smiley=shout.gif]LEARN HOW TO DRIVE, DAMMIT!  [smiley=shout.gif] Most current car ads do NOT indicate proper driving ("Closed course, professional driver; do not attempt"), they show spinning, speeding, weaving, radio playing, and 'bein' cool.  In 45 years of driving I have no tickets, not even a parking ticket. (bragging.gif; if there was one) My dad taught me.

whew.
Garz  [smiley=smoking.gif]

[arcticdude]

That's why the moco gave us blue tooth for our BIKES!!!! So we could yap on our cell phones while eating a sandwich, picking our noses and drinking our beers while we ride!!! [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif] [smiley=banana.gif] [smiley=cherry.gif]

[greglyon]

Hey IROAR
                 Happened to notice while in AZ for AZ Bike Week, that Phoenix drivers ALL seem to have it in for bikers. What's up with that ? Couldn't ride defensively, I had to ride OFFENSIVELY  

Spiderman,
In Az we are blessed with great riding weather all winter and spring but with that comes Snowbirds.  They are elderly with poor sight and not a clue where they are going.  Bike week falls at the end of the tourist season.  I don't think Phoenix has any more than the ave bad drivers but when you factor in the Snowbirds we approach the numbers that you see in Miami.  
All in all our drivers are a lot less aggressive than those I encounter in San Diego while there in the summer.  In fact, I consciously change my riding style navigating the freeways in that fair city.

[yellowsedeuce]

Definitely going "Off-thread", but I didn't start it...

Now, IMHO, the worst drivers can be found driving SUVs. There's a superiority complex involved, judging from the way they drive; 9 out of 10 have a cellphone stuck to their ear, and are usually wrestling with children and animals while 'driving'. They block everyone else's view of the road, too.  The SUV has taken the place of the minivan for 'soccer moms'.  Moving on... there's the "Pickup Truck" that has nary a scratch in the bed paint. Why would you want to drive something that big if you aren't going to PUT SOMETHING IN THE BED? It's a "PICKUP" truck. The very name implies that you will be using it to 'truck' something.

Y' know, I'll bet you can find an azzhole behind the wheel of any car/truck/minivan made.
You NEVER talk on the phone while driving your 'car'?? No kids, EVER?
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.  [smiley=dead.gif]

Make fun of minivans, will ya?        Boy, there ain't nothin' like an early-morning rant! I feel much better now!  [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]    [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]    [smiley=jalapeno.gif]  [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]  [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]   (prolly get thrown out of the forum, and certainly pizzed some people off!!)  [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]

Garz  [smiley=smoking.gif]

Hey Garz,  I'm one of those who drives the Crew cab diesel long bed 4x4 with big tires and my wife drives a Suburban.  Funny tho, I used to drive a toyota pick up and my wife a Toyota Supra sport coupe.  We now have young kids and ever since my wife was pregnant with our first son, I bought her a Tahoe (she said the burb was too big) to help keep them safe in case of an incident.  Yeah, maybe I don't need such a big truck but my wife told me to get a bigger truck and I wanted it to tow the dirt bikes, quads and dune buggy. Granted a smaller truck could do the job but, it's so effortless with a bigger one.

I know minivans are very practical and functional, many of our friends have them but my wife specifically told me "NO MINIVANS or STATION WAGONS except a Benz". I wanted to support our american auto makers so I bought domestic.

Just my .02.   There are azzholes behind every make of vehicle.  Everyone has there own taste.  That's why there are so many choices.  You have yours and I have mine, that's what makes this country so GREAT!

Ride on!

Yellowsedeuce