Toot When You Pass?

"Chris Clarke" (shiftsandgiggles) 02/07/2014 at 13:10 • Filed to: Driving Style

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I was always taught that a courteous driver will warn a vehicle being overtaken with a horn honk. Not the "Get out of my way asshole" lay on the horn honk. But the "Excuse me, just want you to know I'm here" single toot.

This is similar to the the double "toot toot" you might use when the driver in front of you doesn't see the light turn green.

My commute is a backroad country drive with an average speed limit of 50 mph. Since I live in the U.S., all the other cars on these roads have terrible drivers, hence my 4 passes a week quota. Sometimes you just have to pass and occasionally I can overtake 2 or 3 at a time, which really helps improve my weekly average.

Now no matter how polite you try to be and do the right thing, the courtesy toot usually ends in four different scenarios.

1. Driver issues an inappropriate hand gesture.

2. Driver accelerates to block your pass

3. Driver tailgates you for the rest of your commute.

and if you're lucky...

4. Driver continues on oblivious to anything buy herself and her phone while completing her journey 15 mph under the limit.

A horn is required in most states to be street legal and can be a versatile driving tool. But with road rage so prevalent it has become a taboo technique. So the question remains. Do you use the courtesy toot? or just make your pass and be on your way?

offroadkarter > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:12

2

I don't use the horn unless someone really pisses me off. 95% of people don't think polite thoughts when they get beeped at. If I go to pass someone, especially on a 2 lane road where I have to cross into the opposing traffic lane, I just put the hammer down and rip past them.

$kaycog > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:14

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I think it would be a great idea, but it would probably upset most drivers because they wouldn't know you were tooting as a courtesy.

Party-vi > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:15

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I like that you used the above screenshot because that GTR got demolished haha.

Arben72 > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:16

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I live out in the middle of nowhere and never use my horn unless someone decides to take the lane I'm occupying. I've never heard the honk to pass, and never seen it in my travels. The only thing I've seen in the states that's different is people speeding up to not allow you to pass, man I can't stand those people. They should be charged with reckless driving but police prefer to bother the speeders.

Audi-os, amigos > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:17

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I cut on my right blinker if I'm passing someone. Gives them a visual cue that something is about to happen, without the knee-jerk response to a car horn that we all have - something like, "Shit!" and, "Better hit the brakes/panic."

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:17

4

I seldom fart when passing a car on a country road

Bytemite > offroadkarter 02/07/2014 at 13:18

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I was on this two lane road up to campus and there was an some SUV/CUV in front of me going pretty slow. Soon enough I caught up to it and got a bit close. The driver then slows down even more for some reason. I drop it down to 3rd and smash it. He floors it to obviously block me but couldn't keep up. I just cant see why people act like this.

BeaterGT > Party-vi 02/07/2014 at 13:20

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Best opening shot I've seen in quite some time

Chris Clarke > Audi-os, amigos 02/07/2014 at 13:20

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You assuming this person is using their mirrors. Plus, there's a big difference with just a light horn tap verses a honk. Either way, I only honk 50% of the time.

Rainbow > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:20

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Aren't high-beams sometimes called "passing lights" too? I've heard of and seen people flipping on their brights until they finish overtaking, and that usually goes over a little bit better. Of course, that's assuming the other driver is actually paying attention.

CPT Speedbump > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:20

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I don't do this, but I will sometimes honk my horn if I'm coming around a blind corner in a tight spot, like a few days ago there was a semi sitting in a tight road, making it one lane, so as I passed the end of it, honked my horn so the guy working at the tail of the semi would know i was coming..though thats just me learning from the UPS drivers, seeing as UPS is supposed to do things like that, lol

offroadkarter > Bytemite 02/07/2014 at 13:20

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People are assholes, thats why.

Thats why I never take a chance with them pulling that shit, I haven't run into a car yet thats held my marauder off from passing them. They also get to hear an extremely loud bellow of exhaust as I blast past them. All the more reason I only use my horn if I'm REALLY pissed off, my exhaust says enough already.

Chris Clarke > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman 02/07/2014 at 13:21

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On average, a person farts 14 times a day, so statistically speaking, the chances are pretty slim.

Dubblewhopper > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:22

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I usually wave my hand in a friendly gesture when I pass someone on a two lane road. Most Montanans have a filled gun rack in there truck. No need to cause an accidental fire arm discharge.

Chris Clarke > Bytemite 02/07/2014 at 13:23

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Individualism. The idea that "I'm more important that anyone else".

Audi-os, amigos > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:24

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Well I think you well captured exactly why I don't - three of the possible reactions make the situation more dangerous/adversarial, and the fourth is no net change.

If it's a courtesy thing, and no one you're doing it to perceives it as a courteous gesture, why do it?

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:24

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YOU JUST MATHED ME

Chris Clarke > Arben72 02/07/2014 at 13:24

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Agreed, but I don't usually like to break the speed limit when I pass, so I'm usually relegated to just returning to my place at the end of the line.

The WB > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:25

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In OK/TX where I live, a horn blow means two things:

1. I have no idea what I'm doing or who is supposed to do what, and I'm angry that people are not accomodating me

2. WTF WE ARE ABOUT TO CRAAAASHHHH.

At lights if they don't see the green, and it has been half the light cycle, I will do a single blow as short as I can possibly do it, by rapping my knuckle on the wheel.

I have used my horn about 5 times in my life. All for the 2nd reason. Half the time I forget to honk because I'm too busy not hitting the other car to honk the horn.

Chris Clarke > Audi-os, amigos 02/07/2014 at 13:26

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Good answer.

spanfucker retire bitch > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:26

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I've literally never heard of that, nor have I ever seen it used in practice. I just turn on my blinker and pass the person. Just as has been with me.

Nothing's gonna stop an asshole from trying to accelerate and keeping you from passing them. My Mazda3 is no speed demon, but I get a measure of entertainment out of watching a car like a Yaris , xA or something along those lines try and keep me from passing them.

It's like a Vespa trying to prevent a motorcycle from overtaking them. It's cute. In a hilarious kind of way.

gt6xxer > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:26

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There is space beneath. A stop sign is about 80 yards ahead. Physics considered, this is about to get bad.

Chris Clarke > Rainbow 02/07/2014 at 13:27

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I always thought the high beam technique was for oncoming traffic...?

MrCrash > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:27

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I never honk. I let the roaring v8 explain my actions. 90% of the cars around here can't do anything to block me once I drop the hammer, short of running me off the road. The 10% that can I'll gladly stick behind (for a little while anyway).

Chris Clarke > Dubblewhopper 02/07/2014 at 13:28

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Not a bad idea. Though, were I live, that gesture is usually used when you make a douchebag move and you realize you just about caused a crash.

Party-vi > gt6xxer 02/07/2014 at 13:29

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Real bad.

The WB > offroadkarter 02/07/2014 at 13:29

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On two lane roads, I will not pass any other way than signal, over, and hammer down. It just eliminates any issues and gets me past the other car as fast as possible.

In my mind, the less time spent in the wrong lane, the better it is for everyone.

Dubblewhopper > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:30

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I can attest to that! Did it in my '97 Formula, on IH10 when the Pontiac decided to go sideways on the highway in a rain storm.

Chris Clarke > The WB 02/07/2014 at 13:30

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I love the horn. Its one of the best ways to let people know they're being a douche. Most people are oblivious, so its just a small learning lesson and it makes me feel better to use a legal means or relieving my frustration.

yamahog > Rainbow 02/07/2014 at 13:31

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I do this on my motorcycle, and when I lived in California, I saw some motorcyclists beeping the horn while lane splitting.

I can't even tell you how many people have nearly killed me changing lanes without looking, so lights and horns all day for sure.

gt6xxer > Party-vi 02/07/2014 at 13:31

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I just googled this event. Everything went as expected.

McMike > gt6xxer 02/07/2014 at 13:32

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I'm surprised he didn't lose control before the roundabout they way he's on the brakes and in the air at the same time.

Chris Clarke > gt6xxer 02/07/2014 at 13:32

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It does.

spanfucker retire bitch > The WB 02/07/2014 at 13:32

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I've literally been flipped off every single time I've used a short little burst of the horn to remind someone the light is green - and I am not an impatient person. I'll usually wait like 3-5 seconds before I do it. Quick little tap to get them to wake up.

What happens? Well they tell me to go fuck myself. Every. Single. Time.

offroadkarter > The WB 02/07/2014 at 13:32

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Thats how I've always felt about it to. My parents always yell at me if they are in the car and I go ripping around someone, but as far as I'm concerned, I don't like lollygagging in the oncoming traffic lane.

The WB > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:33

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Most of the time I hear a horn, it's someone else being a douche, so I associate the action of sounding it with douchery. I guess that's why I don't like them.

Also, I don't figure I'm ever going to teach anybody anything on a road, because you have to be willing to learn. But I can make them fear for their life. And fear is a terrific motivator, no learning needed.

j/k

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:33

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I really don't live in a rural enough area with two lane roads. I use my horn occasionally, mainly in anger because people like wait for a green light before they make a right turn. When I'm on the highway I do flash my high-beams 2-3 times. Must be awkward for some left lane dwellers to be flashed, then passed, by an old Dodge minivan.

Chris Clarke > McMike 02/07/2014 at 13:34

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Brakes don't do much when your wheels are in the air.

thebigbossyboss > offroadkarter 02/07/2014 at 13:34

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Dude I want you to pass me, that sounds awesome.

Forgetful > Rainbow 02/07/2014 at 13:35

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'Flash to Pass' as it's sometimes labeled in the user manuals of various cars.

The WB > spanfucker retire bitch 02/07/2014 at 13:35

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Yeah, that happens. I'll be a little more heavy with the horn if I can tell the person is texting.

But if they flip me off for them not paying attention when I waited and I was light with the horn, they fall into category 1, and they are no longer people to me.

offroadkarter > thebigbossyboss 02/07/2014 at 13:36

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last fall when I was coming back from caffeine & carburetors in Connecticut, I inadvertently passed JBH in a e30M3 while he had a gopro filming. I've been wanting to see that footage but he never posted it!

I should bug him for that again.

Crocket Bernet > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:36

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The man in the GTR definitely tooted.

cazzyodo > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:37

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I should up my game...got a quota to meet.

Joe_Limon > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:37

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What? No, please don't do this, if you're going to pass, I will know because you are behind me merging into the other lane. If you want to pass, look down the road, and gauge whether it is safe to pass assuming they keep the same speed or even speed up a little. If it isn't safe to pass, simply wait. Don't try to slow down the other person to make it safe to pass.

Brian, The Life of > Crocket Bernet 02/07/2014 at 13:38

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I think he poo'd.

Chris Clarke > Crocket Bernet 02/07/2014 at 13:38

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I'm sure some poo came out too.

Chris Clarke > Joe_Limon 02/07/2014 at 13:40

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You might know I'm passing you, but 95% of the drivers where I live, either don't have mirrors, or don't know how to use them. Using the horn does not impair my ability to make a safe pass. At that point, I have already committed to the pass after determining it is safe.

McMike > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:40

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He won't be up there forever.

Joe_Limon > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:45

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That is good and all, but honking while going to pass is very easy to take as a super douche move. The average driver will take your sudden acceleration/horn blast as you telling them that they are going too slow and that they should speed up.

When driving, assume the driver ahead of you is totally oblivious to your existence, your pass is entirely your responsibility. You wouldn't honk at a pylon in the road would you? Neither should you honk at moving targets unless they are doing something wrong.

SPNKiX > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:46

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Don't use the horn. No one gets it anymore. It's an anger management tool now.

Destructive Tester > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:47

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Given my daily quota, I prefer to save them for elevators and UP escalators...

Chris Clarke > SPNKiX 02/07/2014 at 13:49

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Maybe we can all work together, decide to use the horn appropriately and change today's car culture.

SPNKiX > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 13:57

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Rico > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 15:19

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Definitely do the toot or toot-toot when passing because I realized early on in my driving that drivers are not mind readers or all knowing psychics so chances are they won't even see you.

I actually don't like when a car mysteriously appears out of no where and flies by me without saying anything (though I'm usually the one maintaining good road speed) because they could easily cause an accident by doing that to someone who isn't aware and attempts to blindly switch lanes.

thebigbossyboss > offroadkarter 02/07/2014 at 16:01

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That is amazing.

DarrenMR > Chris Clarke 02/07/2014 at 18:09

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I've considered many times doing this as people merge to let me pass on a multi-lane. But I figured everyone will just think I'm being an asshole instead of being thankful.

Frobnoid > Chris Clarke 02/08/2014 at 05:29

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Um, not only is it ridiculous and pointless to honk at people you're passing, it's illegal here (Seattle).

Cut that shit out.

Frobnoid > Chris Clarke 02/08/2014 at 05:30

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I call troll