Unusual Aggression against my Beetle... Help!?

[hcsberlin]

*Edit: I live in San Jose, CA*

So I've had my beetle for about 6 months. This is my fourth car in 12 years and never have I felt such disregard and aggression towards me when I'm driving. I have to note that I'm a pretty passive driver and don't provoke other drivers.

There are a few notable incidents:

Incident #1

I was driving on the Freeway at about 70mph steady. A Mercedes comes from behind and is about to pass me. He then slows to my speed and starts revving up and revving up and so on. I ignored him and kept going my 70. Then he rolled down all his windows and started staring at me still pumping his gas.. I saw this as an invite to race, which I ignored. Then all of a sudden he turned into my lane and ran me off the road! I hit the dirt but didn't spin out, recovered and got back on the freeway.. He sped off.


Incident #2

I turned right onto a main road. My right turn turns into its own lane on the main road. As I turned I saw a Jetta about 100 feet behind me in the other lane, not in mine. He pulled up next to me and starts dipping into my lane. At first I thought he was changing lanes and didn't see me so I gave him some room. He pulls away and turns into my lane again cutting me off really harsh. I'm on my breaks of course giving me some distance between my beetle and him. So the following break checks he pulls on me have no effect because I was already slower than him. I look at him kind of confused he flips me off as he speeds away. I kept going over this incident in my mind and there was no way that I had possibly cut him off or anything like that.


These are two isolated incidents but the minor **** I take from drivers daily annoys me the most!

Just one example, about twice a week when I turn into my parking lot I get honked at by the car riding my ass behind me. This is on a 35 suburban street with lots of Apartment driveways where the cars should expect people to be turning in and out of the parking lot areas. My other cars never got honked at on my street. It's gotten to the point where I double checked if my break lights still work and if my blinker is functional. I even try to slow down extra smooth nowadays just so I won't surprise the guy behind me and still every now and then someone lays on the horn.


Has anyone experienced this type of aggression towards them?
I've had imports and a raced out cougar in the past, I really expected this car to be the picture child of some more gentle driving times in my future, instead I'm like a driving road rage target.

Thanks

-Thomas

[SixChuter]

Lots of idiots out there. Just ignore them and enjoy your ride.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Well when I first started reading your post, I thought perhaps you were relaying experiences from the autobahn, based on you User ID and "title" but then I see you are from California.

I think that explains alot. Ppl are rude everywhere, but perhaps nowhere as much as in California. I drive all around the country, have lived in many cities, and can speak of California from personal experience having lived there three times. I actually had a guy try to push me out of his way (physical bumper contact) when I wouldn't yield to his flashing lites at 70mph in rush hour so he could barrel on through. Another time, while pulling a very heavy trailer in the mountains, everytime time I tried to pass a woman (traveling below the speed limit) on the interstate, when we'd hit a level stretch, she would speed up so I couldn't get around, and then when I had to fall back in behind her, she would slow down. This went on for an hour and over fifty miles. Finally I was able to get along side her, just enough ahead to swerve and put her out in the grass. Didn't look back, didn't care. But I didn't have her $hit to deal with anymore.

California, as a hole, is an "all about me" state, tremendous amount of self-entitlement, and a state where it's all about your ride, flash and bling. Everyone drives the shoulder to get around the line of cars waiting in line for the exit ramp, rush hour consists of literally bumper to bumper 80mph + driving, bikes are allowed to drive the line (one of the stupidest things I have ever seen, but then I guess considering you already have a death wish...), and do so, at 60-80 mph while everyone else sits...

[hcsberlin]

Originally Posted by MyOtherRidesAVette

California, as a whole, is an "all about me" state, tremendous amount of self-entitlement, and a state where it's all about your ride, flash and bling.

This makes sense. It seems like that before with my other cars the other drivers were still aggressive but I wasn't targeted. I think people see the Beetle as a weak spot in their day-to-day driving, and therefore unleash their pent up anger on it. Thanks for the response.... Can't wait to move back to Germany.

[Palmettoguy]

Try driving to/from Boston on 93 or 95 during rush hour traffic w/ out of state tags.
It helps that I'm a fairly aggressive driver

Originally Posted by hcsberlin

I even try to slow down extra smooth nowadays just so I won't surprise the guy behind me and still every now and then someone lays on the horn.

Your not one of those people that takes 5mins to turn are you?
If so, yeah, I'd be rude and honk at you too

Originally Posted by MyOtherRidesAVette

Bikes are allowed to drive the line (one of the stupidest things I have ever seen

They allow them to ride the line so the air cooled bikes don't over-heat in traffic.

[hcsberlin]

I certainly don't take 5 minutes to turn... I'd honk at myself.

I take my turns ranging from normal to rally speed.

[Palmettoguy]

Originally Posted by hcsberlin

I take my turns ranging from normal to rally speed.

I didn't know there was anything other than rally turns...See, thats why they are honking

[emma2049]

I get honked at all the time...but then, I'm a cautious driver. I'm also in CA, in Marin, where people are in more of a rush that I seem to be. Although, I feel if you are driving some dull, gray SUV you don't really care about your car, just use it to ram your way though. I, on the other hand, happen to LOVE my car and prefer not to use it as a battering ram as means to get from A to B as fast as possible and sod everyone in your way.

I get honked at at least twice a week. I'm thinking people assume I am some teen driver and so let it pass without comment or reaction apart from the honk. I'm learning to give some BIG smiles.

My 'amazement' moment so far was when someone overtook me on the inside of a residential road, outside a school, when I was going 30mph. They popped up from nowhere, continued to honk and drive right up my butt, and so I let them pass - well, I was FORCED to let them pass. Too bad they ran over some old lady and her dog on the crossing in front of us. Let's just say for the 5 minutes before that, I was TRYING to save them a ticket. Old lady and dog were fine - thank goodness.

I just think the key is 'be respectful'. Wish other car drivers could be so.

[hcsberlin]

Originally Posted by emma2049

I get honked at all the time...but then, I'm a cautious driver. I'm also in CA, in Marin, where people are in more of a rush that I seem to be. Although, I feel if you are driving some dull, gray SUV you don't really care about your car, just use it to ram your way though. I, on the other hand, happen to LOVE my car and prefer not to use it as a battering ram as means to get from A to B as fast as possible and sod everyone in your way.

I get honked at at least twice a week. I'm thinking people assume I am some teen driver and so let it pass without comment or reaction apart from the honk. I'm learning to give some BIG smiles.

My 'amazement' moment so far was when someone overtook me on the inside of a residential road, outside a school, when I was going 30mph. They popped up from nowhere, continued to honk and drive right up my butt, and so I let them pass - well, I was FORCED to let them pass. Too bad they ran over some old lady and her dog on the crossing in front of us. Let's just say for the 5 minutes before that, I was TRYING to save them a ticket. Old lady and dog were fine - thank goodness.

I just think the key is 'be respectful'. Wish other car drivers could be so.

Yea I've become super tolerant myself... I smile at most situations now.

[batikbluesmommy]

I know how that is, owned my first bug in TN ppl see turbo on ur trunk and think oh its so small cant possibly have any power, i sware noone i tell about my turbo bug believes me they all think there slow,,well i out ran a charger and a mustang both ate my dust, both brand new to, and mine was an 03, ppl are just rude, sometimes i wish i had turbo now cus of my job as delivery drive i wish i could hustle on but my 2.0 is nothing compared to turbo bugs, but i love her, shes good to me. Im not rich so i need a good beetle..lol best of luck

[jason m]

Originally Posted by hcsberlin

*Edit: I live in San Jose, CA*

So I've had my beetle for about 6 months. This is my fourth car in 12 years and never have I felt such disregard and aggression towards me when I'm driving. I have to note that I'm a pretty passive driver and don't provoke other drivers.

There are a few notable incidents:

Incident #1

I was driving on the Freeway at about 70mph steady. A Mercedes comes from behind and is about to pass me. He then slows to my speed and starts revving up and revving up and so on. I ignored him and kept going my 70. Then he rolled down all his windows and started staring at me still pumping his gas.. I saw this as an invite to race, which I ignored. Then all of a sudden he turned into my lane and ran me off the road! I hit the dirt but didn't spin out, recovered and got back on the freeway.. He sped off.


Incident #2

I turned right onto a main road. My right turn turns into its own lane on the main road. As I turned I saw a Jetta about 100 feet behind me in the other lane, not in mine. He pulled up next to me and starts dipping into my lane. At first I thought he was changing lanes and didn't see me so I gave him some room. He pulls away and turns into my lane again cutting me off really harsh. I'm on my breaks of course giving me some distance between my beetle and him. So the following break checks he pulls on me have no effect because I was already slower than him. I look at him kind of confused he flips me off as he speeds away. I kept going over this incident in my mind and there was no way that I had possibly cut him off or anything like that.


These are two isolated incidents but the minor **** I take from drivers daily annoys me the most!

Just one example, about twice a week when I turn into my parking lot I get honked at by the car riding my ass behind me. This is on a 35 suburban street with lots of Apartment driveways where the cars should expect people to be turning in and out of the parking lot areas. My other cars never got honked at on my street. It's gotten to the point where I double checked if my break lights still work and if my blinker is functional. I even try to slow down extra smooth nowadays just so I won't surprise the guy behind me and still every now and then someone lays on the horn.


Has anyone experienced this type of aggression towards them?
I've had imports and a raced out cougar in the past, I really expected this car to be the picture child of some more gentle driving times in my future, instead I'm like a driving road rage target.

Thanks

-Thomas

Maybe you ahve an evil twin that is pissing in peoples wheaties and you are catching the flack. Mistaken identity?

[hcsberlin]

Originally Posted by jason m

Maybe you ahve an evil twin that is pissing in peoples wheaties and you are catching the flack. Mistaken identity?

Lol

I want to say thanks for all the interesting comments.. it's certainly unusual, like i said in my other cars I never had this issue... Maybe it is the Turbo Emblem ... jealous people.

[kcfoxie]

I'll throw something out that no one else suggested. Do something that makes your car less normal looking, something that is "look at me."

Two two tone it, some vinyl, lower it, wheels... anything. It very well may help. A custom beetle is a car that people will respect, one that looks stock is just a stupid car.

My car has three colors in it's current scheme (not my intention, but I needed some body parts), I have people come from the cook line to the order window at drive-thru's to ask how fast my car is, and if I go to Rockingham (local race track). It sounds retarded, and it is, but people don't dick with me in my bug because it looks aggressive, or at the very least, NOT stock.

Perhaps that's what you need?

But I also understand the "can't wait" to move back to Germany. Never been, but if I could find someone who'd take me and could get me citizenship, I'd leave quick, fast and in a hurry too.

[Baby Sallie]

One time I was on the resident road going 20mph and a car was behind me. he/she honked at me for no reason then when I got to the stop sign they pass me up(they did stop either). I wasnt going anything wrong so i dont know what their problem is

This yr when I took Laycee to the Fort worth Volkswagen show. A woman with a '10 volkswagen. Her husband drove it to work oneday and he sayed ppl were out to get him, he don't know if he make it home. I don't know what happen

[New2BeetleLuv]

You know, I've been kinda having some weird issues in traffic as well! I am not by any means a passive driver and I've driven a stick since I was 18 so I'm pretty used to down shift and zip through traffic but the first two days of driving the NB on the freeway was nothing I'm used to! People will flat out start merging into me! I know it's a little car but you're not exactly in a semi buddy and your blind spot isn't THAT big. Just leaves me wondering... is the perception beetle = gutless wonder???

[procupine14]

I never really have any more problems than I've always had with others drivers since buying my Beetle. The one thing I have noticed is that the older generation of people seem to see my Beetle merging onto the highway and immediately change lanes as if they believe that I will be entering the highway slowly. I just attribute that to them thinking that Beetles are still like the original ones when they really aren't slow at all.

I had some pretty bad encounters with my old car but haven't experienced anything with my Beetle that is out of the ordinary.

A little advice from me would be to try to note the license plates of these cars and immediately call the police. Road rage isn't really tollerated these days and I have been able to get an officer or two to pull over a few reckless drivers over the years. Just a thought.....otherwise be careful.....its a jungle of idiots out there.


Yeah the white lining in California thing is legitimate for the reason of aircooled bikes overheating but they are only allowed to do it at something like 15mph faster than the traffic moving around them with a max of 35 mph before they have to get back in with regular traffic. When I see a bike going faster than that down the white line in traffic it makes me want to open my door....I'm a little evil like that.

Originally Posted by New2BeetleLuv

You know, I've been kinda having some weird issues in traffic as well! I am not by any means a passive driver and I've driven a stick since I was 18 so I'm pretty used to down shift and zip through traffic but the first two days of driving the NB on the freeway was nothing I'm used to! People will flat out start merging into me! I know it's a little car but you're not exactly in a semi buddy and your blind spot isn't THAT big. Just leaves me wondering... is the perception beetle = gutless wonder???

I've had that problem a couple of times. I always think to myself "my car isn't THAT small!!" A friend of mine encounters 10x the amount of problems that I have and he drives a Smart. So I suppose that size really is everything when you drive on American roads. Especially here in the midwest where everything is lifted trucks and suburban sized vehicles. I'm just glad that I live in the city and don't really have to worry about that unless I'm visiting my folks or out travelling.

[JP]

I have the same issues living in the suburbs and working in da Bronx, you gotta drive it like it was stolen, i learned that growing-up in the City, plus its more fun!!!

[SenileDavid]

I used to get that alot while driving my 72 Karmann Ghia convertible driving through the yuppy parts in Dallas on the tollway. I'd get jerks with BMWs, Mercedes and Lexus acting like total douche bags wanting to race me. Despite I had a performance 1835cc engine I'd just ignore them waving back at their stupid flipping me off gestures, occasionally I'd leave them behind.

The BEST revenge was from a BMW Z4 that would speed up get in my lane and slam on the brakes.. this went on for miles. Knowing the area well and knowing where the speed traps were, (South I-45 in this small town called Ferris) I played along...I'd speed up and did the same... all the way till I was a 1/4 mile from where I knew a cop was. I slow way down... he floors it again and sure enough blue/red flashers appeared and he's busted! I tap my horn twice "Meep-Meep" laughing and waving at him as I pass by

What a dumb bastard!

[kevin74656]

That kind of stuff happened to my wife frequently when she had her Beetle. Doesn't happen as much (like hardly ever) when we drive our Explorer, but it happens to me all the time in my Miata. Always seems to be people talking on handheld cell phones (illegal here in OR) driving F-150s, Suburbans or Yukons.

On two occasions, my wife was doing the 30 mph speed limit on a residential street when the idiot who was tailgating her in a huge black Yukon passed her at probably 50 mph...in front of a fire station and across a double yellow line. Probably the same person, as it was on the same street at the same time of day.

What the hell is wrong with some people?

[lil.smartie]

Sounds like normal for CA driving.... I got the same in my PT Cruiser on NV plates!

lol

Kate