Sorry...mini vent

[lph]

well, under the circumstances "sorry" may have been a rational thing to say and certainlt better than a lot of other things. it just sounded a bit strange. I wonder how she had the time to think about it and say something, but not actually do anything like hit her brakes.

I think if I were almost hit by someone I'd prefer a shocked look and a gasp aka "where did YOU come from OMG I almost hit you!!"...

[Tri Girl]

you're right- sorry was a nice thing to say in comparison to other things she could have said. Knowing how young she was, it probably scared her. She'd probably never encountered that before while driving. Hopefully it'll make her think twice and be a little more cautious and aware.

[OakLeaf]

Yeah, I think as the OP described it, it was the breeziness of the "Sorry" with the clear indication that she really wasn't.

Stopping, "Are you okay? I am so sorry," some indication that the driver was nearly as shaken as the rider, that's what would have been appropriate IMO.

And whether she "could have said something worse," as I've said before, it's the oblivious ones who scare me much more than the nasty ones. There are a very small few who will literally try to kill you - that doctor in LA comes to mind - but most of the ones who do something intentional are "just" trying to scare you and thus, exercising some control over their vehicle and muscles that make it likely that they won't actually hurt you. It's the oblivious ones like this - I have to say it, because her immaturity deserves it - girl, that scare me much more.

[Tri Girl]

agreed, Oakleaf! I'm more afraid of distracted/oblivious young people who think they're being funny or are just not paying attention that scare me. They think they are invincible and think others are, too...

[Dogmama]

I'm surprised that the only thing YOU called her was an "idiot." Wow - what self restraint!

The holidays will be distracting. People will be driving places they normally don't go - like to stores with sales, etc. Also, if you're in a college town, finals are the beginning of December, so normally invincible students will be busy studying on the road - or worse - driving while sleep deprived from all-nighters.

Around here, we have the added bonus of snow birds. If it looks like Q-tip is driving, beware.

[Eden]

People do not like to admit they just did something very dangerous...

I've noticed that a lot of people (especially those yakking on phones) who pull out in front of you, nearly run you over in the crosswalk etc tend to just give you this goofy grin as an "apology" for nearly running you down.... either that or they try to blame it on you....

I was crossing the street (on foot) just the other night. There was a large parked vehicle that I was coming out from behind, but it was nearly dark and I should have been able to see the lights from any approaching cars..... I still looked both ways mind you, but as I started to cross, you can imagine my surprise that there was a car there I with no lights on that I hadn't seen. He wasn't so close that either of us had to do anything rash (I didn't have to jump and he didn't have to slam on the brakes) but he sure did startle me. He had the nerve to roll down his window to say something to me. Shut him right up to tell him he didn't have his headlights on.....