# Pitting the idiot taxi driver from last night. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 7, 2004, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116 "2004-01-07T00:45:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Doomtrain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/0ea827/32.png) [@Doomtrain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doomtrain)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2004, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116/21 "2004-01-07T05:34:59Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by LaurAnge \* > \*\*My favourite story was how once a cab driver stopped at a deserted red light, thought for a bit, then just went on through. \*\* Shit, when we used to take a cab to work at 4am, the taxi driver would blow straight through all the red lights. I don’t think we dropped below 50 for the whole trip. ---
**Author:** ![Ennui](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ennui/32/3396_2.png) [@Ennui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ennui)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2004, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116/22 "2004-01-07T14:22:10Z")
While I largely agree with **Nametag** ’s comment about professionalism regarding drivers I will point out that there are many cabbies who comport themselves with a degree of class and ability that they can rightfully be called professionals. That being said I spent 8 years in a cab myself and have seen some major idiots in the trade. For the last few years I was driving I served as one of the trainers, I’d take a new driver around for a few hours and show them how everything worked. On the lease form you filled out each day there was a spot where you filled in the last three digits of the cars odometer at the beginning of your shift and then in the spot right above that you’d do the same at the end of the shift, from there you subtract to find the total number of miles driven in that shift, I’m not going too fast for any of you am I? Well, on not one but two occasions I’m helping the trainee through the paper work and the starting miles were something like 945 and the finish miles were like 032. Yup, you guessed it, I had to explain to an adult how to subtract 9 from 0. I always wonder what these two would do if someone asked them what 15% of their fare was. ---
**Author:** ![county](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce7236/32.png) [@county](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/county)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2004, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116/23 "2004-01-07T14:27:05Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Lobsang \* > \*\*Let’s just assume county is being serious for a moment (I think he is just trolling, no-one can be that fucked in the head, can they?) > > What if the taxi had broken down pulling off this move - WHAM! 50 people injured or dead. > > what if people were walking about on the bus - Injuries from falling. > > What if the bus had lost control due to the surprise of the idiot \*\* Well, I have driven automobiles for a long time in a lot of different locations and I have had occasion to intentionally execute traffic manuevers that required other drivers to slow down (brake). I have witnessed countless cabs (In which I was a passenger) execute similar manuevers. Some areas are so congested that without exeecuting manuevers that require other drivers to brake, you won’t go anywhere. Sometimes athe horn is used, sometimes not. Sure there are a lot of “what if’s” - hell, I wasn’t there, what if I am wrong and it was a poorly executed manuever? You posted an OP, I provided feedback. If that engenders “hate” - well, they can bite me. ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116/24 "2004-01-09T01:39:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by county \* > \*\*Well, I have driven automobiles for a long time in a lot of different locations and I have had occasion to intentionally execute traffic manuevers that required other drivers to slow down (brake). I have witnessed countless cabs (In which I was a passenger) execute similar manuevers. Some areas are so congested that without exeecuting manuevers that require other drivers to brake, you won’t go anywhere. Sometimes athe horn is used, sometimes not. > > Sure there are a lot of “what if’s” - hell, I wasn’t there, what if I am wrong and it was a poorly executed manuever? You posted an OP, I provided feedback. > If that engenders “hate” - well, they can bite me. \*\* My driving instructor taught me - If anyone has to apply their brakes because of you then you are doing something wrong. (slowing down because of traffic doesn’t count, that’s not strictly anyone’s fault) **county** you provided feedback and we are responding to that feedback. We happened to think it was a sign of inconsiderate and misguided behaviour. Your belief that as long as no-one is harmed then anyone can behave in a dangerous and thoughtless way. Behaving dangerously is one thing. Believing it is justified is, just, fucked up. ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116/25 "2004-01-09T01:50:38Z")
To add. You _defend_ the actions of a person who dangled an infant in front of an aligator (or crocodile), and (if what I hear is to be believed) you intentionally park in fire lanes. How therefore would telling me that _you_ execute similar manouvers to the taxi driver possibly justify the behaviour and make me or anyone think “oh, **county** does it, it MUST be ok then” I’m going to keep an eye on you in future. You might prove to be a fun idiot to flame. ---
**Author:** ![county](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce7236/32.png) [@county](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/county)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116/26 "2004-01-09T05:02:00Z")
[QUOTE] \*Originally posted by Lobsang \* How therefore would telling me that _you_ execute similar manouvers to the taxi driver possibly justify the behaviour and make me or anyone think “oh, **county** does it, it MUST be ok then” No, my executing the manuver does not justify it. Thousands of people in congested areas all over the world does. Your driving instructor was probably right as far as his experience was concerned but that doesn’t mean that people don’t legitimately do that manuver on a regular basis. I suppose I could go do forum searches and find other things I disagree with you about but I am pretty much restricting myself to the OP. What you do and how you do it is up to you. ---
**Author:** ![Michael\_Ellis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/977dab/32.png) [@Michael\_Ellis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Michael_Ellis)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116/27 "2004-01-09T05:05:38Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by county \* > **Well, I have driven automobiles for a long time in a lot of different locations and I have had occasion to intentionally execute traffic manuevers that required other drivers to slow down (brake).** Yeah, like parking in fire lanes. ---
**Author:** ![county](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce7236/32.png) [@county](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/county)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116/28 "2004-01-09T05:16:55Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Michael Ellis \* > \*\*Yeah, like parking in fire lanes. \*\* You seem to be having trouble grasping the topic, here’s an idea, bite me. ---
**Author:** ![Michael\_Ellis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/977dab/32.png) [@Michael\_Ellis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Michael_Ellis)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116/29 "2004-01-09T05:19:10Z")
The topic is bad driving. Parking in fire lanes is bad driving behavior. ---
**Author:** ![bannerrefugee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c68b51/32.png) [@bannerrefugee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bannerrefugee)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116/30 "2004-01-09T13:43:37Z")
Well **county** does seem to be an expert on the bad driving topic. It sounds like he/she has been driving badly for entirely to long. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116/31 "2004-01-09T13:55:30Z")
God you’re a fucking idiot **County**. The moron cab driver pulled a stupid manuver. It is probably blind luck that some horrific accident didn’t ensue. If the idiot keeps driving in the same manner, chances are he’ll end up killing someone. Got it? ---
**Author:** ![duffer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duffer/32/1026_2.png) [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116/32 "2004-01-09T13:55:57Z")
Not sure if defending county on this will hurt me more than him, BUT, where the hell is the Irwin argument coming from? This guy has forgotten more about crocs than any of us will ever learn. County parks in fire lanes (?), so what? As long as there’s no fire… (I could be way off base, and i’m sure someone will tell me so if I am). I just love living in a part of the world where we have no need for cabs. We haul our asses about on our own accord. (slight rant, gimme a break) ---
**Author:** ![Sweetums](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Sweetums](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sweetums)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116/33 "2004-01-09T14:41:20Z")
Of course County’s argument is invalid. Bad driving is bad driving. It dosn’t take a “professional” to recognize that. I am not a professional football player, but I recognize that the Steeler’s offensive line needs work. The idea that the diver is a “professional” and this somehow means that the cabdriver is therefore infalable, and all actions on the road are justified, is simply trolling. ``` Anyone who seriously holds County's opinion should talk to a REAL professional. Ask any big city cop about how often they issue tickets to County's heros, the cab drivers. Oh and I probably shouldn't criticize County for trolling, after all, I am not a "professional". ``` ---
**Author:** ![duffer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duffer/32/1026_2.png) [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116/34 "2004-01-09T14:46:04Z")
Point taken Sweet, maybe I’m just not used to big city cabbies and the habits they have ---
**Author:** ![county](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce7236/32.png) [@county](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/county)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116/35 "2004-01-09T15:14:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by World Eater \* > \*\*God you’re a fucking idiot **County**. > > The moron cab driver pulled a stupid manuver. It is probably blind luck that some horrific accident didn’t ensue. If the idiot keeps driving in the same manner, chances are he’ll end up killing someone. > > Got it? \*\* Well, I slow down and even occasionally brake because another vehicle needs/takes the right of way. Sometimes it is a stupid manuver on their part and sometimes it is a necessary manuver due to circumstances. That is driving in the real world. I think a few (not many) people on this board are taking things a little personally. Perhaps being overly sensitive. As far as “Got it” is concerned; well yes, I got it, hanging. And if you want to, well…you know. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116/36 "2004-01-09T18:21:08Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by hybrid\_dogfish \* > **Seriously though, taxi drivers routinely piss me off with their blatant disregard for road traffic laws, both as a passenger, and when I have the misfortune to come across one when I am driving. The worst example I can think of is one I was lucky enough to com across who was _watching a fucking film_ on the DVD player in his car.** Reminds me of the cabbie (NYC, IIRC) who has a DVD player an a collection of porno movies for his fares to watch. > [@](#): > > _Originally posted by duffer_ > **Not sure if defending county on this will hurt me more than him, BUT, where the hell is the Irwin argument coming from?** Seems that **county** equates dangerous taxi driving to [feeding a croc with one hand and holding a baby in the other](http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,8307894%255E662,00.html). ---
**Author:** ![purgepro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e68b1a/32.png) [@purgepro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purgepro)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116/37 "2004-01-09T19:57:07Z")
its people like the aforementioned cabbie that allow the rest of us to unload the verbal abuse we’ve been storing from a long day of work and the idiots there. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116/38 "2004-01-09T20:48:58Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by county \* > **Well, I slow down and even occasionally brake because another vehicle needs/takes the right of way. Sometimes it is a stupid maneuver on their part and sometimes it is a necessary maneuver due to circumstances. That is driving in the real world.** 99.9% of the time there is a safe way to execute a “necessary” maneuver. I wasn’t talking about braking anyway, just refuting your stupid notion that a maneuver is only reckless if it results in an accident. \*\* > [@](#): > > I think a few (not many) people on this board are taking things a little personally. Perhaps being overly sensitive. > > As far as “Got it” is concerned; well yes, I got it, hanging. And if you want to, well…you know. \*\* Are we in the 3rd grade? Go fuck a vase of ground beef you twatscab. ---
**Author:** ![county](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce7236/32.png) [@county](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/county)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2004, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116/39 "2004-01-10T03:55:27Z")
[QUOTE] \*Originally posted by World Eater \* \*\* I wasn’t talking about braking anyway, just refuting your stupid notion that a maneuver is only reckless if it results in an accident. QUOTE] Yes you were you dickhead, read the posts if you can’t even remember what you were talking about. That’s the thing about these forums, you can’t just pull shit out of your ass - it’s there for all to see. ---
**Author:** ![TeaElle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8491ac/32.png) [@TeaElle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TeaElle)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2004, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116/40 "2004-01-10T04:21:38Z")
And we’ve been watching you executing _that_ particular manuever for quite a while now, county. :rolleyes: [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitting-the-idiot-taxi-driver-from-last-night/223116.md?page=3)