# Things that infuriate you well beyond their actual importance **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 4, 2024, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712 "2024-09-04T02:18:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 37
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712/721 "2024-11-25T00:10:47Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Yeah, same here, just on dark rural roads with no cars or anyone. Yes, out in the Mohave on an old jeep road, we always had our high beams on. Almost never any other time. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712/722 "2024-11-25T00:10:51Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > I’ve never encountered advice to dim one’s headlights for the benefit of pedestrians, only other drivers, and I’m wondering what “dipping” headlights has to do with pedestrians (and why they’re out walking on those dark, rural roads) Pedestrians are just as much blinded by high beams like other drivers, bikers or actually any other incoming traffic. Don’t do it. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712/723 "2024-11-25T00:11:36Z")
But people _don’t_ drive around all the time with their high beams on. That’s what’s confusing about this. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712/724 "2024-11-25T00:14:38Z")
What’s confusing about it? People don’t drive all the time with high beams on because they learned to only switch it on with no one driving ahead of you and without any incoming traffic. At least that’s the case here in Germany. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712/725 "2024-11-25T00:34:36Z")
Guys, @Mangetout is English where they speak a different language, use 'u’s indiscriminately, and drive on the wrong side of the road while sitting in the wrong side of the car. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712/726 "2024-11-25T00:44:24Z")
Elevator etiquette. First: people who press both the up and down buttons because they think the elevator will get there sooner. Second: six people all trying to cram their walkers into the elevator at once because, god forbid, they may have to wait a few more minutes for the next one and really MUST get to their apartments so they can sit and do nothing. Third: people who crowd the elevator door when they’re waiting to get on so that people trying to get off have to fight their way through them. I will beat you to death with that fucking cane! Fourth: elevator small talk. Just shut the fuck up and leave me in peace for that one minute ride. “Oh, you’ve been shopping?!” What gave you your first clue? I mean, other than the bag with Safeway plastered on it. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712/727 "2024-11-25T01:18:08Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > I’m wondering what “dipping” headlights has to do with pedestrians (and why they’re out walking on those dark, rural roads) Because they live there, probably. I recommend carrying some sort of light, though. > [@carrps](#): > > But people _don’t_ drive around all the time with their high beams on. That’s what’s confusing about this. People who live on those dark rural roads do. Though we do dim them when we come into traffic; and it’s polite to do so if the curve of a road sends your lights right into somebody’s windows. I’ve always heard dimming them, though, not dipping them. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712/728 "2024-11-25T03:24:50Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > I’ve never heard the word “dip” used in this context My Dad always said “Dim” not “dip” and in CA there were even road signs saying that “Dim High Beams” > [@thorny\_locust](#): > > I’ve always heard dimming them, though, not dipping them. Right, you dim when cornering, when you see pedestrians or an oncoming car. ---
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712/729 "2024-11-25T03:56:56Z")
…by pushing the little button to the left of the brake pedal with your foot ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712/730 "2024-11-25T04:08:12Z")
> [@Slithy\_Tove](#): > > by pushing the little button to the left of the brake pedal with your foot Lol, 🤪 😆 I remember that. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 6:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712/731 "2024-11-25T06:52:03Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > I’ve never encountered advice to dim one’s headlights for the benefit of pedestrians, only other drivers, and I’m wondering what “dipping” headlights has to do with pedestrians (and why they’re out walking on those dark, rural roads) There are dark suburban roads, too. I sometimes commute to work before 6 AM. Some of the roads I drive on at that time have little or no traffic, so I use my high-beams. I do occasionally encounter pedestrians though, and yes, I make it a point to switch to low-beams so as to not blind them. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 8:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712/732 "2024-11-25T08:43:00Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > I’ve never encountered advice to dim one’s headlights for the benefit of pedestrians, only other drivers It’s actually the law here - from the [UK Highway Code](https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/lighting-requirements.html): > You **MUST NOT** > > - use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders > [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > and I’m wondering what “dipping” headlights has to do with pedestrians Part of this is that, here in the UK, pedestrians are classed as ‘road users’ with a legitimate right to be where they are. Most of our small roads have existed since before the invention of cars and as a result, are often narrow, or do not have any separation of road and footpath and don’t have street lights. _Anyone_ blinded by the full beam of oncoming headlights may be subjected to unnecessary risks that arise from _not being able to see properly_ - straying out of their lane or proper place, colliding with unseen objects, and in the case of pedestrians, tripping on unseen hazards. > [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > (and why they’re out walking on those dark, rural roads) This part is simple. It’s to get from the place where they have been, to the place where they are going. 😁 ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712/733 "2024-11-25T08:49:58Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > I recommend carrying some sort of light, though. The village where I live has no street lights, no pavements and in places the roads are not wide enough for two vehicles to pass without one of them stopping and pulling into a passing place. If I have to walk somewhere at night, I always wear a high-vis tabard and carry a bright torch. Probably makes me look like a dork to some people, but better dork than dead. (Although this is a separate issue to that of oncoming traffic dazzling me with their headlights) > [@carrps](#): > > But people _don’t_ drive around all the time with their high beams on. > [@thorny\_locust](#): > > People who live on those dark rural roads do. Yeah, on an unlit, rural road, high beams are a good thing - you can see more of the road ahead, and (until you actually encounter them in line of sight) other road users ahead will be more aware that you are approaching as they see the indirect illumination of the headlights. ---
**Author:** ![teelabrown](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/teelabrown/32/8412_2.png) [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712/734 "2024-11-25T13:17:25Z")
The talk about headlights reminds me of one: People who park right in front of the Starbucks or Peets or whatever, early in the morning when it’s still dark, and sit there in their cars with the headlights on shining directly into the cafe. The customers seated next to the windows are treated to blinding lights from about eight feet away. Why are the drivers sitting in their parked cars? Because they are doordash or Ubereats folks waiting for their online orders to be ready. So much for a leisurely, pleasant cup of coffee in the early morning. I think I’ll switch to a little independently-owned espresso joint nearby, even if they charge more. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712/735 "2024-11-25T13:46:35Z")
😁 America: _invents Google_ Also America: “I encountered a pair of words I didn’t comprehend! Also how can it be that the world is different in some places?!” (meta post:the above form of ‘someone/also someone’ sarcasm infuriates me more than it should. America’s ongoing confusion about the rest of the world doesn’t infuriate me, because that would be exhausting) ---
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712/736 "2024-11-25T14:35:13Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > The village where I live has no street lights, no pavements and in places the roads are not wide enough for two vehicles to pass without one of them stopping and pulling into a passing place. If I have to walk somewhere at night, I always wear a high-vis tabard and carry a bright torch. Tranlsations for non-Brits: Pavement=sidewalk Tabard=vest (in this context; technically they’re different) Torch=flashlight ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712/737 "2024-11-25T14:37:07Z")
I live in the 'burbs. I use my high beams all the time, because i see better when i use them. The insurance institute for highway safety tells me that the typical driver uses high beams far less often than they should, and that high beams reduce accidents. But out on the burbs, i often encounter pedestrians on the road at night. Mostly they are walking their dogs. Some are standing around chatting with someone. Anyway, it’s common. And of course i switch from high beams to regular when i encounter pedestrians. I don’t know if anyone told me to do that, or if i just recognized that it would be obnoxious and unsafe to blind them. But… it’s obviously the right thing to do. And while I’ve also heard “dim”, not “dip”, what you are actually doing is changing the angle of the lights, not the brightness. So when @Mangetout said “dipping the high beams” i knew immediately what he meant, without needing to Google. I suppose it helps that i know he’s from the UK, and i expect to see different idioms. But overall, I’m really shocked that his perfectly ordinary little rant created so much confusion. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712/738 "2024-11-25T14:52:48Z")
> [@commasense](#): > > Tranlsations for non-Brits: Not meaning to pick a fight or anything, but this part tickled me, because of the apparent underlying assumption that the confusion would be non-brits/brits (when it’s more usually USA/the rest of the world) ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712/739 "2024-11-25T14:55:48Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > And while I’ve also heard “dim”, not “dip”, what you are actually doing is changing the angle of the lights, not the brightness. In every car I’ve ever owned, you’re doing both. With normal, low beam driving, there’s one filament lit, and it’s angled somewhat downwards. With the high beam, a second filament is lit, and it’s angled more forwards. My current car has a setting that will automatically turn the high beams on/off. I’ve noticed it turns them on far more often than I would - I never use it for that reason. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2024, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712/740 "2024-11-25T14:58:18Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > And while I’ve also heard “dim”, not “dip”, what you are actually doing is changing the angle of the lights, not the brightness To be super-nitpicky: the high beam and headlights are actually separate bulbs installed at different angles, so you do switch between both when turning on/off the high beams. ETA: ninja’d by @muldoonthief . [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712.md?page=36) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-infuriate-you-well-beyond-their-actual-importance/1006712.md?page=38)