Well, let's face it...people driving like sphincter muscles aren't just limited to pushing hybriders like us! I'm sooooooo glad I don't live in or around some of the major population centers like some of you folks do...

I drive a "slick top" patrol truck at work...its has emergency lights, but they're not readily visible until I turn them on. Doesn't have the regular overhead lightbar like people are used to seeing, but it does have "Sheriff" stickers on the sides and the rear end. On the parkway that goes through our fair city, NO ONE does the posted speed limit...I try and keep it about 5 over so that people don't get frustrated stacking up behind me. Now you'd be surprised how many people come blazing up in the fast lane, see the truck and just keep motating by at 15-20 over the limit. I've even had a few pull along side me, and after wagging my finger (just the index, thank you!) as if to say, "Ahhh, ahhh, ahhh!", they don't even bother to slow down.

The ironic part is that if one of the troops goes by someone WITHOUT their lights one, you can bet that some crank will call the boss and complain that you're not setting a good example..."Gee, Sheriff...your deputy went by me REAL fast...special on donuts at Ye Olde Donut Shoppe today?"

Now I have the advantage (and satisfaction, sometimes) of being able to stop them...and you'd be surprised at the excuses I get...."Oh...I didn't think YOU could stop me in a cop truck", or, "Gee, I didn't realize you were a REAL cop!"

Same thing happened when I took a motorcycle trip to Montana a few years ago. I was doing 70 on some pretty narrow two-lane roads and when I looked in the mirror, I had three loaded log trucks RIGHT on my back end. I could have sped up, but that would have pushed my comfort level (deer and motocycles don't mix well, and there were lots of deer out that day...)...so after trying to wave at them to "back off" (again, using ALL my fingers) and not getting the desired response (if anything, they got closer..."might makes right"), I finally pulled over and let them by.

I've driven my FEH and my motorcycle in the HOV lanes around Portland and Seattle...if the speeds are such that I don't feel comfortable, I GET OUT of that lane. Improves not only my mileage, but also helps insure that I get home in one piece...and lessens the chances of getting into a "road rage" incident with someone.

We can't do anything about the morons out there...but we CAN chose not to provoke a situation by adding to the problem. Take pride in your ride and the fact that you're getting great mileage and doing something GOOD...but don't lower yourself to "their" level by provoking the situation.