Camaro fear? . Do our cars make other drivers polite?

[Red2014SS]

Noticed something this past weekend. There is a stretch of local road that is three lanes. At one point, there is a stop light, and about 200 yards later, the road narrows to two lanes. The far right lane comes to an abrupt end. There are signs warning about this. If you are in that lane, you have three choices - outrun the guy in the center lane and get over, be polite use a turn signal and hope someone is nice and lets you over, or get on the brakes really hard.

This creates sort of a lead foot scenario. There will be traffic, two or three deep, in the two left lanes, and some guy will pull up in the far right lane and nail it when the light turns green. It's interesting to watch because everything depends on the speed or politeness of the person in the center lane.

I frequently drive the road (usually in our Ford Focus) and I always use the center lane. If I am in our Ford Focus, other drivers will always pull into the far right lane. Even if there is no one behind me, they will pull up behind me, then slide over to the right lane. The Focus is actually quick up to about 40mph, so the result of their impatience depends upon my mood.

This weekend I had to drive this road about six times... and I was in the Camaro. Not one time did anyone opt for the far right lane. One guy in a Subaru thought about it.. he actually got in that lane, but at the last minute, he switched and pulled up behind me. Coincidence? I think Camaros make other drivers become more polite.

[Backspin9]

I never thought about it, but I kind of agree with you. I've noticed that if I'm trying to pull out from a parking lot onto a road people will usually let me turn out rather than blocking my way. I'm not sure if it's the car or the person behind the wheel, but I do think the Camaro gets a certain amount of respect. Maybe it's because it's a nice car and people like it.

[1LE 2NV]

I let any Camaro in. Still love looking at them.

[CCMADONNA]

I have the super polite policy for all muscle cars/pony cars.

[Welker2]

I think your right to a degree, but it's not just Camaros, I think it applies to most muscle/sports cars. I frequently drive an 80 mile stretch of road between Mesquite & Las Vegas. When I'm in my Camaro or Corvette, cruising at 80mph and come up on someone doing 75 or less, most move over as soon as they see me & the right lane has an opening. However, when I do the same in my wife's Traverse, a significantly noticeable fewer do so, even when there no other cars in the right lane.

We also have a section on one road in town where it reduces from three lanes to one for a short section. Again, I've noticed when driving either of mine, doing the speed limit, most people keep pace behind me & don't speed up to 'beat me' to the merge; however, when driving her CUV, also doing the speed limit, drivers try to shoot ahead to do so.

[Moto-Mojo]

Begs the greater question: CAN CAMARO SAVE THE WORLD?

[GrandAmGT]

People probably assume that since we drive a car with aggressive styling that means we're aggressive drivers so they give us deference. Kind of like wolves in a pack and how the betas bow down to the alphas by laying on the ground and exposing their stomachs.

[clashley1976]

Originally Posted by GrandAmGT

People probably assume that since we drive a car with aggressive styling that means we're aggressive drivers

And they would be right!

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[Ace0751]

Rush hour it doesn't matter what type of car you have, people will be idiots and push the needle. Normal day though I agree when the lane shrinks they don't try to speed past me cause chances are they will not win.

[GrandAmGT]

Originally Posted by clashley1976

And they would be right!

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Ha! I'm totally not an aggressive driver. I don't do more than 8 mph over the speed limit on the highway and haven't gotten a speeding ticket in 10 years. I got my last traffic ticket 9 years ago when I rear-ended someone I thought was going to run yellow light.

[xnuyokr]

I've noticed quite a bit of love coming my way. The car gets peoples attention and they usually let me easily merge or give me the right of way.

[KaBoom1701]

There is a "speed respect" factor when sizing up other cars on the road. We have it with our Camaros.

[$inferno]

Not here in NC. We have a spot on 98 Hwy, that is 45 mph speed limit, out of Wake Forest that the right lane ends about 200 yards. Every time my wife is in the lane that does not end, Some body in an import car will try her. We only have a V6 and I guess that the imports think they will out run her "Heavy Chevy". They don't often get in front of her and when they can't beat her, They get mad, tailgate and act like she stole they favorite doll..

[Spec]

I think Camaros make other drivers become more polite.

I agree... at least around my stomping grounds. Although not everyone of course, most do show some respect... especially since I added the wider tires, louder exhaust, and lowering kit to it. It just looks mean, and most don't tailgate... most don't like to stop beside me at a light and if they do, they usually wait until I go before they add gas to their own ride.

One of the biggest things I've noticed is how fast drivers slow down around my car. They don't seem to want to gun it past me... they slow down and pass slooooowly... funny shit.

I think there's a fine line between a stock Camaro and a modified Camaro where people begin to note and 'fear' the ride.