#PlateWire : Most Recent Talks Published

INTRUSION

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:18:00 GMT

ONCE AGAIN THE SUBJECT OF 'RED LIGHT' CAMERAS HAS BEEN BROUGHT UP BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT....WHILE I CAN UNDERSTAND THE LOGIC IN AN OBVIOUS WAY, A PART OF ME STILL IS UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THIS TACTIC....ANYONE CARE TO WEIGH IN.....

Idiot on cell phone

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:38:00 GMT

To the idiot in the red charger: (Mich. Spartan plate EJ--F)
Thanks for cutting me off while talking on the cell phone approaching M10 south today. Ever hear of a turn signal? Then, after I honked at you and flashed my brights, you started tapping the brakes. Are you trying to cause a road-rage incident or just dumb?
What you did was against the law and stupid. You deserved a ticket and if you keep that childish stuff up, you'll get it. Get off the phone and drive right, moron.

TALKL8R

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:05:00 GMT

So you in the white Nissan Maxima with your holier-than-thou TALKL8R vanity plate feel like you can speed and change lanes with impunity on North George Mason Drive in Arlington. If you don't want folks to use their mobile phones while driving perhaps you should set an example and drive more courteously yourself. I'd like to keep the fender on my car please.

Ambulance

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:05:00 GMT

Oncoming Ambulance. Driver in front of me and I both deciding whether it was safe to move to the right in case the ambulance needed to come to our side of the road. I start to move to the right - not even halfway out of my lane. OHANA 90 is behind me, guns it, pulls to the left (because I was in 1/2 the lane) and tries to pass me - you know, to get 10 feet further ahead. The ambulance turns. Neither the car in front or I need to continue the right merge. OHANA 90 Lays on his horn, stays right on my driver's side quarter panel and tries to force me into the right lane. I wouldn't go. I show him the siren signal with my index finger and he gives me the middle finger and is screaming like an idiot in his car. The rule is simple, you pull to the right for sirens and lights. Not try to pass everyone who's actually following the law.

Backs out without looking

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:54:00 GMT

Late model black Mercedes, VA plates XRR-1943, white, brown hair, wire rimmed glasses, 40's male. In 7-Eleven parking lot at Route 7 West and Walter Reed/Beauregard (border of Arlington and Alexandria). Male driver backs out of his space without looking, nearly taking out the front end of my late model Mercedes so I honked and hit the brakes so he wouldn't hit me. He stops, I wave at him to go ahead, and he has the nerve to flip me the bird and curse me out through his open window. Unbelievable! Extremely rude, entitled, was even on his phone w/o handsfree device. So makes you wonder how he was driving with one hand on his phone and the other flipping me off??? I just smiled and let him go on his way, so not worth the negative energy. Just watch out for him, he's a ticking time bomb. Karma baby!

Minnesota Drivers should understand snow by now...

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:31:00 GMT

... but they don't!

It's amazing how quickly traffic comes to a standstill with even the lightest of dustings... end of last week for example, I94 had people going 25 in a 60 in the left lane, with no congestion, when it started snowing lightly... even by the time I got to work (it took almost an hour for a 15-mile trip) less than 1/16 of an inch had fallen.

Then this monday, we have maybe half an inch of snow and slush, and SOMEONE manages to spin out in the left lane despite moving with traffic at less than 10 mph... needless to say, traffic after that was going less than 5 mph and was stop and go for miles upstream of that idiot.

The day after, people were going 30 in a 60 despite the roads being completely clear and dry and having half a minute of following distance on the traffic ahead, as if the snow the day prior had given them some kind of post-traumatic stress disorder that made them incapable of operating a vehicle. They always like to drive matching speed across the road, too, so no one can pass them, causing traffic to stack up for miles.

This is Minnesota, one of the coldest, snowiest places in North America... driving in snow is not rocket science, and these people have no excuse for these shenanigans. They are not snow virgins. With the same road conditions as people are scared to go 15mph in a straight line, I have no trouble at all racing pylons in an empty lot, and when people are SOMEHOW managing to spin out doing 10 on the interstate, I can do 40 around a hairpin without losing control of my car. WHY are drivers here so obtuse? WHY can't they handle such a simple task as commuting to work in the snow? it boggles the mind!

P.S., snow tires should be compulsory between December and March for a Class D. Can't afford them? take a bus.

Howdy all!

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:41:00 GMT

Sorry I have been absent, although progress has been made on the new version (http://beta.platewire.com), life has been a bit rough for the last few months, so things have not progressed as quickly as I would have liked. I am glad to see that the site is still quite active and cannot wait to launch the new version, which will include Android and iPhone interfaces for on the go reporting.

Until the site is complete, I do not feel comfortable adding advertising, but expenses for the site grows. As such, I must reach out to you, the userbase, and hope that I can count on your generosity to help cover some of these expenses.

If you are willing and capable of making a donation towards PlateWire's expenses, then please feel free to send PayPal donations to badmark@gmail.com.

Any and all donations are greatly appreciated

Have a great new year, and stay safe on those crazy roads!

bAdmArk

Advice to Car Makers

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:27:00 GMT

You can increase your bottom line by eliminating two things that most drivers don't use anymore.
First, there does not seem to be any reason to put ashtrays in vehicles, since most smokers just toss their butts (and ashes) out the window anyway.
Second, most vehicles don't need power steering. I've encountered too many drivers going to the right curb lane to make a left turn, and vice versa.

New law in NC for teen drivers

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:36:00 GMT

There's a new law in NC that lets cops take away licenses if teens drive recklessly. Some parents are upset because their kids need those licenses to take themselves to school and work. Here's a random thought- HOW ABOUT YOU TELL YOUR KIDS NOT TO DRIVE LIKE MANIACS AND THEY WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT LOSING THEIR LICENSES.

http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20111230/News/312309982

Possible fires prompt Fisker Karma recall

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:22:00 GMT

Green car maker Fisker declared a "potential safety issue" last week, in regards to the batteries in a number of its Karma models. Friday the company made it public. Fisker will be recalling around 239 cars. A construction mistake in the battery system may potentially cause a fire, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall filing said. Resource for this article: Fisker recalls 239 Karmas over battery issues

Notified by battery supplier

The issue with the battery is that the internal cooling system hose clamps were misaligned. This can cause a fire if the coolant leaks. The battery supplier informed Fisker of the issue which caused the recall. All Karmas assembled from July 1 to Nov 3 are impacted by this.

Replacing it all

Chief designer and CEO at Fisker, Henrik Fisker, explained in a letter:

“Our quality check procedures have enabled us to identify a potential battery coolant issue at the factory and initiate a rapid response program to address it in the marketplace. As a precaution we are replacing battery packs in the 50 cars already in customer hands with brand new ones, and are making modifications to address the issue in the more than 1,200 Karmas already produced and in production.”

Most not sold yet

Although the recall affects 239 vehicles, Fisker believes most of them are still in dealer inventories. About 50 are believed to have been sold to consumers. The automaker claims the owners will be notified in mid-January. The business claims its dealers will replace the battery pack free of charge.

The Karma is one of the most pricy electrical automobiles on the industry. The luxurious and sporty EV sells for more than $100,000.

Battery issues abound

The General Motors Chevy Volt has been under fire lately since its battery could start a fire after an accident. That means the Karma is not alone in the battery troubles.

Do you need to know more about the Karma recall? You are able to choose option 2 after calling 1-855-575-7577 to get more information.

Sources

Safecar.gov

Autoguide

Earth Techling

Green SUV menace

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:58:00 GMT

Tailgating, speeding, reckless driver shouldn't be allowed to drive on the road. This driver is going to injure innocent people on Sunrise Highway, NY. License plate XHA 9737, a green SUV.

Raheja Revanta

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 23:44:00 GMT

Revanta is a project by the world renowned developer Raheja who is also known to be the most awarded developer of India. Revanta Raheja comes with a touch of divinity in its every detail and easily stands out with uniqueness in it's every feature. Close to traditions, Revanta Raheja also offers eco-friendly buildings that along with being luxurious, offering a first-rate lifestyle, very efficiently utilize the energy resources around. In a nutshell,Revanta Raheja is a mix of traditions,divinity,versatility and intelligence which combined together welcome you in all together a different world. Raheja Revanta Feature Located at sector 78 Gurgaon. Choice of 2/3/4/5/6 BHK,floors/apartments. Area ranging from 1478 sq ft to 4952 sq. ft. Possession by 2014. Located just off NH8 near the intersection of northern. In close vicinity of proposed metro line. Surrounded by a host of planned 5 star hotels. In close vicinity of shopping malls and office developments. Raheja Revanta : Connectivity TC Classic Golf Resort - 3 Km(5-7 min). Medanta Medicity - 12 Km(10-15 min). Raheja Atlantis - 11 Km(10-15 min). IGI Airport,New Delhi - 22 Km(20-25 min). Raheja Revanta Gurgaon. Call +91 84470-97771 for more detail of Revanta Raheja Sector 78 Gurgaon. Revanta Raheja is a mix of traditions, divinity and intelligence which combined together welcome you in all together a different world.

"Car"fucius" is Back!

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:57:00 GMT

HI ALL...I'VE MISSED YOUR MISSIVES...HAVE YOU MISSED MINE?

I know it's not just BMW...

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:35:00 GMT

I know it's not just BMW, but this is amusing. Around my office, even the BMW people had to laugh. http://jalopnik.com/5869734/secret-document-reveals-why-bmw-drivers-are-asshats

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:26:00 GMT

Watch out before the holidays. Be safe always:

Please, take care of yourself. A recent joint study conducted by the Department of Health and the Department of Motor Vehicles indicates that 23% of traffic accidents are alcohol related. This means that the remaining 77% are caused by assholes that drink bottled water, Starbucks, soda, juice, energy drinks and shit like that. Therefore, beware of those who do not drink alcohol. They cause three times as many accidents.

Merry Christmas to all, and a Happy New Year too.

All of the kids and grand kids are coming home for the holidays. I am worried to death because they are all driving. Jailbait, (Keri) now has her learners permit, so she drives when ever we go somewhere.

Jeff and I will be driving to Washington after the first, to visit with old friends and neighbors for a few days and then we will be flying to Australia for the rest of the winter. We should be back sometime in late April. Everyone drive carefully and have a good holiday season.

Sheila

Need More of This

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 04:06:00 GMT

Holy Crap! Are you serious?

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 17:44:00 GMT

My BF and I were driving behind a silver BMW going west on Mississippi towards Kipling. When we turned onto Kipling, the car was burning SOOO much oil it left a HUGE puff of smelly black smoke and we could not see! We almost hit a pole because of this Jack Ass! Watch out, and thanks for being concerned for our beautiful Colorado air. What a dick! His plates were 126 RRD.

looney driver spotted

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:12:00 GMT

la x839119 very erradic lane changing no blinkers heading south hwy 23 into belle chasse two hours ago. needs to be picked up!

Drivers

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:18:00 GMT

I am a born and bred Marylander. I always thought people in and around the DC area were very inconsiderate drivers. Until I moved to PA, that is. Maryland traffic may be more fast paced and seemingly dangerous, but if you just keep up, you'll do fine. In PA people are downright rude and ignorant. They will drive slow in front of you on purpose and tail you hard when they are behind you. They will wait until you are just about at the intersection, THEN pull out right in front of you. Also, nobody seems capable of staying on the correct side of the double-yellow line! This is all so foreign to me. I'm getting used to assuming that every car on the road holds a grudge against me, but it sure seems like a waste of time and energy to treat others the way they do up here. Go Maryland!!!!

Cool Site

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:06:00 GMT

This is a cool site! A friend of mine recommended it to me after he found it to be a good outlet for his driving frustration. I now have to teach myself to look at and record the license plates of drivers I'd like to flag. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can do this safely while driving if my memory is not so great? For the record, I do not think that snapping pictures while driving is very smart or safe. So how do you guys get it done?

ITBITES

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:15:00 GMT

Twice in the last week this teenaged girl has almost hit my van! I am driving my van around very responsibly because I have my children in it and I don't want them to get hurt while this child is driving around Sumter,South Carolina like she is in the movie Fast and Furious! It's a little yellow sports car license plate ITBITES and she has written on the back window ITZ SPICY really OMG South Carolina drivers need to have to take drivers ed they are not required to and they should be clearly because they have some of the crappiest drivers ever!

nbty=pisseddriver26=alaskaninside

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 13:59:00 GMT

New name. same loser! Obviously someone with no life.

truck side swiped me

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:50:00 GMT

While driving on 95S in Baltimore an 18 wheeler side swiped me as they were trying to merge into my lane. I couldn't move to left or slow down. Cars were in both areas. I think his license plate was T410336.

P768IV

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:00:00 GMT

To the hispanic woman and her daughter who flipped ME the bird. When you are planning on making a left turn, if there is in coming traffic, put your damn blinkers on!! And seriously, the bird? Grow up.

Scarier Than Drunk Drivers

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 04:03:00 GMT

- I have enough trouble with incompetent drivers who are paying attention.

Mary Ann Lahann was inching past the Bay Bridge toll plaza when -- wham! Rear-ended by a driver with her head down, texting away.

It's no surprise to the 51-year-old engineer from Carmichael that cellphone use and texting now rank as the biggest safety worries on our roads, according to a survey released Thursday by the state Office of Traffic Safety. Motorists consider phone users more dangerous than speeders, tailgaters or drunken drivers.

Those fretting about drivers using cellphones more than doubled from a year ago, to 39 percent, a "dramatic" increase, according to safety officials.

And though 55 percent claimed they didn't once hold a phone while driving in the past month, 46 percent say they have made driving mistakes while talking on cellphones, and 60 percent say they have been hit or nearly hit by other drivers who were talking or texting.

"The person behind me just flat-out didn't stop," Lahann said. "When I got out and went to her window, she was sitting there kind of stunned. She said, 'I was on my phone! I didn't see you.' Like that was an excuse!"

In 2010, 22 percent of drivers thought speeding and aggressive driving were the biggest problems, followed by cellphone talking and texting, which totaled 18 percent combined. In the latest survey, speeding and aggressive driving dropped to 18 percent. Drunken driving was next on the list, with 13 percent considering it the biggest danger on the roads.

"I would agree (cellphone use) is the No. 1 distraction," said California Highway Patrol Officer D.J. Sarabia, of San Jose. "Oftentimes we see drivers weaving in and out of lanes or driving on the shoulders. We stop to investigate what we may think is a possible DUI driver only to find out it was someone talking on the phone, hands-free or not."

Added Alameda County Sheriff Tom Rodrigues: "I see drivers on their cellphones every day. It's as if the laws don't even exist. I write every one that I possibly can. With all of the innovative tools out there for hands-free use, I am at a loss as to why people don't use them."

The CHP has issued nearly 475,000 tickets to drivers violating the hands-free law since it went into effect in July 2008. Police estimate local departments have issued a similar number of tickets over that period.

The survey comes at a time when federal officials have begun a campaign against distracted driving by targeting teens. This weekend a safety video dubbed "OMG" will begin playing during previews at some movie theaters and at gas stations with video screens at pumps in the Bay Area and nationwide.

The cost of a ticket is about $159. A bill to double that amount and apply the same law to bicyclists was vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown.

Data on how many crashes can be directly linked to cellphone use are inconclusive. Some studies say it's a huge problem, while others point to an overall decline in crashes and injuries and say concerns are overstated.

"Speeding, aggressive driving, drunk driving all are very serious and actually kill more people than cellphone use," said Chris Cochran, a spokesman for the traffic safety group. "But crashes from cellphone use are a fast-growing problem and one that the public is correct in noticing and, hopefully, reversing early."

One piece of encouraging news is that a larger percentage of drivers (40 percent) say they talk less on their phones while driving than last year (35 percent) because of the hands-free law.

Meanwhile, police say they are getting better at spotting cellphone abusers who try to hide phones in their hair or hoodie, let the phone drop to the floor or pretend they are scratching their face or playing with earrings.

Safety studies say a driver texting while going 55 mph can cover the length of a football field without looking at the road.

"What if a pedestrian steps into a crosswalk? What if a child runs across the street? What if the vehicle in front of you stops to avoid a hazard?" said CHP Officer Sarah Jackson, of Aptos. "The consequences are permanent."

And if being rear-ended wasn't enough, Lahann had another bad experience one day as she walked through the parking lot at a grocery store. Without warning, a teen texting while on his bicycle ran into her as he rode head down, no hands on the handlebars, texting like mad.

"I saw him at the last moment and jumped to the side," she said. "His front wheel swiped me. He wobbled and almost went down. No apology, just a swear word."

http://www.mercurynews.com/traffic/ci_19450934