What Happened to the Slug Rules?

OK, quite enough said on this topic. Suffice it to say that there needs to be a lot more common sense and common courtesy practiced on both sides!!

gj

That was my take on this exactly. I mean, I read so many of these posts, and every time we see these long lists of gripes, it is always a "starting member" making these charges. I agree there is a chance it may be someone who has driven for many years and who finally feels the need to speak out. But you do have to wonder. If one has so many bad experiences one would consider whether the person would continue to drive.

I have never seen a slug do what so many drivers say slugs do, and I have been slugging six years now. I have seen brief cell phone use, to make sure a spouse of a kid is up for work or school. I have never seen a slug talk on a cell phone for even more than 5 minutes nevertheless the entire ride. I have never heard the bubble gum issue, not even once. I have never seen a slug put on makeup and I only saw one slug eat in a car and he was appropriately asked to stop by the driver. I have never seen a slug bring coffee into a vehicle although many drivers do so and sometimes the smell of the coffee is strong. However, the driver who does have the strong coffee is one of my favorite rides because he is very careful and gives me the option of where I want to be dropped off near the Metro.

On the luggage issue, I have seen it maybe once or twice. The slug usually asked the driver whether he wanted it in the back seat or the trunk. There are some slugs who use a roller even for small bags. Yet, these compress and the slugs put them on their laps for the ride. I don't like them either, you are going to work and not a vacation, but what exactly is the harm?

Mostly, what I see, each and every day, is drivers wanting to get to work, and slugs wanting to get to work, and no one really out of line. This morning, the driver was going up the busy road, and she had difficulty deciding whether she should be in the right lane or the left. She chose to stay in the middle, between both lanes. It was careless of her, and she laughed about it. No one was behind us (yes I looked as I was in the back seat) and she drove perfectly the rest of the way in. I am not going to call her out on the momentary lapse. She gave me a good ride in and I appreciate it.

If you want to nitpick about drivers or slugs you can find ample reasons. But in six years, I have only felt borderline unsafe in a vehicle once, and while there are things that I could complain about, I have never chosen to do so. No system is perfect but this is awefully good. This post reminded me of 122582 posts. The tip the driver guy or gal. It just doesn't represent most people's experiences.

I am new to slugging, as I just recently moved to the area. I prefer to drive, because I have a lot of stuff that I carry to and from work each day and I don't want to bother a driver with all of my stuff. Anyhow, I have a question about riders:

What's the etiquite on flatulence (farting for the cavemen)? It seems that I have a rider almost every 3 or 4 days that feels the need to "let one rip" in my car. [xx(] I usually get a sideways look from the Slug in the front seat, like they think it was me... I try to perform my flatulent duties when no one else is in the car with me... So, would it be rude of me to crack a joke about the smell? Just to lighten the mood, I mean.

Also, is it rude of me to converse with the Slugs? I read the "intro to Slugging" part, which said that it is the driver's option, but I get the feeling that these people do not particularly want to talk to me... I ride in my uniform, but not all Marines have the specific desire to eat your spleen at the drop of a hat.

A note to any Slugs that ride with me (white Plymouth Breeze with NC plates):
I'm actually a nice guy, don't be afraid to talk to me. I only kill the bad guys. [:D] Also, if your stomach can handle it, PLEASE hold the flatulence until after you exit my car.

Thank you,
Sgt D
"Marines I see as two breeds, Rottweilers or Dobermans, because Marines come in two varieties, big and mean, or skinny and mean. They're aggressive on the attack and tenacious on defense. They've got really short hair and they always go for the throat."

Rear Admiral J. Stark, US Navy

Ok.. this is what I have experienced as a slug and driver:

Heavy perfume
Heavy body odor
Longer than necessary phone conversations- by slugs AND drivers-

Dear drivers, driving and chatting on your phone while carrying the lives of 2-3 strangers- not cool, sorry...

Make up application
Texting- again, by both driver and slug, again, same letter to driver.