General Slugging Topics - Refusing rides

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Refusing rides

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Topic: Refusing rides

Posted By: scottt
Subject: Refusing rides
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2011 at 4:41pm

Just curious if any of you have an opinion on these:

Diplomats - I notice a few cars with diplomatic plates will stop and pick up slugs. That is very nice of them because, to my knowledge, they don't have to obey our traffic laws (they can be pulled over, but not cited). That said, I wouldn't ride in one since, if the driver does something stupid that causes my death or injury, I have no recourse against them (Diplomatic Immunity).

Cars with rejected VA inspections. Had this happen the other day. Nice BMW pulled up to 19 & F. I noticed the failure sticker and I passed on the ride. Granted the sticker could be for something simple as a burnt out bulb, but I figure another ride will be along shortly.

Thoughts anyone?

Replies:

Posted By: shorty5646
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2011 at 4:46pm

From http://www.slug-lines.com/Slugging/Etiquette.asp - http://www.slug-lines.com/Slugging/Etiquette.asp :

quote:
Slugs have the right to pass or forfeit a ride if they do not like a particular car. Lets say a couple of rough-looking characters pull up and your gut feeling tells you this ride isnt safe. PASS. There are plenty of other rides that will pass your own personal "gut" check.

As a slug, you have the right to pass on any ride, based on your "gut" feelings. Bottom line is, if you don't want to get in a car for whatever reason, you don't have to - no one is forcing you!

Posted By: scottt
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2011 at 8:43am

quote:
Originally posted by shorty5646

From http://www.slug-lines.com/Slugging/Etiquette.asp - http://www.slug-lines.com/Slugging/Etiquette.asp :

quote:
Slugs have the right to pass or forfeit a ride if they do not like a particular car. Lets say a couple of rough-looking characters pull up and your gut feeling tells you this ride isnt safe. PASS. There are plenty of other rides that will pass your own personal "gut" check.

As a slug, you have the right to pass on any ride, based on your "gut" feelings. Bottom line is, if you don't want to get in a car for whatever reason, you don't have to - no one is forcing you!

Thanks. I know I have the right to pass up a ride. I was just curious if anyone had an opinion on my "views"

Posted By: Pele
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2011 at 9:44am

The Virginia state safety inspection is so easy to get and yet so easy to fail. I wouldn't put too much weight on just the sticker.

How do you know that a good sticker is, in fact, legit? (I've seen people pay for and/or steal stickers. They put them on cars that are so rusted out that it looks like the Flintstone's car with huge holes in the floor.)

How do you know that a failure sticker is of a critical component? (Some cars fail for headlights being a bit foggy or not being aimed properly. The car will appear to pass with the naked eye.)

I take almost any ride available, even if it's in the trunk of a Miata.

I try and fall asleep so that if the driver wrecks, I'm nice and limp... Tends to work out for the drunks that wreck; They're limber and flop around in the wreck. The people who they hit are panicked and tense, they end up getting hurt or killed.

-------------------------
Times to beat:
Horner Rd to/from Pentagon: 12 mins Without Slugs - 17 mins With slugs
Dale City exit to/from 3rd St Tunnel, D.C. 18 mins (No slugs - Holiday)

Posted By: shorty5646
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2011 at 10:08am

quote:
Thanks. I know I have the right to pass up a ride. I was just curious if anyone had an opinion on my "views"

Well, in that case, I'm with Pele - I'll ride with almost anyone! Of course, that may be in part because I'm usually not in any position to pass up a ride (I leave DC around 5:30pm). I never even think to check tags or stickers! Personally, I'd only pass on a ride if I had a bad feeling about a "rough-looking character", especially as a woman. However, my point in quoting the etiquette page is simply that it is your choice as a slug - it sounds like you may be just a bit more picky about your rides, but that's your prerogative!

Posted By: NO44
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2011 at 1:08pm

quote:
Originally posted by scottt

Just curious if any of you have an opinion on these:

Diplomats - I notice a few cars with diplomatic plates will stop and pick up slugs. That is very nice of them because, to my knowledge, they don't have to obey our traffic laws (they can be pulled over, but not cited). That said, I wouldn't ride in one since, if the driver does something stupid that causes my death or injury, I have no recourse against them (Diplomatic Immunity).

Cars with rejected VA inspections. Had this happen the other day. Nice BMW pulled up to 19 & F. I noticed the failure sticker and I passed on the ride. Granted the sticker could be for something simple as a burnt out bulb, but I figure another ride will be along shortly.

Thoughts anyone?

I am a driver and I've only had one person pass on me. To be fair, if you ride with me, you will get home quickly. I don't drive like a maniac but I don't mosey along (especially in the left lane..people if you want to go slow there is a lane for that... or 3 more over in the regular lines). And when I see most people in line they run for my car because they are comfortable I will get them home quickly and safely. The one lady that passed on me was an older Latina lady who rode with me earlier in the week. I noticed when we got the lot she had her rosary out and was praying. So when I saw her the next day and tried to score her she waved at me like I was el diablo [}:)] and yelled "no, no, no" But that's her preference and I wouldn't knock anyone for doing what makes them feel comfortable. However if you ever want to get back to the Woodbridge or sometimes Montclair area quickly... I'm your girl!

[:D]

Nic

Posted By: Pele
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2011 at 7:45am

quote:
Originally posted by shorty5646

I never even think to check tags or stickers!

I check them all the time, mainly to see if they match the car, and to see if I know the inspector.

-------------------------
Times to beat:
Horner Rd to/from Pentagon: 12 mins Without Slugs - 17 mins With slugs
Dale City exit to/from 3rd St Tunnel, D.C. 18 mins (No slugs - Holiday)

Posted By: scottt
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2011 at 9:02am

quote:
Originally posted by shorty5646

quote:
Thanks. I know I have the right to pass up a ride. I was just curious if anyone had an opinion on my "views"

Well, in that case, I'm with Pele - I'll ride with almost anyone! Of course, that may be in part because I'm usually not in any position to pass up a ride (I leave DC around 5:30pm). I never even think to check tags or stickers! Personally, I'd only pass on a ride if I had a bad feeling about a "rough-looking character", especially as a woman. However, my point in quoting the etiquette page is simply that it is your choice as a slug - it sounds like you may be just a bit more picky about your rides, but that's your prerogative!

:-) Don't get me wrong. I'm not standing there checking to see if the cars have heated seats in the winter time. In fact the BMW was the first ride I've refused in over 6 years of slugging.

Just wondering if others shared my views or had other reasons for refusing a ride (before they got into the car)

Posted By: Beth Pagni
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2011 at 2:06pm

amen to Nic...she IS your girl if you want to get home quickly YET Safely! I can certainly vouch for that.

I'm with the rest of the gang...if someone rolls up...I'm in
that car....I need to get from point a to point b- simple as that!

Posted By: ShellyBee
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2011 at 2:50pm

I have refused rides before, though not often. I will not drive with people I know to be agressive, speed demons, and I have refused to get into tiny cars where you have to climb into a cubby hole in the back seat. I also refused a ride with someone driving a jeep (the off-road kind), because again, I wasn't interested in climbing up into a vehicle and into a back closet. And I also refuse future rides with a women who claimed she was going to 18th and L Streets (I worked around 18th and E) and then drove up 23rd street and wraped around some back roads to end up a her parking garage at 18th and L. I had to walk from L Street back down to E.... I was not happy.

Posted By: Boo123
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2011 at 3:37pm

Filthy cars. Interiors, I am talking about. I can stand some degree of filth. It is not like I am the neatest somebody in the world. However, I have encountered (on 2 occasions since I started slugging 3-4 years ago) some cars that were beyond belief.

One woman and her baby drove up, I opened the door, and realized the baby had done EVERYTHING in that car. I said, "I am sorry. I cannot sit in this for 40 minutes." The mother/driver took it very well; said she understood. (I think she gets refused alot.) I closed the door. Got in the next car.

Second incident, the guy's car was a similar "trash can". The driver of the previous car in front had originally said she was going to a destination that was not going to work for me. I had been in this second car (the guy's car) before so knew what I was up against. The driver of the previous car then changed her mind and said she'd drop me at my destination after all. I said, "Bless you!" [:D]

Just a little levity for the afternoon. Seriously, I don't pass up much either (usually running late). So you know it has to be a cesspool going on in the car if I am balking.[:)]

Posted By: Beth Pagni
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2011 at 4:39pm

WOW...I guess that goes along the lines of etiquette for slugging. Drivers should certainly keep their cars clean..I think I'd have
to say no to a filthy back seat that a baby did EVERYTHING in too. I think I must be lucky- I've only been slugging for 6 months and every car I get into has been pretty nice. (knocking on wood)

Posted By: BrieNey
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2011 at 9:08pm

I've only experienced one driver that I'd definitely pass on if I saw him again. He wouldn't stop trying to talk to me the entire way into DC - which for the most part I don't mind some idle chit-chat, but he kept asking me things like how old I was, was I married yet, were my parents trying to pressure me to get married (oh and he wanted to know if there was anything going on between me and another slug... uh no, we just happen to go to the same location), and so on. And then he told me he was going to "write about me" in his book. I was too afraid to ask.

Posted By: slug123456789
Date Posted: 18 Apr 2011 at 10:58am

quote:
Originally posted by BrieNey

I've only experienced one driver that I'd definitely pass on if I saw him again. He wouldn't stop trying to talk to me the entire way into DC - which for the most part I don't mind some idle chit-chat, but he kept asking me things like how old I was, was I married yet, were my parents trying to pressure me to get married (oh and he wanted to know if there was anything going on between me and another slug... uh no, we just happen to go to the same location), and so on. And then he told me he was going to "write about me" in his book. I was too afraid to ask.

That is way too creepy.

I refuse to get in a few cars - smokers, known bad drivers. I don't care what anybody says, I am not getting into a car with a driver I know has problems. I once rode in a car and I felt like I was going to get whiplash because he kept taking his foot on an off the gas and I mean constantly, no relief from the jerking back and forth. Not again!!! But, smokers I really, really hate - they should just be banned (Kinda joking, but I so wish that could happen).

Posted By: AngloAustrian
Date Posted: 18 Apr 2011 at 11:31am

Cars that have the smell of stale cigarette smoke are my bug bear too (along with tail gaiting, but that was discussed many times and I just close my eyes and hope for the best). Unfortunately, by the time you get in the car, and close the door, you don't smell the stink until the car is moving. I wish there was a sign that said "Warning, stale cigarette smoke!" Only kidding, but I think some would really appreciate it. However, having said that, I am still grateful for the ride and I usually find that I get used to the smell after a short while, and I just hope I don't stink for the rest of the day! Once had a guy pull up WITH A LIT CIGARETTE in his hand! Nobody took the ride.

Posted By: NO44
Date Posted: 18 Apr 2011 at 11:55am

quote:
Originally posted by AngloAustrian

Cars that have the smell of stale cigarette smoke are my bug bear too (along with tail gaiting, but that was discussed many times and I just close my eyes and hope for the best). Unfortunately, by the time you get in the car, and close the door, you don't smell the stink until the car is moving. I wish there was a sign that said "Warning, stale cigarette smoke!" Only kidding, but I think some would really appreciate it. However, having said that, I am still grateful for the ride and I usually find that I get used to the smell after a short while, and I just hope I don't stink for the rest of the day! Once had a guy pull up WITH A LIT CIGARETTE in his hand! Nobody took the ride.

See I'm a smoker and I also think that is rude. I wouldn't subject anyone to that. It's just really inconsiderate. Yes, they are getting a free ride, but just because I choose to smoke doesn't mean I would impose that on someone else. Not to mention the health issues. I can't believe he pulled up with a lit cigarette and expected to get riders!

Nic

Posted By: VAwitch
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2011 at 2:09pm

quote:
Originally posted by AngloAustrian

Cars that have the smell of stale cigarette smoke are my bug bear too (along with tail gaiting, but that was discussed many times and I just close my eyes and hope for the best). Unfortunately, by the time you get in the car, and close the door, you don't smell the stink until the car is moving. I wish there was a sign that said "Warning, stale cigarette smoke!" Only kidding, but I think some would really appreciate it. However, having said that, I am still grateful for the ride and I usually find that I get used to the smell after a short while, and I just hope I don't stink for the rest of the day! Once had a guy pull up WITH A LIT CIGARETTE in his hand! Nobody took the ride.

Actually, before getting far, if I though it was a smoker-car, I'd ask be let out. I have asthma, and stale-smoke car, or one where the driver smoked & threw-the-butt right before picking up HAVE set off my asthma.

Same for being a driver - once I did have to ask a passenger to exit before we'd even moved an inch - the "cloud" was still enough I could feel my lungs closing up.

Only had 1 person who rode in my car, and their perfume set off my asthma (FWIW I've been riding & driving for 17yrs, and only had 5 incidents in that time), that got pissy when I said I'd have to take them back to the line. She said don't bother, got out w/ a slam, and walked back to the line... *shrug*

But if you can't understand that your driver may start having breathing difficulties, or your passenger will need 911 - and lets you know quickly - well, dunno what to tell you.

Posted By: zansmom
Date Posted: 21 Apr 2011 at 12:39pm

I have a brief list of who I will refuse (future) rides from:
Green BMW at Tackett's w/ older slender white male driver - chain smoker, always a cloud of smoke in his car.
Large White SUV (possibly Explorer)at Tackett's w/ husky black female driver - drove 80 mph with all four windows down in the fall with music blaring loudly the whole way.
Brown older model Buick 4 door w/50'ish female driver - changes destinations at the last minute near the Pentagon (said she was going to 14th and Penn. then got ready to take MEMORIAL BRIDGE EXIT).
Blue Jeep Cherokee (tags "LETTERMAN") older white male driver - drove in rainstorm constantly on his blackberry the whole length of 95 from OH lot to 14th st.
And a hispanic guy with an older compact car (can't remember too much other than that) but he drove really fast and his seatbelts don't latch). So I literally prayed the entire trip.
But other than that, I'm good with anybody (for the most part). [;)]

Posted By: CJ
Date Posted: 21 Apr 2011 at 5:42pm

So as a slug its pretty easy for me to refuse a ride from someone. you just look the other way, pretend you're going somewhere else, whatever. lots of ways to be passive aggressive about it. As the driver it's a bit bit more difficult to avoid confrontation if you don't want the chronic smoker or the gum-popping farter or the holy-roller who wants to convert you in 30 minutes or less. How do you deal with that?

CJ

Posted By: NO44
Date Posted: 22 Apr 2011 at 8:47am

quote:
Originally posted by CJ

So as a slug its pretty easy for me to refuse a ride from someone. you just look the other way, pretend you're going somewhere else, whatever. lots of ways to be passive aggressive about it. As the driver it's a bit bit more difficult to avoid confrontation if you don't want the chronic smoker or the gum-popping farter or the holy-roller who wants to convert you in 30 minutes or less. How do you deal with that?

CJ

@ Cj, being a driver, I know your pain, the talker is the one that gets me and not the nice conversationalist because I am so down with that provided it is not Monday morning... but the expert in everything I cannot handle...Oh I had one guy showing my pictures of his family vacation while I was trying to drive... reallllly???

Nic

Posted By: VAwitch
Date Posted: 25 Apr 2011 at 3:02pm

quote:
Originally posted by CJ

So as a slug its pretty easy for me to refuse a ride from someone. you just look the other way, pretend you're going somewhere else, whatever. lots of ways to be passive aggressive about it. As the driver it's a bit bit more difficult to avoid confrontation if you don't want the chronic smoker or the gum-popping farter or the holy-roller who wants to convert you in 30 minutes or less. How do you deal with that?

CJ

For the smoker-passenger - see above. I take a few deep breaths before taking off, while they're getting buckled - if someone's perfume or eau de cigarette is starting an asthma attack - I politely let them know they need to find another ride - and why.

Just about anyone else - you'd probably have to just suck it up. I do recall that some time ago, for Potomac Mills, there were a few slugs from Rosslyn that would get refused entry.

As for the high-roller - I'd politely tell them to drop it, and make a note of them - to post a description here as well as to avoid them in the future. And if they didn't, I'd likely roll down the window on that side so I couldn't hear them - with the latch locked to keep it down ^_^

I've HAD that discussion, when my plates were VA WITCH, or VA WICAN. And most either had a mature discussion or dropped it. Those that didn't, I generally just turned up the radio & ignored them. One of the rights I served to protect was freedom of religion, both mainstream & not. And that will never change.

Posted By: downtowndcslug
Date Posted: 25 May 2011 at 2:39pm

I hate the people who try to sell you things like Avon or whatever on the way to your destination...talk about uncomfortable.