[Drivingforfun]

Random question

Is there a reason that a sizeable minority of people don’t seem to like being overtaken?

I have zero issue with people driving significantly more slowly than dictated by the speed limit or safety, they have the right to, but others also have the right to proceed past them at their own pace when safe

I don’t believe the reason is, as sometimes is said, to do with having one’s masculinity insulted or anything along those lines, as the person involved is no more often male than female

Personally if someone comes up behind me I actually prefer them to be in front of me than behind and will try to facilitate this, but some people obviously don’t feel this way

Any ideas??

[Mark07]

My first thought was ego.

But, I wonder if there's an evolutionary biology explanation e.g. The faster 'person' is a threat/challenge.

[NMNeil]

The late great George Carlin hit the nail on the head with his observation, but still no idea why people do as you say.
But as Mark07 said, maybe it's an evolutionary thing like loud exhausts where the driver wants everyone to pay him attention because he believes he's somehow special, and every other road user is a lesser person because they are driving slower than him or have a quieter exhaust.
Only a world call psychologist could come up with an explaination.

[Beelzebub]

George who?

[Rolebama]

I have no problem being overtaken, but those clowns who pass and then slow to a speed lower than I was doing, or those who cut in close for no reason, really get my goat. Worse though are those who do both, causing me to brake as opposed just lifting my foot. (I actually would like to use much stronger language to describe this foolishness, but as this a public forum, I shall desist.)

[olduser]

My thoughts are, it's a primitive instinct, in the stone age or beyond, we were most likely to be attacked from behind, so anything behind makes us uncomfortable, if it is gaining it's about to attack, up goes' the stress level, once they have passed there is a sudden release from stress, so we blow off steam.

If you notice, many drivers unconsciously speed up when you are preparing to overtake, and they may even drift over to the centre of the road.
I think that fits in with the paragraph above - If I can keep you behind you may not attack.

It even applies when people are walking.

[Rolebama]

I noticed when I used to do a lot of walking that I would feel uncomfortable when someone kept pace behind me. I would make any excuse to stop to let them pass. Tying shoelaces, gazing into shop windows etc.

[Mark07]

Originally Posted by olduser

My thoughts are, it's a primitive instinct, in the stone age or beyond, we were most likely to be attacked from behind, so anything behind makes us uncomfortable [...]

This is also meant to be the reason that when entering a public bathroom, men instinctively go to the urinal furthest away from the door.

[NMNeil]

Originally Posted by Beelzebub

George who?

One of the greatest observers of the human species.