Interesting phenomenon that you point out with Prius drivers, as has also been noted at this link I posted previously:
“Ever been cut off by a prius with an Obama sticker? It happens more often than it should. The tipping point for the One Less Prius sticker was nearly being hit by one such vehicle IN THE BIKE LANE on Sunset Blvd. The guy gave me the finger when I threw my hands up.”
I don’t ever see this because I don’t ride a bicycle. I might if they had dedicated separate paths where I need to ride, but sharing the roadway with autos is too dangerous for my blood.
But why you cyclists notice an increased danger from Prius owners is very interesting. Three possible reasons I can think of:
(1) Maybe they are generally less attentive drivers? I sometimes think that many Prius owners don’t like visiting gas stations because they just don’t like cars. Since they don’t like cars, I wonder if that gives them poorer than average driving skills – maybe they don’t take the time to hone those skills.
(2) Maybe they are envious of someone greener than they are?
(3) (thought I had a third possibility but have forgotten)
This would make an interesting case study…if one every gets done, let me know because I’d love to find out the psychology behind this behavior!
