CCW altered my driving behaviour?

[Tanner]

As thorough as my training , both in the classroom and in the field, I don't recall anybody mentioning that my driving would improve. Surely I am not alone in this behavioural change? I am 50 and have been driving well for many years now EXCEPT that I do keep points on my license for speeding. I have a Kawasaki and it is just part of the deal --not making an excuse , just saying...

Prior to retiring I drove a company vehicle with placards for many years and probably averaged 50 to 80 k a year easily so I've habitually driven politely and in a manner so as not to create a bad impression for the Company. BUT , since getting my CCW I have noticed a very marked difference in my driving. I am more-so than ever making determined effort to blend in, courteously but not to draw attention like, just making it a point to not be noticed. Kind of harder to explain than I thought when I came up with this thread notion. I'm not even sure I can identify intellectually why I am driving different but it's definitely noticeable and has been pointed out to me by more than one person.


Tell me I am not just crazy noob on this board and there's others here that noticed something similar ?

[mark]

no, you are not crazy, I cannot remember the post, but a member did state that he noticed his driving had improved

[Spicy McHaggis]

Most people with CCWs will say their driving improved or that they are more friendly while driving. I noticed it too. It's the exact reason why the theory of "road rage incidents turning into shootings" is so flawed. The exact opposite happens to people when they get behind the wheel while CCW.

[MrBrent]

+1 for me. I have a Mustang that loves to run so to speak but as others have stated I have kept the reins tightened down on her since I started CCW. I have only been pulled over once in this car and CHP wanted to check for a toll road transponder since I didn't have plates yet and thought I was skipping the toll on 241. I had my transponder and was good to go

[spc]

"An armed society is a polite society." Heinlein. Your experience is common not only for driving but for many if not all facets of life. Those of us who legally CCW find enhanced courtesy and awareness is something that seems to naturally follow the responsibilities of carrying a firearm. Allow these attributes to give you more comfort with the responsibilities you have accepted by committing to your and yours protection through CCW.

spc

[Mad Geek]

I would think that anyone that is responsible about CCW would, whether noticed by themselves or not, drive differently. For me it was more of an overall attitude adjustment, knowing that my actions in general could allow me to maintain my CCW license or have it revoked based on choices I make.

Driving differently is one of the changes where I had to make a conscious effort. Allowing more time to get from one place to another means I don't have to exceed the speed limit, I can use cruise control once I get on a freeway. Set my speed at the MAX and observe what's ahead of me or coming up behind me so I can maintain the space I need around me.

Like mentioned by Tanner, I drive a corporate owned vehicle with "1-800-SNITCH-ME-OUT" placards on it. That too is an incentive, but being allowed to carry is added incentive for me.

[Tanner]

"1-800-SNITCH-ME-OUT"





yeah, I guess I have pretty much toned it down all around now that I think about it. Can't be a bad thing I guess.

[Keith92555]

I still drive like an ass. But, in the words of Jules Winnfield from Pulp Fiction..."I'm trying real hard."