This is another pet peeve of mine... I live in Phoenix AZ and so freeway traffic can be a nightmare sometimes. Everyone thinks they have a right to go 80MPH when the limit is 55 in most the downtown areas on the freeways and 65 once you get to the outer reaches of downtown. It is 75 once you get out town. I usually try to keep the pace of traffic and end up going about 70 in most parts (assuming it's not rush hour and than all bets are off.) If I keep to that pace and I can see in my rearview mirror that there is someone barreling down on me, I will stay where I am at, because moving over one way or the other depending on what lane I am in could create more of a potential for an accident. I would hope that the guy barreling down on me has taken scope of the traffic and is already planning on moving and my fear is that if I move so he doesn't have to, and he is going much faster than I am, I could move the same time he does and than since he is going faster I would essentially cut him off.
This is not correct. By remaining in the lane when you are going slower than the traffic in that lane and not passing vehicles in the other lane next to you, you are obstructing the flow of traffic. I was given a warning for this once. I was going about the speed limit in a 55 and traffic was going 75. Cop pulled me over. If the other driver hits you (and I doubt it, I've moved over lots for faster drivers) then they have made an unsafe lane change.
This is on a multilane freeway, where the general rule of left lane=fast lane doesn't necassarily apply, or car pool lane=fast lane really doesn't apply. If I am at least keeping pace with traffic (whether at 70 MPH or the speed limit and traffic really isn't allowing much more, than I prefer to stay put and let the guy who is insistent on going faster than the flow of traffic find his way around everyone... He usually does and I know that when I have needed to do the same thing, I plan for it and do not expect anyone to get out of my way.
Left lane always = fast lane. Traffic always works best when there is a speed difference between lanes. If all lanes are syncronized, then you have a rolling traffic jam. Also, the carpool lane is only the carpool lane during specified hours otherwise, it is the new left lane. I hate it when I come up on some bozo going 50 in the "carpool" lane on the weekend.
Actually, a good deal won't pass even if the other lanes of traffic are clear. I usually take my foot off the gas and begin to slow down if I notice a tailgater behind me.
I usually have to slow down roughly 20-30 mph before the tailgaters around here will pass. One time, on an early Sunday morning, I found myself going 30 mph on an empty highway... simply trying to get a tailgater to pass. And the speed limit was 75 mph. (and no traffic, as it was a very early Sunday morning)
Tailgaters simply prefer to be 4-5 inches from the rear bumper of another car... and they will drive at any speed to get that. Whether it be 110 mph or 25 mph.
the carpool lane is only the carpool lane during specified hours otherwise, it is the new left lane. I hate it when I come up on some bozo going 50 in the "carpool" lane on the weekend.
Lamentably, this is not true in the Puget Sound area. HOV regulations are 24/7. The legislature talked about changing the rules to improve traffic flow during weekends and evenings, but I believe that plan died because of the cost of replacing the "signage".
I must confess, I sometimes use the HOV lanes to pass at night. I figure that at night no one can see through my tinted windows. (Only 35%, legal in WA)
Tailgaters simply prefer to be 4-5 inches from the rear bumper of another car... and they will drive at any speed to get that. Whether it be 110 mph or 25 mph.
I have driven professionally for over 40 years and in all that time I find if you just ease off the gas and slow down 5-10 miles, in almost all instances, the guy will go around when he sees he can't make you speed up. I would never slow down to 35-40 miles per hour on a freeway, no matter how light the traffic is. If he continues to tail gate you, then yes, pull into another lane.
Tailgaters simply prefer to be 4-5 inches from the rear bumper of another car... and they will drive at any speed to get that. Whether it be 110 mph or 25 mph.
I was on I-80 one time passing a long line of trucks that were doing maybe 60-65MPH (speed limit for truck is 55MPH) I was doing around 75 MPH (speed limit for cars is 65 MPH) when some idiot in a panel truck got that 4-5 inches behind me. I mean I couldn't see the guys headlights. :mad:
Another time I was on I-88 going through a construction zone doing around 50 MPH (speed limit in the construction zone is 45 MPH and the police were heavily enforcing it, you get pulled over no warning and its a $200.00 ticket). It was one lane with the other lane closed and being actively worked on for about 20 miles. I had some clown ride my rear end like that for the entire 20 miles.
You would think that after a while he would figure out that I wasn't going any faster, or he would realize that if I did it wouldn't do anything as traffic less than a half mile ahead was also going around 50.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I had a good one yesterday. I was on a straight suburban 4 lane road posted at 40, with no intersections and nothing but a couple driveways for a mile or two. Very light traffic, and perfect weather. I was going about 41 (literally), and was slowly passing a new Odyssey on my left, which was going maybe a couple under the limit and appeared to have been doing so for some time. As my door got about even with her front end, she slowly started speeding up, until she matched and then exceeded my speed. I thought I would play around and see what she was trying to do, so I then accelerated to match her, and she got up to about 50 before she finally backed off. By the time I was fully past her, she got back to her slower speed. What the hell? Frazzled working mom or brain dead housewife? I never drove beside her again, she remained behind until I had to turn.
last Friday. Apparently on her way home. Tailgating me in the left lane of a 5 lane road--I had a left turn coming up. She passed a brake check and then did a quick turn and followed me all around a neighborhood. Apparently she wanted to say something. She followed and followed. Not back for a Rendezvous. She ran stopsigns, speeded like an estrogen-starved woman. I finally pulled over after she turned out in front of traffic when I waited and pulled out at the last minute so she wouldn't be able to follow. She told me I wasn't going the speed limit is why she was tailgating me!!!
Seems to be the attitude of many drivers today. You have to do the speed limit on a township road OR ELSE.
I told her she was crazy again. I don't know if she realized I pulled over 1 block from a police station where I could pull in to complain about her harrassment.
I guess she must have had a hard day at work in the power struggle or something. :confuse:
But I digress... You are right. I should be more considerate no matter who the idiot may or may not be. Who am I to know what they are really trying to do? Maybe thier blinker doesn't work, or maybe they really didn't realized that the lane was ending and really felt stupid now. Or who am I to add to an already congested road and now because of me thier is one more peeved driver on the road? Two wrongs don't make a right and one right may right the wrong...
I will admit that I used to take great fun out of blocking other people on the highway. But the time that I blocked someone who had an emergency (didn't know it until they passed) put an end to that. I really hope I didn't make things worse for them. Plus, it helps to put a stop to it if you have a few other cars that you've blocked try to take a swipe at you when they finally do pass (has really happened!)
Not true. I40 in Charlotte,NC area has 24x7 restrictions. Actually it makes sense, since the traffic over the weekend/non-rush hours is light anyway.
I was replying to someone else from Phoenix. In Phoenix it is as I state. And actually it doesn't make sense. On the weekend I'm usually moving at a nice clip and qualify for the left lane. In Phoenix that is the HOV lane and it is the smoothest lane on our freeways.
It just so happens that on my way home tonight I was highly conscious of how I was driving as I was thinking about this forum and what annoys people. I started to watch for those things and also watch how I drove and I noticed I did a few things that may be considered by others to be bad driving...
I am glad to hear you say that. I hope more people reading these boards get more conscious of their driving and of being more courteous. It is contagious to others and when you get in the habit, it will make you feel better inside.
Through the years some of the things discussed here make me think about them as I drive along in traffic. It's the crazies I worry about and too often those are truckers.
Right, and I fully understand the rationale behind doing that - as it is one way (the easiest way!) to release the tension of the situation. However, it also encourages continued inappropriate behavior in the other driver. I would liken it to a store clerk "giving in" to a boisterously rude customer who wants the clerk to do something against store policy, in the wrong, etc. What will that same person do the next time a conflict arises? :sick:
I also realize it is not my place to "teach the other driver a lesson," and that is not what I am doing/encouraging. I am merely not going to go out of my way to provide excess courtesy to the tailgater. If/when it is convenient to pull to the right lane, I will do so as well, but it is not explicitly to let the person pass, it is just because that is the lane in which I travel unless I am passing. I find that more times than not, one of these drivers will jump into the right as/before I can even get over to that lane..... espcially motorcyclists! Yikes... I've almost knocked 2 or 3 of them off the roadway in my pickup over the years because they will ride up on me so close (when I have a rearview-mirror blocking load) that I lose them in the sideviews, then they try to zip around me no sooner than my bumper has cleared that of the vehicle I just passed. :confuse:
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
I can go from 0-road rage as fast as anyone, but I guess I don't get too excited about tailgaters, save for when the offender is an overcompensating SUV with blinding lights. Let em go around, it doesn't excite me. It's the people that park (they call it driving) in front of me who give me the headaches, that and the no-signal turners and line cutters and passing-racers.
I won't move over to be courteous...I'll just do it to get the joker out of my mirror. Out of sight works for me.
Tonight's winner...an older women (surprisingly enough) in a Sienna going about 10 under in the left lane, text messaging as she dawdled down the road. Awesome.
Ok I went to the grocery store this morning (Saturday) to pick up some things for a party. Its 8 AM and there are maybe 5 other cars parked in the parking lot. I am parked close, but not the closest space, to the entrance. So guess what? Some lady sat there waiting for me to leave. :confuse:
I mean come one there were hundreds of open spaces many just as close as I was to either one of the two entrances. But no, she had to sit there and wait for me to load up and leave.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Obviously your movements and action of loading up your vehicle was very entertaining for her. Men in the construction industry are usually admired by the ladies for their rippling muscles & excellent physical condition. She didn't desire your space, she desired you.
Well there are two entrances to the store, one on either side of the building. There might have been ones closer at the other entrance. At this entrance there were spaces at least as close.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I'm from Pittsburgh, and I'm not aware of us habitually stopping at the end of merge lanes before entering freeways.
Now it's true that in the past there were many badly designed freeways with little or NO merging areas (like the Parkway East and West), so you essentially had to stop when traffic was heavy but moving, but most of these seem to have been fixed now.
Another bad design (still exists) are the double-decker Fort Pitt and Fort Duquesne bridges, where you are forced to crisscross multiple lanes depending on the direction you need to go.
I just returned home from a trip there, and the truly inconsiderate drivers I encountered were two truckers hauling oversized loads (mobile homes) who insisted on going faster than the posted 65 mph speed limit in PA. Now if anyone should be going no faster than the speed limit, it is over-width trucks.
One of them started to go around me as we were entering a left hand curve on I-79 posted at 55 mph (I ignore such signs in my Camry for freeway curves). I wasn't about to let a rolling mobile home go around me in the curve so I sped up 70 to keep him from passing until AFTER the curve.
In many ways, if you're not in a real rush, they beat the interstates these days in that you can usually have the road to yourself, especially on weekdays between 10 am and about 3 pm. Of course, seeing oncoming log trucks heading the opposite direction only a few feet away on steep mountain grades (or a redneck in a Chevy pickup who can't stay on his side of the road) can make you pause....
Thanks. I was there for a wedding shower a couple of years ago and became very familiar with only a few ramps. It seemed that everyone stopped before merging (surprising me greatly coming from behind). But maybe it was as you say with very short ramps at those few exits/entrances.
Since there were no lights, I assumed it was some regional thing, and when you assume....
Now if anyone should be going no faster than the speed limit, it is over-width trucks.
In reality shouldn't everyone travel no faster than the speed limit? I mean its called a speed limit for a reason, its not called a speed suggestion (although most people treat it as such).
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Technically of course, you're correct, but how do you get that particular genie back into the bottle? People have been speeding since the dawn of the automobile. (I'm sure the Romans sped in their chariots as well.)
The national 55 mph limit exacerbated the problem, making a mockery of interstate highway travel speeds. Since I was driving before 55, I remember that interstate speed limits were largely obeyed back then. No longer.
Plus there's so many right here in Edmunds that express their utter disdain for posted limits, feeling that they're set by police and politicians for extortion purposes and/or they're superior drivers and know how to handle high speed.
Speaking of limits, are you aware that as recently as the 60s, many states and localities did not have fixed speed limits, in that the driver had some discretion in traveling above posted limits, given ideal traffic, visibility, and weather conditions? (I'm not talking about "reasonable and prudent," which set NO numerical limit on unposted Nevada and Montana rural highways.)
Of course, if you were ticketed by the police for exceeding the posted limit, I'd think you'd have a hard time convincing the judge that you were exercising proper discretion.
Saw a nice guy today...I was out in the fintail, going about 40 in a 35 in the right lane of a suburban 4 lane road with very sparse traffic. A brand new TL comes up behind me, and gets right on my bumper. I'm just out cruising on a Sunday, and I'm in the right lane, so I wait for him to pass. He just parks himself on my rear bumper. So I pull the fintail trick...I downshift, and then hit the gas just a bit. The smoke the fintail farted in his general direction got him to finally zoom by. Much more fun than a brake check.
That smoke trick reinforces my thinking that a used motor oil vapor spraying out the back at the push of a button on the dash would help discourage tailgaters. Good use for used motor oil too besides recycling it. Save a pint to refill the trunk-mounted storage bottle.
Plus there's so many right here in Edmunds that express their utter disdain for posted limits, feeling that they're set by police and politicians for extortion purposes and/or they're superior drivers and know how to handle high speed.
I have had discussions with some of those and I have come to the conclusion that many of them are not as good as they make themselves out to be.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Well you know the old saw about asking a roomful of drivers to rate their own skills/abilities, and most, if not all of them, will say they are above average.
Maybe a system to dump oil into the engine and burn it off, too. A noxious cloud is much more dramatic than slick...I think most people would be more annoyed by choking on the fumes than wiping off that windshield they never clean anyway.
very enjoyable, with no real complaints about general road manners, etc. The one incident that I did find annoying at the time, though funny now, was headed home from Sam's Club on Saturday.
I pull into a right curve lane (one of those dedicated lanes that curves your road into a yield to traffic on the connecting lane) that connects to a two-lane road and stop behind this old Chevy Blazer that is stopped, waiting for something... ? The only traffic that is coming is left turn traffic from the roadway we were exiting. This is a single lane of turning traffic, turning onto a two-lane road. So..... don't we have our own lane, since this traffic should be turning into the left-hand lane and we have the right? Hmm.... well apparently not according to the driver ahead of me. So we wait.... and wait.... and then the train-crossing guards just ahead of us start dinging! Haha.... this fella threw his "I am going to yield to traffic that is not in my intended lane" mentality right out the window and gunned it. Then he sat nearly motionless as his tires spun out on the ice, eventually let off the gas and eased into the lane, then became timid again and stopped short of the train crossing.
Haha.... :P My son enjoyed watching the train cross, plus, it was a fairly short train (~30 cars), so everything's well that ends well. :shades:
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
In reality shouldn't everyone travel no faster than the speed limit? I mean its called a speed limit for a reason, its not called a speed suggestion (although most people treat it as such).
Here in AZ we have a reasonable and prudent speed law. Speed limit is really more of a suggestion. Makes sense when ADOT sets the limit and they don't even have the money to decently maintain roads let alone speed limits. I currently drive a road with a SL of 65, but other similar areas in the state have 75. Makes no sense.
Some cars and drivers simply do not perform as well as others. If you can do 70 in a 1966 Ford with no disc brakes, airbags, seat belts, or radial tires, why can't I do at least 85 or 90 in my much more modern vehicle. The speed limit is the speed limit because it is set for the lowest common denominator. I may not be the best driver in the world, but I am much much much better than the worst.
Your analogy leaves a lot to be desired. A musician is not better playing a top of the line instrument. He is still the same person with the same ability.
Also an expert skier can ski on anything, but most rely on the new "shaped" skis. An average skier on "shaped" skis is not a better skier, but an easier skier.
You are what you are and by the time the modern vehicle filters your driving ability down to the road, you are mostly an easier driver, not a better one.
If the limit is set for the lowest common denominator, most of us, including you, have been taken into consideration.
"Your analogy leaves a lot to be desired. A musician is not better playing a top of the line instrument. He is still the same person with the same ability."
Actually a top flight musician will sound much better and probably play better on a better instrument. A pro driver can take an Accord places an inexperienced driver can't.
The roads were built for the greatest common denominator, not the least common denominator.
No his analogy is pretty good. Look at the musician, you can easily tell the difference between a great musician playing a poor instrument and that same musician playing a well made one.
Even the cheapest of todays cars can break better than the best cars of the 60's. Can manuveour better too, as well as better protect the passengers.
But I think he misses the point, going 90 in todays vehicles is far more dangerous than going 70 in todays vehicles. making the car safer does not give license to go faster thereby negating the increased safety.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
When cars had drum brakes, leaf springs, axles, and bias ply tires.
Easier, better, whatever. The end result is that different levels of ability are able to drive faster safely today than they could then.
When I was 16 i drove a VW Beetle that had brakes in only 2 wheels...if you pumped them...and a hole in the floor. I delivered pizza like that and drove to school for 2 years. No at fault accidents. I'm sure driving my Accord/Civic/LS 400 at 80-90 mph is safer for all of us than that car was at any speed.
But some of "yesterdays" cars are still on the road. And they have the same speed limits as the cars that perform much better on all fronts. We all know it's gonna do more damage if you hit something at faster speeds. but why must that arbitrary speed be set at 55, 70, 80, 90 or a 100. There are many other variables to deal with. In most states there's no reduction for rain or snow or even when it's dark. You can't tell me 70 in the day time is just as safe as it is at night.
"but why must that arbitrary speed be set at 55, 70, 80, 90 or a 100"
Simple - easy revenue collection. That's what it is all about. It's up to the powers that be to defend their legislation. If they can't, they should have their power violently removed from their grasp.
No because any speed will be arbitrary. Lets face it, no matter what speed you make it some one some where will complain that its not faster. gee35 will always say "if a car from the 60's can do X MPH then I should be able to do X+Y MPH in my newer safer car".
If they can't, they should have their power violently removed from their grasp.
You have the power to remove them every election year. The fact is that the majority voted them in to do such things as post speed limits. They do it so deal with it.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
If that were the only job they had, it sould be so easy. But there are actually more important issues that concern the "majority" than speed limits. If the speed limits were set by people who actually built the roads and did research on dynamics and safety, I'm sure the speed limits would be more realistic.
I'll stand my my assertion that the interstates were designed with 75mph travel in mind in a day when cars were buckboards compared to today. The 55mph limit wasn't due to safety but fuel economy. That's another debate. But if 75 was good for those cars then, then all states should have at least that as the limit now in areas where appropriate.
That has nothing at all to do with revenue creation.
"You have the power to remove them every election year"
And the replacements will act just as arbitrarily and irresponsibly. Same clown, different suit. It's up to them to defend and prove their legislation.
Adhering to a law just because it is a law - no matter how illogical and crooked it may be - exactly opposes the spirit that created the USA.
Not a speed that can be justified. What's wrong with asking these people to defend their ideas?
"This country was founded because laws were not being followed."
It was founded in opposition to unjutifiable laws. Hey, we have plenty of those now. But today, I guess we should follow them...some good old boy crony capitalist politico really knows whats best for all. Especially if he leans right.
Thats the problem, almost any speed can be justified, and no speed can be justified. I may see a justification with speed 'X' while you don't, yet you would see a justification with speed 'Y' while I don't. The issue is that at most speeds some will think its justified, some will justify lower speeds and some will justify higher speeds.
It was founded in opposition to unjutifiable laws.
Actually the laws were justified, they just were not being followed. We started fighting the revolution to enforce British laws and protect the rights of an Englishmen.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Just set a criteria that is easy to establish. Set a baseline for roadholding for braking and cornering. And make sure roads are built to visibility standards. It would be easy for engineers to set standards that would satisfy most reasonable drivers. The "safety" matra is as tired as the "efficiency" one. You will never have a zero fatality rate. That's unrealistic. But if you set mandatory yearly inspections to insure cars are a decent state of repair and make driver's licenses something that earned rather than given, you can really increase public safety and respect for the laws that are set.
"The issue is that at most speeds some will think its justified, some will justify lower speeds and some will justify higher speeds."
Studies have shown "most" people drive where they are most comfortable anyway. If most cars on any given road are exceedi ng the speed limit, it shows that the speed limit is too low.
The "safety" matra is as tired as the "efficiency" one. You will never have a zero fatality rate. That's unrealistic.
Wouldn't it be interesting if the media continuously bombarded us with death statistics every week listing the average 800 persons that died on US roads during the last week. This could be supplemented by the injury rate also according to severity. Maybe an ABC news program could scroll the names of the fatality victims each week - after their families were duly notified of course. Think that this would get some attention?
Agree there should be better driver license testing and retesting and some type of annual vehicle inspection by all states. Of course the costs for these would be born by drivers and owners of the vehicles.
Studies have shown "most" people drive where they are most comfortable anyway. If most cars on any given road are exceedi ng the speed limit, it shows that the speed limit is too low.
Wonder how comfortable are those "inconsiderate" drivers that go 65-75 MPH while tailgating (one car length gap) in caravans on the interstate? Also, weren't interstates conceived back in 50's when traffic was very light?
Many people push the envelope on any speed limit no matter what limit is posted. Check this out on city/suburban streets/roads for postings of 35-50. There are always drivers going up to 10 MPH or more. If you repost a limit to 5 higher, they will just increase their top end by 5 more. This is their human nature. They have no self-discipline. Check out info on speed topic on IIHS web site.
How many people die from smoking, unsafe sex, eating rare meat, and driving under the influence. People still do all these things. If people won't stop doing these things that have danger and irresponsibility written all over them, why would anyone stop driving 80-90 mph on an empty stretch of straight highway in the middle of the day? I specifically mention that scenario because that is where I notice many speed traps. In the safest places to drive quickly safely.
The IIHS is hardly the source I would go to for unbiased information on the speed limit.
Additionally, I have limited my posts on interstate speed limits. These are limited access roads designed for high speed travel. Georgia is thinking of passing a law for speed cameras in school zones. I'm actually for following the 25 limit in those cases and I support the camera law. But i might add that they should also educate the children. When I was 25 a 13 year old ran out in front of my brand new truck after committing some form of mischief and caused over $2000 in damage. I was following the speed limit and was not charged. But I still had a $500 deductible. Kind of pi$$ed me off.
Let's move on from the speed limit/safety thing. Everyone has been pretty clear on their positions about speed limits, nobody is even close to budging, and we don't have to go through this arguement about who has the best sources again.
Of course I didn't run into a SINGLE idiot on the road that I could tell you about today to get this back on track! :P
I pulled out of my driveway and was driving up the street, barely 20mph, when this lady in a Chrysler minivan pulled RIGHT out in front of me, forcing me to slam on my brakes. She was looking in the other direction when she pulled out into the intersection from the stop sign. I could see her shocked expression and she was mouthing "i'm sorry!" slowly...I actually found it somewhat funny since I was able to stop in time. Can't recall if she was on the phone or not, but I think she was...
I know I'm shopping for a new car but wrecking my existing one isn't exactly the way I want to go about getting it!
Comments
This is not correct. By remaining in the lane when you are going slower than the traffic in that lane and not passing vehicles in the other lane next to you, you are obstructing the flow of traffic. I was given a warning for this once. I was going about the speed limit in a 55 and traffic was going 75. Cop pulled me over. If the other driver hits you (and I doubt it, I've moved over lots for faster drivers) then they have made an unsafe lane change.
This is on a multilane freeway, where the general rule of left lane=fast lane doesn't necassarily apply, or car pool lane=fast lane really doesn't apply. If I am at least keeping pace with traffic (whether at 70 MPH or the speed limit and traffic really isn't allowing much more, than I prefer to stay put and let the guy who is insistent on going faster than the flow of traffic find his way around everyone... He usually does and I know that when I have needed to do the same thing, I plan for it and do not expect anyone to get out of my way.
Left lane always = fast lane. Traffic always works best when there is a speed difference between lanes. If all lanes are syncronized, then you have a rolling traffic jam. Also, the carpool lane is only the carpool lane during specified hours otherwise, it is the new left lane. I hate it when I come up on some bozo going 50 in the "carpool" lane on the weekend.
I usually have to slow down roughly 20-30 mph before the tailgaters around here will pass. One time, on an early Sunday morning, I found myself going 30 mph on an empty highway... simply trying to get a tailgater to pass. And the speed limit was 75 mph. (and no traffic, as it was a very early Sunday morning)
Tailgaters simply prefer to be 4-5 inches from the rear bumper of another car... and they will drive at any speed to get that. Whether it be 110 mph or 25 mph.
Lamentably, this is not true in the Puget Sound area. HOV regulations are 24/7. The legislature talked about changing the rules to improve traffic flow during weekends and evenings, but I believe that plan died because of the cost of replacing the "signage".
I must confess, I sometimes use the HOV lanes to pass at night. I figure that at night no one can see through my tinted windows. (Only 35%, legal in WA)
james
I have driven professionally for over 40 years and in all that time I find if you just ease off the gas and slow down 5-10 miles, in almost all instances, the guy will go around when he sees he can't make you speed up. I would never slow down to 35-40 miles per hour on a freeway, no matter how light the traffic is. If he continues to tail gate you, then yes, pull into another lane.
I was on I-80 one time passing a long line of trucks that were doing maybe 60-65MPH (speed limit for truck is 55MPH) I was doing around 75 MPH (speed limit for cars is 65 MPH) when some idiot in a panel truck got that 4-5 inches behind me. I mean I couldn't see the guys headlights. :mad:
Another time I was on I-88 going through a construction zone doing around 50 MPH (speed limit in the construction zone is 45 MPH and the police were heavily enforcing it, you get pulled over no warning and its a $200.00 ticket). It was one lane with the other lane closed and being actively worked on for about 20 miles. I had some clown ride my rear end like that for the entire 20 miles.
You would think that after a while he would figure out that I wasn't going any faster, or he would realize that if I did it wouldn't do anything as traffic less than a half mile ahead was also going around 50.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Not true. I40 in Charlotte,NC area has 24x7 restrictions. Actually it makes sense, since the traffic over the weekend/non-rush hours is light anyway.
Seems to be the attitude of many drivers today. You have to do the speed limit on a township road OR ELSE.
I told her she was crazy again. I don't know if she realized I pulled over 1 block from a police station where I could pull in to complain about her harrassment.
I guess she must have had a hard day at work in the power struggle or something. :confuse:
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
If exceeding the limit, you could have said you were trying to get away from this crazy woman who kept tail-gating and running stop signs.
If under the limit, you wonder if she does this sort of thing with every blue-hair driving a Buick. You could also define the word, "limit", for her.
Maybe natural selection will eventually kick in...
I will admit that I used to take great fun out of blocking other people on the highway. But the time that I blocked someone who had an emergency (didn't know it until they passed) put an end to that. I really hope I didn't make things worse for them. Plus, it helps to put a stop to it if you have a few other cars that you've blocked try to take a swipe at you when they finally do pass (has really happened!)
I was replying to someone else from Phoenix. In Phoenix it is as I state. And actually it doesn't make sense. On the weekend I'm usually moving at a nice clip and qualify for the left lane. In Phoenix that is the HOV lane and it is the smoothest lane on our freeways.
I am glad to hear you say that. I hope more people reading these boards get more conscious of their driving and of being more courteous. It is contagious to others and when you get in the habit, it will make you feel better inside.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I also realize it is not my place to "teach the other driver a lesson," and that is not what I am doing/encouraging. I am merely not going to go out of my way to provide excess courtesy to the tailgater. If/when it is convenient to pull to the right lane, I will do so as well, but it is not explicitly to let the person pass, it is just because that is the lane in which I travel unless I am passing. I find that more times than not, one of these drivers will jump into the right as/before I can even get over to that lane..... espcially motorcyclists! Yikes... I've almost knocked 2 or 3 of them off the roadway in my pickup over the years because they will ride up on me so close (when I have a rearview-mirror blocking load) that I lose them in the sideviews, then they try to zip around me no sooner than my bumper has cleared that of the vehicle I just passed. :confuse:
I won't move over to be courteous...I'll just do it to get the joker out of my mirror. Out of sight works for me.
I mean come one there were hundreds of open spaces many just as close as I was to either one of the two entrances. But no, she had to sit there and wait for me to load up and leave.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
She didn't desire your space, she desired you.
That's weird! Were there empty spaces closer than where you were parked?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Now it's true that in the past there were many badly designed freeways with little or NO merging areas (like the Parkway East and West), so you essentially had to stop when traffic was heavy but moving, but most of these seem to have been fixed now.
Another bad design (still exists) are the double-decker Fort Pitt and Fort Duquesne bridges, where you are forced to crisscross multiple lanes depending on the direction you need to go.
One of them started to go around me as we were entering a left hand curve on I-79 posted at 55 mph (I ignore such signs in my Camry for freeway curves). I wasn't about to let a rolling mobile home go around me in the curve so I sped up 70 to keep him from passing until AFTER the curve.
Since there were no lights, I assumed it was some regional thing, and when you assume....
In reality shouldn't everyone travel no faster than the speed limit? I mean its called a speed limit for a reason, its not called a speed suggestion (although most people treat it as such).
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
The national 55 mph limit exacerbated the problem, making a mockery of interstate highway travel speeds. Since I was driving before 55, I remember that interstate speed limits were largely obeyed back then. No longer.
Plus there's so many right here in Edmunds that express their utter disdain for posted limits, feeling that they're set by police and politicians for extortion purposes and/or they're superior drivers and know how to handle high speed.
Speaking of limits, are you aware that as recently as the 60s, many states and localities did not have fixed speed limits, in that the driver had some discretion in traveling above posted limits, given ideal traffic, visibility, and weather conditions? (I'm not talking about "reasonable and prudent," which set NO numerical limit on unposted Nevada and Montana rural highways.)
Of course, if you were ticketed by the police for exceeding the posted limit, I'd think you'd have a hard time convincing the judge that you were exercising proper discretion.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I have had discussions with some of those and I have come to the conclusion that many of them are not as good as they make themselves out to be.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I pull into a right curve lane (one of those dedicated lanes that curves your road into a yield to traffic on the connecting lane) that connects to a two-lane road and stop behind this old Chevy Blazer that is stopped, waiting for something... ? The only traffic that is coming is left turn traffic from the roadway we were exiting. This is a single lane of turning traffic, turning onto a two-lane road. So..... don't we have our own lane, since this traffic should be turning into the left-hand lane and we have the right? Hmm.... well apparently not according to the driver ahead of me. So we wait.... and wait.... and then the train-crossing guards just ahead of us start dinging! Haha.... this fella threw his "I am going to yield to traffic that is not in my intended lane" mentality right out the window and gunned it. Then he sat nearly motionless as his tires spun out on the ice, eventually let off the gas and eased into the lane, then became timid again and stopped short of the train crossing.
Haha.... :P My son enjoyed watching the train cross, plus, it was a fairly short train (~30 cars), so everything's well that ends well. :shades:
Here in AZ we have a reasonable and prudent speed law. Speed limit is really more of a suggestion. Makes sense when ADOT sets the limit and they don't even have the money to decently maintain roads let alone speed limits. I currently drive a road with a SL of 65, but other similar areas in the state have 75. Makes no sense.
Also an expert skier can ski on anything, but most rely on the new "shaped" skis. An average skier on "shaped" skis is not a better skier, but an easier skier.
You are what you are and by the time the modern vehicle filters your driving ability down to the road, you are mostly an easier driver, not a better one.
If the limit is set for the lowest common denominator, most of us, including you, have been taken into consideration.
Actually a top flight musician will sound much better and probably play better on a better instrument. A pro driver can take an Accord places an inexperienced driver can't.
The roads were built for the greatest common denominator, not the least common denominator.
No his analogy is pretty good. Look at the musician, you can easily tell the difference between a great musician playing a poor instrument and that same musician playing a well made one.
Even the cheapest of todays cars can break better than the best cars of the 60's. Can manuveour better too, as well as better protect the passengers.
But I think he misses the point, going 90 in todays vehicles is far more dangerous than going 70 in todays vehicles. making the car safer does not give license to go faster thereby negating the increased safety.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Easier, better, whatever. The end result is that different levels of ability are able to drive faster safely today than they could then.
When I was 16 i drove a VW Beetle that had brakes in only 2 wheels...if you pumped them...and a hole in the floor. I delivered pizza like that and drove to school for 2 years. No at fault accidents. I'm sure driving my Accord/Civic/LS 400 at 80-90 mph is safer for all of us than that car was at any speed.
But some of "yesterdays" cars are still on the road. And they have the same speed limits as the cars that perform much better on all fronts. We all know it's gonna do more damage if you hit something at faster speeds. but why must that arbitrary speed be set at 55, 70, 80, 90 or a 100. There are many other variables to deal with. In most states there's no reduction for rain or snow or even when it's dark. You can't tell me 70 in the day time is just as safe as it is at night.
Simple - easy revenue collection. That's what it is all about. It's up to the powers that be to defend their legislation. If they can't, they should have their power violently removed from their grasp.
No because any speed will be arbitrary. Lets face it, no matter what speed you make it some one some where will complain that its not faster. gee35 will always say "if a car from the 60's can do X MPH then I should be able to do X+Y MPH in my newer safer car".
If they can't, they should have their power violently removed from their grasp.
You have the power to remove them every election year. The fact is that the majority voted them in to do such things as post speed limits. They do it so deal with it.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I'll stand my my assertion that the interstates were designed with 75mph travel in mind in a day when cars were buckboards compared to today. The 55mph limit wasn't due to safety but fuel economy. That's another debate. But if 75 was good for those cars then, then all states should have at least that as the limit now in areas where appropriate.
That has nothing at all to do with revenue creation.
"You have the power to remove them every election year"
And the replacements will act just as arbitrarily and irresponsibly. Same clown, different suit. It's up to them to defend and prove their legislation.
Adhering to a law just because it is a law - no matter how illogical and crooked it may be - exactly opposes the spirit that created the USA.
Huh??? As I said any speed will be arbitrary. And there will be people who say its to slow.
Adhering to a law just because it is a law - no matter how illogical and crooked it may be - exactly opposes the spirit that created the USA.
Better study you American history a little better. This country was founded because laws were not being followed.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Not a speed that can be justified. What's wrong with asking these people to defend their ideas?
"This country was founded because laws were not being followed."
It was founded in opposition to unjutifiable laws. Hey, we have plenty of those now. But today, I guess we should follow them...some good old boy crony capitalist politico really knows whats best for all. Especially if he leans right.
Thats the problem, almost any speed can be justified, and no speed can be justified. I may see a justification with speed 'X' while you don't, yet you would see a justification with speed 'Y' while I don't. The issue is that at most speeds some will think its justified, some will justify lower speeds and some will justify higher speeds.
It was founded in opposition to unjutifiable laws.
Actually the laws were justified, they just were not being followed. We started fighting the revolution to enforce British laws and protect the rights of an Englishmen.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
"The issue is that at most speeds some will think its justified, some will justify lower speeds and some will justify higher speeds."
Studies have shown "most" people drive where they are most comfortable anyway. If most cars on any given road are exceedi ng the speed limit, it shows that the speed limit is too low.
Wouldn't it be interesting if the media continuously bombarded us with death statistics every week listing the average 800 persons that died on US roads during the last week. This could be supplemented by the injury rate also according to severity. Maybe an ABC news program could scroll the names of the fatality victims each week - after their families were duly notified of course. Think that this would get some attention?
Agree there should be better driver license testing and retesting and some type of annual vehicle inspection by all states. Of course the costs for these would be born by drivers and owners of the vehicles.
Studies have shown "most" people drive where they are most comfortable anyway. If most cars on any given road are exceedi ng the speed limit, it shows that the speed limit is too low.
Wonder how comfortable are those "inconsiderate" drivers that go 65-75 MPH while tailgating (one car length gap) in caravans on the interstate? Also, weren't interstates conceived back in 50's when traffic was very light?
Many people push the envelope on any speed limit no matter what limit is posted. Check this out on city/suburban streets/roads for postings of 35-50. There are always drivers going up to 10 MPH or more. If you repost a limit to 5 higher, they will just increase their top end by 5 more. This is their human nature. They have no self-discipline. Check out info on speed topic on IIHS web site.
The IIHS is hardly the source I would go to for unbiased information on the speed limit.
Additionally, I have limited my posts on interstate speed limits. These are limited access roads designed for high speed travel. Georgia is thinking of passing a law for speed cameras in school zones. I'm actually for following the 25 limit in those cases and I support the camera law. But i might add that they should also educate the children. When I was 25 a 13 year old ran out in front of my brand new truck after committing some form of mischief and caused over $2000 in damage. I was following the speed limit and was not charged. But I still had a $500 deductible. Kind of pi$$ed me off.
Of course I didn't run into a SINGLE idiot on the road that I could tell you about today to get this back on track! :P
I know I'm shopping for a new car but wrecking my existing one isn't exactly the way I want to go about getting it!
Todd in Beerbratistan