| Author | Message | ||
| Francisco J. Quinones (Frankie)
Junior Member Username: Frankie Post Number: 128 Registered: 8-2002 |
many moons ago a friend of mine had a windshield banner that read "slower traffic keep right" backwards so vehicles in front could read it in their mirrors.i need one of those banners  | ||
| Francisco J. Quinones (Frankie)
Junior Member Username: Frankie Post Number: 127 Registered: 8-2002 |
in south fla people cruise at around 85-90,in atlanta pretty much the same it all depends on conditions and traffic density.over here in panama city usually 5 over is o.k. but like Jay said, it's up to the officers judgement. a happy and safe holidays to all!! | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
Junior Member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 106 Registered: 11-2002 |
Jay, I suppose I should'nt have spoken for the rest of the country, my appologies but here in Ga the norm is about 10 or 15mph over. As I said in my previous post all you need to do is drive I-75 and macth the speed of the traffic to see this. I have been in the left lane and passed our state troopers numerous times @75mph. They know what is safe out here and what is not. They will ticket you over 75 but not @ or below that. Happy Holidays! | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 596 Registered: 10-2001 |
Jay, I'm from the Chicago Area and unless you're weaving through traffic at a high speed, you won't get a ticket on the Interstates at 70 MPH. That's about the normal speed of the flow. Perhaps downstate is more picky? | ||
| Jay S. Morris (J_saber)
New member Username: J_saber Post Number: 3 Registered: 12-2002 |
That is not true Charles. In Illinois there are two levels of tickets you may recieve before you can be arrested for speeding. Minor, anything under 12 mph and major, which is 12 and up. Illinois State Troopers will pull you over for going 6 over. The most common allowance is 5 mph over. Really, it depends on the officer, the department/municipality, the road you are on, and events that may have occurred earlier. Your best bet is 5 mph over. Further, if you are on a road, any road, and the mph is stated, that is the limit. If you are passing another vehicle you are only allowed to pass at that speed. Hence, passing in a 55 zone means you are limited to pass at 55, not 60. | ||
| Mark (Markg)
Member Username: Markg Post Number: 336 Registered: 2-2001 |
Co-worker just got back from jury duty. Teen in a pickem-up truck (Colorado Cadillac) decided person in front of was driving too slow so p/u truck rammed slower car off the road. Truck driver pleaded innocent (was caught on intersection camera) and then stated the the victim owed damages due to damage done to truck by victim's car!! Just be awaire, some peoples thought process is skewered - so I always get out of the way of amature drivers.... | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
Junior Member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 100 Registered: 11-2002 |
Des, There is a difference between the letter of the law and the intent of the law. Police departments don't generally enforce the letter of the law because they know as the rest of us do that it is the intent that matters. In this case the intent is to get everyone to drive at a speed that is safe and reasonable. Almost all police departments throughout the country will allow 10 or 15 mph over. That is why in traffic court the Judge will ask the officers what the average speed for a particular area is, and tell them not to write tickets under that speed. This is not a matter of being arrogant, it is a matter of courtesy. I noticed that in one of your earlier posts you said "Tim's right, although the "flow of traffic" on the LIE is sometimes closer to 80... and unless it's 3 or 4 in the morning, i try to stay away from the left lane, as much as possible, unless i'm just dipping in, to pass, then dipping back out to the middle lane..." why do you do this? Happy Holidays! | ||
| Francisco J. Quinones (Frankie)
Junior Member Username: Frankie Post Number: 121 Registered: 8-2002 |
well DES i have picked up things here and there reading,t.v.,the net etc. reading mags like car&driver,road&track,autoweek for over 20 years you pick up stuff.people like Patrick Bedard who like to research these things. i'm not that smart a feller but like to practice common courtesy on the road hoping others will do the same.(esp when moving along ) i found a bit of info on this and related subjects this morn on google,bear in mind that on the U.K. and H.K. links they drive on the right so the advice would reverse for the left-side driving countries. hope this helps: www.motorist.org/issues/speed/u_turn.html www.motorist.org/new/whats_new_around_the_coutry.html www.sense.bc.ca/ (canadian eh ) www.speedtrap.org/ (kinda helpfull) www.abd.org.uk/ (tip 4 safe driving tips) www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200203/27/0327229.htm (what Ming was reffering to) www.alexyoung.com/static/ay/samp/driving-101.htm www.slowtrav.com/italy/driving/autostrada.htm www.motorists.org/ericpeters/archive/speedingmyths.html www.nada.org/ (search:safe driving tips) www.motorists.org/info/road_rage.html www.texasmotorists.org/(road rage and aggressive driving) slower traffic keep right except to pass laws in several states but to damn tired to keep searching, maybe later. enjoy Frankie | ||
| Ming Cheng (Onlinesys)
Junior Member Username: Onlinesys Post Number: 99 Registered: 5-2002 |
Just for your information, we will be given a ticket in Hong Kong if we keep in the fast lane on highway for a certain distance without any reason like overtaking someone. Also, a ticket will also be given if you overtake someone from the slow lane on any highway. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 309 Registered: 8-2002 |
Francisco, you had quite a bit of factual & interesting information in there... please tell me where how you know so much... Also, and i am in complete agreement with you that 55mph sucks and i, as well, go alot faster than the posted limit, but as a law-abider, doesn't a citizen have the right, over any one of us, to go 55mph in the left lane and not have to worry about harassment...? Yes, i agree, the law sucks hairy donkey ass, but it's still the law until we can change it, so doesn't someone doing 55mph in the left lane have every right to be there, according to the law...? Isn't it a little arrogant of us to ask them to "please" move over to the right lane...? Just a thought... | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 696 Registered: 4-2002 |
The original question: Should I pull over? I dunno. I've never had anyone come up behind me. Hans. (perpetual left lane hog, but NEVER blocking traffic) | ||
| Francisco J. Quinones (Frankie)
Junior Member Username: Frankie Post Number: 119 Registered: 8-2002 |
many speed limits are set way too low on purpose as a means of generating income because the local politicos know that most people will go faster than the posted limit. it's a known fact,ever heard of the 80th percentile? that is, it's commonly known that on average over 80% of the population DOES drive over the posted limits,it's a fact of life,unfortunatly over here in the states many people are not as carefull as they should when driving but nevertheless they still go with the flow. it's when someone starts forcing their will and holding up traffic on purpose that dangerous behavior enters the picture. it's simple people if you want to crawl around and do the speed limit that's fine just please please please do it on the RIGHT lane,let others live their own way and if i get a ticket for speeding well MY FAULT,i'll pay it, been there done that,i take responsibility for my actions. watch traffic as you move along,notice the nice concertina effect when a police cruiser enters the highway and watch people resume a normal to them cruising speed when the same cruiser exits. also the u.s. highway system was designed in the 1950s to safely accomodate traffic at 75mph and that was using '50s technology!! i think modern vehicles handle and stop a little better than 3 ton drum braked bias ply shod '50s leviathans. be safe pay attention and use common sense however uncommon that mat be. just my $3.55 | ||
| Mark Eberhardt (Me_k)
Junior Member Username: Me_k Post Number: 228 Registered: 5-2002 |
Speed limits are there to keep stupid people safe from themselves. I'm very glad to hear you don't speed Arlie. | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
Junior Member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 90 Registered: 11-2002 |
Arlie, I take that as meaning you always do the speed limit. If thats true I respect that. As far as the wrecked Ferraris go I am sure your correct that many of them got that way because of "careless highspeed driving" but I don't think that is what we are talking about here. I am refering to the typical driver who like 95% of the drivers out there drives at speeds over the speed limit that are perfectly acceptable to most of us. To be more specific I-75 in Atlanta for example has a posted speed of 55mph. 55mph is absolutely rediculous on a 8 lane interstate. nearly everyone who drives on I-75 is going at least 75mph and somehow they all feel safe even though the posted speed is 55, all you need to do is match the speed of the traffic to see this is true. I don't think anyone here is asking anyone else to drive faster than they feel comfortable with. This is mearly a case of live and let live. In my opion people who feel they need to impose there way on other drivers by playing lane police are just being self righteous A-holes. It is rude and selfish to camp out in the left lane thats all there is to it! | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 1611 Registered: 9-2001 |
Pull over and let them by. The left lane is for passing slower traffic. | ||
| David Jones (Dave_jones)
New member Username: Dave_jones Post Number: 7 Registered: 12-2002 |
Just staye rite in the fast lane and when he flashs his lites give the bastard a break check. When he tries to pass on da rite swurve over and give him da bird and show him who is boss. You pays teh same taxs like him and can driv wherevr the hell you wants. Ifn he dont git teh message pop off a 12 gague acrossed his bowel. | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 590 Registered: 10-2001 |
I drive my Honda and my Lotus the same speeds on highways: about 75 mph which is the flow with the traffic which around here is always pretty much around. Only on empty roads is there a difference in my driving speed and that has nothing to do with lane usage. Slower cars in the left are always a hazard regardless of speed. | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 520 Registered: 5-2002 |
Charles said: "Well hell for that matter why not 35mph, that will make it even safer." In case you might have forgotten your WWII history, the speed limit during WWII WAS 35 MPH in order to conserve gasoline. Something that could become relevent if the looming middle east war ever occurs with its associated fuel shortages. "You wouldn't by any chance be one of those hypocrits who drive at 60mph in the right lane when the posted speed is 55mph would you?" Not me Charles. I have too many insured vehicles to start driving like A.J. Foyt on the public roads and risk tickets and then higher insurance rates. But to be truthful, we all know that sports cars in general never suffer the effects of careless high speed driving. All those wrecked Ferraris and Corvettes and Vipers that you see at the auto auctions and on E-Bay got damaged in tornados and earthquakes. I'm sure NOBODY would ever drive their sports car at high speed beyond their ability on a public road. Such things just don't happen. I guess all those cars on wreckedexotics.com were just parked in bad neighborhoods and suffered vandalism. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Intermediate Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 1769 Registered: 6-2001 |
All the canadians are gonna see this talk about guns and just think us americans are even more violent and gun possessing than they thought! | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 589 Registered: 10-2001 |
Insurance companies like lower speed limits not for safety, but so more "safe" drivers get tickets and they can up the rates. 55 MPH is not safe on a lightly travelled highway since the spped of choice is around 70. | ||
| David White (Dwhite)
Junior Member Username: Dwhite Post Number: 81 Registered: 7-2002 |
Living in the NY metro area and being on the parkways and the LIE often, I try and stay in the left lane. Why? because then I only have to worry about one lane of traffic pulling stupid stunts. I never travel in the middle lane. I also try and pull over when someone is coming up behind me before they need to flash. However, the one thing I don't do is pull over for some A ho-e who is flashing me to move over when there is bumper-to-bumper traffic and nowhere to go(I know, I'm acting like jerk, but these spoiled brats need to be taught the word NO) | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
Junior Member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 84 Registered: 11-2002 |
Arlie, I saw this debate and just had to ring in and bust your chops a little. I want to make sure though that I understand your position. "Speeding causes accidents" I guess you mean any speed over the posted speed. As we all know the speed limit use to be much higher. Back before the gas crunch the Department of public safety would actually go out and drive a particular stretch of road. They would use a set of guidelines given to them by the government, and determine what the maximum safe speed was for that road. That info was forwarded to the state authorities who made the final determination as to what limit to set. That speed of course could not be over the states maximum speed as set by the legislature. The maximum speeds varied from state to state back then. Then of course the gas crunch hit and the Federal government threatend to cut off Federal Highway Dollars to any state that would not set a maximum speed limit of 55 so many states dropped their maximium speed to appease the Fed's. The fact is the max safe speed for most interstates is well over the posted speed. You know as well as I do that once the government takes something away they will not likely give it back. Once the gas crunch was over some states went back to higher max speeds but they never went all the way back to the speeds that were set before the gas crunch partly because the insurance lobby hit them hard to lower the speeds. It is understandable why they wanted this, it is only logical that slower is safer so mabey we should drop the speed limit even futher. How about a 45mph speed limit, that would certainly make the roads safer. Well hell for that matter why not 35mph, that will make it even safer. Well if were going to go that far why not 25mph that will make it almost imposible to get in an accident. Well for that matter lets just do away with cars all together and no one will have to worry about it. Now you argue that we are all law breakers, I say we are all voting with our gas pedals. We are all certainly intelligent enough to know what is safe and what is not. That is why so few people actually do the speed limit. They know as I do that it is an unrealistic number most of the time. The insurance company and the Fed's have thier own reasons to want the speed limit at a particular level but neither are qualified to determine what is best for us. You wouldn't by any chance be one of those hypocrits who drive at 60mph in the right lane when the posted speed is 55mph would you? | ||
| Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Member Username: Dapper Post Number: 422 Registered: 4-2002 |
yes, agree with Rob, get over. If someone else wants to go at whatever speed and take the risk its their call (yes they are probably risking others but thats life, what others do may or may not affect you). This is also a big problem in the UK. Can't understand the mentality of guys who stay out there in the way. If there is a long trail of traffic thats different entirely, but if you are holding others up with nothing in front of you, get over, your being a total ******. Not to mention increasing the chance of accidents because frustrations on both parts will build to dangerous levels, provoking some highly dangerous act. | ||
| Kelly AKA Luca Brazzi (Tifosi1)
Member Username: Tifosi1 Post Number: 533 Registered: 2-2002 |
New idea, I could start carrying me Remintgon 1100 with buck shot. Hard to miss huh | ||
| Kelly (Tifosi1)
Member Username: Tifosi1 Post Number: 532 Registered: 2-2002 |
Well, I guess I should start carrying my 30-30. I think I can fit that behind the seat. OK Now we can go into how the 30-30 round is not accurate. | ||
| John A. Suarez (Futureowner)
Member Username: Futureowner Post Number: 321 Registered: 3-2002 |
"If you feel the need to prove your manhood with a firearm at least pick one that will allow you to hit your target." G. Peters, You just proved your manhood. Nice shot Geeze! | ||
| Markus Lex (Playersmarkus)
New member Username: Playersmarkus Post Number: 20 Registered: 10-2002 |
Back to the initial question : "How many of you guys feel that you should pull over under the following circumstances. You are driving 70 mph in a 65 mph speed zone and are in the fast lane. There is a guy bustin' your ass and tailgateing you to get out of the way. There is room for him to pass you on the right but he won't. He insists on you getting out of the way and flashes his lights. Should you pull over or force him to pass you on the right?????? " Coming from the country of the Autobahn I have to admit they I don't feel too safe passing on the right side. I think that there are 4 reasons why someone is driving by themselves on the left ( passing ) lane : 1. They want to teach you/they are jealous 2. They are scared of the right lane 3. They fell asleep/daydreaming 4. They have no clue Passing on the right under options 1,3 and 4 could potentially get dangerous. I would probably drive for a while behind the car and then give him a little hint with the xenon.If the driver still doesn't move over, I would pass him cautiously on the right. I think that there is absolutely no reason whatsoever to drive on the left if the right is wide open. It is of course not very appropriate to " bustin' ass and tailgating " and it only triggers a negative reaction from the other party... Just my 2 cents Amen Markus Playersrun.com ..I wish i had more guys like Norman ahead of me ;o) | ||
| Erin Patrick Pierce (Fulmina)
Junior Member Username: Fulmina Post Number: 70 Registered: 3-2002 |
G.Peters, now that wasn't very nice. I am sure Kelly was just joking about shooting back. There is no need to attack him here. That said, my first duty weapon was a Rugar P-89. Not as accurate as my later weapon, a Sig P-229, but the target didn't seem to mind... not even while I was moving. For all I know you are some special forces commando who burns villages and wears ears on a string around his neck, but I couldn't help but wonder... why were people shooting at you? Was it in some official capacity, or was it because you are so charming? | ||
| Robert Callahan (Rcallahan)
New member Username: Rcallahan Post Number: 14 Registered: 7-2002 |
It appears that all but two or three people understand that the left lane is for passing. the others think the left lane should be for anybody that thinks they are going the speed limit and therefore have the right to be there. For the people that think thie right lane is for passing - you are right. for the people that think you have the right to stay in the left lane when you are not passing, you are WRONG. Please stay out of the way of educated considerate drivers who want to pass on the LEGAL left lane. Thanks from all educated safe drivers. | ||
| G.Peters (Wfo_racer)
Junior Member Username: Wfo_racer Post Number: 64 Registered: 5-2002 |
Kelly, ever been shot at ? Ever been shot ? Ever try to shoot a moving target ? I have . It hurts , secondly it's not easy to hit a moving target. Lastly the Ruger you mention is a below average gun in terms of accuarcy. If you feel the need to prove your manhood with a firearm at least pick one that will allow you to hit your target . | ||
| James Selevan (Jselevan)
Member Username: Jselevan Post Number: 275 Registered: 6-2002 |
- 5% of the people think, - 10% of the people think they think, - 85% of the people would rather die than think. Jim S. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Junior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 248 Registered: 8-2002 |
The longer this thread gets, the cooler Mark gets... | ||
| Norman Yung (Storminnormin)
New member Username: Storminnormin Post Number: 21 Registered: 7-2002 |
I think all this talk about passing lane vs fast lane, speed limits, laws, rights etc are all fine and dandy, but the bottom line is this: Being a left lane bandit at whatever speed is potentially dangerous for everybody. If someone wants to go faster than you, and if your car has nothing but empty road ahead of you, then get out of the way, let the guy by, and then you can slide back into your cosy little spot in the left lane. No harm done. Protecting your little spot in the left lane is hostile and rude driving in my opinion. A good driver is not a fast driver, although fast drivers can be good drivers. A good driver is one who is prudent and drives proactively, always aware of his/her surroundings. If someone is catching up to you in the rear view mirror, a good driver would see the rear car before a situation arises where you get flashed or tailgated, and you should move out of the way as a courtesy. Don't take it personally that someone wants to go faster than you. Once the guy has passed you, you can get back into the left lane at the speed you were going, and no harm done to anyone. In my opinion, a left lane bandit is one of the following: asleep at the wheel; not driving proactively and defensively; has an air of self-righteousness by attempting to force everybody else to drive the speed limit; or has an inferiority complex that turns all speed challenges into personal challenges against their manhood or something. These are all attributes of a dangerous driver, someone I would not want to be on the same road with. The answer to the question is, Please get out of the way. I think it would save everybody a lot of grief. This is an issue of pure driving etiquette and road safety. | ||
| Mark Eberhardt (Me_k)
Junior Member Username: Me_k Post Number: 226 Registered: 5-2002 |
"I am superior to others so get out of my way" attitude." I motto I live by. I'm pretty sure that about 90% of the world�s population is retarded. I have less use for stupid people than I do for left lane drivers So that makes me both a bad driver and a mean person. | ||
| John A. Suarez (Futureowner)
Member Username: Futureowner Post Number: 319 Registered: 3-2002 |
but of course! | ||
| Kelly (Tifosi1)
Member Username: Tifosi1 Post Number: 530 Registered: 2-2002 |
That's why I carry a Ruger 9MM DC I shoot back. Of course only afte being shot at. | ||
| John A. Suarez (Futureowner)
Member Username: Futureowner Post Number: 318 Registered: 3-2002 |
Kelly, The sad part is that you are correct. A few months ago someone in a cadillac was crossing the twinspan and was shot. Apparently ge was being tailgated for a bit, and when he pulled over to the right side lane the car tailing him opened fire on his cadillac. I think he drove himself to the hospital and ended up OK. Just another reason to move over, and FAST. | ||
| Kelly (Tifosi1)
Member Username: Tifosi1 Post Number: 528 Registered: 2-2002 |
In New Orleans you pull over or they show you thier gun. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Junior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 247 Registered: 8-2002 |
Mark, in no way do i condone the way you drive, but i think it's awesome that you just came out and admitted it, like that... | ||
| Mark Eberhardt (Me_k)
Junior Member Username: Me_k Post Number: 225 Registered: 5-2002 |
I pass left lane drives on the right. If there is a car in the right lane, I use the off/on ramp. No ramp either, well that's why they put shoulders on the road. I also generally only leave a few inches between our bumpers when I pull in front of them. I have absolutely no use for left lane drivers. I guess I tend not to be the safest driver, sorry. | ||
| Steve (Steve)
Junior Member Username: Steve Post Number: 226 Registered: 2-2001 |
I have a paint ball gun mounted in the grill. I'd move to the right and let him pass then move to the left lane and drop it in 4th and guess the rest. HAHA Now I would just move over and let him go.No since risking getting the Fcar smacked up over some nut. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Junior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 245 Registered: 8-2002 |
Andrew: i drive fast for the hell of it ('cause i love it) but i can't afford a sportier car... (not even an 80's camaro...)  | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Junior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 243 Registered: 8-2002 |
Aha...! i've got that one beat...! As a door to door salesman, one day, i found myself in Rhinebeck, NY (strange place) and there was a Chevrolet Celebrity station wagon sitting on the front lawn with a big oak tag poster in the windshield (made with crayons, by a kid) and the asking price was $100... i ended paying $47 for the car- she was my first car, EVER...! Two and a half months later, i had to give the tow company $150 'cause they towed it 'cause it had a flat tire and i just left it... (Even better, my next two cars were FREE...!) | ||
| Andrew (Mrrou)
Member Username: Mrrou Post Number: 458 Registered: 3-2002 |
BTW, if you wanna talk cheap, the cheapest car I ever saw was near pittsburgh. It was an old brown chevette just off the road with a big sign on the windshield that said "$200" it seemed to be in decent condition. | ||
| Andrew (Mrrou)
Member Username: Mrrou Post Number: 456 Registered: 3-2002 |
Tim 4 minutes is a lot of time espiecally when you need to get to your job. If you have to be there at 9AM and you're there at 9:04, you're late. But as far as my original point, if someone is driving a heap of crap chevette and doing 75 on the highway, they are probably in a hurry. If they wanted to drive fast for the hell of it, they would of bought a sportier car in their price range like an early to mid 80's camero. Andrew | ||
| Andrew (Mrrou)
Member Username: Mrrou Post Number: 455 Registered: 3-2002 |
Tim when i said honda's and Chevy's I meant the people who drive economy and regular cars made by those companies. People with NSX's and vette's drive sports cars, and are there subject to the same qualities and desire for risk that FCar Owners have. Andrew | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Intermediate Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 1766 Registered: 6-2001 |
So andrewm does this mean that people in NSX's and corvettes speed because they have to get somewhere? I speed in my honda and audi, most of the time its because im going with the flow of traffic. speeding, umless its over a very long period of time, doesnt really help you out too much. lets do some math. Someone is going 20 miles at 55 miles per hour. It takes them .36 of an hour, or about 21 miuntes. Another person does the same trip, only at 70mph. it takes them 17 minutes. wow, you save 4 minutes on a 20 mile drive. there arent many situations where 4 minutes will change anything. | ||
| Andrew (Mrrou)
Member Username: Mrrou Post Number: 447 Registered: 3-2002 |
Horsefly people who drive their hondas and their chevy's speed because they have to get where they need to go in a hurry. People speed in their Ferrari or Pcar because THEY WANT TO. It doesnt matter if it causes accidents. Hell, you can slip outside of your house on your driveway and break your back! Does that stop people from leaving their house? I think not. Risk is everywhere..Lets remember that people who own a high end sports car generally enjoy risk more than the average suzy Q homemaker. Andrew | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Junior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 233 Registered: 8-2002 |
Tim's right, although the "flow of traffic" on the LIE is sometimes closer to 80... and unless it's 3 or 4 in the morning, i try to stay away from the left lane, as much as possible, unless i'm just dipping in, to pass, then dipping back out to the middle lane... | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Intermediate Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 1764 Registered: 6-2001 |
Arlie, if EVERYONE went 55 ALL THE TIME, you are right, there would be less accdents. If you want to go 55, go ahead, just dont do it in the left lane. I never sit inthe left lane because i dont drive as fast as other people who dont let their speedo go under 80. I also feel like a sitting duck in the left lane. If yo were a cop, would ypou pull someone over in the right or middle lane, or the left? In new york, if you go 70, you are getting a ticket. cops pull over 2 and even 3 cars at once. when all the traffic is flowing at 70 you can get away with it, its like fishing. there are alot of cars and one cop, you might luck out. | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 408 Registered: 1-2002 |
I've tracked my car 7 times this year; however, it is neither a Ferrari, nor a sports car, but it does make 'street driving' feel pedestrian in comparison, and, I feel, makes me able to deal with innane chore of commuting. And, its porbably the reason why other drivers dont get me angry, or mad, etc. I realize my cars potential and have enjoyed it, knowing that, the need to 'test it's bounds' when getting milk becomes less. | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 515 Registered: 5-2002 |
"yeah none of them use them on the track??? There isn't one sports car out of a hundred that is ever raced on a certified race track. Do the math. Compare the number of track certified race cars to the number of licensed cars on the public roads and the percentage is infinitesimal. "or out in place where there is no set speed limit?????" Where in this country, on any public road or highway anywhere, is there no set speed limit? Every public highway and road in every county of every state in America is subject to a speed limit, whether it is posted or not. Check the law books. "and if they do use them where there is a speed limit its because they are superior to others. LMAO" Just an example of the "elitist" attitude that I was previously talking about. The old "I am superior to others so get out of my way" attitude. | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 407 Registered: 1-2002 |
Honestly, if you see a car flying at you from behind, move. Regardless of your personal convictions, and your desires to 'teach someone a lesson', in the interest of safety, your own, you should give way. Also, 99% of the time, when I'm getting tailgaited/driven off the road, nearly t-boned b/c the other driver didn't stop at a stop sign, pulled out of a driverway w/ out looking, etc. it's usually an SUV, sedan (late model luxury), or truck thats behind me, or driving like a jerk. Most exotics that I see, are going w/ the flow of traffic, and are not excercising any sort of preordained nobility excusing them from obeying traffic laws. Fact is, in Northern America, you cannot drive lawfully. The conditions don't permit it; everyone speed, tailgates, passes on the right, etc. where the problem stems from, I'm sure is multifaceted, but the fact remains that driver skill, on average, is sub par as is driver courtesy. | ||
| David Jones (Dave)
Member Username: Dave Post Number: 508 Registered: 4-2001 |
I feel one of "Dave's Tales" coming on.... One of my hobbies is restoring old houses, so a while back I was running lumber through a table saw when a large splinter kicked back and shot into my knee and up my thigh... After removing it, gush gush... So I tied myself off and drove one of my beaters to the hospital, not wanting blood all over a nice car. Flashers flashing as I attempted to exceed the speed limit, Yes breaking the law... I couldn't even count on both hands the number of people who not only refused to pull to the right, but people who flipped me off as I was passing their lame ass on the right... This is probably one of the worst states I have ever seen as far as people yielding the passing lane to faster moving traffic, hell, they won't even pull aside for emergency vehicles... That's just plain wrong. | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 586 Registered: 10-2001 |
Arlie, speeding does not cause accidents except in the extreme. CARS MOVING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS is the leading cause of driver error highway accidents. I'll say it again: anyone obeying the law in IL and driving 55MPH is a wreckless driver. He is posing a danger to himself and others. The State Police know this and you can go 70 MPH by a cop and not get a ticket 9 out of 10 times if conditions permit. Most cops say they allow up to 80 in fact. So if you're driving in the left at 55 in IL, don't be surprised if you get pulled over. You probably won't get a ticket but you'd better have your paperwork in order. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 2064 Registered: 9-2001 |
yeah none of them use them on the track??? or out in place where there is no set speed limit????? and if they do use them where there is a speed limit its because they are superior to others. LMAO | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 514 Registered: 5-2002 |
And people buy sports cars because of their good gas mileage, not because of their top speed and superior handling which they always resist the urge to test out? | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 2062 Registered: 9-2001 |
yeah, no one speeds in their 15 year old honda because they feel inferior ??????? | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 624 Registered: 1-2002 |
Arlie, I actually agree with you, to a point, although I smell the whiff of hypocrisy buried in there.... I think that recless driving & driving too fast for conditions causes the accidents--not speeding--but let's leave that alone for now. I can only speak for myself: I have no elitist attitude about speeding. I enjoy it. I know it is against the law, and I know the cops enforce it primarily to raise revenue. But, nevertheless, I have no entitlement mentality about it--if I get caught, I pay the price, with no excuses. That's called personal responsibility. I hope the majority of folks here behave the same way. But I despise the hypocritical entitlement mentality of the self-righteous wankers who think they are among the elite enlightened ones who should be allowed to enforce speed limits on everyone else. LEAVE THAT TO THE POLICE! Please! Stay in the right lane, and LET ME GET A TICKET if I am speeding! But follow the law you are so assiduously trying to "enforce" and drive right/pass left. And leave the policing to the police. End of story. | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 623 Registered: 1-2002 |
Tony, that's because they will throw your arse in jail for passing on the right (here' the cops are more concerned with revenue--speed tickets--than enforcing traffic safety). It actually takes months & months of training & work to get a license there or in Italy or most of the rest of Western Europe. Here, you just need a photographable face & $25, and the ability to parallel park. What a joke! | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 512 Registered: 5-2002 |
Dave, how come nobody will be honest enough to just admit that SPEEDING causes accidents? What's up with folks thinking that just because they drive a Ferrari, Corvette, Viper, etc, that they have some special "right" to ignore the speed limits that the average guy has to obey? This all smells of some sore of elitist attitude. "Get out of my way, I'm special and I'm coming through in a big hurry so don't slow me down because I'm important!" | ||
| tony liokossis (Tonybaloney)
New member Username: Tonybaloney Post Number: 25 Registered: 9-2002 |
this question goes directly to the heart of why highways are so dangerous here in north america - regardless of how fast you are going, if there is no one in the lane to your right for some distance, that is where you should be. someone coming up behind you should NEVER have to pass you on the right if you have room to move over, furthermore they shouldn't even have to flash you or slow down. go drive in germany - i drove all the way through germany from the top to the bottom and NEVER ONCE did i get passed on the right nor see anyone else do it. what we need three lanes to accomplish over here they do in europe with two and it's because people insist on cruising in left hand lanes insted of being where they should be. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Junior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 223 Registered: 8-2002 |
Frank, This bleepin', bleep bleep, bli-bleep bleeper gave me three tickets... i'm pleading not guilty to all of them and i'm gonna try and take him to court... i have to go to the state barracks, tonight and file a complaint... | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 621 Registered: 1-2002 |
Horsefly, those situations are vastly different, and you know it. It is one thing to try to help out a friend by breaking up a crime in progress (although VASTLY dangerous if you don't have a concealed weapon license). It is another thing to self-righteously make yourself into a slow-motion moving chicane/roadblock because 50% of the other drivers go over the speed limit. Please don't confuse the two. The FACT is that lane hogs contribute vastly to accidents...as do reckless drivers, those going too fast for conditions, and those drinking. Any other questions? | ||
| Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
Junior Member Username: Kaz Post Number: 61 Registered: 11-2002 |
DES - Same exact thing happened to me once. I asked him how many car lenghts per 10MPH was he suppose to be. He did not answer & wrote me a ticket. I filed a complaint against him. I was surprised that his supv meet with me a few days later. Turns out this guy had a history of doing this before and they dropped the ticket. One other point - The radar / laser is almost always pointed at the #1 lane - | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Junior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 218 Registered: 8-2002 |
Rob's right... i drive like a complete assh*le, i'll admit... and speaking of getting over so someone can pass, just last night, i was tailgated by a state trooper and when i moved over, i gave him a dirty look 'cause he was driving wrecklessly and the bastard pulled me over... go figure. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 2999 Registered: 12-2000 |
I'm still not talking about the maniacs that go 30 mph over in a rattle trap. You'll only find me doing that on rare occasions maybe in west Texas. I'm talking about those going 10 mph over. The majority have a capable car and are a capable driver without racing experience. However, going 10 mph will still put you behind the "self righteous" left lane driver that was put on earth just to piss others off. I get over it though, I sleep at night, I'm not mad at the world. I only have a 5% exposure to these people, that person though has a 95% exposure to those not of their like. Dang, not a fun way to live. | ||
| Crusing (Crusing)
New member Username: Crusing Post Number: 37 Registered: 10-2002 |
What is more dangerous? A person who is exceeding the speed limit having to change lanes to get around those self-rightous people or having a clear lane of travel. I know I much rather have someone speeding get down the road rather than having them cutting back and forth. | ||
| Crusing (Crusing)
New member Username: Crusing Post Number: 36 Registered: 10-2002 |
That article makes some great points. There would be half the road rage if people obeyed the law. People feel it is a right to drive in the "fast" lane. You should NEVER be there unless passing! This hits home with me. I drive a lot on I-5 and people in Washington State are the worst. Jeff B below stated how pervasive the problem is. He thinks it is acceptable to pass on the right. The reason he probably thinks this is because everyone here "must" drive in the left lane. I think the real problem is the idea that Magoo hinted at... ownership. "why should I have to move when I'm in the the lane." The answer as state before is... You shouldn't be there cruising. Ahhhh life would so much less stressful if people would just "Keep right except to pass." | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Intermediate Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 1034 Registered: 8-2002 |
I agree Arlie, Nobody thinks that they are a bad driver. They all think they are race car drivers. Competent machine does not equal competent driver. M | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 510 Registered: 5-2002 |
Dave, I saw a guy breaking into your Ferrari the other day. But since I wasn't a sworn law enforcement officer, I just kept walking and left him alone. I decided to let the thief be responsible for his own actions. But seriously, Rob's words got me to thinking: "us qualified drivers with capable machinery that are intelligent enough to determine a safe rate of travel." Outside of those on this board who have actual race track driving experience, the vast majority of speeders aren't even REMOTELY qualified in any respect to even REMOTELY justify their tactics. | ||
| Mitchell L. Davidson (Jussumfastgi)
Member Username: Jussumfastgi Post Number: 361 Registered: 4-2002 |
So to answer the question: "SHOULD I PULL OVER?????" Answer: Yes Any questions? Of course you won't. You LIKE getting pissed off at the other "ass hole" drivers. What you don't know is who the hole really is.... ;) | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 619 Registered: 1-2002 |
Wow! What a debate! Bottom line: leave the policing to the police. Get the hell out of the left lane unless you're passing, drop the smug self-righteousness, and let those violating the speed limit be responsible for their own actions. Unless you're a sworn law enforcement officer, on duty, you have neither the right nor the ability to enforce any speed limit beyond your own. | ||
| Mitchell L. Davidson (Jussumfastgi)
Member Username: Jussumfastgi Post Number: 359 Registered: 4-2002 |
Ya, got to stay away from the 95% of people driving over the limit. ;) | ||
| D B (Threesixty)
Junior Member Username: Threesixty Post Number: 106 Registered: 8-2002 |
For those that didn't go to the link (sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't), please read this article that was in the Washington Times a few months ago. Move over, slowpoke Eric Peters New roads would be helpful in easing gridlock and ameliorating "road rage," but revival of the lost art of lane courtesy would be even better. Lane courtesy is simply this: moving to the right and allowing faster-moving traffic to pass. Americans almost uniformly ignore this cardinal rule of road civility � and it's probably the biggest single reason why driving has become so tooth-pulling unpleasant in and around major cities. Indeed, anyplace else there are a lot of vehicles on the road. Americans do not practice lane courtesy because it isn't taught in American driver-education courses � and the self-appointed "public- safety" frauds refuse to discuss it. The claptrap taught in most state-approved driver's-ed courses suggests that it's sound policy to occupy any lane on the freeway � provided you are doing the lawfully posted speed limit. The person, therefore, who refuses to budge from the left lane is convinced he's in the right � and the angry conga line of drivers stuck behind him fuming and inevitably tailgating as they jockey desperately for enough space to make a move are "aggressive" and full of "road rage." The lane hog is doing the speed limit, after all, and clearly not violating and of the rules of "defensive driving." It's the same thing on two-lane divided highways. How often have you been stuck in a rolling roadblock because two cars, one in the left lane, one in the right, have perfectly matched each other's cruise control and neither refuses to pull ahead of the other to allow you to get by? They see you back there, of course, but they just don't care. In their minds, this rudeness is perfectly OK, even though it is an especially loathsome form of passive-aggressive behavior. But of course, the law says the speed limit is such and such � and that anyone wanting to pass a car that's already going that fast is technically in the wrong. This is nonsense, of course. Traffic laws have been twisted like a boardwalk pretzel by various political factions � factions for whom safe, efficient travel is the least of their concerns. The result? Atrocious, politicized driver's-ed courses, futile and even dangerous pronunciamentos about "driving defensively" (e.g., mindless obeisance to arbitrary laws and rules, whether they make sense or not) and a nightmare driving environment that makes one want to take the bus. Europeans are more enlightened, and countries such as Germany enforce lane courtesy at ticket-point. Drivers who occupy the left lane and impede the flow of traffic are considered dangerous drivers and fined. In Europe, it is understood that failure to yield to faster moving traffic is a hazard that can cause accidents. Strict enforcement � and widespread public practice of the art of lane courtesy � explains why European roads, even those of Germany and Italy, where speeds are often much higher than on U.S. interstates, have lower overall accident and fatality rates. It is also more pleasant to drive in Europe � and that is even more valuable than driving fast. People uniformly move over when you approach at a faster speed, and the far left lane is used for passing only. The cattle-like plodding of minivans piloted by hausfraus dawdling along at exactly 55 mph in the fast lane is almost unknown. The cops do not generally harass drivers for violating silly speed-limit laws set by revenue-hungry politicians more interested in accumulating cash than saving lives. On the continent, the polizei concern themselves with genuinely dangerous activities � as opposed to eating a doughnut by the side of the road and watching a radar gun's readout. All of the foregoing is, of course, extremely politically incorrect. The dumbed-down highways and drivers of America will hear none of it. And it may be too late to effect any change. An entire generation of misinformed, indoctrinated "defensive drivers" will have to part from the scene before proper driving etiquette might be reintroduced. But perhaps a grass-roots resurgence of polite driving practices could be sparked. One by one, car by car, let's all make it a point to move to the right when another car wants to pass. Let's all repeat the mantra: Enforcing the speed limit is not my job. If someone wants to get around me, I will allow him to pass. If I am not passing anyone and am simply cruise-controlling my way someplace, I will move over to the right. It's not a difficult thing. And it would make our harried, over-stressed lives just a wee bit nicer. C'mon. What do you say? | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 509 Registered: 5-2002 |
Rob, I'm sure that those 5 percent really frustrate the people who want to speed illegally. Bank vaults also frustrate bank robbers, but should we leave the vault door open so that the bank robbers don't get frustrated and shoot somebody when they rob the bank? For what it's worth, I drive in the right lane because I want to stay as far away from illegal speeders as I can. I'm sure the odds, the cops, and their insurance rates, will eventually catch up with them. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 2997 Registered: 12-2000 |
Well, with Horsefly's post we know who the other 5% is that the rest of us have been frustrated with. The most dangerous cars on the road are not us qualified drivers with capable machinery that are intelligent enough to determine a safe rate of travel. It's the drunks, the inexperienced, the incapable, and you assholes that just want to be a pain in the butt. | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 585 Registered: 10-2001 |
Anyone who does the legal limit of 55 MPH on IL highways is a menace, unless traffic is heavy. The traffic flows at 65-70. Anyone doing less than that in the left lane is a dangerous driver no matter WHAT the law says. People doing 55 in the left cause accidents, plain and simple, so the subject of how to get around them has validity. BTW, the Interstate Highway System was designed for 80MPH except in extreme terrain conditions. It's the government and insurence companies, not the engineers or safety experts who wanted lower speed limits. | ||
| D B (Threesixty)
Junior Member Username: Threesixty Post Number: 105 Registered: 8-2002 |
"Everybody wants to BLAME the law abiding driver in the left lane..." He was not the law abiding driver, you should only be in the left lane to pass. There was obviously space in the right lane for him to move over, because that's where he wanted this guy to pass him. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Junior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 216 Registered: 8-2002 |
Magoo... i have a bat in my back seat for assh*les like that... you should get one (a bat, i mean), just in case... | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 507 Registered: 5-2002 |
And another thing, remember that if you are driving on an American interstate highway, you are really driving on a military transport highway that also serves as an airport runway. The American interstate highway system was designed during the cold war Eisenhower era with the stipulation that 1 out of every 5 miles was a straight stretch so that the highway could be used as an emergency landing strip for military aircraft. I always pull over to the right lane when I see a C-141 or an F-16 in my rear view mirror. | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 505 Registered: 5-2002 |
Everybody wants to BLAME the law abiding driver in the left lane for the hypothetical accident that happens as a result of the illegally speeding driver trying to pass. Since the accident is only hypothetical, why don't we just tell it like it REALLY is? The ILLEGALLY SPEEDING driver caused an accident! Slow down, stop driving like a speed freak as if you are somebody SPECIAL who doesn't have to obey the speed limits and maybe EVERYBODY will be safer because the hypothetical accident will never occur in the first place. Hypothetically speaking of course. | ||
| Douglas A Hunt (Boxercrazy)
New member Username: Boxercrazy Post Number: 21 Registered: 11-2002 |
when i was taught to drive by my dad(uh huh)it was not(and still isnt)called the fast lane,but the passing lane(and he was always quick to point out to me "dont drive in the passing lane if you are not passing somebody" douglas hunt | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Intermediate Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 1763 Registered: 6-2001 |
Its like that ludacris song, the younger gys will know it. "Move b*tch, get out the way, Get out the way b*tch, get out the way." then my favorite verse "I'm doin' a hundred on the highway. So if you do the speed limit, get the ---- outta my way." with songs like that, of course people will drive crazy. thats probably the ultimate road rage song. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Intermediate Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 1762 Registered: 6-2001 |
Yes, by going close to the speed limit in the left lane you arent helping anyone, you are just pissing people off and increasing the chance for an accident. The left lane isnt for cruising in, its for passing. If you arent passing, get out of it. in the NE cops dont enforce that law, its a shame. No one should be in the left lane unless they are passing a car. you sound immature by saying you would rather piss the guy off and cause an acident. just get out of his way. maybe you would be right, dead right. is it worth getting hurt of killed over? what a stupid thing to say. Just think what would happen if your car spun into a van full of children on their way home from day carwe. | ||
| D B (Threesixty)
Junior Member Username: Threesixty Post Number: 104 Registered: 8-2002 |
This is one of my biggest pet peeves...LEFT LANE IS FOR PASSING, NOTHING ELSE. Please, everyone read this article, I wish I could get everyone in North America to read it. http://www.washtimes.com/op-ed/20020802-3268665.htm | ||
| Gene Agatep (Gagatep)
Junior Member Username: Gagatep Post Number: 122 Registered: 8-2002 |
just to put my vote in also (or my 2 cents)... as a courtesy dont cruise on the passing lane if someone is coming fast from behind move over. you would expect the same courtesy if you were speeding. i enjoyed the european courtesy put on your left blinker if you're coming up behind some slow on the passing lane as a signal for the person ahead that you're coming. | ||
| VS (Vs1)
Junior Member Username: Vs1 Post Number: 69 Registered: 10-2002 |
This has been flogged to death - but unless you are passing, you shouldn't be in the left lane anyway. As Martin says - this is an 'American' problem. Spend a little time in Europe and they do it differently - move to the left, pass, move to the right. When someone flashes - GET OUT OF THE WAY. It works - absolutely no 'cruising' in the left lane - no matter how fast you are moving. | ||
| James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Junior Member Username: Napolis Post Number: 239 Registered: 10-2002 |
Years ago on a lapping day at Lime Rock someone in a 275LM got very annoyed that I was able to lap him in my Lola. On my cool down lap he caught up flashed and I pulled over and pointed him by. He stood on the throttle and flew up the hill. I realized he was reacting to having being lapped and instinctively backed off. As I tiptoed around the remains of his car I was very glad that I had. | ||
| Rehan (F3606m)
Junior Member Username: F3606m Post Number: 55 Registered: 4-2002 |
Certain highways have alot of truck traffic and as a result all lanes except for the left lane has groves that move a sports car with wide tires like a Ferrari all over the place. In order to avoid this situation of fighting with the car constantly to keep it going straight I usually drive in the left lane on those highways. | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 846 Registered: 3-2001 |
The "fast lane" or "left lane" is a relative term and has absolutely NOTHING to do with actual speed (vs. the speed limit). I agree with most posts here.... you should never drive in the left lane if the right or center lane is open (unless you're passing). But if you choose to do it, I don't care if you're going 100 mph.... if a guy comes up behind you doing 105 mph, MOVE OVER!!! IMO. | ||
| Peter Logli (Plogli)
New member Username: Plogli Post Number: 17 Registered: 11-2002 |
The left/passing lane is like a bid at an auction. If you have someone on your ass, you've been out bid, move over. Besides since when is making a quick lane change not fun in a Ferrari? | ||
| Mitch Alsup (Mitch_alsup)
Member Username: Mitch_alsup Post Number: 267 Registered: 4-2002 |
Why do we have do "defend" our spot in the [left/fast/passing] lane? This is just asking for trouble. Why NOT just move over, and let the person by and save a bunch of headaches? Since you saw them, you are obviously using your rear view mirrors--something that sets us apart from 90% of american drivers. Now that you can successfully use the RVM, do something about the impending situation, and GET OUT OF THE WAY! | ||
| Bart Boonacker (Sharky666)
Junior Member Username: Sharky666 Post Number: 109 Registered: 9-2002 |
Martin, what you mentioned kinda reminds me of a serie I once saw about belgium people giving their children drivers lessons. There were some crashes and scary moments which made me wonder how it was possible that there were still belgiums driving. Off course those were the exceptions but still. In Holland it's average to have like 25 hours of lessons before you pass your exam. How's that in the US ? or in the other country's ? | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 3478 Registered: 5-2001 |
The flashing high beam is a way to get the attention of the one up front. Obviously he has not looked in the mirror for several seconds and is not a concious driver if high beams are necessary. Best is, when you flash somebody and they don't even move their heads. You know that the rear-view is set to: "lipstick application" setting and unless you honk the horn they will not wake up from their sleep. The major problem I see here is that people can not judge speed. If you drive 90Mph and somebody is driving 55Mph and you are in the left lane ready to pass they are right, they will take a quick look and pull out, right in front of you. The lack of driving ability and driver training amongst American drivers is the sole reason why a higher speedlimit is out of the question. And since driving lessons are usually given by the dad and not a professional instructor, bad behavior is passed on from one generation to the next and to the next. | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Intermediate Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 1028 Registered: 8-2002 |
I would move, not out of courtesy but out of self-preservation. | ||
| Francisco J. Quinones (Frankie)
Junior Member Username: Frankie Post Number: 114 Registered: 8-2002 |
in some states i've seen highway signs that say "left lane passing only"with the fine posted on the bottom. i also believe in most areas the police won't pass on the right because they know that it's illegal to pass on the right and if they cause an accident they will be in deep doo-doo,that's generally speaking of course,that is they'll try everything NOT to pass on the right but sometimes... i guess i'm just a very defensive driver and try not to get myself in those situations,ALWAYS scanning mirrors and looking well ahead especially the way i drive (rather quickly ). the flashing and/or left signal i do from waaay back to let people know i'm back here coming at you and even with a bright red car like mine sometimes people are so oblivious they don't even notice.(insert angry smiley,oxymoron? here) btw how do you make angry smileys? | ||
| Michael Fennell (Mfennell70)
Junior Member Username: Mfennell70 Post Number: 76 Registered: 7-2001 |
There are signs around here that say "Drive Right, Pass Left". Not "Drive Right unless you're going 5mph over". It's pretty clear. Anyone who's had the pleasure of driving in Germany can tell you how great it is when *everyone* follows this simple rule. Besides that, we're talking common courtesy. If I'm in the left lane (passing, of course) and someone's approaching, I pull over as soon as I can. Sometimes I speed up a little, sometimes I'll have to slow down a little in the right lane to let the other person by. Why not? I'm not a traffic cop and everyone's stress level is reduced. Finally, I don't see what's so obnoxious about flashing the high beams. I can't exactly tap someone on the shoulder and say "excuse me, could you let me pass?" so I "ask" with the lights. | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 618 Registered: 1-2002 |
Magoo, in most states' drivers' manuals, it MANDATES that you yield to faster-moving traffic in the left (PASSING) lane AT ALL TIMES, regardless of speeds. There are plenty of folks here in Texas who are clueless about that rule. I agree with Rob & most posters here: a MAJOR pet peeve, and also a MAJOR cause of accidents in the US. | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 3473 Registered: 5-2001 |
Magoo, contrary to popular believe the left lane is not called "fast lane" but " passing lane". ISince there is sufficent space for him to pass you right you were not in the process of passing somebody else, hence had no business being in the "passing lane" anymore. There are knuckleheads that get onto I95 in New Jersey merge immediately onto the passing lane and stay there going 55Mph till they exit in Miami Beach! It is a behavioral problem, since there is no real driving test in the US. Hell, I see driving school instructors teaching wrong behavior. | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 3472 Registered: 5-2001 |
why would you drive in the left lane in the first place. This is such a common "american" problem. People start crusing in the left lane and some even think thay have every right to since they are going speed limit. Passing on the right is an increased risk, since your blind spot is much larger. Always look in your rear-view mirror and get out of the way once you see somebody coming from behind no matter what speed you are going. It is not your ticket, neither your business how fast somebody else is going. | ||
| Terry (Dogue)
Junior Member Username: Dogue Post Number: 152 Registered: 9-2001 |
The left lane is primarily the "Passing Lane" for some reason everyone calls it the "Fast Lane" which to some maybe 5mph over the limit others it maybe the speed limit so to avoid an accident you should stay right unless you are passing. Flashing lights in my experience is a simple notice to the driver in front that you intend to pass, some may take this as aggressive, but shouldn't. Tailgating is dangerous and shouldn't be used to get someone to move over. I don't understand why someone would ride in the left lane when there is plenty of room to pass on the right. Hell travel in the right lane and you don't have anyone tailgating or flashing lights at you. | ||
| Roel de Fouw (Spawnz)
Junior Member Username: Spawnz Post Number: 96 Registered: 6-2002 |
Have to agree with Bart here. If you see a faster moving vehicle in your mirror while being in the left lane, move over to the right instantly, let the vehicle pass you, and, if necessary (i.e. there are slower cars in front of you), you may move back to the left lane. I'm suprised this method isn't so common in the US, because atleast in holland (and rest of europe too, I think) this is the normal thing to do, and also the only legal move I believe. Here, you'll get a ticket for passing another car on the right. However, if you stay in the left lane obstructing faster moving traffic, you'll get a ticket too. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 2054 Registered: 9-2001 |
keep right except to pass - thats the rule and works in italy, In italy even if you do 75 in the left lane there are always thoses going faster. For the most part you don't even need to signal they just move over - I wish that was the case hear | ||
| Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
Junior Member Username: Kaz Post Number: 60 Registered: 11-2002 |
Magoo - I always try to read traffic and flow with it. That means constantly watching what�s happening behind me as well�so I don�t get caught up in that situation. Sometimes I see people haulin up from behind because they want to check out the car, then they slow down and pass slowly with a �thumbs up�. The #2 lane is my lane of choice, allowing the greatest flexibility. Seems like whenever in the #1lane, no matter how fast you�re going, some guy in a Toyota with 22� chrome wheels is gonna be barreling down the road trying to prove his bravado to me. Also - you never know what�s going on in the car behind you�.he could have a sick person laying in the back seat and he�s on the way to a hospital � who knows? Life is short, relax and enjoy the ride��.. | ||
| Marq J Ruben (Qferrari)
Junior Member Username: Qferrari Post Number: 139 Registered: 2-2002 |
Sharky666 hit it on the nose. When driving, I'm aware enough of what's going on around me to see that there is someone closing in on me(no matter at what speed) and, before he reaches me, I'd already be in the right lane to allow him to pass. No problem, no situation, no confrontation, no flashing lights. I try to never force anyone to have to pass me on the right. | ||
| Andrew Menasce (Amenasce)
Member Username: Amenasce Post Number: 424 Registered: 10-2001 |
Pull over esp if there's no traffic in the right lane . | ||
| G.Peters (Wfo_racer)
Junior Member Username: Wfo_racer Post Number: 61 Registered: 5-2002 |
If your not passing people you don't belong in the fast lane, plain and simple. If you insist on staying in that lane suffer the consequences when someone like myself does something to your car. Why on God's green earth would anybody "drive a sportscar" and not drive fast. And yes I have gotten into much trouble for my actions regarding this. Thankfully my aunts a judge and at my age plus being a family man I should know better. Those kind of people just really p_ss me off. If your going to drive slow take a bus. | ||
| Jeff B. (Miltonian)
New member Username: Miltonian Post Number: 8 Registered: 12-2002 |
I do 99% of my driving in the state of Washington. I have never seen a problem associated with passing on the right. If you drive with due attention, use your turn signals, and leave proper gaps in front and behind when making lane changes, then in my own opinion passing on the right is perfectly acceptable. Weaving in and out of traffic is silly, dangerous, and draws unwanted attention. Passing on the right to maintain "flow" is normal around here, I don't think I have ever heard of anyone being ticketed for it. | ||
| Bart Boonacker (Sharky666)
Junior Member Username: Sharky666 Post Number: 97 Registered: 9-2002 |
First of all, I won't be in this spot because when someone is closing in on me (no matter at what speed) and there is room on my right I would already be there. So that awnsers your question already I guess. But I do hate it when someone is flashing at me, just because they want to pass. When there's something wrong then it's no problem but flashing at someone just because he thinks he has more right orso, that's just plain rude. When someone sticks on the left, I just brake, that's why cars have brakes. Just brake and wait until they move right and then pass them. On only one point I think it's acceptable to pass on the right is when you just don't have the time to break and try to avoid a accident by moving to the right. (off course when that happens your way over the speed limit, which is stupid when there's traffic) Just my 2 �-cents | ||
| Francisco J. Quinones (Frankie)
Junior Member Username: Frankie Post Number: 105 Registered: 8-2002 |
i try a quick flash of the lights or sometimes the left turn signal, i try to more or less to follow european driving rules and lane discipline but unfortunately here in the states a lot of the time members of the anti-destination league just park in the left lane forcing me into the italian style but to respond to Magoo's post yes sir if i'm the left lane and somebody is going faster than me i will pull over just out of courtesy like John said. just my .02 Frankie | ||
| Bill Gammon (Bill_gammon)
New member Username: Bill_gammon Post Number: 27 Registered: 9-2002 |
Passing on the right in that, or most, interstate scenarios is unacceptable. Passing on the right puts you at his mercy. He could, at the last moment, decide to come over and you would drive right into him. Police would analyize that as your fault. Accepted traffic patterns are that the passing is always done on the left. If there are three lanes moving in the same direction, passing on the right is something that nearly always causes confusion, and sometimes crashes. Those that drive nice sportscars like to think that they are driving at a higher level than the majority. We should show that thought is true by following the accepted behaviour on the road. Passing on the right is only suitable if the squatter has shown that they will not move for anyone. Even in that situation one should do the best to separate from the offending car without resorting to the ill-advised pass on the right. | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
Advanced Member Username: Magoo Post Number: 3829 Registered: 2-2001 |
Peter and Jonn, I agree, it is better to move cautiously and precede with out putting anyone at risk of a accident. | ||
| John A. Suarez (Futureowner)
Member Username: Futureowner Post Number: 315 Registered: 3-2002 |
Magoo: I personally wouldnt even waste my time flashing my lights and tailgating. It is inefficient, doesn't help my cause, and has the potential of making matters worse. So to answer the question, I believe it is better just to make a deliberate move to pass, instead of asking for trouble. A humorous way of viewing this is remembering that we are avid enthusiasts of motorsports and we wouldn't be caught dead making "unsportsman like" or careless maneuvers on public roads. My friends, who don't understand the passion I have for driving, can't believe that I am always trying to picture the apex of EVERY turn I negotiate!!! | ||
| '75 308 GT4 (Peter)
Intermediate Member Username: Peter Post Number: 2281 Registered: 12-2000 |
Magoo, I just did a move similar to this earlier today: Driving down a busy two-lane street, there is the hill coming up that's quite steep, steep enough for a third, slow lane. On the approach, from the LEFT lane, I scoot all the way to that right, slow lane, redline it in 3rd and flew past everyone. At the top, I scoot all the way back to the left lane and continue on my merry way. Was that legal? Definitely not! Was it safe? I examined the situation, read the moves of the cars and determined no one was going in the slow lane (I travel that road on a consistant basis and only Grandma's and huge trucks use that lane. You see that a mile beforehand) and made that move. | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
Advanced Member Username: Magoo Post Number: 3828 Registered: 2-2001 |
John, That is my point. Not to try and pass on the right if there is a potential problem. Anyway I certainly won't flash my lights and tailgate to try and make the guy pull over. Will You?????? | ||
| John A. Suarez (Futureowner)
Member Username: Futureowner Post Number: 314 Registered: 3-2002 |
Magoo: I have tried passing people in an unobstructed right lane before while going over the speed limit and don't think its the best idea. Sometimes you just can't tell if the person in front of you is concious enough to understand what you are trying to do. Several times the person in the fast lane would move over in the right lane at the last second, often when I was in the process of comitting to passing on the right. Now I typically only pass on the right on 3 lane higways, that way I can go all the way over if necessary. I hope this clears things up. | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
Advanced Member Username: Magoo Post Number: 3827 Registered: 2-2001 |
Rob, I agree on no road rage. I also had a lot of friends die on the road as well. Unfortunately they were speeding. My point is that before I will push a point with a guy in the left lane even if he is going 70 in a 65 and I want to pass I will pass him on the right before flashing my lights, tailgateing etc. and cause a accident. Don't we wish everyone followed the road rules. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 2995 Registered: 12-2000 |
It is illegal to drive on the left on most roads in Texas and elsewhere accross the county. It doesn't matter if you are going 70, you'll still get a ticket. What's unsafe is to go against the expected flow of traffic, 95% of everyone expect to be passed on the left. So it is actually more unsafe to pass on the right because those 95% might be coming back over like they should as you're going by. This is similar to the knuckle heads here that are in the inside lane of a two turn lane and will swing out wide. Cars are about the most dangerous thing any of us do. I had my best friend from college die 2 months after we graduated and I've had numerous others get hurt or know of that died. I don't have road rage, I have life rage, I take it as a personal attack to my saftey and the well being of my family when others don't follow safe driving techniques. | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
Advanced Member Username: Magoo Post Number: 3825 Registered: 2-2001 |
Rob, It isn't illegal to be in the left lane if they are going 70 mph in a 65 mph zone as I said earlier. When the guy comes up behind the driver doing 70 mph and flashes his lights rather than passing on the right side if there is room is pushing a point. Just go around on the right and be done with it. I would rather do that then piss the guy off and cause a accident. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 2993 Registered: 12-2000 |
First, they shouldn't be traveling in the left lane to begin with. It's illegal and not safe. Second, it's safer to get behind them and have them move over and pass properly on the left. Now I think this only holds true maybe up to 10-15 mph over the speed limit. Anyone traveling faster than this is a maniac and not safe anyway you put it. However, usually traffic isn't very thick if they're going that fast, so I'm always in the right lane anyway. Even if I'm going 10 over I'll be around someone and back in the right lane before they need to pass. If I can tell someone is closing fast, I may delay my pass until they're by. Only time I travel in the left lane is when it's very very crowded and no one is really passing anyway, usually the left lane is just a train of cars maybe going a little faster than the right lane. | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
Advanced Member Username: Magoo Post Number: 3823 Registered: 2-2001 |
John, I am talking about being able to pass on the right side. I agree in not obstructing traffic for a emergency. No traffic in the right lane. | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
Advanced Member Username: Magoo Post Number: 3822 Registered: 2-2001 |
So Rob, You think no matter how fast the guy is going in the left, fast lane, he has to pull over because you want to go faster rather then pass on the right side? If I pull up behind a guy who is going slower than me in the fast lane and there is room to pass him in the right lanes I don't have any problem going around him on the right side and let the guy continue his speed. | ||
| John A. Suarez (Futureowner)
Member Username: Futureowner Post Number: 313 Registered: 3-2002 |
I would get out of the way immediately out of courtesy. Just think how you would feel if you were in a hurry and some wiseguy would not pull over. Especially if it were an emergency! | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 2991 Registered: 12-2000 |
Pull over instantly, no one should ever have to pass you on the right. Actually illegal now in most states to drive in the left lane without passing. Talking about pet peeves, this is one of mine. If I pass you on the right, then I'll be giving you a lesson after I get by with my hands to "move right". | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
Advanced Member Username: Magoo Post Number: 3817 Registered: 2-2001 |
How many of you guys feel that you should pull over under the following circumstances. You are driving 70 mph in a 65 mph speed zone and are in the fast lane. There is a guy bustin' your ass and tailgateing you to get out of the way. There is room for him to pass you on the right but he won't. He insists on you getting out of the way and flashes his lights. Should you pull over or force him to pass you on the right?????? |