Journal non's Journal: on tailgating - because otherwise you may not see it...
comments on this
i've driven in several countries outside of the US. in france, where the speed limit is 130kph (~85 mph for those that don't know metric), traffic in the left lane move at ~ 150 (95), and assholes that think you're not moving quickly enough are going > 160 (~100). i say assholes, because these people expect you to get out of the way _just_ because they're behind you, regardless of whether or not its convenient for you. (BTW - i tend to drive on the high side of legal just about everywhere, but i like to relax when i'm doing it). in germany, well don't stay out in the left hand lane unles you're *really* passing everyone, which means > 220 (~135). in greece, stay out of everyone's way unless its a rental
but you haven't seen left lane hell until you've driven on the Long Island Expresway, or anywhere in the NYC metro area. tailgating? i was on the hutchinson (look it up on maps). there was a 6-car pile-up in the left hand lane. the vehicle the worse for the wear was a mazda brand-new family van, which undoubtedly had the latest in ABS, and probably outbraked the vehicle in front of it to a stop. the problem? it was followed by a 70's lincoln continental, which at 2 tons+ and no ABS undoubtedly ploughed right into it and sent it into the vehicle in front. the topper of all the toppers? less than ten miles down the road i'm in the left lane, exceeding the speed limit with someone tailgating me despite the fact that there's nowhere to go *and* i'd like to go faster if i could, we come across another left lane fender bender.
the rule? at least 4 car lengths at 90 (55) in perfect conditions. any closer than that and you *are* tailgating. at 110-120 (~65-72) add another car length. there's a reason for it; i might have to brake very suddenly, and if you are any close than that you will bust my rear-end (i don't actually go in for that, mind you).
finally, use your turn indicators; they're the only method you have to convey your intentions. stay right unless you're actively passing someone, even if it seems to inconvenience you. my speeding does *not* give you the right to illegally impede me (ie, staying in the left-hand lane even though you're not passing). give the person in front of you time to pass the vehicles to his right and safely move over; if he/she doesn't give them a quick flip of the high beams.
favorite piece of never passed legislation: "ban low performance drivers, not high-perfomance cars!" (seen in a men's room in southern vermont in the 80's)
on tailgating - because otherwise you may not see it... More Login
on tailgating - because otherwise you may not see it...
Slashdot Top Deals