There is a sort of lane heirarchy here. People in the right lane, generally are doing 60-65. Middle lane is usually about 70, and left lane is usually about 75, or more. Of course, if I'm in the middle lane, and there is noone on the right lane, I will pass in that lane instead of the left lane. Always have. I whole heartedly feel that speeding (within reason, not like 90+) is less dangerous than driving more slowly, unless there is alot of traffic.
It's impossible to enjoy driving these days.
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It isn't speeding or driving slow which is dangerous, really; what is dangerous is driving at a significantly different speed than everyone else. I would tend to agree that it is easier to safely go more quickly than everyone than it is to safely go slower than everyone else. It is pretty simple to model the two scenarios and realize that the person going more quickly generally impacts less people.
Back to the original point of this thread, I am lucky enough to enjoy my weekly commute from College Station to Austin and back. The roads are very nicely maintained and the traffic is very light. I can generally set my cruise at 75mph and go. Farmers and the like will move for me over nine times out of ten when I take the two lane roads. This is my weekly meditation!
robert
Back to the original point of this thread, I am lucky enough to enjoy my weekly commute from College Station to Austin and back. The roads are very nicely maintained and the traffic is very light. I can generally set my cruise at 75mph and go. Farmers and the like will move for me over nine times out of ten when I take the two lane roads. This is my weekly meditation!
robert
Quote:
It is pretty simple to model the two scenarios and realize that the person going more quickly generally impacts less people.
The impact on traffic is not the same as impact of safety. In all my driving on all major Canadian highways, mainly in GTA, I never saw a guy in the right lane, going slightly slower, cause an accident. But I see plenty of speeders that are on the lookout for the next empty spot to hop into, rear end the car in front of them because the traffic slowed down.
I agree that big speed differential is a major factor, no matter slow or fast, but a guy slowing the right lane ( I’m talking 5mph or so slower) is far safer than a guy hopping from lane to lane, disturbing all lanes, tailgating and generally not keeping a safe distance.
I know, same here will reply "I am very aware of my surroundings when I do that, blah, blah, blah" I heard this a million times from a bunch of people that think they have lightning reflexes or are the next Schumacher, but guess what, it's not just you on the road, other people trying to change lanes may not see the "lane hopper" in time, and as already mentioned, most drivers do not have the skill to handle avoidance maneuvers at high speeds and this kind of behavior will lead to a situation like that eventually.
It is pretty simple to model the two scenarios and realize that the person going more quickly generally impacts less people.
The impact on traffic is not the same as impact of safety. In all my driving on all major Canadian highways, mainly in GTA, I never saw a guy in the right lane, going slightly slower, cause an accident. But I see plenty of speeders that are on the lookout for the next empty spot to hop into, rear end the car in front of them because the traffic slowed down.
I agree that big speed differential is a major factor, no matter slow or fast, but a guy slowing the right lane ( I’m talking 5mph or so slower) is far safer than a guy hopping from lane to lane, disturbing all lanes, tailgating and generally not keeping a safe distance.
I know, same here will reply "I am very aware of my surroundings when I do that, blah, blah, blah" I heard this a million times from a bunch of people that think they have lightning reflexes or are the next Schumacher, but guess what, it's not just you on the road, other people trying to change lanes may not see the "lane hopper" in time, and as already mentioned, most drivers do not have the skill to handle avoidance maneuvers at high speeds and this kind of behavior will lead to a situation like that eventually.
Originally Posted By: javacontour
I think there needs to be some balance. When 20 miles of road is closed and the crews are working on 100 yards of pavement, that's just abusing the motorist.
Close down 1/2 a mile to a mile before it, and get it open again as soon as possible.
But I've seen miles and miles closed, with no work and nothing that looks like curing pavement, etc. It's just closed.
I'd also like to see the police police the merge. If there have been signs for the past 2 miles indicating the right lane is closing and someone in the right lane has been passing everyone in the left lane hoping to get in, well I think something should be done to make him wait until he/she can merge left without slowing the traffic moving in the left lane.
Most of the problem with traffic in construction zones is caused by those yahoos who think they have some sort of right to blast down to the last millimeter of their lane that is ending and then someone should just let them in out of the goodness of their heart.
Actually, no one should let them in out of respect for those who merged 2 miles back when the sign first indicated the right lane was closing.
Have the police enforce that. If you are caught merging in a fashion that causes others to slow, you get a $500 ticket.
I think the IL budget deficit would be resolved in about 10 minutes of filming any lane closure in the state.
I strongly agree with your statement about these idiots who wait until the very last second to merge and then force their way in front of everyone else. This is exactly what causes the traffic backups in the areas. I liken it to someone cutting in front of you at the grocery store. When these idiots are trying to cut the line in front of me, I refuse to let them in!
I think there needs to be some balance. When 20 miles of road is closed and the crews are working on 100 yards of pavement, that's just abusing the motorist.
Close down 1/2 a mile to a mile before it, and get it open again as soon as possible.
But I've seen miles and miles closed, with no work and nothing that looks like curing pavement, etc. It's just closed.
I'd also like to see the police police the merge. If there have been signs for the past 2 miles indicating the right lane is closing and someone in the right lane has been passing everyone in the left lane hoping to get in, well I think something should be done to make him wait until he/she can merge left without slowing the traffic moving in the left lane.
Most of the problem with traffic in construction zones is caused by those yahoos who think they have some sort of right to blast down to the last millimeter of their lane that is ending and then someone should just let them in out of the goodness of their heart.
Actually, no one should let them in out of respect for those who merged 2 miles back when the sign first indicated the right lane was closing.
Have the police enforce that. If you are caught merging in a fashion that causes others to slow, you get a $500 ticket.
I think the IL budget deficit would be resolved in about 10 minutes of filming any lane closure in the state.
I strongly agree with your statement about these idiots who wait until the very last second to merge and then force their way in front of everyone else. This is exactly what causes the traffic backups in the areas. I liken it to someone cutting in front of you at the grocery store. When these idiots are trying to cut the line in front of me, I refuse to let them in!
Originally Posted By: javacontour
Originally Posted By: brianl703
Can someone explain to me why Illinois and other states have these never-ending construction projects? It's not because of the climate. That doesn't wash. We got a lot more freeze-thaw cycles here, and they don't have to rip up the pavement here every year.
The never ending ones seem to be in Chicago where they are adding more lanes. The roads are likely damaged due to heavy traffic. Very similar to NoVA.
If you caught Blago on the Celebrity Apprentice, you see the quality of our local officials, LOL. That likely plays a large role in why the roads are in constant flux.
It's not as bad downstate. There are projects, but they get done. They are not on-going.
They are going to build a new bridge across the Mississippi to help with the Poplar Street Bridge congestion. Four interstates meet at the PSB, I55, I64, I70 all cross and I44 essentially starts there.
I believe they are adding a bridge for 70 to cross further north, leaving only I55 and I64/US40 traffic to cross the PSB.
The Chicagoland area only has two seasons; winter and road construction!
Originally Posted By: brianl703
Can someone explain to me why Illinois and other states have these never-ending construction projects? It's not because of the climate. That doesn't wash. We got a lot more freeze-thaw cycles here, and they don't have to rip up the pavement here every year.
The never ending ones seem to be in Chicago where they are adding more lanes. The roads are likely damaged due to heavy traffic. Very similar to NoVA.
If you caught Blago on the Celebrity Apprentice, you see the quality of our local officials, LOL. That likely plays a large role in why the roads are in constant flux.
It's not as bad downstate. There are projects, but they get done. They are not on-going.
They are going to build a new bridge across the Mississippi to help with the Poplar Street Bridge congestion. Four interstates meet at the PSB, I55, I64, I70 all cross and I44 essentially starts there.
I believe they are adding a bridge for 70 to cross further north, leaving only I55 and I64/US40 traffic to cross the PSB.
The Chicagoland area only has two seasons; winter and road construction!
Originally Posted By: Nick R
Originally Posted By: silverrat
If everyone is driving faster than you are, then you should speed up and follow the flow of traffic. Or else move out of the way.
The people who usually complain are the ones who are going to slow for the flow and are wondering why they are getting hassled.
If I want to relax or enjoy a car ride, I don't do it during rush hour or congested areas. During the day I usually want to get home in a decent amount of time so I can relax there, not stuck behind some guy doing 80kmh in a 80kmh zone on a freeway while everyone else is safely doing 95.
^^ This. If you are driving the speed limit, and everyone else is speeding... You are a road hazard. You are creating more danger by obstructing the flow of traffic than you would be just speeding, and keeping up with the flow. If the flow of traffic is 70-75, keep up, don't go trying to be all independent and do the speed limit of 65.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with someone driving the speed limit even when everyone else is speeding as long as that person stays in the right lane. Where I have a problem with it is when these people do it in the left lane and refuse to move right.
Originally Posted By: silverrat
If everyone is driving faster than you are, then you should speed up and follow the flow of traffic. Or else move out of the way.
The people who usually complain are the ones who are going to slow for the flow and are wondering why they are getting hassled.
If I want to relax or enjoy a car ride, I don't do it during rush hour or congested areas. During the day I usually want to get home in a decent amount of time so I can relax there, not stuck behind some guy doing 80kmh in a 80kmh zone on a freeway while everyone else is safely doing 95.
^^ This. If you are driving the speed limit, and everyone else is speeding... You are a road hazard. You are creating more danger by obstructing the flow of traffic than you would be just speeding, and keeping up with the flow. If the flow of traffic is 70-75, keep up, don't go trying to be all independent and do the speed limit of 65.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with someone driving the speed limit even when everyone else is speeding as long as that person stays in the right lane. Where I have a problem with it is when these people do it in the left lane and refuse to move right.
Originally Posted By: hardcore302
Ever notice how youe will get behind the "flock"?
All traveling the exact same limit, neck and neck, blocking the whole highway, and the idiot in the left lane refuses to let you by? Enfuriates me... I ain't talking about speeding, but I wanna get past you at some point..
These drivers are called left lane campers, and yes they are infuriating!!!!!
Ever notice how youe will get behind the "flock"?
All traveling the exact same limit, neck and neck, blocking the whole highway, and the idiot in the left lane refuses to let you by? Enfuriates me... I ain't talking about speeding, but I wanna get past you at some point..
These drivers are called left lane campers, and yes they are infuriating!!!!!
Originally Posted By: hardcore302
BTW, I wish more people would be more courteous to the flash to pass thing.. move over.. The left lane is for passing only, anyway..
Yes, but there's two sides to this. If I'm in the left lane and doing at least the speed limit and I'm passing slower moving traffic, I don't take too kindly to some clown coming up behind me and flashing me his lights just because he/she wants to do 20 MPH over the speed limit. When I'm done passing I'll move right, but I'm not going to go out of my way to facilitate someone else's desire to mega-speed.
BTW, I wish more people would be more courteous to the flash to pass thing.. move over.. The left lane is for passing only, anyway..
Yes, but there's two sides to this. If I'm in the left lane and doing at least the speed limit and I'm passing slower moving traffic, I don't take too kindly to some clown coming up behind me and flashing me his lights just because he/she wants to do 20 MPH over the speed limit. When I'm done passing I'll move right, but I'm not going to go out of my way to facilitate someone else's desire to mega-speed.
Originally Posted By: grampi
I strongly agree with your statement about these idiots who wait until the very last second to merge and then force their way in front of everyone else. This is exactly what causes the traffic backups in the areas. I liken it to someone cutting in front of you at the grocery store. When these idiots are trying to cut the line in front of me, I refuse to let them in!
Same here.
I also do whatever I can to make room for people who are patiently looking, waiting, and signaling. Every little bit helps...
I strongly agree with your statement about these idiots who wait until the very last second to merge and then force their way in front of everyone else. This is exactly what causes the traffic backups in the areas. I liken it to someone cutting in front of you at the grocery store. When these idiots are trying to cut the line in front of me, I refuse to let them in!
Same here.
I also do whatever I can to make room for people who are patiently looking, waiting, and signaling. Every little bit helps...
grampi, I agree with you on all those points.
Do not know how it is now but a few years back I traveled Ohio interstates quite abit. One would pass orange barrells for miles and miles then come upon 5/6 guy working on replacing a concret section, then it was back to miles and miles of barrells. Never could understand that concept.
Do not know how it is now but a few years back I traveled Ohio interstates quite abit. One would pass orange barrells for miles and miles then come upon 5/6 guy working on replacing a concret section, then it was back to miles and miles of barrells. Never could understand that concept.
Originally Posted By: grampi
Originally Posted By: hardcore302
BTW, I wish more people would be more courteous to the flash to pass thing.. move over.. The left lane is for passing only, anyway..
Yes, but there's two sides to this. If I'm in the left lane and doing at least the speed limit and I'm passing slower moving traffic, I don't take too kindly to some clown coming up behind me and flashing me his lights just because he/she wants to do 20 MPH over the speed limit. When I'm done passing I'll move right, but I'm not going to go out of my way to facilitate someone else's desire to mega-speed.
Exactly. I'll move back out of the left lane as soon as it's safe. If someone tailgates me, I take more time deciding on the safety of the move. A lot more.
Originally Posted By: hardcore302
BTW, I wish more people would be more courteous to the flash to pass thing.. move over.. The left lane is for passing only, anyway..
Yes, but there's two sides to this. If I'm in the left lane and doing at least the speed limit and I'm passing slower moving traffic, I don't take too kindly to some clown coming up behind me and flashing me his lights just because he/she wants to do 20 MPH over the speed limit. When I'm done passing I'll move right, but I'm not going to go out of my way to facilitate someone else's desire to mega-speed.
Exactly. I'll move back out of the left lane as soon as it's safe. If someone tailgates me, I take more time deciding on the safety of the move. A lot more.
I've always found that speeding is more dangerous. In a city it doesn't pay to speed. Every day I see folks racing ahead of me to get stopped at the light I roll up to 5-10 seconds later, or with luck, roll on through sans checking my slower speed. I've just used less fuel, put less wear on my car, and given myself more time to react to a situation. All this is happening in the right lane on a two-lane road. And when it's a one-lane road, I'll do the speed limit.
I used to think I was a great driver. Then life happened, and I found I'm an average at best driver. Going slower is great for making me deal with having average reflexes, and an average knowledge of how my car reacts in an emergency.
I used to think I was a great driver. Then life happened, and I found I'm an average at best driver. Going slower is great for making me deal with having average reflexes, and an average knowledge of how my car reacts in an emergency.
Originally Posted By: jcwit
grampi, I agree with you on all those points.
Do not know how it is now but a few years back I traveled Ohio interstates quite abit. One would pass orange barrells for miles and miles then come upon 5/6 guy working on replacing a concret section, then it was back to miles and miles of barrells. Never could understand that concept.
I don't think the highway dept. even tries to make construction zones as undisruptive as they can. There's no need to to have literally miles of lane closures when they're only working on a 500 ft section at a time.
grampi, I agree with you on all those points.
Do not know how it is now but a few years back I traveled Ohio interstates quite abit. One would pass orange barrells for miles and miles then come upon 5/6 guy working on replacing a concret section, then it was back to miles and miles of barrells. Never could understand that concept.
I don't think the highway dept. even tries to make construction zones as undisruptive as they can. There's no need to to have literally miles of lane closures when they're only working on a 500 ft section at a time.
Originally Posted By: Benzadmiral
Exactly. I'll move back out of the left lane as soon as it's safe. If someone tailgates me, I take more time deciding on the safety of the move. A lot more.
It may make you angry (sure as heck makes me mad) but it is a lot safer for you, and everyone in your car to just get out of his way, and let him go. If he wants to drive 95 mph and get a ticke (likely hauled off to jail) or get in an accident, don't get yourself involved in it. But as far as merging, if they are forced to merge into MY lane, I have the right of way, NOT them, so THEY have to slow down, because I sure as heck aren't.
Exactly. I'll move back out of the left lane as soon as it's safe. If someone tailgates me, I take more time deciding on the safety of the move. A lot more.
It may make you angry (sure as heck makes me mad) but it is a lot safer for you, and everyone in your car to just get out of his way, and let him go. If he wants to drive 95 mph and get a ticke (likely hauled off to jail) or get in an accident, don't get yourself involved in it. But as far as merging, if they are forced to merge into MY lane, I have the right of way, NOT them, so THEY have to slow down, because I sure as heck aren't.
Originally Posted By: d00df00d
No comment.
Yeah I know right? Horrible.
No comment.
Yeah I know right? Horrible.
I drove 80 mph on the interstate during the dark days of the moronic 55 NMSL(thank you, Cobra CB and Cincinnati Microwave Escort) and I continue to believe that 80 mph is a comfortable and adequate cruising speed on most all rural interstates. I keep speeds at 65 mph or below(usually below) when things begin to become congested.
On surface streets I stick to the speed limit.
Finally, I pretty much ignore those yellow advisory speed signs-or at least double the speed when I'm in the Club Sport or Mazdaspeed...
On surface streets I stick to the speed limit.
Finally, I pretty much ignore those yellow advisory speed signs-or at least double the speed when I'm in the Club Sport or Mazdaspeed...
It depends. Urban interstate, no real need to speed. Go with the flow, keep your head on a swivel and drive smoothly.
In town, no way one should go fast. Too many places where someone can pull out, slow to turn, etc. Drive so that I have lots of time to anticipate.
Rural interstate, speeding probably only impacts me if I mess up. Again, drive smoothly. Speeding probably won't decrease my travel time that much, and it's certainly more relaxing not having to wonder if the Johnny Law is looking for me.
Ten years ago, I would be advocating 20 over, graduated licenses for those who pass a drivers training program similar to what the Germans pass. I.E. if you prove you can be trusted on the autobahn, you get to drive faster.
Now, just relax, drive smooth and don't sweat and react to what others are doing. Instead, anticipate and respond.
In town, no way one should go fast. Too many places where someone can pull out, slow to turn, etc. Drive so that I have lots of time to anticipate.
Rural interstate, speeding probably only impacts me if I mess up. Again, drive smoothly. Speeding probably won't decrease my travel time that much, and it's certainly more relaxing not having to wonder if the Johnny Law is looking for me.
Ten years ago, I would be advocating 20 over, graduated licenses for those who pass a drivers training program similar to what the Germans pass. I.E. if you prove you can be trusted on the autobahn, you get to drive faster.
Now, just relax, drive smooth and don't sweat and react to what others are doing. Instead, anticipate and respond.
Boy, I can relate to this topic.
I tend to set my cruise control to 4mph or 5mph over the posted limit on the highway and stay in the left/"fast" lane. Cops don't stop you for 5mph over.
I am always polite, but it annoys me big time when a car flys up on me and tailgates in an attempt to bully me into moving into the right lane so they can pass...and the right lane is completely open! They can simply go around me, but no, they choose to be aggressive.
I often ignore them and it drives my wife nuts. She says "You are in the fast lane..." I state "Yup, and I am driving faster than the posted speed limit...and really, there is no such thing as a "fast lane" which allows exceeding the speed limit."
Slower vehicles (which are moving slower than the posted max speed limit) are supposed to stay to the right, so my place, driving at or slightly above the max, is in either lane.
That said, if a person is polite, I usually ease over to let them through.
Another scenario is a tailgater that expects me to get out of their way, but my move results in having to significantly speed up or slow down, which degrades my fuel economy.
They should have to waste their fuel if they want to pass.
One of the more annoying and recent developments are tailgaters who use you as a pace car because they are talking on the phone or texting. They are so distracted that they can't maintain an even speed, so you prevent them from driving too fast. When you move out of the way they zip right up to the next car...
I tend to set my cruise control to 4mph or 5mph over the posted limit on the highway and stay in the left/"fast" lane. Cops don't stop you for 5mph over.
I am always polite, but it annoys me big time when a car flys up on me and tailgates in an attempt to bully me into moving into the right lane so they can pass...and the right lane is completely open! They can simply go around me, but no, they choose to be aggressive.
I often ignore them and it drives my wife nuts. She says "You are in the fast lane..." I state "Yup, and I am driving faster than the posted speed limit...and really, there is no such thing as a "fast lane" which allows exceeding the speed limit."
Slower vehicles (which are moving slower than the posted max speed limit) are supposed to stay to the right, so my place, driving at or slightly above the max, is in either lane.
That said, if a person is polite, I usually ease over to let them through.
Another scenario is a tailgater that expects me to get out of their way, but my move results in having to significantly speed up or slow down, which degrades my fuel economy.
They should have to waste their fuel if they want to pass.
One of the more annoying and recent developments are tailgaters who use you as a pace car because they are talking on the phone or texting. They are so distracted that they can't maintain an even speed, so you prevent them from driving too fast. When you move out of the way they zip right up to the next car...
I have no problem passing left-lane blocking idiots on the right.
It's interesting to note that those same idiots move over if I happen to be driving that Crown Vic.
It's interesting to note that those same idiots move over if I happen to be driving that Crown Vic.
Originally Posted By: Loogie
I am always polite, but it annoys me big time when a car flys up on me and tailgates in an attempt to bully me into moving into the right lane so they can pass...and the right lane is completely open! They can simply go around me, but no, they choose to be aggressive.
I often ignore them and it drives my wife nuts. She says "You are in the fast lane..." I state "Yup, and I am driving faster than the posted speed limit...and really, there is no such thing as a "fast lane" which allows exceeding the speed limit."
Slower vehicles (which are moving slower than the posted max speed limit) are supposed to stay to the right, so my place, driving at or slightly above the max, is in either lane.
One of the reasons for yielding the left lane to faster traffic is to keep it moving so that emergency vehicles have somewhere to go.
Moreover, passing on the right is actually illegal. People in the left lane are supposed to be able to move right at any time to yield to faster traffic, so you can't have traffic moving faster in the right lane than in the left. That also means you have right-of-way when you move in from the left; whoever's behind you in the right lane has to slow down and make room for you.
This is why you're supposed to yield the left lane for faster traffic, no matter how fast you're going.
I am always polite, but it annoys me big time when a car flys up on me and tailgates in an attempt to bully me into moving into the right lane so they can pass...and the right lane is completely open! They can simply go around me, but no, they choose to be aggressive.
I often ignore them and it drives my wife nuts. She says "You are in the fast lane..." I state "Yup, and I am driving faster than the posted speed limit...and really, there is no such thing as a "fast lane" which allows exceeding the speed limit."
Slower vehicles (which are moving slower than the posted max speed limit) are supposed to stay to the right, so my place, driving at or slightly above the max, is in either lane.
One of the reasons for yielding the left lane to faster traffic is to keep it moving so that emergency vehicles have somewhere to go.
Moreover, passing on the right is actually illegal. People in the left lane are supposed to be able to move right at any time to yield to faster traffic, so you can't have traffic moving faster in the right lane than in the left. That also means you have right-of-way when you move in from the left; whoever's behind you in the right lane has to slow down and make room for you.
This is why you're supposed to yield the left lane for faster traffic, no matter how fast you're going.
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