What are your thoughts about speed limits?

Bird · May 31, 2003

It seems to me there is some confusion or misunderstanding in this thread as to whether we're talking about a two lane (each way) roadway or whether we're talking about 3 or more lanes each way. The latest survey I recall (and that was several years ago) found that the largest number of accidents occur in the right lane while the most severe accidents (damage and injuries) occur in the left lane, making the middle lanes the safest (if the roadway has more than 2 lanes).

Anonymous Poster · May 31, 2003

Around here (NC) I tend to drive the right lane often follow the trucks. For reasons unknow to me, in Monroe, NC a fully loaded Concrete Truck will ALWAYS out accelerate the Corvette in the left lane.

I also love to hear folk complain about being passed on the right, yet traffic flows at 60+ in the right lane and 45- in the left for the most part. Now how can you avoid passing on the right? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

BigDave · May 31, 2003

Don,

( What I don't understand is after a lifetime of following the "Keep Right" rule, why do NJ drivers (and those from everywhere else) retire to Florida, then drive slow in the left lane? )

Because Florida lets them. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

BigDave · May 31, 2003

J,

In only a few situations have I seen left exits in NJ, they are rare. NJ's solution is the jug-handle, where you exit to the right a circle back towards the highway, so that you are perdendicular to the highway, then it's either a traffic light or an overapass that gets you across the highway. Jug-handles & circles are the most frequent complaints I've heard about driving in NJ. Of course my mother-in-law from NY just doesn't like NJ drivers, apparently they do everything wrong. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

turnkey4099 · May 31, 2003

The simple answer is that you should drive to keep out of the way of other drivers. If you are moving slower than other traffic you should not be in the left most lane. There should be at least one lane to your left. If this means that you have to be in the right lane, tough. Yes, the right most lane going through cities can be a hazard as you pointed out. Other than that; keep right exept to pass is the rule. If you don't, get used to the idea that everyone you are impeding is calling you a butthead.

Harry K

popeye · Jun 1, 2003

Bird

 I've found I can drive all the way across Dallas in heavy traffic on the freeways without ever slowing down if I just get in the middle lane and set the cruise control for the speed limit. Of course, I have cars and trucks sailing by on both sides. 

Tell me it ain't so!!!!!!!!!!
I know you are kidding. Right?????????
Mike

bgott · Jun 1, 2003

Richard Petty is my hero. What sealed the deal was when he busted a move on that turd stuck in the left lane and sent him spinning down the highway on his top! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bird · Jun 1, 2003

Mike, maybe only halfway kidding. I've actually done it on several occasions, but then there are times such as "rush hour" when I might have to slow down a time or two. Did you see the news reports last month about the police department's program of "rolling roadblocks" on Central Expressway during the morning rush hour? They put 4 squad cars side by side driving down the freeway at the speed limit creating a massive traffic jam behind them. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

popeye · Jun 1, 2003

Bird
I got involved in and unoffical roadblock last Sunday coming back from my property. Two kids on cell phones driving side by side on US59 South at 40-45mph. Oh for a iron bumper guard or an H1 Hummer when I needed it!!!!!!!!!
 Maybe rocket launchers under bumper, or .50 caliber or................... 
Not having any of the above I just passed em when I got to an entrance lane.
Mike

Anonymous Poster · Jun 2, 2003

KIds like to make us angry. They used to do it by going too fast. But, kids also adapt very well. Their latest fad is to do it by going too slow. I think it's pretty innovative; it always works, and it's a heck of a lot safer (at least for the kids, and the rest of us if we refuse to get mad). When you finally do get around them, they win (in their own minds) if you demonstrate your anger...

In your case, sounds like they were doing the legal minimum, and there isn't a thing you can do about it! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Find an alternate route, or stop for a cup of coffee. Of course, if they've chosen the stretch of road carefully, neither alternative is available. In that case, sit back and relax, and grin knowing the future is safe because those particular kids actually have the ability to plan something! If you don't get angry, you win!

By the way, it's OK to wish for a rocket launcher, just don't show it...