8 Bit WWBG
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Post by 8 Bit WWBG on Apr 12, 2014 6:16:20 GMT -5
I'm just curious whether anyone here tailgates other drivers. Due to two accidents and the higher value I place on my own life vs. others, I am simply no longer willing to follow someone so closely as to risk impact if they decide to stop.
A lot of other drivers though seem to think the space I leave is an invitation and often try to speed in front of me. I usually won't block people from doing so (and since I didn't buy a 110hp beater with manual windows, blocking people is actually an option) I just find it odd that others don't seem as concerned. I feel like it is quite common to see folks dangerously close to others.
I'm not talking about for a brief bit before a turn or exit either, I mean like 2 car lengths while going 70mph+ Nobody here does that, right?
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marvholly
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Post by marvholly on Apr 12, 2014 7:27:09 GMT -5
ABSOLUTLY NOT!
And if some...........jerk tailgates me on an open 40 mph or higher road that I AM doing 5 mph over the posted limit I start erratically hitting my brakes for odd amounts of time.
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NoNamePerson
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Post by NoNamePerson on Apr 12, 2014 7:30:42 GMT -5
NO and I hate it when someone tailgates me. Makes me want to stop car and slap sh## outta them but I just tap my brakes and watch them swerve all over the place trying to stop.
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achelois
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Post by achelois on Apr 12, 2014 7:34:57 GMT -5
I notice that cars seem to travel in packs. I try to stay between packs.
Here in NC, if you are not driving at least 20 miles over the posted speed limit, you WILL be run over.
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Apr 12, 2014 7:35:42 GMT -5
Nope, I pass their slow asses!
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NoNamePerson
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Post by NoNamePerson on Apr 12, 2014 7:45:20 GMT -5
Nope, I pass their slow asses! Someone tailgating me when I'm doing 70 at 5AM on interstate and very few cars on the road can get in the next lane if they want to do 80. This went on for a couple miles till I tapped my breaks and watched idiot swerve off into emergency lane and churn up grass. His ass backed off me after that. Riding someone bumper doing 70 is just plain stupid ETA: I was in the right hand land and left lane was open for this idiot.
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Apr 12, 2014 7:46:37 GMT -5
Absolutely. I will always pass. I have no intention of ruining my car and my day on someone else.
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Apr 12, 2014 7:47:47 GMT -5
I would never take the chance that the other driver might be nuts as well. Of course I carry in my car but I'd rather not use it because someone decides I'm driving too fast to please them. But I never tailgate, never ever.
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midjd
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Post by midjd on Apr 12, 2014 8:04:02 GMT -5
I only tailgate if someone is going well below the speed limit in the passing lane. Get your slow ass over!
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Apr 12, 2014 8:17:24 GMT -5
I wouldn't mess with a driver that is tailgating. Is it worth your life? They already have "issues." Being RIGHT isn't worth it if you're DEAD RIGHT.
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NoNamePerson
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Post by NoNamePerson on Apr 12, 2014 8:26:15 GMT -5
No I don't want to mess with a tailgater but this was dangerous. At one time I pulled into the left lane and he followed me. Decided it was time to get his attention. I don't know if he was just being an asshole or realized woman traveling alone. I usually give folks a wide berth when driving.
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swamp
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Post by swamp on Apr 12, 2014 8:46:12 GMT -5
I only tailgate if someone is going well below the speed limit in the passing lane. Get your slow ass over! Amen.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2014 9:24:25 GMT -5
A lot of other drivers though seem to think the space I leave is an invitation and often try to speed in front of me. I usually won't block people from doing so (and since I didn't buy a 110hp beater with manual windows, blocking people is actually an option) I just find it odd that others don't seem as concerned. I feel like it is quite common to see folks dangerously close to others. Same here. I try to leave a cushion & people constantly jump into it. Clearly I value my life as much as you value yours. And it is more than the general driving population values theirs. But I am also old and a little more chill. If I'm 15 minutes late to work because of traffic I just don't sweat it. But when I was younger I would get very tense if I was running late and would drive more aggressively. Foolish, but everyone's drinking the same KoolAid! What actually worries me more are the number of people that text while driving. And if you try to catch their attention to stop it, they flip you off and give you a look like you are a crazy looser. Honestly I really don't care if they kill themselves with stupidity, but usually they involve others.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Apr 12, 2014 9:57:32 GMT -5
My husband says I do.
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busymom
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Post by busymom on Apr 12, 2014 10:40:06 GMT -5
Nope. I lived for a time near a highway, & saw too many accidents caused by people taking dumb chances.
And, in the winter it's REALLY dumb to tailgate. I stay in the right lane, & let those in a hurry pass by.
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8 Bit WWBG
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Post by 8 Bit WWBG on Apr 12, 2014 11:00:01 GMT -5
...:::"Here in NC, if you are not driving at least 20 miles over the posted speed limit, you WILL be run over.":::...
This always makes me wonder if the posted limits are artificially low, or people really are just that crazy/short on time. 55mph on a major highway is impractical. Even 70mph often sees you getting passed. I was on the turnpike doing 85mph in the left and occasionally still had people angrily passing me on the right. I think some people just can't stand having cars in front of them at all.
If someone is doing it badly, yeah I might slow down then zoom ahead. Its problematic though when *I* can't go anywhere because the person ahead of ME is going the speed they are going and the road is packed. Tailgating me doesn't help when there are 4 other cars ahead of me!
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Apr 12, 2014 11:00:31 GMT -5
I try not to, but did last week when the driver drove 20 mph ALL THE WAY INTO TOWN. It's about 7 miles, no way to pass and the speed limit is 40.
20 mph is a really hard speed to drive. We've got a school zone near our house and while TD can drop into 2nd in his car, my automatic doesn't go that speed without a combo of coasting, hitting the break and giving it gas.
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on Apr 12, 2014 11:06:43 GMT -5
I used to tailgate when somebody was going slow in the left lane. Now I tailgate and hold the horn down. They move over much faster. I figure half of all drivers are totally oblivious. They don't check their mirrors, they aren't paying attention to what's going on next to or behind them, a good percentage of the time they're on their phone anyway and barely aware of what's going on in front of them. Tailgating has no effect because they're literally too oblivious to realize you're back there. The horn gets their attention though. Especially when you hold it down for half a mile. I get flipped off more, but they also move faster, so I figure it's worth it.
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sesfw
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Post by sesfw on Apr 12, 2014 11:11:02 GMT -5
Nope. Don't tailgate ...... don't speed either. I do drive the speed limit and let everyone else pass me. Doesn't bother me at all. If there are only 2 lanes I'll stay in the right lane, otherwise the second lane in. I stay out of the 'suicide' lanes.
I10 is a 2 lane hiway in each direction from Phx to Tucson with a 75 mph limit. In excellent driving conditions I usually find an 18 wheeler going between 65 and 70 ........ and stay far enough behind him for at least 2 cars to get in. But I found that if someone passes me, they usually pass the bigger truck also.
When vehicles are in a pack, I try to stay between packs.
At times when DH is driving I have to close my eyes. Although he is getting a lot better as he gets older.
my automatic doesn't go that speed
You should have different gear levels with your auto. Just drop it to either 3 or 2.
I used to tailgate when somebody was going slow in the left lane.
How far over the speed LIMIT do you drive? Just curious
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8 Bit WWBG
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Post by 8 Bit WWBG on Apr 12, 2014 11:22:14 GMT -5
...:::"How far over the speed LIMIT do you drive? Just curious":::...
Speed limits on highways are like suggested donations in museums. I go 75-85 regardless of what is on the sign. I will obey the posted limits in specific situations like crowded bridges, toll lanes, and so forth. I also adjust depending on weather.
Around me, it feels like most people go what they are comfortable with. There is a decent sized road with a 35mph limit. Most people do about 50mph. I would obviously never do that in a tight residential area or a twisty/turny situation.
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sesfw
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Post by sesfw on Apr 12, 2014 11:37:42 GMT -5
I know I've said this before ..... and I know I'll say it again.
I have yet to see a sign that says '55mph suggested'. It's always '55mph LIMIT'.
According to Webster's Dictionary the definition of LIMIT is ...... not to exceed.
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midjd
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Post by midjd on Apr 12, 2014 12:00:19 GMT -5
I know I've said this before ..... and I know I'll say it again.
I have yet to see a sign that says '55mph suggested'. It's always '55mph LIMIT'.
According to Webster's Dictionary the definition of LIMIT is ...... not to exceed. From NHTSA: Going 25 miles below the limit when everyone else is traveling at normal speed is just as dangerous as - if not more than - speeding.
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sesfw
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Post by sesfw on Apr 12, 2014 12:21:25 GMT -5
Going 25 miles below the limit when everyone else is traveling at normal speed is just as dangerous as - if not more than - speeding.
Totally agree with this. However IMHO speeding kills and maims a lot oftener than going too slow.
PS: this small town doesn't have street lights so I go at least 5 miles under the posted limit after dark. I would like to see the javelina with enough time to stop before I hit him. They make a nasty mess ...... and get very angry.
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Tiny
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Post by Tiny on Apr 12, 2014 12:39:36 GMT -5
What ever happened to the '2 second rule'? I don't get the tail gating thing... you can't see what the shmuck in front of the guy you are tailgating is doing... maybe I just live in a very populated area -- there's ALWAYS someone in front of the vehicle you are behind. I leave 2 car lengths (or 2 seconds) between me and what's ever in front of me.. if it's a big vehicle I may leave more... nothing like going along at 40 or 50 and having the guy infront of you swerve over to the next lane to avoid some debris in the road - that you didn't know was there. Not always enough time to stop or change lanes As a kid... I remember my Dad always teaching other drivers 'a lesson' by hitting his brakes for tailgaters or doing other stuff to 'show' that other driver. This was before seat belts. I once got thrown from the back seat into the back of the front seat hard enough to give me a nose bleed and a black eye during one of his 'lessons for other drivers'. Yeah, that other driver learned a lot from that... probably didn't even notice. When confronted with drivers doing things I don't approve of - I tend to keep doing what I'm doing (since I'm usually obeying the laws OR driving safely for the conditions.) I will attempt to avoid or move away from people driving erratically (they could have just gotten their dose of heroin or whatever other drug of choice OR maybe just stumbled out of a bar) there's lots of such 'stopping places' along the expressways.
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MN-Investor
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Post by MN-Investor on Apr 12, 2014 13:38:50 GMT -5
Good grief, NO!
By tailgating, you're putting your life into the hands of the other driver. If he, for some reason, out of the blue, jams on his brakes, you will hit him.
Fortunately, I drive mostly on interstates or around town. I try to give myself time to get to my destination so that a couple of minutes won't make a difference.
My sister's husband always drives too fast, always tailgates. My sister hates it, but there is absolutely nothing she can say that will change him (he's 64). He's had a few accidents in the past - one with a police car! Sister knows chances are good that he will get into an accident with her in the car, but has resigned herself to that fact.
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Apr 12, 2014 17:01:01 GMT -5
...:::"How far over the speed LIMIT do you drive? Just curious":::... Speed limits on highways are like suggested donations in museums. I go 75-85 regardless of what is on the sign. I will obey the posted limits in specific situations like crowded bridges, toll lanes, and so forth. I also adjust depending on weather. Around me, it feels like most people go what they are comfortable with. There is a decent sized road with a 35mph limit. Most people do about 50mph. I would obviously never do that in a tight residential area or a twisty/turny situation. I find those areas to be patrolled when its quota time. They know the speed limit is artificially low so it will be ignored.
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NoNamePerson
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Post by NoNamePerson on Apr 12, 2014 19:49:53 GMT -5
Good grief, NO! By tailgating, you're putting your life into the hands of the other driver. If he, for some reason, out of the blue, jams on his brakes, you will hit him. Fortunately, I drive mostly on interstates or around town. I try to give myself time to get to my destination so that a couple of minutes won't make a difference. My sister's husband always drives too fast, always tailgates. My sister hates it, but there is absolutely nothing she can say that will change him (he's 64). He's had a few accidents in the past - one with a police car! Sister knows chances are good that he will get into an accident with her in the car, but has resigned herself to that fact. Tell her to stock up on Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2014 19:27:37 GMT -5
I'm from Massachusetts. You bet your ass I tailgate. No tailgating = no living around here sometimes. Don't call them Boston drivers for nuthin'!!! Not that I actually drive IN Boston. I'm too afraid. That's what the subway and other people are for. Had to drive DH to his neurologist a few months ago and I didn't stop shaking until the next day. Went home and drank a bottle of wine. Next time I think I might drink it BEFORE we go. Which I hope is never.
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Regis
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Post by Regis on Apr 14, 2014 20:20:54 GMT -5
Going 25 miles below the limit when everyone else is traveling at normal speed is just as dangerous as - if not more than - speeding.
Totally agree with this. However IMHO speeding kills and maims a lot oftener than going too slow.
PS: this small town doesn't have street lights so I go at least 5 miles under the posted limit after dark. I would like to see the javelina with enough time to stop before I hit him. They make a nasty mess ...... and get very angry.
Studies have shown that more accidents are caused by differentials in speed than speed itself. However, you are correct that the extent of the damage and the number of fatalities is greater as speed increases regardless of the difference in speed between the vehicles involved.
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JustLurkin
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Post by JustLurkin on Apr 14, 2014 20:27:37 GMT -5
As a kid... I remember my Dad always teaching other drivers 'a lesson' by hitting his brakes for tailgaters or doing other stuff to 'show' that other driver. This was before seat belts. I once got thrown from the back seat into the back of the front seat hard enough to give me a nose bleed and a black eye during one of his 'lessons for other drivers'. Yeah, that other driver learned a lot from that... probably didn't even notice. People do that around here as part of an insurance scam...constantly braking for no reason will result in people calling 911. I'm sure explaining to the officer you are teaching other drivers a lesson will go over pretty well.
The only time I did something to make someone get off my ass, was during a horrible rain storm. All I could see was their light in my mirror while the rain just poured. I came to a complete stop, they backed up and kept their distance the rest of the drive.
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