Re: Aggressive Drivers, from their POV

["George S Achorn III" <coolidge@nicom.com>]

karl.marc@asu.edu 	wrote:

>How does going _faster_ give one _more_ time to react to dangerous roadway
>situations???  I can only see this helping if you need to get _away_ from
>an overtly bad driver(s), but even then, if they're maintaining a speed,
>slowing for a brief time to put distance between you and them could
>achieve the same goal.  

	While moving at speed you have the inertia to maneuver away from the other
driver in a close call. This is not always good, but then again neither is
slamming the brakes. It works for me on occasion.
	

>I'd have to say (IMHO, I guess) that drivers who
>consistently speed 10, 15, 20+ over the limit sacrifice the safety of
>other road users for their desire for speed... quattro or otherwise, 
>greater speeds = reduced available reaction time. 

	I disagree. Conservative speeding is not a problem. I do agree that people
who suggest there be no speed limit and want to drive 100mph have a
problem, but I never suggested that. The problem I suggest is that until we
have more comprehensive drivers tests, you will have clueless drivers who
change lanes with no warning and drive 50mph in a 65 area. When I speed on
the highway I usually slow down to close to the pace of the person I am
driving (within 5 to 10mph). This has two benefits. The first is that you
don't stand out to cops, the second is that it safens the situation. Still
on a lone highway I have no problem of averaging 15 to 20mph over the
limit.
	One of the main points of traffic safety on a highway is keeping with the
flow. A person driving 55mph in a congested area labled 65 with an average
of 75 (ie everyone else is driving 75) the person driving 55 is the one
causing the danger inadvertantly. 
	I do not race on the highway, I do not chase people down, I do not drag
race, and I do not do triple digits. These are all irresponsible in my
opinion. I do drive quite a bit though for my job and do not see a problem
with people who speed. The fact of the matter is unsafe (speeders) and
clueless left lane lurkers are usually the ones that cause accidents. This
usually involves driving beyond one's limits. I feel I am aware of my
limits and reaction times. When I feel hindered from lack of sleep etc, I
slow down.
	If you do not feel safe, then go at your own pace, and drive responsibly.
Accidents will always happen, but if we all drive with a little courtesy
(no tailgating and use of turnsignals) then we might lessen the amount of
people chasing other people down.
	LAter-G



>And speeding in city traffic is the dumbest part... traffic lights are
>generally timed... where they are, you certainly aren't getting anywhere
>faster by speeding to every red light on your route!  In fact, all that is
>accomplished is kicking oneself in one's wallet (gas & brakes).  But, I
>see it every day, by the majority of drivers... hurry up and stop... 

JMTC

Karl K.      79 Fox  148k mi
Mesa, AZ     86 5OOOS  139k mi