Re: sexism

[Sargent Schutt <sargent@novagate.com>]

Dee/Geoff/dave/Orin: 

I regularly drive in LA/San Diego traffic.  That was my 'perspective' in the
previous post. Millions of people trying to get somewhere. And there is
nothing more infuriating than driving along on a 4,5,6,7+ lane freeway and
some miscreant in the far left lane will NOT get over to let anyone through.
They will drive along at the same speed as the car next to them for MILES.
Then, if they do get out of the way for a microsecond, they get right back in
the left lane, for no reason a'tall. As they blindly pass a hundred signs that
say "SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT". Maddening, it is. And yes, it IS illegal,
though largely under-enforced. 

And it doesn't matter to me much if you are on the freeway or a two-lane. If
someone is clearly in need of expeditious progress, flashing lights,
tailgating, etc. Let them by. It's safer for both of you. Saves attempts at
blind passing, etc. Who cares who's at fault in an accident - let's each do
our part to avoid having one, eh? 

Personally, I usually speed up for the other person until there is a safe
place for them to pass or me to pull off. I definitely do not advocate
tailgating, though. It's dangerous, because of the dip$hits who think it's a
good idea to slam on their brakes to alleviate the problem. That usually leads
to an escalation of tactics.  Why make the situation more dangerous? 

Suppose your spouse has cut off a finger/gone into labor/you name it. You are
in a big hurry. But noooo, self-appointed traffic cop in the white minivan
won't yield for anyone, because any speed above his/hers is insane. Never mind
they are prolly going 5 over the limit anyway (the 'my speed is the right
speed' syndrome). And on and on. It's not up to you to judge the merits of
their 'need' for 'speed'. So don't. Unless you know why the other person is in
a hurry, (hint: you never do) let them by if at all possible. 

On two lane highways - if I'm in the ole' Suburban, pulling my Whaler up to
northern Michigan on the country two lanes, I pull over (slowing but w/o
stopping) where possible and let people by if I see I'm holding them up. It
doesn't cost me anything, and they get to go merrily on their way, at whatever
speed they feel is prudent, rather than cursing the back end of my boat mile
after mile. I'm not advocating reckless driving; rather I don't feel it's my
right to impede other's progress. Ever. It's just simple consideration for
others, if not the law as well. 

As far as 'taking a chill pill', Dee, driving is serious business. I may no
longer be able to ski or mountain bike as hard as I did before, and many other
things, because my back is now tweaked thanks to the inattentive woman in the
Accord who totaled my 91 200q three weeks ago. My mountain climbing plans for
the summer are on hold, perhaps cancelled. My car is still sitting in a body
shop, no work commenced, and not a dime from the ins. co. yet. All thanks to
someone who didn't take driving seriously (I was rear-ended when traffic came
to a stop on a dry two lane road). 

Forgive me if I appear smug for my position, but I have nothing but comtempt
for the asinine "slam-on-the-brakes" "nobody has a God-given right to go
faster than me" attitudes out there. Have a little consideration for those in
more of a hurry than you.  What does it cost you?

Regards,

Sarge