U.S. Driving Issues

[dgs49]

#1 pet peeve: I tend to use my cruise control quite a bit when traveling. Otherwise, if i'm in a hurry I drive way too fast and if I'm not in a hurry I find myself driving too slow and creating a blockage.

So I am generally driving at a constant speed.

What drives me nuts is people who seem to have a psychological problem with being passed. You catch up to someone, pull out to pass, and find yourself slowly falling behind someone who has suddenly realized that there is someone on the road going faster than they are. Then, after I've given up and pulled back into the right lane, they gradually slow down again to repeat the process.

For some reason, this phenomenon is worst in New Jersey and eastern PA. If I persist in trying to pass someone in those circumstances, I might find myself going 85 and still not overtaking the asshole in the right lane, who I caught when I was doing 70.

The 55MPH speed limit on superhighways is another major aggravation. In Pennsylvania, half of the entire interstate highway system is marked at 55 for one or another reason, having no basis in logic. The traffic continues to travel at 70-75 as we all do in 65MPH zones, but now, instead of being 10% over the speed limit, we are vulnerable to a multi-hundred dollar ticket, simply for moving with the flow of traffic (I have had this experience). Our previous governor said he would do something about this 55Mph bullshit, but nothing ever came of it.

Also, in PA we have construction markers and construction speed limits, apparently, from the moment a construction project is thought of in Harrisburg until 90 days after completion of construction. Hence, we have the lower speed limits and the "doubled" fines for two years, for a project that actually only lasts a couple months.

Finally, I feel compelled to mention the drivers who fail to accept the concept of a "passing" lane, and insist on traveling in the left lane, regardless of their speed or the desires of the cars behind them. The only explanation I've ever heard for this - aside from simple inconsideration - was the rumor that radio reception was better in the left lane.

[loCAtek]

That 'passing phenomenon' happens in CA too. My way of dealing with it, was to pass with superior speed from the onset. Change lanes, accelerate immediately; and as soon as the other driver realizes that you're passing them, and tries to accelerate him/herself, you have the advantage of being able to increase your momentum and take the lead.

[Gob]

I'm slowly getting into the habit of using cruise control, never had much (any) use for it in the UK.

I always go off cruise to overtake though, it's a time when you want to be in full control of the car, for the reason Dave stated, and others.

[BoSoxGal]

In Montana we are allowed to exceed the speed limit by 10mph to pass - but only on a two-way highway divided by a yellow line. Divided highways, no such allowance.

I've noticed those assholes who play 'gotta be in front' and they piss me off. I like to get around them, wait until they can't pass me easily, and slow way down.

[Jarlaxle]

I like having a car with enough engine to get around people like you!

[dales]

I like having enough common sense not to get sucked into bullshyt games people play on the roads.

[BoSoxGal]

I have plenty of common sense. It's just occasionally amusing to me to mess with morons.

[dales]

A "moron" driving 2 tons of steel at 70 mph is not to be trifled with.

Why risk your life?

Let them be.

[rubato]

Traffic is 'sticky' because people will unconsciously react to seeing someone overtake by speeding up. If you overtake at a more decisively higher speed then you don't allow time for this to occur and the person being passed rationalizes it by saying to themselves that you are going at a higher speed than they want to.

Act decisively and clearly indicate your intentions and things are much easier.

yrs,
rubato

[Miles]

It's my understanding the here in Pa. the 55 mph is posted around very populated areas. The reason, as I understand, is that there are more on and off ramps which require more merging of traffic.

As to the passing thing I have no problem being passed. I agree with the idea that a 2 ton object in the hands of an idiot is a definate disaster just looking for someplace to happen.

[Crackpot]

I don't care about being passed. It's an annoyance when they just hang along side of me. But for fucksake just don't hang in my blindspot!

[Long Run]

It is an annoyance when people don't maintain a consistent speed. I hate when I have to pass (or be passed by) the same person more than once because they aren't paying enough attention to keep the same basic speed. Cruise control is great, and at least one study I've seen indicates it provides better gas mileage than maintaining your own speed (even on hilly highways).

[BoSoxGal]

I love cruise control, use it all the time - except when passing.

I can't stand the people who accelerate, then let off the gas until their speed begins to fall off, then accelerate again. I've known a few drivers like that in my life and it SUCKED riding with them - herky jerky! I can't grasp why a person drives like that.

[Crackpot]

they think it saves gas.

[dgs49]

(a) You can pass someone without disengaging the cruise control. When you let up off the gas you will return to the set speed.

(b) The reason I don't like to pass aggressively is it has me going 80 or more mph for a short period, and vulnerable to a huge ticket.

(c) worst situation (happens quite a bit): I'm slowly approaching a slow-moving truck in the right lane. A car overtaking me in the passing lane is lollygagging, thus forcing me to step on the brake behind the truck, while I wait for them to pass. Don't know whether they are being assholes or just not aware of what they're doing.

(d) Amazing how many people are not aware that cars and trucks have blind spots, where it is dangerous to linger.

(e) Rule still holds: when you see someone who is totally oblivious, they are usually talking on the phone.

(f) I recently decided that using cruise control in the rain is probably a stupid thing to do. I do it, but with a lot of caution these days.

(g) I really dislike driving behind SUV's and vans with blacked-out windows. They really create a visual blockage that is irritating.

[Liberty1]

I love New Mexico, 75mph on the I-states and 65mph through town.

We have our share of stupid drivers of course, just like everywhere else.

[Gob]

(a) You can pass someone without disengaging the cruise control. When you let up off the gas you will return to the set speed.

Not in my car, any use of the throttle disengages the cruise.

[dales]

And your steering wheel is on the wrong d@mn side, too.

[rubato]

c-control is only useful in relatively light traffic. Otherwise its just a pain in the ass. going into a series of curves with C-control on is very disconcerting because your 'normal' behavior, which conditions your proprioception, is that you'll back off then even if you don't brake.

yrs,
rubato

[Jarlaxle]

Only in a car that handles like a pig! I take S-curves with CC set regularly.