Tailgaters out on the road!!!!

[briano]

Is it just me that hates being drafted going down the highway? The roads around here have been awful lately with our cold and snowy weather. It never fails, there is always one idiot that wants to get so close to the back of my truck that I can't see their hood in my rear view. Some times I like to slow way down and see if they have balls enough to pass, but usually no. Maybe I should have a tow bar with me and stop to offer them a tow. Anyone else just love these morons?

[briano]

Sorry for the double thread, my fat fingers are to blame

[King Trikester]

Yes I hate those bastards. They make me want to slam on the brakes, my truck could use a new bumper. I just don't Understand what they are think. If you need to pass some one stay back and get a run at it!! Not ride the bumper and piss them off and usually make them drive slower. I could go one about this topic for hours I'm getting worked up thinking about it

[kb0nly]

I double tap brakes, if two blinks of my brake lights don't do the job then i just stop and let them go by, i don't need some idiot slamming into me if i have to panic stop.

[atc007]

I admittedly drive too fast. However when it does happen. .ahhhh, I'm a A hole. I brake check them hard. If the families with me,Not so hard,,but enough they def get the drift FIRST time!! Had a guy in my lane today,I swerve back. He damn near wrecked gathering himself up . None of us are perfect,but damn it. Out on the road,we need to strive to be.

[tri again]

I leave my ugliest knee buster trailer hitch on that no one would want to get near.
My Fav was the guy who passed me on the right in a van full o' kids.
He spit gravel and almost flipped the thing.
9 miles and 10.5 minutes later, we were at the SAME traffic light.
Dumb s.o.b. wouldn't even make eye contact.
Yeah, I usually put on my blinker and if that doesn't work, I just pull over.

Heck, at my age I can legally just turn my blinkers on before I leave the house.

[hoosierlogger]

I continually slow down till they back of or pass. I don't care if I am going 25 in a 55. Most of the time when I go some where, I am in no hurry.

[trike savior]

I also am a fast driver, I just cant help it, used to it. Normal is 90 on the highway. This past year my job was traveling to customers so I put in a lot of seat time. Contrary to what many think, I know I am still a safer driver at 90 than most are at 55 talking on phone, reading and doing makeup, because I am paying attention. I do not like to tailgate but with all the genius drivers in Chicago, it is the only way to get by. People here make what I have dubbed jag-off walls. (hope that is not considered swearing) The Semi's do what they are supposed to in the right lane and no one wants to be in that lane unless exiting. Also everyone wants their own lane with no one in front of them, so it literally gets to the point you will have 3 or 4 cars along side each other doing 55 with a mile of open highway in front. the only way to get past is to make them feel uncomfortable. I have had people try and wreck me, even though they are in the wrong (there are laws against sitting in left lane), but I am always quicker and paying attention. I do feel ignorant doing this but ignorance forces ignorance I guess.

I spend a lot of time during the summer in the U P and Wisconsin because the family has a house up there and I catch myself tailgating up there sometimes too. Force of habit I guess. When I catch myself I stop because it is pointless on 2 lane country roads. Like you said, first town with a stoplight and you are right next to each other. And also a good point, it is easier to pass when you got room to take a run at it.

All I can say is I apologize ahead of time if it is ever me behind you. I promise though, I will have the balls to pass, at 90, towing a boat or trailer full of trikes.

a few other big problems I have with many drivers is:
Merging on the highway. I was taught in driver ed in high school to get to highway speed on the ramp BEFORE merging. I wonder if they are teaching that anymore. I have seen people come to a complete stop to merge into 55 MPH traffic.
Pulling away from stop light / sign in bad weather. Yes we are all trying to be safe. Yes, increase stopping distance and lower max speed. But WHY do we need to pull away from an intersection slower than a turtle.

Sorry just venting.
Worst part is there is no sign of things getting better. Hope the new cell phone laws will help things, but I doubt it.
I just wish everyone would put down the cell phone, and the mocah cappu frappe latte and drive. We would all get there faster and safer.

[kebby28]

I gave someone the brake test last year. They got closer. I was in a extra miserable mood that day so I slammed on my brakes to stop on the highway and get out and have a word about tailgating and they rammed me not able to react in time of me stopping. (The reason you don't tailgate.)
They hit me at about 50. My 2" tail hitch on my 96 F-250 went right through there plastic bumper on their brand new Taho, punctured their tranny cooler and parked them. :) I figured that was enough punishment and continued down the road.
Went back the next day and saw the highway covered in tranny fluid and plastic pieces :lol:
Now when I get tailgated I mummer under my breath, "I'll park you mother f******."

[Dave Little]

I gave someone the brake test last year. They got closer. I was in a extra miserable mood that day so I slammed on my brakes to stop on the highway and get out and have a word about tailgating and they rammed me not able to react in time of me stopping. (The reason you don't tailgate.)
They hit me at about 50. My 2" tail hitch on my 96 F-250 went right through there plastic bumper on their brand new Taho, punctured their tranny cooler and parked them. :) I figured that was enough punishment and continued down the road.
Went back the next day and saw the highway covered in tranny fluid and plastic pieces :lol:
Now when I get tailgated I mummer under my breath, "I'll park you mother f******."

Not to be a prick Kebby, but this is BS....

I don't get it....two vehicles got wrecked an no one came away any wiser. What would have been wrong with just pulling over to allow them to pass? Was your schedule more important then theirs that day? Or maybe where you were going was more important...I know perhaps what you were going to do when you got there was?? No no, I have it...you were going to someplace to make more money than them, or better still you were going to a better church wearing nicer clothes to worship a better God with a bigger dick than their God. Yup, negligently precipitating an accident makes complete sense to me know.

People don't tailgate because it's a fun all-american pastime or because they are bored and have nothing better to do, yet that is the way they come across. When you get right down to it, tailgating is just a symptom of a bigger problem....lack of situational awareness or moreover concern for other people. Like, when you want to be slow, be slow, no problem. Mandating that the rest of the world bow to your will and follow your schedule just because you temporarily occupy a piece of real estate in front of them? sucka please.

I'm all for passing while taking a run at it as well...better for both vehicles

Jacking your brakes because some idiot is too close...good way to get shot, since you never know who is carrying or has a dashcam going to record
reckless brake checks.

I personally have no problem passing slow f*cks or old f*cks I do it routinely on a 32 mile wilderness road I must use to get to the highway. On average I usually pass 20 people, my best is 27. I'm basically like a mobile proctologist, I help people disimpact one and in some cases both of their opposable digits. I do it through simple inspiration and a cloud of black smoke- like a magic trick!

[jeswinehart]

Yeah defintly some (most) of you guys posting is the very first step in realizing you have a basic problem with road rage. I suppose it IS a start to realizing you are gonna get your self hurt/dead along with some one you do not even know.
The folks that successfully drive for a living have learned to "adjust" to what ever screws up your temperament setting for the day.
Some my favorite pass times to look out for behind the wheel are the folks that hurry up to the stop lights ahead + the slower you go the more space they give you,,, (often makes me think something is about to fall out off my truck and or trailer ) A couple of the biggest WTF I see is brake lights well ahead of turn signal + the folks that do pass cutting back in wayyyyy to quick for no reason,,,,

I have a great related blonde joke if ya all want to hear it ? Anyways guys, hate too loose any of you to a beating or self inflicted accident you help create so be safe.
Let me know about that blonde joke :)
john

[Dave Little]

It's somehow been pounded into our brains that pulling over is somehow embarrassing or shameful...where did that crap come from? Personally, I like stupid people waaay in front of me so I can avoid the accidents they cause instead of being the accident because I had diarrhea in my head at the time. I checked and nowhere is it written that after you wipe your arse that you are to deposit the toilet tissue under your hat.

I mean just think for a second if everybody who tailgated backed off to a safe distance after somebody jacked up their brakes to let them know they are too close (taping to activate the lights, ok but I'm not talking about that) that would go completely against our Ethos as Americans- NOT getting things done, is now the new benchmark of personal excellence? We are driven to accomplish and the slowest guy does not set the pace for the entire gang. Think of how that line of thinking would slowly creep into everything else? Old Lee Iacocca knew this: You either lead, follow, or get out of the way.

[Dirtcrasher]

Today it drizzled rain as I had several packages in the back unopened but I didn't know if it was being ruined.

If you do 20MPH I will pass you and I'm sure they say "that crazy guy with the big tires and lifted silver truck!!!!".

I merely ask they do close to the speed limit.

The TIG was just fine, thankfully.........

[Dave Little]

The TIG was just fine, thankfully.........


OOhhhh, pray tell. I've got a Miller Diversion 185 that I fart around with.

[tri again]

I heard that those spiffy european autobahn cars do NOT come from the factory with cupholders. That is for american market.
In europe, they DRIVE. Or inner cities, they're completely nutts.

My driving instructor, some class court ordered, said, crazy people MAY be on the way to go postal or kill their whole family or rushing to the hospital.
Do you reeeeally want to know what their freakin problem is?

I got honked at while stopped turning into a parking lot.
2 ladies pushing baby carriages were sauntering across the driveway entrance so I stopped.
The jack*&^ behind me HONKED!!!

So I followed her into the store and asked her if she wanted me to run those people over?
She just screamed and ran out of the store.
so if you think they are nuts or crazy or suicidal or want you dead, you may just be right.

[kebby28]

One vehicle got wrecked. The vehicle of the driver driving too close! If I am going 60 in a 50 on a sunday night and someone with Mass plates is riding up my a** in a passing zone they are asking for something. I don't have a family. I have nothing to loose. If you didn't leave in enough time to get to where your going tough. If its an emergency put on your hazzards, flash your lights or just pass. But don't you dare ride on my a** because there are plenty people out there that will park you and not think twice. If you have a family in the car and you're driving like that, shame on you!
Its quite obvious that you are one of those tailgaters. I have a buddy the same way. Leaves 10 min late for work everyday and takes it out on everyone else.
Pulling over to let them pass? Are you kidding me? I have places to be too! And I am not a slow driver. Thats what gets me. Most of them have no intentions of passing they just think following the back of a car is easier than looking at a road.
You just sound like the the biggest jack a**. You do never know who's carrying do ya. So back off or pass or wake the fu** up on time or you may just get parked. But by the sounds of it you already have or you wouldn't be so defensive over this :lol:

Not to be a prick Kebby, but this is BS....

I don't get it....two vehicles got wrecked an no one came away any wiser. What would have been wrong with just pulling over to allow them to pass? Was your schedule more important then theirs that day? Or maybe where you were going was more important...I know perhaps what you were going to do when you got there was?? No no, I have it...you were going to someplace to make more money than them, or better still you were going to a better church wearing nicer clothes to worship a better God with a bigger dick than their God. Yup, negligently precipitating an accident makes complete sense to me know.

People don't tailgate because it's a fun all-american pastime or because they are bored and have nothing better to do, yet that is the way they come across. When you get right down to it, tailgating is just a symptom of a bigger problem....lack of situational awareness or moreover concern for other people. Like, when you want to be slow, be slow, no problem. Mandating that the rest of the world bow to your will and follow your schedule just because you temporarily occupy a piece of real estate in front of them? sucka please.

I'm all for passing while taking a run at it as well...better for both vehicles

Jacking your brakes because some idiot is too close...good way to get shot, since you never know who is carrying or has a dashcam going to record
reckless brake checks.

I personally have no problem passing slow f*cks or old f*cks I do it routinely on a 32 mile wilderness road I must use to get to the highway. On average I usually pass 20 people, my best is 27. I'm basically like a mobile proctologist, I help people disimpact one and in some cases both of their opposable digits. I do it through simple inspiration and a cloud of black smoke- like a magic trick!

[Mosh]

I typically get friggin discusted within 10 minutes of leaving the house. The amount of inconsiderate moronic assholes on the road is phenominal. And it gets worse everyday. Where are the police? I am not putting LEO ' s down but the primary job they have been hired to do they don't seem to be in place at the right time.

Personally I don't get into road rage BS even though behind the glass I am the first to be yelling every obscenity at the site of some dim Whit kn the road. Instead I implement legal obstacles to use as desfense or offense if you will to subdue the situations. For example the more I am tailed the more I go the speed limit. Most roads I drive on are 2 lane with no passing zones. If you continue to ride me I slow to 5mph more. Most times If I see them seperate and give me room I reset my speed to 5mph over which is where I normally drive and the ass riding began anyway. Many times that gives them the message. They can either tail me at 40 or drive considerate at 55-60.

In extreme cases when they are right up my cramhole I have found a strategic drifting the right side wheels into the pipper pebbels on the shoulder edge plasters thier window with a series of snap crackle pops usually resulting in a chipped paint job or windshield. They usually get about 5 lengths back after that. I am not one for brake checks as it can wad me up in the process. And I have no restrictions about reporting plates of offenders.

[atc007]

Awesome post Mosh. I'll have to rethink my brake checks with pebble blasting. THAT IS now my new policy!! I should have pointed out. Most of my driving is back hills country roads. there is sometimes room for error,,yesterday the swerver had a complete pull off to gather himself up,,of which most he used :). Perfect scenario. After reading this post,I am glad I don't live in Chicago , New England, or Mexico..and the great news is. I am no longer a fast driver!

[Mosh]

I can truely say that I learned of the pippering back in the days when I was an impatient asshole tailgater. A person drifted over and almost went in the ditch in front of me and I was about 50 feet back at 50mph. The resulting damage to my window and apocalyptic sound of debris chipping my paint gave me a new respect for the term assured clear distance.

[trike savior]

That's crazy El Camexican. Nothing is worse than dealing with these arseholes around here when on a cycle. I am born and raised same house most of my life but spent 8 years in southern Illinois. Go SALUKIS. I have been back in Chicago about 2 years and the first few rides up here almost made me quit riding. The worst was when a lady with kids in the car tried to merge into me in dense 55mph traffic. I had nowhere to go and my horn did not work at the time. I had no choice, I kicked her driver door. Which shows how ignorant she was because I right next to her. Amazingly she did not want me to pull over for kicking her. She was immediately apologetic so I let it go but she was half way in my lane and had me up against the car next to me. There were a few other incidents but that was closest.

I still see Ipod/ phone ear buds (headphones) being worn by drivers up here. And yeah that is super dangerous. It is usually the people driving jillopees that probably do not have a stereo.

I think the pebble dusting is a far safer alternative to brake checks. Good suggestion.

For those of you who brake check people think about this. The most common maneuver to avoid rear ending someone, when the driver knows there is not enough stopping distance, is to get out of the lane. If the driver behind makes contact with you as they are trying to change lanes or get on the shoulder and they make contact with you, especially if they grab your HITCH, they are accidentally going to PIT (Precision Imobilization Technique) maneuver you. Extremely dangerous for you and everyone else on the road. I don't care if you have no family, there might be one in the car next to you. So next time you think "I got something for ya", think about the fact that the life you take might not be your own.

[Dave Little]

One vehicle got wrecked. The vehicle of the driver driving too close! If I am going 60 in a 50 on a sunday night and someone with Mass plates is riding up my a** in a passing zone they are asking for something. I don't have a family. I have nothing to loose. If you didn't leave in enough time to get to where your going tough. If its an emergency put on your hazzards, flash your lights or just pass. But don't you dare ride on my a** because there are plenty people out there that will park you and not think twice. If you have a family in the car and you're driving like that, shame on you!
Its quite obvious that you are one of those tailgaters. I have a buddy the same way. Leaves 10 min late for work everyday and takes it out on everyone else.
Pulling over to let them pass? Are you kidding me? I have places to be too! And I am not a slow driver. Thats what gets me. Most of them have no intentions of passing they just think following the back of a car is easier than looking at a road.
You just sound like the the biggest jack a**. You do never know who's carrying do ya. So back off or pass or wake the fu** up on time or you may just get parked. But by the sounds of it you already have or you wouldn't be so defensive over this :lol:

Nope, never been 'parked' I have no interest in getting close to amateur stuntman in training. I do however get close so people at least understand that they are holding up not only me but usually a serious line of cars behind me, since they cannot see me in their mirrors since they are all out of adjustment for whatever reason. Not saying this is you but a general observation that is true time and time again. And I do not get so close so as to leave myself no reaction time space, I just roar past the folks and leave my fellow hostages to fend for themselves. I notice that after I pass, 3-4 other cars will pass as well right in a row and the slowbie still does not comprehend the WHY behind what is happening or at least makes no effort to change lanes if applicable or just pull over. It's safer for everyone if the slow guy just comes real with it- I have more regard for them if they did.

I have a very low threshold for the provocation it takes me to pass someone. I usually do not care what color paint the line is in or the pattern, only place I will not pass is a school zone or a school bus, or where road/weather/traffic/pedestrian/cyclists conditions warrant serious due diligence. I just assume alter my route instead of dealing with other people's stupid BS. And I do not do it with any sort or drama or pageantry, usually very matter of factly while holding a normal conversation with a passenger. I pass people so often it's no big deal, just a fact of dealing with tourists and crappy drivers.

As for the rest of your post, you are making a LOT of assumptions about me, best just to leave it at that.
You seem like a decent guy you just harbor too much attachment to the outcome so much that through your actions it becomes a self-fullfilling prophesy. Not only is that destructive, it's pretty lame. So to demonstrate to people much care you have for their well being, it becomes necessary to cause a wreck/injury? Just want to make sure I got that right. :p

[trike savior]

Maybe you misunderstood. She was about to hit me or put me into another car. I had no escape route, no horn and no choice. I had to kick her to let her know I was there. I was looking at her the whole time she was coming at me and she never looked over at me once. Her attention was with the kids in the back seat. If I had not kicked the door she would have probably killed me. Granted it was my fault for not having a horn but I never needed one down south because the drivers were mostly decent and almost everyone rides. It is my understanding that the highest volume Harley dealers in the country are in Southern Illinois and St. Louis area.

[kebby28]

Bottom line is. I've been pulled over many times for 1 of the 2 license plate lights out in my truck and a number of other stupid things. I have never seen or heard of anyone getting pulled over for tailgating. Its illegal and obviously has a dangerous and negative effect on people. But how do you go about getting cops to crack down on taigaiting?

[tri again]

California traffic rules...'give up, stay home, there IS no hope'.
NO one wins.

[tri again]

ps - I just saw a show that, well, showed dash cams from around the world.
Kinda like funny home videos.
Very popular to have dash cams running all the time in other countries apparently.
Why the F*^# not?

Cameras are CHEAP, almost invisibly tiny, one fore, one aft and admissible in court?

[briano]

Bottom line is. I've been pulled over many times for 1 of the 2 license plate lights out in my truck and a number of other stupid things. I have never seen or heard of anyone getting pulled over for tailgating. Its illegal and obviously has a dangerous and negative effect on people. But how do you go about getting cops to crack down on taigaiting?


A couple weeks ago I was hauling a wood stove on a trailer, snowing like crazy and slippery roads. Some butt hole gets right on my arse, I was not going to go faster to please them as I was going around 50 or so in a 55 zone. Considering the road conditions that was fast enough. Well after a couple brake light flashes they didn't get the hint so now it's time to slow down, so I slow to 35, this goes on for 5 miles and they will not go around or back off. When I finally turned off the road at an intersection the car went around me like a highway hero, guess who it was. Michigan state trooper in a Chevy Tahoe. I sure wish they would have rear ended me, how good would that look for them.

[kebby28]

California traffic rules...'give up, stay home, there IS no hope'.
NO one wins.
Thats one hell of a highway! When I drove across country I was quick through Cali just because it was so intense. Especially the golden gate bridge.

[Tri-Z 250]

The best way to get them off your trailpro Spray your windshield wipers! It works every time...seems tail gaiters have dirty windows and no spray. So when your over spray hits and coats their windshield; sure enough they hit theirs(wipers)...The overspray only smears not having fluid(the tailgater) is left blind. Works every time, try it....a passive move guaranteed not enrage anyone. Always keep the tank full for the tailgating fools.:lol::naughty:trailpro:lol:

[El Camexican]

An old GF of mine would keep a handful of pennies in her pocket when we went out on the bike. If someone would get aggressive with their car bumper they would get a blast of copper. They idea was that if she used rocks it would show premeditated intent, but pennies were just an accident.

[tri again]

The best way to get them off your trailpro Spray your windshield wipers! It works every time...seems tail gaiters have dirty windows and no spray. So when your over spray hits and coats their windshield; sure enough they hit theirs(wipers)...The overspray only smears not having fluid(the tailgater) is left blind. Works every time, try it....a passive move guaranteed not enrage anyone. Always keep the tank full for the tailgating fools.:lol::naughty:trailpro:lol:

Actually, most washer nozzles are adjustable.
Tiny little suckers that can be aimed by sticking a pin in them.
My boss in Calif aimed one of the 2 right over the top of the roof.
Forgot about that.

[tri again]

An old GF of mine would keep a handful of pennies in her pocket when we went out on the bike. If someone would get aggressive with their car bumper they would get a blast of copper. They idea was that if she used rocks it would show premeditated intent, but pennies were just an accident.

Reminds me of our festival security.
Tazerlazer stunguns, real lead pepper spray?

Heck no!
Bug spray.
Everyone is spraying each other with bug spray and no incident report.
Yardguard foggers for backup.

I;m gonna keep a pocket full o' pennies when I ride on the road for sure.

[tri again]

Thats one hell of a highway! When I drove across country I was quick through Cali just because it was so intense. Especially the golden gate bridge.

Yupp, it was like that twice a day EVERY day and simply horrible in between.
Why and I mean WHY is the toll booth on the bridge side so all those cars are sitting on the swaying bridge waiting to pay the toll.
Definitely nervewracking straddling the faultline.

[atc007]

Yupp, it was like that twice a day EVERY day and simply horrible in between.
Why and I mean WHY is the toll booth on the bridge side so all those cars are sitting on the swaying bridge waiting to pay the toll.
Definitely nervewracking straddling the faultline.

With this statement,and THAT picture. I can honestly say. WHY oh WHY ,or HOW,could anyone live that way?? Not me for sure. I would literally be homeless up in the forest before I could do that daily grind. Heck,I couldn't even TRY it lol. A SUPER good Dr friend of mine used to teach in LA. He said when the amount of guns and knives in his FOURTH grade classroom outnumbered what he thought the entire schools security had. He was gone. Thank God. He's now helped thousands. Not that teaching isn't an awesome thing. It certainly is. But he would have been dead.

[bkm]

Lots of LOL in this thread. lol

[El Camexican]

Lots of LOL in this thread. lol

I was waiting for you to weigh in here and tell us to grow up, stop speeding and quit braking laws and all we get is LOL’s?

[bkm]

I'd rather walk out into my garage and smash my thumb with a hammer, then weigh in on the behavior in this cluster.

I will say this on the whole brake check thing. If the reason a guy gets pissed at a tailgater is because he could run into him if he had to suddenly stop, how much sense does it make to cram the brakes so the guy runs into you?

Logic need not apply I guess???

[atc007]

I guess you have to be there. What I do has been teaching other drivers for 27 years. In NO way shape or form am I going to risk a LITTLE bit ,of being rear ended and spun out . Guess you have to be there. If it SOUNDS stupid, I understand. I've only had my trailer hitch go back through the radiator of one Taurus. And we were leaving a stop light at 5-8 MPH. Guy jumped out if front of me. I had to stop. But yes, she had been riding me for 5 miles. I got out,asked if she was ok. Explained in HIGH detail HOW she had earned the position she found herself in. And continued to the hospital where I was taking my Brother. But yes,, consistently driving 90 on public roads?? Not cool by anyones standards. I have a friend who does it. No wife or kids,hates the rest of his family. Me and one other person is all he cares about. He is a very talented driver. BUT, I don't wanna be anywhere near him on the road. Racetracks are a great place for it though :)

[bkm]

I think I've got a decent grasp of the subject. It might have something to do with dealing with the cause and effects of it on a daily basis.

[atc007]

There was a horrific fiery crash here in Williamsport last night,Police car and 1 other car. Poles and wires down,city without electric,houses on fire,at least 1 person dead,one was entrapped. PO got away shaken up. No clue what caused it,but just horrific. Bystanders had cells,like Paul Walkers deal... We have GOT to strive for perfection EVERY second behind the wheel.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=704163629617671

Ended up taking out the better part of a block.

[Caminofeld]

I don't think tailgating is safe or effective. Not only can it cause an accident, but it can incite road rage. However, I have come to the conclusion that a large number of American drivers are complete morons. I wish we could be more like Europe, where you can flash your lights at a safe distance and the slower person in front of you courteously moves over without being offended. In most of Europe, driving is a privilege instead of a right and most of them pride themselves on being good drivers. Certain countries over there take years of classes to achieve a license, not the couple months of drivers ed and here's your license Mr. 16 year old. I remember years ago being with a friend from Germany who flashed a guy doing 55 in the fast lane. The guy followed us for the rest of our trip on the highway; tailgating and high-beaming us. Unfortunately, taigating has become the mot widely accepted methods of letting someone know they're going too slow...sometimes it's the only way to get someone to hang up their phone and pay attention to their surroundings. That still doesn't make it right to ride someone's ass. For everyone that likes to brake-check people, how would you feel if your actions caused an accident and inadvertently killed someone OTHER than the tailgater. It happened 2 weeks ago in Baltimore, so just remember that it's not just you two on the road. Not everyone driving faster than you is just running late for work. There are medical emergencies, diarrhea, etc. Hell, some people just prefer to drive fast...and if they're safe about it, why should we stop them? If they want to risk a ticket, that's on them. There is nothing wrong with driving slow either, provided that it done in the slow lane(s) and not in an excessive or assinine way. All drivers should lose the chip on their shoulder and respect everyone else on the road who is driving saf and alert...regardless of speed. Anyways, I'll finish my rant by saying "Hang up, wake up, and keep your eyes on the road".

[trike savior]

Why you gotta single me out atc007. LOL. You are mostly right about the being single stuff. Although I have a big family I am close with. I am god father to several of my friends children. And I will admit, when I have one of them in the car I drive noticeably different. Just keep with the flow of traffic. I guess when it comes down to it I just would never want to hear it was my speeding that caused a death. When it is just me and the parents they know how I drive and trust me.

Believe me when I say I am not ignorant about it like a lot of my fellow speeders here in Chicago. I am not the one dangerously weaving in and out of cars. That is stupid and I see it all the time. When I get boxed in I put on the turn signal and basically ask to be let by. The tailgating only happens when asking to be let around can't get me anywhere. Admittedly in my younger days none of this was true.

I am just the type that when I have open road in front of me, the speed limit does not matter, I open up the throttle and let the horses sing to me.

And the way I look at it is I pay my dues for driving this way. It seems every couple years an officer finally gets me and have to pay the man for exercising my right to speed. I am not stupid, driving is not a right but a privelage that can be taken away. In IL you get 2 moving violations in a year and the 3rd gets you suspended. I have had to drive for a few months knowing I get caught again, I am going to loose it. I admit it makes me drive differently. But as soon as I know I am clear it is back to the old ways.

It is not because I feel I am important or my time is worth more that I do this. It is because I can shave almost an hour off of a 5 hour trip to southern IL or the UP. Less time bored in the car and more time enjoying myself with friends.

The proof that speed does not kill is the autobahn. As someone else here mentioned, I have also heard cars in Europe do not come with cup holders, and that is because the drivers over there do not require them because they are serious about their driving and pay attention. That is your proof that it is possible to safely have unlimited speed on a public road way.

Obviously it would never work here though because no one pays attention. To be honest I think our lowering of speed limits has taken a lot of the danger out of driving but at the same time is what has made the public careless. They feel there is nothing at stake. Anyone remember seeing the scene in "clueless" where the girl accidentally gets on the highway and almost gets them killed. Those were the days when the highway would get you somewhere quickly. Now I see tons of vehicles on the highway that are not capable of highway speed, barely running, billowing smoke, 3 doughnuts for tires, but here they are in the right lane barely doing 45.

I will quote Caminofeld's ending because it is short, sweet and to the point, "Hang up, wake up" and drive

[tri again]

Don't have to do ANYthing wrong to get tagged.
What about that post recently, the kid riding a quad, parked it out of the way and some jack&^% doing donuts in a truck tagged him out.

Good friend crossing the street, hit by a lady who was on the wrong side of the road screaming, I couldn't see!!! the sun was in my eyes.
So why she hit the gas, AND my friend who was walking, is still a mystery.
Changing the radio, reaching for an important phone call?

Just 'cause you're on the sidewalk, doesn't mean you're safe.
The windshield is not a videogame screen with a reset button.
Look left, right and left again.
Heaven help us all.
My ex was ALways 5 minutes late so I suggested that she get up early, by 5 minutes, like once a year and she'd be much better off.
My neighbor, Great guy, simply cannot stand to have anyone in front of him...to get where?
I also remember getting passed on left or right so people could beat me to the stop sign or light. (California) They want us dead so they can get 20 feet further.
I usually look both ways when a light changes.
Even got lightly punched in the shoulder for being 'that way'...so?
If a freaking lightbulb changes color, a few hundred o rings, seals and brake parts are assumed to work and everyone is paying attention?

Maybe we need more rr crossings without gates. Stop signs don't usually change color.
sorry, too many years looking at xrays.