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>Do not speed. If only it were that simple. I'd argue that on U.S. roads, there's definitely a culture of speeding, and in many circumstances drivers who fail
by rl3 7y ago
>Do not speed.
If only it were that simple. I'd argue that on U.S. roads, there's definitely a culture of speeding, and in many circumstances drivers who fail to speed end up slowing traffic, often provoking the ire of other drivers, who in turn reduce safety even further via way of tailgating, unsafe passing, road games/road rage—all of which is a huge distraction unto itself for everyone involved.
On most roadways I find other drivers will expect you to go 5mph over the posted limit. On expressways, this is usually as high as 10-15mph for all but the right-most lane.
I feel like driver education here tends to emphasize not speeding over maintaining traffic flow and respecting the passing lane. Combine that with a bunch of aggro pricks behind the wheel, and it's a recipe for disaster.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passing_lane#Misuse_and_common_practice_in_the_United_States https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passing_lane#Misuse_and_common...
- jfoster 7y agoIf you teach people to "maintain traffic flow", the aggro drivers will be dictating all driving. The solution is greater detection and neutralization (fines, suspension & jail) of aggro drivers, not ramping up the speed to the point where they are no longer aggressive.
- rl3 7y agoAs much as I'd love living in a world where tailgaters had the book thrown at them, a more realistic solution is just getting out of their way. If it's a single-lane road and that isn't possible, then likewise going slightly over the limit if it appeases them and defuses an otherwise unsafe situation (assuming conditions warrant).
- jfoster 7y agoBoth. On an individual level, of course the sane thing to do is get out of their way. Doesn't mean they shouldn't also have the book thrown at them.