Seabee Posted July 1, 2011 Report Share Posted July 1, 2011 There are two major things that I just cannot stand about the interstates (limited access highways) here in the US. 1) The self proclaimed keeper of speed. The person who sits in the left lane of the highway going the speed limit or 5mph above or below the speed limit and is oblivious to the people around them especially the people moving faster than them coming up behind them. These are also the people that sit in the left lane and will not move to the right lane even if there is no one around for miles; they think that the left lane (the passing lane) is the main travel lane. 2) The second driver on the American highway that really bugs me is the person who slows down to merge with traffic on an interstate highway. OK, when you get on the highway you are first on an ON RAMP. The on ramp then turns into the ACCELERATION LANE, this is the lane where you are to accelerate (speed up) and match the speed of the highway traffic that you are going to merge into. NOT slow down. If need be, use the whole lane, that’s what it is there for, just ask someone who drives or has driven a tractor trailer truck, or towing anything. Honestly, the US Drivers exam needs to be harder. We need to teach people how to drive, NOT how to pass the drivers exam. I.e. most are taught how to pass the driver’s exam but not Just my thoughts on driving today here in the Northeast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wingsnut Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 There are two major things that I just cannot stand about the interstates (limited access highways) here in the US. 1) The self proclaimed keeper of speed. The person who sits in the left lane of the highway going the speed limit or 5mph above or below the speed limit and is oblivious to the people around them especially the people moving faster than them coming up behind them. These are also the people that sit in the left lane and will not move to the right lane even if there is no one around for miles; they think that the left lane (the passing lane) is the main travel lane. 2) The second driver on the American highway that really bugs me is the person who slows down to merge with traffic on an interstate highway. OK, when you get on the highway you are first on an ON RAMP. The on ramp then turns into the ACCELERATION LANE, this is the lane where you are to accelerate (speed up) and match the speed of the highway traffic that you are going to merge into. NOT slow down. If need be, use the whole lane, that’s what it is there for, just ask someone who drives or has driven a tractor trailer truck, or towing anything. Honestly, the US Drivers exam needs to be harder. We need to teach people how to drive, NOT how to pass the drivers exam. I.e. most are taught how to pass the driver’s exam but not Just my thoughts on driving today here in the Northeast. I agree on your #1 and add to it the truck driver who swings out into the left lane where I am just as I am approaching because he needs to go a half a mile an hour faster than the truck/car in front of him causing both lanes to be jammed up. That and the guy riding along in the left lane going the same speed as the car next to him in the right lane. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand the dude in the left lane that comes around me and squeezes in front of me into the right lane when there is miles of room to tuck in behind me but he just has to get as close to the front of the line as possible for no good reason. On point #2 it bothers me more when people in front of me on the highway slow down to let people merge on. Ever try to time your entrance onto a highway and have someone already on the highway slow down to let you on? If they had just stayed at a steady speed it would have all worked out. Yes, the test needs to be harder....everyday I think about how some people may have passed that test but can't drive a car to save their *ss. I dream about being the guy that decides who gets a license to drive and who don't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewarbc Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 Agree with you on point 1. Here in Texas we have a law that helps to cut down on this buffoonery. And I've seen it enforced too. I think other states have it as well. Keep Right Watch for signs on Texas multi-lane highways that read "Left Lane For Passing Only." These signs let you know that the left lane on a divided highway is not a "fast" lane; it is a passing lane. After you pass someone, move into the right lane once you've safely cleared the vehicle. Impeding the flow of traffic by continuing to drive in the left lane is punishable by a fine of up to $200. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twobjshelbys Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 The moron tonight while I was on the way home in the cobra in the straight through lane. He was in a lane that ends, riding in my blind spot and expecting to pass me on the right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RACERX009 Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 The moron tonight while I was on the way home in the cobra in the straight through lane. He was in a lane that ends, riding in my blind spot and expecting to pass me on the right. Thats my favorite, I don't care what car I'm driving that person will have to smash into me or crash and burn. Too the rest of guys the Northeast driving can lead you to a DWI or murder or take anger meds !!! I like the pills they make me smile Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerseygator Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 There are two major things that I just cannot stand about the interstates (limited access highways) here in the US. 1) The self proclaimed keeper of speed. The person who sits in the left lane of the highway going the speed limit or 5mph above or below the speed limit and is oblivious to the people around them especially the people moving faster than them coming up behind them. These are also the people that sit in the left lane and will not move to the right lane even if there is no one around for miles; they think that the left lane (the passing lane) is the main travel lane. 2) The second driver on the American highway that really bugs me is the person who slows down to merge with traffic on an interstate highway. OK, when you get on the highway you are first on an ON RAMP. The on ramp then turns into the ACCELERATION LANE, this is the lane where you are to accelerate (speed up) and match the speed of the highway traffic that you are going to merge into. NOT slow down. If need be, use the whole lane, thats what it is there for, just ask someone who drives or has driven a tractor trailer truck, or towing anything. Honestly, the US Drivers exam needs to be harder. We need to teach people how to drive, NOT how to pass the drivers exam. I.e. most are taught how to pass the drivers exam but not Just my thoughts on driving today here in the Northeast. +1 It especially burns me when you get in front and they are on the cell and look at you like you have 3 eyes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MY500SS Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 Great post Seabee.........................and I completely agree. The 3rd moron driver is the one roaming their lane and yours while talking, texting on a cell phone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilmor Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 I just love the inconsiderate idiots who merge onto the interstates without even a plan or a glance and just expect you to make room for them. This is especially irritating when driving my motorhome. I just hold my ground and piss them off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
07-2937 Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 I totally agree with all those. thats what inspired road rage. Here my biggest peeve. the people driving below the flow of the rest of the cars and they speed up to keep you boxed in, the speed up to prevent you from getting in the turn lane. then the illegals drive slow shitty cars and are always doing half the speed limit. I see them every morning on my way to work i know its them from they way they are dressed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIKEBOY Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 I totally agree with all those. thats what inspired road rage. Here my biggest peeve. the people driving below the flow of the rest of the cars and they speed up to keep you boxed in, the speed up to prevent you from getting in the turn lane. then the illegals drive slow shitty cars and are always doing half the speed limit. I see them every morning on my way to work i know its them from they way they are dressed. :o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cali_KR Posted July 5, 2011 Report Share Posted July 5, 2011 After you pass someone, move into the right lane once you've safely cleared the vehicle. This is EXACTLY how it is done in Germany, you make the pass, then over you go...when you come up on the next car, you make the pass, and guess what, over to the right you go...very smooth, very efficient, and the bahn burners, get to OPEN IT UP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K Beast Shelby gt Posted July 5, 2011 Report Share Posted July 5, 2011 Hey I know and feel ya I'm also like hey if you hear my car's egine then move out the fast lane!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bushmaster Posted July 5, 2011 Report Share Posted July 5, 2011 I've hated left lane bandits for years. As mentioned above, it's illegal here in Texas, and I've seen if enforced a few times. But not nearly often enough. I tell people, if someone is passing you on the right, you're in the wrong damn lane! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerseygator Posted July 5, 2011 Report Share Posted July 5, 2011 I just love the inconsiderate idiots who merge onto the interstates without even a plan or a glance and just expect you to make room for them. This is especially irritating when driving my motorhome. I just hold my ground and piss them off. Not sure I agree with this one... Inconsiderate because they want entry to the highway? Or because they want to enter the same time you happen to be passing? You should always move to the left lane to make way for a car entering the highway, if possible. No matter what you are driving. Trucks do it all the time. Much to my dismay but that's a different story... And especially folks driving motorhomes. What's wrong with slowing down a bit to let someone pull in that will be traveling much faster than you? Or visa versa, a slower car is merging you can speed up to give them more room behind you? Okay I'll say it! One of my pet peeves is people who see someone merging on to a highway and they stay there. Even though they could slowdown or speed up or merge to the next lane. I take 'em down... :burnout: Did I mentioned I liked you more as a cut out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bushmaster Posted July 5, 2011 Report Share Posted July 5, 2011 I used to run into this all the time (figuratively speaking) when I was pulling my racecar. If someone is coming down the merge lane at merging speed, I would always back off a little, if necessary, to let them in. It usually wasn't necessary because I always leave plenty of room ahead of me. Unfortunately, they were usually going 30mph under freeway speed and there was no way they could merge safely with traffic, room or not. Changing lanes when pulling a heavy trailer is rarely a good idea and a lot of the time, there isn't any place to change lanes to, at least on freeways around here. The people that drove me nuts were the ones who would get to the end of the merge lane and slow down, so the only way I could possibly let them in is stand on the brakes (with my 5000# trailer/racecar behind me). I just don't do that - if they have any idea how to merge with traffic, they had plenty of room, and if they don't, they're SOL. Unfortunately, most people don't seem to have any idea that the way to merge with traffic is to match the speed of the traffic they're merging with - NOT to slow to a crawl at the end of the ramp, hit the signals and wait for someone to nearly stop to let you in. Reminds me of the people who figure out they're in the wrong lane and need to get over, so they hit their signals and brakes, and then when the traffic has to start streaming around them, whine when nobody (damn near) stops to let them over. As the old adage goes, poor planning (or lack of driving skill) on your part doesn't constitute an emergency on mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mywickedshelby Posted July 5, 2011 Report Share Posted July 5, 2011 Did I mentioned I liked you more as a cut out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twobjshelbys Posted July 5, 2011 Report Share Posted July 5, 2011 This is EXACTLY how it is done in Germany, you make the pass, then over you go...when you come up on the next car, you make the pass, and guess what, over to the right you go...very smooth, very efficient, and the bahn burners, get to OPEN IT UP That only works if everyone goes by the same rules. The Autobahn drivers are more polite. In most of the areas around here the freeways are only two lanes. Traffic volume generally dictates travel in both lanes. So in most cases I'm in the left lane at the going rate (usually 5-10 over the posted 75) while the right lane traffic is typically 5-10 under. So basically I'm always passing. Now when the traffic goes down and the right lane is open I will move there but... Someone always crowds the left and when you get up to that truck you can't get over to pass. So I stay in the left as long as I'm going faster than the other lane, but to do that you really need to go the prevailing rate and not be the speed limit enforcer. I do draw the line to the moron kid that comes up going 95 and wants everyone out of his way. Saw one spattered all over the road after weaving in and out last year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bushmaster Posted July 5, 2011 Report Share Posted July 5, 2011 That only works if everyone goes by the same rules. The Autobahn drivers are more polite. In most of the areas around here the freeways are only two lanes. Traffic volume generally dictates travel in both lanes. So in most cases I'm in the left lane at the going rate (usually 5-10 over the posted 75) while the right lane traffic is typically 5-10 under. So basically I'm always passing. Now when the traffic goes down and the right lane is open I will move there but... Someone always crowds the left and when you get up to that truck you can't get over to pass. So I stay in the left as long as I'm going faster than the other lane, but to do that you really need to go the prevailing rate and not be the speed limit enforcer. That's how it generally works around here, at least in town and nearby. Staying out in the passing lane as you describe is almost a must, but the key is to keep an eye on the rearview and be prepared to move over if someone is coming up behind. Sadly, that's something you rarely see around here. Too damn many people think the left (passing) lane is the "express lane", and that's purely the result of poor driver education. They don't park in that lane - most of them - because they're stupid......they do it because they're ignorant of the law. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIKEBOY Posted July 5, 2011 Report Share Posted July 5, 2011 Driving is a PRIVELIDGE.........................NOT a right!!! Too many individuals feel they have the 'right' of way, and are oblivious to the world around them! #$%@, that goes for all other avenues in life, not just driving!! I, as Gator mentioned above, feel that it is your 'duty' so to speak, to monitor an individual as they approach the on-ramp...monitor their speed from your perifferal (spelling?) vision, all the while noting whether it would be best to back off ever so slightly, or accelerate a tad to allow them room. It is common #$%@ing courtesy to do this, IMHO...remembering all the while that the plastic license in your wallet was given to you as a PRIVELIDGE for passing your state's required testing to prove you deserved it! Just because some jackwagon doesn't meet our own individual standards of driving...doesn't give us the right to cut them off or run them intentionally off the road. Try to remember that they have a loving family as well, and that they will get what's coming to them so be it with bad Karma or whatever you want to call it? I'm sorry guys...I just find it way too easy to watch each ramp and stay out of people's way. I sorta feel it's MY JOB as a responsible driver. B) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RUFDRAFT Posted July 5, 2011 Report Share Posted July 5, 2011 I teach anger management classes. PM me for more info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burning Blue Star IV Posted July 5, 2011 Report Share Posted July 5, 2011 The second driver on the American highway that really bugs me is the person who slows down to merge with traffic on an interstate highway.OK, when you get on the highway you are first on an ON RAMP. The on ramp then turns into the ACCELERATION LANE, this is the lane where you are to accelerate (speed up) and match the speed of the highway traffic that you are going to merge into. NOT slow down. If need be, use the whole lane, that’s what it is there for, just ask someone who drives or has driven a tractor trailer truck, or towing anything. We have "YIELD" signs on our "on ramps" around here...meaning the person on the ramp must yield to the on coming traffic before merging into the traffic. The highway traffic has the right of way. But that doesn't stop the idiots coming off the ramp from thinking "Yield" means you must get out of their way to make room for their royal I have never seen a sign stating "ACCELERATION LANE". I just love the inconsiderate idiots who merge onto the interstates without even a plan or a glance and just expect you to make room for them. This is especially irritating when driving my motorhome. I just hold my ground and piss them off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIKEBOY Posted July 5, 2011 Report Share Posted July 5, 2011 I teach anger management classes. PM me for more info. :angry2: :mad: WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT RUF????? I'M FINE!!!!!! :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RUFDRAFT Posted July 5, 2011 Report Share Posted July 5, 2011 Stage IV I see. Intervention time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIKEBOY Posted July 5, 2011 Report Share Posted July 5, 2011 Stage IV I see. Intervention time. I just need a glass of red tonight.....I'll be fine...wheewww! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RUFDRAFT Posted July 5, 2011 Report Share Posted July 5, 2011 I just need a bottle of red tonight.....I'll be fine...wheewww! Its worse than I thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIKEBOY Posted July 5, 2011 Report Share Posted July 5, 2011 Its worse than I thought. I'm leaving now!!! Good night Ruf. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seabee Posted July 5, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 5, 2011 We have "YIELD" signs on our "on ramps" around here...meaning the person on the ramp must yield to the on coming traffic before merging into the traffic. The highway traffic has the right of way. But that doesn't stop the idiots coming off the ramp from thinking "Yield" means you must get out of their way to make room for their royal I have never seen a sign stating "ACCELERATION LANE". BB, This is what I get for having a Civil Engineering degree, working the heavy highway construction industry for a number of years, especially building the highways in Connecticut. Yes, there are yield signs at the end of most hwy acceleration lanes, esp if there is not enough room for a proper acceleration lane. But, if there is enough room; example I95 South Bound Exit 56 from the truck stop side there is no yield and the lane is approx ¼ to ½ mile long. Now we will NOT talk about getting into the traveling lanes on the Merritt Parkway, Hutchinson River Parkway or the Sawmill River Parkway. From the Connecticut DMV Drivers Manual, Chapter 3, Maintaining a Space Cushion: Space to Enter When you enter into traffic, try to enter at the same speed that traffic is moving. High-speed roadways generally have ramps to give you time to build up your speed. Use the ramp to reach the speed of other vehicles before you pull onto the road. Do not drive to the end of the ramp and stop or you will not have enough room to get up to the speed of traffic. Also, drivers behind you will not expect you to stop. If they are watching the traffic on the main road, you may be hit from the rear. If you have to wait for space to enter a roadway, slow down on the ramp so you have some room to speed up before you have to merge onto the main road. From the State of Connecticut DOT, Highway Design Manual (Customary Units): 12-3.02.01 Acceleration Lanes A properly designed acceleration lane will facilitate driver comfort, traffic operations and safety. The length of the acceleration lane will primarily depend upon the design speed of the last (or controlling) curve on the entrance ramp and the design speed of the mainline. Figure 12-3D provides the criteria for minimum lengths of acceleration lanes. These lengths are for the full width of the acceleration lane; taper lengths, typically 350 ft, are in addition to the table lengths. However, in restrictive locations, up to 50 ft of the taper length may be used to meet the criteria for the acceleration distance. Where grades of 3% or more occur on the acceleration lane, adjustments should be made in its length according to Figure 12-3E. Figure 12-3F illustrates the typical design for entrance ramps. The designer should coordinate with the Design Development Team to determine the actual length of the acceleration lane. The values in Figure 12-3D provide sufficient distance for vehicular acceleration; they may not safely allow a vehicle to merge into the mainline if traffic volumes are high. Where the mainline and ramp will carry traffic volumes approaching the design capacity of the merging area, the parallel portion of the acceleration lane should be increased to a maximum of 1200 ft in length. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bushmaster Posted July 5, 2011 Report Share Posted July 5, 2011 Thank you, Seabee! In response to a post above, yes, it's true that driving is a PRIVILEGE. Along with that privilege come responsibilities and obligations. These include: 1. Acquiring the basic skills necessary to safely operate the vehicle and using them 2. Learning the traffic laws and rules of the road and following them (see Seabee's post about merging and using onramps) Neither of the above include motoring to the end of an onramp at 35mph and then stopping because nobody going 70mph will stop and let you in. I'm of the opinion that a lot of people are just plain scared of onramps and really have no idea how to accelerate their vehicle hard enough to match up with moving freeway traffic. I'm not about to slow to 35mph on the freeway and risking getting run over by someone else to accomodate someone who is too timid to accelerate and match the speed of cars on the freeway. Nowadays it seems like half of those morons are either talking or texting on the phone, too, which damn sure doesn't help the situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIKEBOY Posted July 6, 2011 Report Share Posted July 6, 2011 Amen guys! Texting and talking on the cell is a WHOLE 'nuther story!!! Agreed to all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
svttim Posted July 6, 2011 Report Share Posted July 6, 2011 Merging into traffic is a cooperative effort. Entering the highway, youshould be up to the speed of the traffic and, if possible, the driver on the highway should try to make some room, weather they slow down a bit or move over. None of this is racin! Its against the law here to ride in the left lane unless your passing but, I have not seen it enforced. Try driving a fire truck or an ambulance if you want to see stupid drivers :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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