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From: Morgoth@ccieng5.UUCP (Morgoth)
Newsgroups: net.flame
Subject: 55mph and tailgateing
Message-ID: <120@ccieng5.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 10-Aug-83 17:54:04 EDT
Article-I.D.: ccieng5.120
Posted: Wed Aug 10 17:54:04 1983
Date-Received: Thu, 11-Aug-83 04:55:14 EDT
Lines: 36

Alan,

I am not saying that speeding, tailgating, etc. is a victimless crime. I am
saying that the 55mph speed limit:

(a) was passed to SAVE GAS - something the government has no business doing
    by fiat. The price of gas will enforce conservation quite nicely, thank
    you.

(b) says, by fiat, that everyone must travel AT MOST this speed. Why? What
    right does the government have in the first place to pass such a law,
    and why the hell SHOULDN'T I ignore it? Just because someone thinks
    that some speed is 'safe' for most drivers does not imply they should
    limit those drivers capable of driving faster. NOR SHOULD OTHER DRIVERS.
    I'm not saying be flagrant, really, just curtious - let people pass -
    keep an eye on your rear view mirror. I HATE having to tailgate and
    flash my lights and honk and STILL get ignored, just because there
    are two people driving EXACTLY 55mph right next to each-other blocking
    me from passing. If you are going to drive the same speed as the left
    lane, GET IN THE BLOODY LEFT LANE. If you're only going to drive 1-2
    mph faster, either go FAST AND PASS, or slow down and stay where you
    are. I have people pass ME when I'm going 70, and I always yeild the
    left lane to them, when I can, even slowing down to 55mph if I have to
    to safely merge right. Yes, I've really done this, because I DON'T want
    people to tailgate me - I tailgate (rarely, but sometimes) for the
    same reason - it is a measure of last resort, and I would think the
    person would be irritated enough to move over and let me pass.
    If you are going to tailgate, then do it such that you see what the
    driver ahead of you is likely to do - i.e. on relatively straight
    roads (like interstates) where you have a good view of traffic for
    500 feet or so. Unless the guys a total jerk and fool, he won't just
    slam on his brakes without reason (and if he does HE'S the one who's
    wrong and loses - esp. in a Pinto!).

Morgoth
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