Highway Rudeness!!!

[55 Fargo]

Hi all, this morning I went for a highway ride in my 47 Chrashler, first highay ride since installing the P 215 75 15 tires the other day, the taller tire, and the fact they are tubeless and balanced make a real difference, the car steersand handles quite well.

As I still have a 4.30 diff, I am keeping my speed to 50 to 55 mph. Traffic was light on this small highway, until a guy in a newer Ford 4X4 came zooming up behind me, he was probably doing in the 75 mph range on a 60 mph highway, 2 other trucks were close behind him. I sped up to about 55 mph, as there was a car coming in the opposite direction, the truck behind me had to wait moment.Well 2 of the trucks raged by:eek: , looking at me in disgust, the 3rd truck followed behind a bit then slowly passed.

Looks like even on our small highways, I will need to be able to speed up my car to 60 mph.

It was a beautiful ride, it's sunny, but cool this morning 38 degrees, but the heater in the car is working good, it is always a thrill to go for a ride in this car:) .............Fred

[Don Coatney]

Fred;

When I get tailgaiters no matter what I am driving I slow down and or at least blink my brake lights. I really do not care if they have to slow down. I am running at a speed within the rights of the law. I catch and pass most people who speed past me at the next stop light anyway.

[James_Douglas]

This is becoming a real problem here in Northern California. There has been such a building boom over the last 20 years, while at the same time nothing has been done on the secondary 2 lane highways that link many of these fast growing towns.

I constantly have 5 to 10 cars stacked up behind me wanting to do 50 t 70 MPH in 45 to 55 MPH zones.

If I pulled over to let them pass, I would just have to park it.

In CA the CVC says:

“21656. On a two-lane highway where passing is unsafe because oftraffic in the opposite direction or other conditions, a slow-movingvehicle, including a passenger vehicle, behind which five or morevehicles are formed in line, shall turn off the roadway at thenearest place designated as a turnout by signs erected by theauthority having jurisdiction over the highway, or whereversufficient area for a safe turnout exists, in order to permit thevehicles following it to proceed. As used in this section aslow-moving vehicle is one which is proceeding at a rate of speedless than the normal flow of traffic at the particular time andplace.”

I am starting a one person campaign to amend this section to in the last sentence something like, ...less than the normal flow, up to the posted speed limit, of traffic at the… Best, James

[Norm's Coupe]

If I get a tailgater I do what Don Coatney does, slow down. Just because the tailgater wants to speed doesn't mean I have to. If they are late getting to their destination they should have left home earlier, it's not my problem. That goes for freeway driving too. I've even slowed down to as low as the minimum speed (45 MPH) in a center lane if someone rides my bumper. Of course, I will sometimes move to the slower lane. However, I won't speed up to merge into it, they'll just have to wait until I can do it safely at my own speed, not their's.

[Captain Neon]

I ignore idiots that expect my P15 to go faster. When they pass me in a huff, I often smile and wave as they pass. Unfortunately, I avoid the interstate highways here on Colorado's front range. Too many cars, and all going too fast for my little P15 to keep up with and not enough room for those even following the posted 75 mph speed limit to get past me. Too much chance of a MVA on Colorado's freeways.

[John Mulders]

I would slow down here aswell when people are too close, do not brake (lights). Never know what roadrage maniac is behind the wheel.

These are townroads where the speedlimit is 50/60Kmph (35/40Mph).

Even with my daily drivers I do this.

Just hope I never get hit when driving the P15.

Maybe have a sign that shows you won't go faster?

John

[oldmopar]

There is always some fool in a rush even when I drive to work in my newer truck a 2000 s10 I can be going faster then the speed limit and they still tailgate.

About 6 years or so back I owned a Model T top speed was about 35mph it did not take long for a long line to form behind me so I just learned to ignore them

Ed

[PatS....]

Here, it matters not how fast you go, it's not fast enough for alot of drivers. They roar up behind you and ride the bumper even if you're well above the speed limit already.

I have grown weary of it and I simply ignore them and go along my way.

[55 Fargo]

35 mph in a Model T, must feel like your flying.

[Brendan D25]

Being a truck driver, this post interests me. When I come upon a slower moving vehicle on a two lane road I appreciate them slowing down to let me pass as long it is not on a turn or at the foot of a hill. I prefer if the slower driver would keep a constant speed, then I know if I've got the boots to get around or just sit back and enjoy the drive. Brendan.

[Norm's Coupe]

Being a truck driver, this post interests me. When I come upon a slower moving vehicle on a two lane road I appreciate them slowing down to let me pass as long it is not on a turn or at the foot of a hill. I prefer if the slower driver would keep a constant speed, then I know if I've got the boots to get around or just sit back and enjoy the drive. Brendan.

Brendan, makes no difference to me if it's a truck or car. If he tailgates he's going to go slower no matter what the road is like. Now, if the truck stays a reasonable distance off my tail I will keep the constant speed. If he passes, he passes. Usually, the primary reason I slow down when being tailgated is to give me more room between me and the vehicle in front of me. That way if he stops, I can stop at a slower rate and hopefully keep the idiot behind me from rear ending me.

[Guest 51plymouthod]

These posts make me glad we live w-a-y out in a rural area. I have 2 old flatheads...a '51 Plymouth with overdrive, which will easily cruise at the general posted speed limit of 70 in Texas. South of us are some 75 MPH and, on I-10, 80 MPH limits, and I stay off them in the Plymouth. My '49 B-1-C has a 4.10 ratio, a 4-speed, and cruises a tad over 50. I only drive the isolated rural roads in it, because a vehicle going 20 or more MPH under the prevaling traffic is, I feel, just as dangerous as one driving well faster than the traffic.

[55 Fargo]

I tend to agree with this, a slow vehicle on a busy highway, that travels at speeds 20 mph under what other vehicles are doing is in fact a hazard. Where I live, this is a small rural highway, speed limit 100 kmh (62mph), but traffic flows around 110 kmh (68 mph). But as I have said this highway is generally not very busy, and the shoulder is gravel, other wise I could have pulled on the shoulder a bit to let someone pass. All the more reason for me to get taller gears in the back, so I can at least cruise at 60 mph safely, when necessary, and also not blow up my engine, with 4.30 gears doing 60 or 65 mph. I now it would probably go this fast, as there is lots of gas pedal left at 50 mph, but the engine is old, and I don't want to chance it............Fred

[55 Fargo]

One question, some of the guys have the 4.10 diff in there P15s, with a 3 spd trans, and maybe 28 inch tires. How come they can cruise at 55 to 60, but the trucks with taller tires, usually stick to 50 mph, is it the weight of the truck, or the trans gearing. Just something I was wondering about. My Chrysler having a 4.30 diff is absolutely ridiculous, some wiseman installed this at one time, but I am not sure why.

My engine and trans is from a 1951 Canadian Dodge, its 218 long block, dry clutch, 3spd trans. Does anyone know what the gearing should have been with this set-up, in a 51 Dodge. I was guessing it would have been a 3.90, but not a 4.30 or even a 4.10.................Fred

[1just4don]

Sorry Rockwood,,,I cant help you with your question,,wish I could but smarter people than I shall follow!!

About highway demeanor,,,it seems to go in waves on 'certain' days,,,must be tyhe full moon or something. Ever travel the highway in a tractor and a couple wagons behind?? Some days the traffic is great,,,somedays its way past horrible. Idiots that HAVE to pass,,,right now,,,with a semi oncoming within 50 yards,,,they MAKE them pull over on the shoulder so THEY can pass,,,right now,,not later!! what happens if its some little old lady or guy just out for a Sunday drive AND they cant see too good,,,or is distracted on a cell phone or something and dont see they HAVE to make a three lane road suddenly out of a 2 laner,with shoulders.

Some days you get 'alot' of middle finger salutes!!! In SOUTH Dakota the 'law' says you HAVE to slow down to there speed and then pass as cautiously as possible,,,instead of zipping 75 around a 15mph traveler. WE need that law too. IF a highway patrolman would drive a tractor with a 2- way to helpers on both ends they could arrest a min. of 20 for dangerous driving per couple miles driven. Some are way past negligent driving,,,absolute morons when something like a tractor is on the road,,,or even a slow driving car during 'rush' hour. The rush to work and back home!!

I know a guy who got a ticket once for 'impeding' traffic. Trooper said he was a hazzard,,,guess what TRooper,,,they have SAME rights as car drivers(AND troopers too). He was WAAAAAAY out of line!!! Hope he got educated someplace else,,,didnt need the hassle!!

[Normspeed]

Where I live, rude driving has become an art form. Sad part is, there is very little traffic enforcement anywhere in Southern California. Maybe an occasional speed trap, but beyond that there is very little chance of anyone being ticketed for reckless or rude driving. Hit-and-runs are an epidimec. And these folks know that very well. Top of the rude list is anyone in an SUV, and top of the SUV list, for some reason is Lincoln Navigator drivers. They must give them a special license when they cough up the bucks for one of those pigs.

[James_Douglas]

Norm (The other Norn),

I just did a drive in the Desoto that was about 2.5 hours each way. From the Golden Gate up to Clear Lake. Interstate and 2 lane highways. Because of the idiots, not to mention the oncoming headlights on the way back, I am beat.

I like leaving the urban core at 5AM...

Enforcement is a joke. I have said for years that I wish they would scrap all the current moving violation fines. Do away with traffic school. Then institute the following:

Within a 5 year period:

1st moving violation - $500

2nd moving violation - $1000

3rd moving violation - $1500, 90 day suspended license, 90 day vehicle impoundment.

4th moving violation No more license for 5 years. Diving without a license a felony and 5 years in state prison.

People break the driving laws not as a crime of passion but a as a benefit/cost analysis. We need to raise the cost factor.

James

[Tom Skinner]

Dear Rockwood/Norm, and Alll Good Drivers of Old Mopars,

You guys outa try driving in the Carolinas, the people here stay attached to a cell phone and your rear bumper while riding your rear bumper maybe 2' back, this while your doing the limit, say 45m.p.h. on a rural road.

My 250.6 cu. in. can do 60m.p.h., and often I will travel 50 in a 45, makes no difference the Carolina Drivers are 2' behind. I find women are the worse for it, however, my buddy got a Blackberry and took me for a ride in his new convertible the whole while receiving and sending e-mails. I told him to put the damn thing down or let me out of the car, he finally put it down. Im afraid its only going to get worse with Blackberry Fever out there. I only drive my 1948 Chrysler between 6AM-1PM Saturdays and Sundays, in an effort to elude Rude, Incompetent, Drivers to which there seems to be no end

of out there on the country roads, Interstates are out of the question there they go 75-85 and could kill somebody and never notice.

Tom

PS. Virginia just enacted a New Speeding Law, going over 15m.p.h. over the Limit can bring a $1,000 fine, we need to see that in the Carolinas as well.

[RobertKB]

Fred, to answer your question I went and looked in my Canadian parts book, 1939-54. From '49 to '54 the standard rear end is 3.73. I know that my '48 Dodge D25 has the 3.9 but my '53 Plymouth has the 3.73. Hope this helps.

[55 Fargo]

Yes a amtter of this does help, been trying to figure out how much the speedo was out with a 4.30 diff, when the drivetrain previously had a 3.73, so the figures now work out.

I am going to take the plunge and install the 3.54 diff, I have. Sure hope it works, with the weight of the Chrysler 3500 lb range, the weight of a 1951 Dodge 2900 lbs. The smaller engine I have is only 98 hp, as compared to the 114 of the 251 Chrysler engine, it should work okay here in flatland, and as long as I take it easy........Fred

[PatS....]

Norm (The other Norn),

I just did a drive in the Desoto that was about 2.5 hours each way. From the Golden Gate up to Clear Lake. Interstate and 2 lane highways. Because of the idiots, not to mention the oncoming headlights on the way back, I am beat.

I like leaving the urban core at 5AM...

Enforcement is a joke. I have said for years that I wish they would scrap all the current moving violation fines. Do away with traffic school. Then institute the following:

Within a 5 year period:

1st moving violation - $500

2nd moving violation - $1000

3rd moving violation - $1500, 90 day suspended license, 90 day vehicle impoundment.

4th moving violation No more license for 5 years. Diving without a license a felony and 5 years in state prison.

People break the driving laws not as a crime of passion but a as a benefit/cost analysis. We need to raise the cost factor.

James

James, they did a good thing here last year and enacted a law providing for double fines for speeding in a construction zone or speeding in the lane immediatly adjacent to emergency vehicles with lights flashing.

They have been enforcing that law vigorously because of some construction workers and police who were killed or injured.

It was very well publicized but they are still picked off like flies...mostly young girls on the cell phone. Wonder what the rush is?

[Frank Blackstone]

I am chagrined to hear thast this tailgating and other rude behaviour is so wide spead. I thought it was just around here and I was the only driver that was aware of it. I have tried the afremention remedies but have not had success with them. Defensively I have found that I get 50% compliance from tailgaters by turning on my 4 way flasher. It may take a few seconds for them to realise what they are doing but then they back off. If not I slow down until they pass. I think many drivers are not experienced in or have the courage to pass on a double lane rural road. I can and do so that is an advantage of age and experience. I try to accomidate them by slowing down in passing zones. Some slow drivers I have tried to pass go only go the speed limit is passing zones so then I become aggressive. Be safe , Frank

[TodFitch]

Not rudeness per se, but one of my pet peeves are people who poke their way up the on ramp and try to merge with traffic on a freeway before they accelerate. I saw a lot of this behavior yesterday while rolling along in the right lane of US101 in the old car. Looking over at the on ramps and judging the speed (or lack of it) and planning evasive maneuvers does keep you awake but is not an enjoyable part of driving the old car. I wonder if these people will ever learn that it is a lot easier and safer to be going the speed of traffic before merging with it.

Road rage does, however fit into this thread. And I saw a bad case yesterday. I was returning from Mt. Pinos driving my 1933 DeLuxe north in the right lane of US101 near Atascadero at about 60 MPH on a section of road posted at 65 MPH. Actually I was going exactly 60 as I just checked the speedometer with my GPS.

Apparently I was going too slow as two SUVs jockeyed to get around me and the other traffic that was passing me in the left lane and got mad at one another. Then they really started weaving around, passing one another, jamming on the brakes, etc. I was glad when they finally went their different ways and no one was hurt.

By the by, the 33 did just fine over the weekend. Statistics: 643 total miles round trip. On the way to the mountain tried to keep it between 55 and 60 indicated. On the way home kept it as close to 60 as I could. 16 MPG for the trip. Lowest point was near sea level at Pismo Beach. Highest point, parking lot at Mt. Pinos at 8300 ft. There were some grades near Pine Mountain Club that I had to down shift for. And there were some grades on highway 46 and highway 166 that I could not do much better than 45 while floored.

I chose US101 instead of I-5 for the trip largely because while I-5 is only posted 5 MPH faster, traffic on it really rolls and I'd be a sitting duck at 60 MPH. Closing speed makes a big difference in safety especially on a boring road like I-5 where people combine being asleep at the wheel and speeding in one operation. Generally I prefer back roads posted at 55 but once you drive highway 33 down through Taft and Maricopa you don't really want to do that again. Not the most scenic nor pleasant of roads either.

Not too bad for the stock running gear that was built when the maximum posted speed in California was 45 (and maximum speed in Ohio was 35). I wonder how many of today's cars will be around in 74 years and be asked to cruise at 150% to 200% of today's posted limits. Shoot, I don't think I have ever had my 2004 up to anything near 150% of the posted limit on I-5 (70 MPH times 150% would be 105 MPH) much less cruise for 300 miles at that speed.

[55 Fargo]

Hows this for rudeness.Was heading out of Winnipeg City, travelling north on Provincial Hwy 59, where I was driving it was 3 lanes and a paved shoulder in each direction, this highway is one step down from an Interstate, as it has road access onto it, and some traffic lights,speed limit at this part of it was 55 mph. Well I am driving out of the city, when all of a sudden I see traffic backing up in front of me on all 3 lanes, then I saw it, a farmer with his tractor, pulling a very large discer, driving down the highway blocking all the lanes, not sure where he came from, or where he was going, now thats stupidity in it's finest, but heck they probably allow it here on our backward highways. Our road system in this province is about 25 years behind the times..Fred

[55 Fargo]

Tod, that merging sounds like a Manitoba style manouver. Learned a long time ago, in Southern California, I might add, you accelerate, to get up to a decent speed before you merge onto a freeway or major highway, only makes sense, and it's the safest practice.