AAARRRGGHH!!! Just trying to vent. There is no secret about this: I hate the dumb-ass speeding rules in the US and the dumb-ass cops that impose and encourage "leftist" behavior. I saw the most idiotic thing yesterday: I was traveling on three-lane road with a median, (Alafaya Trail south of 50 for those who live in Orlando). The road is wide and safe enough to travel @ 60+ mph, but the speed limit is 45 mph. I was sitting at the light behind some 3 cars. The light turns green and I'm trying to get around the cars on my motorcycle. Within 500 feet the traffic starts to slow down. A cop, on foot, runs in front of the traffic, stops traffic completely on this main artery during rush hour (07:40 AM), points to an old BMW in the far left lane, and makes him pull over to mail post parking area. There were 5 motorcycle cops sitting in the parking lot. One holding a radar gun, two giving tickets, and the other two cops were drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes. The guy they pulled over was not going faster than 55 mph. They did this routine for an hour and then they took off. What was the message here? What was the point? - Revenue!
My sister and my brother in law came to visit from Europe yesterday also. They were driving on I-95 from Miami. The road is totally deserted and there is a car on the far left lane. He flashes the guy, who is doing 60 mph on 70 mph HW, but the guy doesn't move. He flashes him again and the guy finally moves to the right. As he's passing him, the guy gives my sister the finger. My brother in law passes the guy and merges back to the right lane, the way it is supposed to be done. Guess what the guy does? Yup, you guessed it: He moves back to the left lane. I have more luck passing on the right lane in this country than on left lane. If any of you subscribe to motorcyclist magazine, read the "Lean Angle" column. The name of the article is "Misplaced priorities and backward-assed behavior". Our Europen friends must find this kind of behavior unbelievable. I lived in Italy and Germany, and those were the best driving years of my life.

Death to leftist!

Originally posted by desmo996
I have more luck passing on the right lane in this country than on left lane. If any of you subscribe to motorcyclist magazine, read the "Lean Angle" column. The name of the article is "Misplaced priorities and backward-assed behavior". Our Europen friends must find this kind of behavior unbelievable. I lived in Italy and Germany, and those were the best driving years of my life.

Death to leftist!

How odd. We have more luck passing on the left that the (correct) right side here :D

Oh, and we have speed cameras.

Everywhere now.

And there nothing to do with road safety, just automatic cash generators for the police.

Whats worse is the police have basicaly cut their trafic cop budjets so much because cameras make money that theres now so little policing of roads its awfull.

Cameras dont check dangerous driving, speeding in between cameras, tailgating, unsafe vehicles etc etc. And its been proved that they dont even save lives. Oh and why dont I see any outside of schools etc? Speed cameras are a very hot topic over here now.

Wait till GPS driven speed enforcemenr, its being considered here...

Originally posted by RobDickinson
How odd. We have more luck passing on the left that the (correct) right side here :D



Where's here? Sorry to hear about the speed cameras. That concept would start a revolution here in the U.S.; I think. They tried it in CA and the concept pissed off a lot of actors and important people. I think they stopped using it. Not sure.

Ooops, here is UK.

3 lanes, every dumb phook uses the middle lane.

Thats when the first 2 lanes arnt full of trucks(semi's?).

We've also got a lot of 'traffic calming' measures, speed bumps etc. Altough there are some of them being taken out now because of emergency service problems.

Motorists are getting quite militant here on occasion. We have a national fuel blockade the other year - all the oil refineries were blockaded and the country went without fuel for a week. All because our .gov expects the motorist to fund it almost solely.

Originally posted by RobDickinson
Ooops, here is UK.

3 lanes, every dumb phook uses the middle lane.

You'll see that in the US as well. Most people seem to stick to the middle lane(s) because the right-hand lane is frequently clogged with people turning off/on.

I was over there for three months, and didn't see any speed cameras, speed bumps or other traffic "calming" measures, but did see plenty of "speed limit enforced by radar" signs. Whether or not they were fakes as commonly found in the UK I don't know.

And I did like being allowed to turn right at red traffic lights when the way is clear - would be great if they'd adopt that in the UK.

desmo - how would you like speeding violations to be enforced?

I agree on the passing on the right, it's pretty rediculous on the highways sometimes.

Originally posted by blizz81
desmo - how would you like speeding violations to be enforced?

I agree on the passing on the right, it's pretty rediculous on the highways sometimes.

Sometimes? Are there times when it is OK? Speeding laws were originally set to save fuel. I saw a cop on the left lane going 5 mph under the speed limit on the left lane. Cars were backed up for a mile because they did not dare to pass him. It was dangerous and everyone was tapping on their brakes. I would not say that method is fuel effiecient.
Why should speeding violations be enforced if they are helping the traffic flow w/o endangering anybody (i.e. German Highways). The U.S. speeding laws and drivers are obsolete. Today's car technology (DSC/TC), performance, and efficiency allow for greater speeds. Speeding violations should be policed if the driver is behaving in a wreckless matter (i.e. dangerous driving, tailgating, unsafe vehicles etc). Drivers should be tested annually for driving skills so we do not have another farmer's market incident. Speed did not kill the 10 month baby in the market. We need to test and educate drivers. That's where you save lives.
The fact that you ask me how speeding violations should be enforced makes me think you might be one of those "leftist" that try to impose the obsolete speeding limit on everyone else.

Heh, it's morning and I'm a little slow. I was trying to figure out how your story had anything to do with left wing politics. "Leftist", left lane, now I get it :P.

Yes, it's one of my personal peeves too. There's 3 lanes between Chattanooga and Atlanta (a drive I make a lot). There's too many 55'ers in the left lane, and too many 85ers passing me in the right. Plumb-ass backwards. If it weren't for trucks, I could probably make the whole trip at 70 in the middle lane.

Wahoo

Actually, in CA we do have red light cameras, but they may be trying speed cameras in a few places (I'm not sure). The annoying thing is here we have very wide highways, often 4 lanes each way, and occasionally I still have the pass on the right because all the left lanes a full of slow pokes :mad:

I know from experience that the speed limit in Florida is behind the times. When I go to visit my parents in Miami I'm always surprised that it's still 55 mph in most places. In Cali, most highways are 65 mph, and some will even go to 70 and 75. That said, I nearly always go 10 above the limit because when I got my one speeding ticket the cop told me that if I had been going just 10 above the limit (45mph), instead of 13 mph or so above, he wouldn't have pulled me over. There are jerk cops everywhere though.

So what do you want Desmo, no speed limits? Sounds like someone has a little bit of a road rage problem.

Originally posted by rabinabo
I nearly always go 10 above the limit because when I got my one speeding ticket the cop told me that if I had been going just 10 above the limit (45mph), instead of 13 mph or so above, he wouldn't have pulled me over. There are jerk cops everywhere though.

Over here at least, the speed cameras aren't all that accurate, so if you were clocked within approx. 10% of the limit you would have good grounds for appeal. Generally the police don't want to take a chance on that - the resulting hassle would cost a lot more than the fine brings in.

Originally posted by RobDickinson
Cameras dont check ... speeding in between camerasThey do Down Under! The Victorian government, notorious for its draconian traffic laws and enforcement techniques, now has a series of linked cameras on the Hume Highway (the main interstate artery between Melbourne and Sydney). They measure the time your vehicle takes to travel between them (possibly hundreds of kilometers) and if your average speed is over the limit, you'll receive a fine in the mail.

It's moments like these where James Bond-style revolving plates would come in handy.

It's also possible to figure out your speed from your cell phone, if it's on. When your signal switches between cell towers, they can use that to calculate your speed. Something else to watch out for.

Originally posted by desmo996
Sometimes? Are there times when it is OK?

Easy, man. I'm not out to get you. I said "sometimes" because there isn't someone going 5mph on a 55mph highway in the left lane 100% of the time. Not that it's OK to bogart the left lane sometimes. I like it when people don't let you agree with them.

Originally posted by desmo996
Speeding laws were originally set to save fuel. I saw a cop on the left lane going 5 mph under the speed limit on the left lane. Cars were backed up for a mile because they did not dare to pass him. It was dangerous and everyone was tapping on their brakes. I would not say that method is fuel effiecient.
Why should speeding violations be enforced if they are helping the traffic flow w/o endangering anybody (i.e. German Highways). The U.S. speeding laws and drivers are obsolete. Today's car technology (DSC/TC), performance, and efficiency allow for greater speeds. Speeding violations should be policed if the driver is behaving in a wreckless matter (i.e. dangerous driving, tailgating, unsafe vehicles etc). Drivers should be tested annually for driving skills so we do not have another farmer's market incident. Speed did not kill the 10 month baby in the market. We need to test and educate drivers. That's where you save lives.
The fact that you ask me how speeding violations should be enforced makes me think you might be one of those "leftist" that try to impose the obsolete speeding limit on everyone else.


I agree that more enforcement of such laws as wreckless driving, tailgating, etc, would improve things...one problem is these laws are subjectively enforced to a degree. It would be good to supplement them with objective evidence from say, a front-mounted camera, but that's only going to help somewhat, and will increase the budgets of police departments that already have to run these pithy speedtraps, etc, to keep their current budget stable. Also, to enforce this as you've suggested, with maybe no posted speed limit, there would need to be more officers dedicated to patrolling traffic to keep things under wraps. Again, more $$$.

And yes, driver skill should be something that's more developed here, but that would take a lot more $$$ as well. Large foundational concrete systems would have to be overhauled (the whole process of attaining a license and maintaining a license). And even then it could only be partially effective. Exactly how would you educate driving skill? To what degree/level of skill? Would the skills learned translate smoothly from the Plymouth Colt car you learned them on to the Ford Expedition that you tool your kids to soccer practice in? How can the budget be changed & worked out when much less violations are issued because of a) the changes in speed laws, b) the changes in driver skill, c) other things over my head I'm leaving out?

Also, as far as enforcing speed limits/driving habits in Germany, I just wanted to say that I recently saw a special on the Autobahn on TLC, that looked a little dated (not much though), that said much of the Autobahn now has speed limits that are fairly strictly enforced. I believe some of the areas translated out to 55-60mph. They also showed deadlocks in rush hour, areas of construction, etc. I haven't visited Europe and offhandedly I'd agree that driving habits as a majority are probably improved to that of the United States, but the show was suggesting that the dreams of a highway system well-mannered enough to not impose a specific speed limit were beginning to dwindle as areas in Germany became more modernized.

I'm not necessarily leftist, I just aim to smoothen rough edges made when people get on a soapbox and think they have the solutions to the world's major problems.

Originally posted by blizz81

And yes, driver skill should be something that's more developed here, but that would take a lot more $$$ as well.


The drivers should absorb the cost. The $20 bucks I paid for my drivers license and the driving test is a joke. Any Harry, Tom, and Dick can get a driver's license here. I rather pay more for my DL than to share the road with potential killers. Try riding a bike in Florida with the high number of elderly drivers on the road. You'll change your mind fast.

Originally posted by blizz81

And even then it could only be partially effective. Exactly how would you educate driving skill? To what degree/level of skill? Would the skills learned translate smoothly from the Plymouth Colt car you learned them on to the Ford Expedition that you tool your kids to soccer practice in? How can the budget be changed & worked out when much less violations are issued because of a) the changes in speed laws, b) the changes in driver skill, c) other things over my head I'm leaving out?


Educate (i.e. slower traffic keep right) is not the same as skill. Skill includes reaction time, eye test, eye coordination test.

Originally posted by blizz81

The Autobahn now has speed limits that are fairly strictly enforced.


True, especially nearby cities. Maybe our German friends can enlighten us on the subject.

Originally posted by blizz81

I'm not necessarily leftist, I just aim to smoothen rough edges made when people get on a soapbox and think they have the solutions to the world's major problems.

At least I'm offering solutions. If your not part of the solution, maybe you are part of the problem. If we could just educate drivers to use the left lane for passing only, I'll be a very happy man. It is rude and impolite to hug the left lane.

Originally posted by mamccubbin
So what do you want Desmo, no speed limits? Sounds like someone has a little bit of a road rage problem.

I never sai to abolish speed limits, but to increase the speed limit. Are you a leftist;)

If we could just educate drivers to use the left lane for passing only, I'll be a very happy man. It is rude and impolite to hug the left lane.


I'll pay more for my license if we can get a working method to get the passing lane operable! Something tells me it would take strict enforcement to win over the competitive independent spirit of the American driver though.


Try riding a bike in Florida with the high number of elderly drivers on the road. You'll change your mind fast.


I wouldn't try to ride a bike on a public road anywhere - I have enough of a time trying to deal with people's road manners in a car! :)

Originally posted by blizz81
I'll pay more for my license if we can get a working method to get the passing lane operable! Something tells me it would take strict enforcement to win over the competitive independent spirit of the American driver though.

Siiiiggghhhh!! You're right, but we can still dream:)

The speed limits on most roads are ridiculous. If they are there to save fuel, then why allow tolls (and the related traffic its excessive fuel consumption)? If they are there for safety, then why haven't they risen over the last 30 years as cars have become more capable. Also, in rural areas, why have the same speed limit for an 80 year old driving a 20 plus year buick and me driving an EVO or you driving an RX8, etc.

If my car can accelerate, brake, and turn/handle significantly better (say 30%), why can't I go 30% faster due to my car's better ability to handle dangerous situations.

Also, if my reflexes and drivng skills are say 20% better, why can't I go faster because of my better ability to react to dangerous situations on the road.

Finally, don't speed limit laws (as well as many other traffic laws) violate the Equal protection clause in the 14th amendment to the US Constitution? It is described as follows:

"Portion of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that prohibits discrimination by state government institu~tions. The clause grants all people "equal protection of the laws," which means that the states must apply the law equally and cannot give preference to one person or class of persons over another."

Everyone knows these ordinances are NOT enforced equally and fairly. Minorities, people not related to police officers (or are not PBA contributors), younger folks and individuals not residing in the community of the infraction are much more likely to recieve tickets under these laws when driving the same way as other groups.

Why haven't any news magazine shows done an expose about this selective enforcement? They have used many reporters to undercover discriminatory practices in stores and car dealerships and have even committed crimes to undercover weaknesses in goverment entities or national security.

I agree desmo
some cops are good but its few and far between

some just love the power trip

Its like when they ride right behind you for like ten minutes but dont pull you over--- I hate that

I wish autobahn rules were in effect. No speed limit on freeways. "Keep right" mentality, that's actually enforced.

Driving through Irvine, CA, the I-5 freeway often has 4 lanes + 1-2 lanes for carpooling.

But, what's the point of all those lanes when every lane is stuck at 65mph?

It just doesn't make any sense.

Even a 5mph difference per lane would make a great difference.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by R32
[B]I wish autobahn rules were in effect. No speed limit on freeways. "Keep right" mentality, that's actually enforced.

ONly in A perfect world

i was flying down a 4 lane highway one time about 10 MPH over the limit and didnt notice a cop in an suv in another lane. he sees me though and pulls me over. he says he'll "give me a break" and not give me a ticket for speeding but gives me a ticket for not wearing my seat belt even though i was. the reality of it was he knew i was going faster than him but he didnt know how fast he probably didnt have his radar on. i thought about fighting it in court but decided not to. the ticket was only $25.

Originally posted by rabinabo
Actually, in CA we do have red light cameras, but they may be trying speed cameras in a few places (I'm not sure). The annoying thing is here we have very wide highways, often 4 lanes each way, and occasionally I still have the pass on the right because all the left lanes a full of slow pokes :mad:

I know from experience that the speed limit in Florida is behind the times. When I go to visit my parents in Miami I'm always surprised that it's still 55 mph in most places. In Cali, most highways are 65 mph, and some will even go to 70 and 75. That said, I nearly always go 10 above the limit because when I got my one speeding ticket the cop told me that if I had been going just 10 above the limit (45mph), instead of 13 mph or so above, he wouldn't have pulled me over. There are jerk cops everywhere though.


Remember that Florida has all of those old folks that would drive 45 to 55 no matter what the speed limit....:D

Originally posted by 350 Formula
Remember that Florida has all of those old folks that would drive 45 to 55 no matter what the speed limit....:D

I forgot about the minimum speed. I almost hit a car doing 35 MPH on the highway where the speed limit was 70. There was a "leftist" truck hugging the road. I switch to the right and I see a crown victoria with a blue hair doing 35. Scared myself Sh*tless.

I agree that more enforcement of such laws as wreckless driving, tailgating, etc, would improve things...

Absolutely. Here (California), almost everyone follows too closely, and a large percentage dangerously so -- cruising along at 70+mph with no more than 1 car length separation. This is FAR more dangerous than speed, per se. Absolutely ridiculous yet I have NEVER seen ANYONE pulled over for following too closely with possible exception of homicidal examples where the vehicles are practically touching. It is tailgating and dangerous maneuvering that is asking for accidents. Crusing at 80mph on a lightly travelled highway in good conditions, leaving plenty of room and slowing down when appropriate leaves a wide margin of safety. But it is much easier to detect and cite that driver instead of the bozo who cuts off 100 people on his way home in rush-hour traffic.

Another favorite maneuver here is drivers who think you should move over, instead of flashing headlights, they simply come up right behind you and follow insanely closely. "Hey, I'm endangering both our lives as well as nearby motorists, to make my point that you're in my way and you need to mover over". These idiots should have their licenses revoked permanently. [/rant]

I stopped tailgating after I got a $200 ticket for it

Originally posted by Nubo


Another favorite maneuver here is drivers who think you should move over, instead of flashing headlights, they simply come up right behind you and follow insanely closely. "Hey, I'm endangering both our lives as well as nearby motorists, to make my point that you're in my way and you need to mover over". These idiots should have their licenses revoked permanently. [/rant]
So your the one doing 35 in the left lane.;)

Originally posted by desmo996
I forgot about the minimum speed. I almost hit a car doing 35 MPH on the highway where the speed limit was 70. There was a "leftist" truck hugging the road. I switch to the right and I see a crown victoria with a blue hair doing 35. Scared myself Sh*tless.

My favorites are actually passing on the left lane, goign 5-10mph faster than the cars in the previous lane, then having other cars just swerve right in front of me A) without a signal and B) not increasing their speed.

What is there not to get? Sometimes I'll have a pack of cars follow me on freeways, highways, and PCH because they know I'm looking forward to pass and exceed the speed limit by 10%.