How do you deal with tailgaters?
#71
03-23-2007, 09:29 PM
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Lewisville (Dallas), Texas
Posts: 3,155
Re: How do you deal with tailgaters?
Whoever these people are they are no better off at the end of the day and just making the roads a less pleasant place.
#72
03-23-2007, 09:30 PM
Pretty Darn Active Enthusiast
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Lake Zurich, IL
Posts: 300
Re: How do you deal with tailgaters?
I agree with 2 statements in this thread.
If you are holding up traffic because you want to travel at a speed that isn't with the flow of traffic (or for any other reason) and are not in the slow lane, shame on you. Weather being perfect or otherwise, stay right unless passing.
If you are holding up traffic because you want to travel at a speed that isn't with the flow of traffic (or for any other reason) and are not in the slow lane, shame on you. Weather being perfect or otherwise, stay right unless passing.
#73
03-26-2007, 10:03 AM
Ridiculously Active Enthusiast
Join Date: May 2004
Location: New England
Posts: 1,518
Re: How do you deal with tailgaters?
Sorry, but you're wrong. Here's proof. Check out the Green Vehicle Guide by the EPA at http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/ghg-score.htm. That shows a "green rating" for greenhouse gas (CO2). The HCHII rates with a score of "10" at <0.45 pounds of CO2 per mile. Most SUV's are in the 1.04 - 1.14 range... roughtly 2.5 times the HCHII amount. What about other emissions? Check out this chart: http://www.epa.gov/autoemissions/detailedchart.pdf which shows emissions for specific pollutants. Just compare the PZEV (HCHII) vs. the standard ratings for any LEV II vehicle out there. These are the allowed emission limits:
______PZEV____LEV II___Difference
NOx___0.02____0.07___3.5 PZEV vehicles = 1 LEV II vehicle
NMOG_ 0.01____0.09___9 PZEV vehicles = 1 LEV II vehicle
CO____1.0_____4.2____4 PZEV vehicles = 1 LEV II vehicle
PM____0.01____0.01____Equal
HCHO__0.004___0.018__4.5 PZEV vehicles = 1 LEV II vehicle
Yes, the HCHII, with just the driver, pollutes less per person than any SUV with a driver and a passenger.
As for your other comments, I was not impeding the flow of traffic. Re-read my note... I said that when the guy exited, there was no one behind him. Further, as Hybrid Glider pointed out, you can't just easily move over... the other lanes are much slower. So what am I supposed to do... slow down to 30 mph to fit into the left "regular" lane to let this guy pass, then zoom back up to 70? And at what speed am I NOT required to do this? 80 MPH? 90 MPH? Sorry... but if I'm already doing 70, it becomes the tailgater's problem.
______PZEV____LEV II___Difference
NOx___0.02____0.07___3.5 PZEV vehicles = 1 LEV II vehicle
NMOG_ 0.01____0.09___9 PZEV vehicles = 1 LEV II vehicle
CO____1.0_____4.2____4 PZEV vehicles = 1 LEV II vehicle
PM____0.01____0.01____Equal
HCHO__0.004___0.018__4.5 PZEV vehicles = 1 LEV II vehicle
Yes, the HCHII, with just the driver, pollutes less per person than any SUV with a driver and a passenger.
As for your other comments, I was not impeding the flow of traffic. Re-read my note... I said that when the guy exited, there was no one behind him. Further, as Hybrid Glider pointed out, you can't just easily move over... the other lanes are much slower. So what am I supposed to do... slow down to 30 mph to fit into the left "regular" lane to let this guy pass, then zoom back up to 70? And at what speed am I NOT required to do this? 80 MPH? 90 MPH? Sorry... but if I'm already doing 70, it becomes the tailgater's problem.
As I stated before, if you are impeding traffic you are just as guilty, if you are not, it's tailgator problem... but if you are not in the RIGHT lane... then you have no "right" to complain when a tailgator is behind you... or when somebody blows by you on the right. Simple as that.
#74
03-26-2007, 10:50 AM
Ridiculously Active Enthusiast
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Atlanta, Ga
Posts: 1,797
Re: How do you deal with tailgaters?
The tread title is How do you deal with tailgaters? and not pollution. Please keep on track.
Super speed limit drivers don't belong in the Right lanes.
Slower Traffic doesn't belong in the Left lanes.
With that said I always stay in the Right-most lane except the few occasions I need to pass, then it's the 2nd lane, then back to the Right.
There are a place in my 50 mile commute where the freeway is 7 lanes wide and the two Right lanes are exit only, but I'm not exiting. The traffic usually jams up in those two Right lanes (entrance to the Atlanta beltway) so I'll move to the 3rd lane within 4 miles or so.
Since ~75% of the traffic uses those exits the hot-foots come over from the Left lanes, cross in front/behind me as they frantically fight each other and make their way Right.
Posted limit is 55MPH and I keep a fairly steady 54-60. Sometimes I get tailgated but it seems they realize I'm not crazily fighting for a Right lane they go around and pass me on my Right.
The rest of the traffic which is going my way is still going 60-65 so it doesn't bother me that much.
I finally pass those exits and naturally I'm now in the Right lane and happily riding along again.
Super speed limit drivers don't belong in the Right lanes.
Slower Traffic doesn't belong in the Left lanes.
With that said I always stay in the Right-most lane except the few occasions I need to pass, then it's the 2nd lane, then back to the Right.
There are a place in my 50 mile commute where the freeway is 7 lanes wide and the two Right lanes are exit only, but I'm not exiting. The traffic usually jams up in those two Right lanes (entrance to the Atlanta beltway) so I'll move to the 3rd lane within 4 miles or so.
Since ~75% of the traffic uses those exits the hot-foots come over from the Left lanes, cross in front/behind me as they frantically fight each other and make their way Right.
Posted limit is 55MPH and I keep a fairly steady 54-60. Sometimes I get tailgated but it seems they realize I'm not crazily fighting for a Right lane they go around and pass me on my Right.
The rest of the traffic which is going my way is still going 60-65 so it doesn't bother me that much.
I finally pass those exits and naturally I'm now in the Right lane and happily riding along again.
#75
03-26-2007, 11:07 AM
Ridiculously Active Enthusiast
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Atlanta, Ga
Posts: 1,797
Re: How do you deal with tailgaters?
When I get off from work it's usually 10-12PM and freeway traffic is very, very light. Sometimes 1/2 mile or so to the next vehicle which may be in another lane.
In those instances I'll be going slower than usual in the far Right lane. If the speed limit is 55 I'll go 47 to about 58MPH. Waves of "packs" of cars can be seen approaching, Super-speed limit drivers and range from 5 or more vehicles. As they approach I'll gradually speed back up to the limit until they pass.
Every once in a while I'll get some jerk who tailgates on the nearly abandoned freeway. He doesn't exit but stays behind. Guess they just enjoy being that way. Probably the kind who go home and kick their dog. One time I was heading home and going about 50 with someone like that behind me for about 3 miles. I saw police blue lights flashing and thought I was getting pulled over.
Another look in my mirror and it's the car behind my tailgater who has the lights, and the tailgater and cop move to the shoulder.
I drive off with a surprised smile.
On single lane rural country roads by far, the worst tailgaters around here are the police. Trolling for drunks at night, they spot my "odd" driving habits and get so darn close I can't see their headlights in my mirror. I've been pulled over twice. The first time was friendly and we discussed my efforts. The 2nd time was a bit ugly. I don't think they should tailgate but I appreciate their mission.
Enough of my rambling !
In those instances I'll be going slower than usual in the far Right lane. If the speed limit is 55 I'll go 47 to about 58MPH. Waves of "packs" of cars can be seen approaching, Super-speed limit drivers and range from 5 or more vehicles. As they approach I'll gradually speed back up to the limit until they pass.
Every once in a while I'll get some jerk who tailgates on the nearly abandoned freeway. He doesn't exit but stays behind. Guess they just enjoy being that way. Probably the kind who go home and kick their dog. One time I was heading home and going about 50 with someone like that behind me for about 3 miles. I saw police blue lights flashing and thought I was getting pulled over.
Another look in my mirror and it's the car behind my tailgater who has the lights, and the tailgater and cop move to the shoulder.
I drive off with a surprised smile.
On single lane rural country roads by far, the worst tailgaters around here are the police. Trolling for drunks at night, they spot my "odd" driving habits and get so darn close I can't see their headlights in my mirror. I've been pulled over twice. The first time was friendly and we discussed my efforts. The 2nd time was a bit ugly. I don't think they should tailgate but I appreciate their mission.
Enough of my rambling !
#76
03-26-2007, 11:46 AM
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Lewisville (Dallas), Texas
Posts: 3,155
Re: How do you deal with tailgaters?
Anyone notice areas there is more tailgating?
Sunday afternoon I was driving from Austin thru Dallas to Lewisville on I35. Traffic was moderate to light most of the trip. If you are familiar with the part that runs thru NE Dallas, this is the red light district (adult establishments, plenty of liqour). One young punk almost laned on my bumper and looked like he was about to road rage, then did a sharp left peel out - must have had plenty of drinks.
I knew there was a reason I don't like driving there.
Sunday afternoon I was driving from Austin thru Dallas to Lewisville on I35. Traffic was moderate to light most of the trip. If you are familiar with the part that runs thru NE Dallas, this is the red light district (adult establishments, plenty of liqour). One young punk almost laned on my bumper and looked like he was about to road rage, then did a sharp left peel out - must have had plenty of drinks.
I knew there was a reason I don't like driving there.
Re: How do you deal with tailgaters?
Re: How do you deal with tailgaters?
Oh Great now someone tells me. 
#80
03-30-2007, 10:09 AM
Active Enthusiast
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Far Suburbs of Chicago
Posts: 203
Re: How do you deal with tailgaters?
Every once in a while I'll get some jerk who tailgates on the nearly abandoned freeway. He doesn't exit but stays behind. Guess they just enjoy being that way. Probably the kind who go home and kick their dog. One time I was heading home and going about 50 with someone like that behind me for about 3 miles. I saw police blue lights flashing and thought I was getting pulled over.
Another look in my mirror and it's the car behind my tailgater who has the lights, and the tailgater and cop move to the shoulder.
I drive off with a surprised smile.
Another look in my mirror and it's the car behind my tailgater who has the lights, and the tailgater and cop move to the shoulder.
I drive off with a surprised smile.
When I get a certain type of tailgater - the one who obviously seems to think I will drive faster cause he is on my tail - I just put 'em on ignore. I set the cruise and do not speed up or slow down; they usually get it after a little bit.
What irritates me the most is a country two lane road that is totally empty and people will not pull out and pass. The other day I got into a left turn lane where the 2 lane widened to 3. I slowed right down, even put the brakes on, but I forgot to put my turn signal on. The idot who was tailgating me for at least a mile prior (I was going 53 in a 55), just slowed with me, as I am watching him in my right side mirror. So, I ended up having to pull off to the soft shoulder and come to a complete stop for him to finally figure out that I wanted him to pass (and quit riding my butt)! It was an older man driving a Mercury Grand Marquis, and god bless him, I just kept thinking, why would he not pass? I just didn't get it, the ***** to tailgate me, he could easily read my lic plate "SAVE GAS," but he couldn't use those cajones to pull out and pass - there was nobody else on the road!
The other thing I notice in Chicago, is when the weather breaks people start driving like idiots. Like "my car can accelerate, check it out as I blow by you"...
