top speed
#26
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry then, it's just I've witnessed people in the States overtaking in any lane they choose so often (and regularly in view of police cruisers) that I've always thought it was legal there. If you did that in the UK or any other EU country for that matter and you were seen by a Police car you'd be over on the side of the road explaining yourself in very short order.
#27
Originally posted by Jon Brittan
Sorry then, it's just I've witnessed people in the States overtaking in any lane they choose so often (and regularly in view of police cruisers) that I've always thought it was legal there. If you did that in the UK or any other EU country for that matter and you were seen by a Police car you'd be over on the side of the road explaining yourself in very short order.
Sorry then, it's just I've witnessed people in the States overtaking in any lane they choose so often (and regularly in view of police cruisers) that I've always thought it was legal there. If you did that in the UK or any other EU country for that matter and you were seen by a Police car you'd be over on the side of the road explaining yourself in very short order.
And I haven't been on the Autobahn in more than 10 years, so my judgement on that is a little off.
#28
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm not suggesting 120mph speed limits on *all* roads, I'm just suggesting that roads like the German autobahns can work and that maybe having no speed-limit while tied to other strict rules can actually make a road more safe as it doesn't allow people to make manouvers thinking they're safe because they're doing the speed limit.
Also, we don't have anywhere near as many MPVs and 4x4s over here which is a great thing as most of them tend to be driven by below par drivers in my experience and are far more dangerous to other road users than a standard car.
I also agree that the average road user probably couldn't handle massively higher speeds.
Then again, that's why I said "in an ideal world" you'd need better cars, better drivers and most importantly more sensible road laws.
Also, we don't have anywhere near as many MPVs and 4x4s over here which is a great thing as most of them tend to be driven by below par drivers in my experience and are far more dangerous to other road users than a standard car.
I also agree that the average road user probably couldn't handle massively higher speeds.
Then again, that's why I said "in an ideal world" you'd need better cars, better drivers and most importantly more sensible road laws.
#29
Prodigal Wankler
Regardless of perceptions, the fact remains that the Autobahn network has a substantially lower fatality rate than the US Interstate system. In fact, the same trend was observed in Montana when they removed the open road limit there.
#30
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Germany
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, Jon, more sensible road laws that's all I am asking for in Germany and elsewhere. Speed per se is a solution for nothing of course. I had to exaggerate a little bit to meet the point. Limiting the speed to very low limits however on high quality roads is a nuisance. Sadly enough more and more autobahns in Germany get local speed limits.
#31
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Germany
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi eccles, now what with my theory of "speed limit kills"? Btw - my favorite cruise control: The toolbox at the throttle! (Just tried to be funny)
Last edited by rotarota; 08-19-2003 at 11:35 AM.
#32
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: minnesota
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by Elara
Rotarota, do you mean kmh? A speed of 70mph isn't all that fast, but 120mph? I doubt that many people would be able to control any car very well at 120 mph. I've only been up to about 125 myself, and that was when I was a very stupid teenager and on a very long, straight road, and I scared the bejeezus out of myself. While I realize the autobahn has no real speed limit, I seriously doubt that many people go 120mph on it. And yes, I have been on it before.
I'd be more inclined to agree with your posts, at least somewhat, if that is indeed what you mean.
Rotarota, do you mean kmh? A speed of 70mph isn't all that fast, but 120mph? I doubt that many people would be able to control any car very well at 120 mph. I've only been up to about 125 myself, and that was when I was a very stupid teenager and on a very long, straight road, and I scared the bejeezus out of myself. While I realize the autobahn has no real speed limit, I seriously doubt that many people go 120mph on it. And yes, I have been on it before.
I'd be more inclined to agree with your posts, at least somewhat, if that is indeed what you mean.
Don't make a statement like that unless you really know what your talking about. 120 mph on the autobahn is for the drivers in the right lane.
#33
Prodigal Wankler
Apropos of this discussion, US members might like to keep an aye out for an episode of Modern Marvels on the History Channel entitled "The Autobahn." It aired just a couple of weeks ago, but that series is on pretty regular rotation so it should come around again before too long. Worth watching.
![Smilie](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#34
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: minnesota
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by rotarota
Slow driving puts lives in jeopardize. Laws that require slow driving kill. Is free speech no longer allowed?
Slow driving puts lives in jeopardize. Laws that require slow driving kill. Is free speech no longer allowed?
#35
in the US you can only legally overtake on the left hand, which is our high speed lane. Slow vehicles to the right please. It's sad that a lot of people ignore this and block high speed lanes, forcing others to pass on the right, but it's not suposed to be that way.
What ends up happening is all cars get so close together, it just becomes that much more difficult to change lanes, let alone pass up other cars.
Anyway, does anyone think that increasing the speed limit by even 5-10mph think that traffic could even be slightly reduced?
#36
Prodigal Wankler
Originally posted by rotarymagic
I think this all starts with the driving schools.
I think this all starts with the driving schools.
With that mentality, licencing offices face an incredibly hard time trying to tighten the ridiculously lax education and testing standards in this country.
Try getting a licence in the UK or Germany. I dare say that the majority of US drivers would fail those tests on their first attempt.
#37
Thought I'd add this in because I think it's a great idea.
http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/rmv/licence/gradlic.asp
http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/rmv/licence/gradlic.asp
A newly licensed driver may apply for an exemption from the night time driving curfew for employment purposes. The driver must take the most direct route to and from work, and is not permitted to have any passengers in the vehicle.
To "graduate" from the newly licensed driver stage, the driver must successfully complete a 6 hour Defensive Driving course or complete the full Driver Training Course (25 hours theory, 8 hours driving time). A copy of your graduation certificate must be provided, in person or by mail, to any Registry of Motor Vehicles office for recording purposes.
To "graduate" from the newly licensed driver stage, the driver must successfully complete a 6 hour Defensive Driving course or complete the full Driver Training Course (25 hours theory, 8 hours driving time). A copy of your graduation certificate must be provided, in person or by mail, to any Registry of Motor Vehicles office for recording purposes.
#38
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Posts: 2,045
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't think that higher speeds alone would be dangerous, but with semis and other slower vehicles on U.S freeways, autobahn speeds would be dangerous. It's a matter of the difference in speeds between different vehicles. Even if someone is checking their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes (and we all know how much that happens here), they won't be able to see anyone coming up on them 30-40 mph faster than them.
BTW, because of the vagueness of Montanas laws (which were driving faster than conditions allow), they had to introduce speed limits a few years ago.
Passing on the inside is illegal in most states, but so is sitting out in the outside lane when you aren't passing anyone. Neither of those laws are enforced, so it's a free-for-all.
---jps
BTW, because of the vagueness of Montanas laws (which were driving faster than conditions allow), they had to introduce speed limits a few years ago.
Passing on the inside is illegal in most states, but so is sitting out in the outside lane when you aren't passing anyone. Neither of those laws are enforced, so it's a free-for-all.
---jps
#39
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: minnesota
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by eccles
It starts before then. The underlying problem is that most Americans regard driving as a right, not a privilege. Some would probably even be surprised to find that there's no 73rd amendment that guarantees the right to bear a driver's licence.
With that mentality, licencing offices face an incredibly hard time trying to tighten the ridiculously lax education and testing standards in this country.
Try getting a licence in the UK or Germany. I dare say that the majority of US drivers would fail those tests on their first attempt.
It starts before then. The underlying problem is that most Americans regard driving as a right, not a privilege. Some would probably even be surprised to find that there's no 73rd amendment that guarantees the right to bear a driver's licence.
With that mentality, licencing offices face an incredibly hard time trying to tighten the ridiculously lax education and testing standards in this country.
Try getting a licence in the UK or Germany. I dare say that the majority of US drivers would fail those tests on their first attempt.
But, you are correct, it all starts with the mentality. Not to mention, almost every driver in the U.S. think that they are good drivers.
If the schools do not teach correct driving methods, such as using the left lane to pass, then it would be a hopeless attempt.
First, they will give almost any living, breathing american a liscense.
Also, I believe at a certain age, say 60 years old, there should be retests. Many elderly people would not pass these tests, I believe.
#40
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: minnesota
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by Sputnik
I don't think that higher speeds alone would be dangerous, but with semis and other slower vehicles on U.S freeways, autobahn speeds would be dangerous. It's a matter of the difference in speeds between different vehicles. Even if someone is checking their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes (and we all know how much that happens here), they won't be able to see anyone coming up on them 30-40 mph faster than them.
BTW, because of the vagueness of Montanas laws (which were driving faster than conditions allow), they had to introduce speed limits a few years ago.
Passing on the inside is illegal in most states, but so is sitting out in the outside lane when you aren't passing anyone. Neither of those laws are enforced, so it's a free-for-all.
---jps
I don't think that higher speeds alone would be dangerous, but with semis and other slower vehicles on U.S freeways, autobahn speeds would be dangerous. It's a matter of the difference in speeds between different vehicles. Even if someone is checking their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes (and we all know how much that happens here), they won't be able to see anyone coming up on them 30-40 mph faster than them.
BTW, because of the vagueness of Montanas laws (which were driving faster than conditions allow), they had to introduce speed limits a few years ago.
Passing on the inside is illegal in most states, but so is sitting out in the outside lane when you aren't passing anyone. Neither of those laws are enforced, so it's a free-for-all.
---jps
True,
they are more worried about speeding, when passing on the right is just as dangerous. If people drove correctly, they would speed in the left lane and the slow traffic would be in the right lane. This would greatly cut down on accidents.
#41
Registered User
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Herts - UK
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by Elara
You know what I find funny about that? When I was in the UK a year and a half ago, I thought everyone was driving much slower than I was used to here in the US. Not that that means it was true, it just seemed like that where we were!
You know what I find funny about that? When I was in the UK a year and a half ago, I thought everyone was driving much slower than I was used to here in the US. Not that that means it was true, it just seemed like that where we were!
It is rare that I find myself even attempting to drive up to what I consider to be safe speed for the road and traffic conditions. I would just be breaking the speed limits by so much (they are continually being revised downwards) , and there might be a speed camera round the corner.
Actually, I'd better stop thinking like this or I might start questioning why I want a car like the 8 in the first place (especially with the price of fuel over here), and that would never do.
#42
Also, I believe at a certain age, say 60 years old, there should be retests. Many elderly people would not pass these tests, I believe.
They said that the elderly actually tend to make less mistakes, less risks, and are therefore considered more proficient drivers.
The target age of accidents/risky driving is still 18-24.
Unfortunately, the roads are so "wild" at times, that their driving is seen is too conservative and deemed risky.
#43
Prodigal Wankler
Originally posted by ChrisW
Probably because most drivers here have been cowed into submission by draconian speeding legislation and blanketting of the country with speed cameras.
Probably because most drivers here have been cowed into submission by draconian speeding legislation and blanketting of the country with speed cameras.
#44
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: minnesota
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by R32
I recall when interviews were made in the news about the elderly driving from the major accident in So Cal about a month ago.
They said that the elderly actually tend to make less mistakes, less risks, and are therefore considered more proficient drivers.
The target age of accidents/risky driving is still 18-24.
Unfortunately, the roads are so "wild" at times, that their driving is seen is too conservative and deemed risky.
I recall when interviews were made in the news about the elderly driving from the major accident in So Cal about a month ago.
They said that the elderly actually tend to make less mistakes, less risks, and are therefore considered more proficient drivers.
The target age of accidents/risky driving is still 18-24.
Unfortunately, the roads are so "wild" at times, that their driving is seen is too conservative and deemed risky.
#45
Prodigal Wankler
Originally posted by R32
They said that the elderly actually tend to make less mistakes, less risks, and are therefore considered more proficient drivers.
They said that the elderly actually tend to make less mistakes, less risks, and are therefore considered more proficient drivers.
While it's true that many elderly drivers are still quite competent, it's the ones who aren't, and who don't realise or refuse to admit that they're no longer safe, who are a hazard. Periodic retesting would identify these cases.
#46
I definitely agree with retesting. I just find it a bit strange, when some elderly now are considered too conservative, during their youth, they have driven much slower cars with changing traffic laws in their "peak" years of driving.
Everytime I see an older person drive, I imagine that's exactly how they would drive in say, a classic 50's car that weighed a ton.
Everytime I see an older person drive, I imagine that's exactly how they would drive in say, a classic 50's car that weighed a ton.
#47
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by akrx8
hey pooman,was wondring if you heared any strange noise at around 115 or 120.had mine at 115 today and heared a noise that sounded like paper flaping in the wind.checked the car and found nothing loose or anything and thought it might just be the wind under the car or threw the scoop that leads to the raidator.im not to worried about it,i have 900 miles and no problems to report,just the wiered hi speed noise.
hey pooman,was wondring if you heared any strange noise at around 115 or 120.had mine at 115 today and heared a noise that sounded like paper flaping in the wind.checked the car and found nothing loose or anything and thought it might just be the wind under the car or threw the scoop that leads to the raidator.im not to worried about it,i have 900 miles and no problems to report,just the wiered hi speed noise.
#48
Registered
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ottawa,ON
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ok I just want to say, that MOST people don't even know the laws.
WIth the recent power outage I heard MANY comments on the radio about "slow down, treat the traffic lights as 4 way stops"
NO FREAKING DAH! Of course! I thought to myself.
But get this, a journalist comes on and talks about the outtage and "his experience" on Monday morning and says, " I didn't know there was a rule that said you treat a traffic light as a 4 way stop when they are out"
You didn't? Where the HECK did you get your license?
Some of the things I see everyday are riduculous, people crossing 4 lanes to turn right, hanging out in the left lane etc.
The law isn't "if your travelling the speed limit or below stay right" it's if you are NOT passing someone STAY RIGHT.
No matter HOW fast you are going if you aren't passing another car you better be on the RIGHT!
This applies to ALL 2 lane roads, NOT just highways! GRRR.
WIth the recent power outage I heard MANY comments on the radio about "slow down, treat the traffic lights as 4 way stops"
NO FREAKING DAH! Of course! I thought to myself.
But get this, a journalist comes on and talks about the outtage and "his experience" on Monday morning and says, " I didn't know there was a rule that said you treat a traffic light as a 4 way stop when they are out"
You didn't? Where the HECK did you get your license?
Some of the things I see everyday are riduculous, people crossing 4 lanes to turn right, hanging out in the left lane etc.
The law isn't "if your travelling the speed limit or below stay right" it's if you are NOT passing someone STAY RIGHT.
No matter HOW fast you are going if you aren't passing another car you better be on the RIGHT!
This applies to ALL 2 lane roads, NOT just highways! GRRR.
#49
Senior Geek
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Richardson, TX
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by R32
I definitely agree with retesting. I just find it a bit strange, when some elderly now are considered too conservative, during their youth, they have driven much slower cars with changing traffic laws in their "peak" years of driving.
Everytime I see an older person drive, I imagine that's exactly how they would drive in say, a classic 50's car that weighed a ton.
I definitely agree with retesting. I just find it a bit strange, when some elderly now are considered too conservative, during their youth, they have driven much slower cars with changing traffic laws in their "peak" years of driving.
Everytime I see an older person drive, I imagine that's exactly how they would drive in say, a classic 50's car that weighed a ton.
Trust me, I do respect them, and if I do have to miss a light because they didn't realize it was green...I won't honk at them (nor give em a finger...) However, if we revoke their ability to travel from one palce to the other by themselves, the Gov. should take necessary measures to ensure they have the necessary transportation services available.
#50
Not so Super right now
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Beyond that there swamp.
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For all those that agree that testing is a joke in this country, PLEASE help support the ongoing efforts to change this and make sure to email your local Governor and the DMV. The more people complain about the ease for getting a drivers license (and thus putting ill-prepared drivers on crowded roads), the better the chance to lower the accident avergaes and the better chance to get some speed limits raised. Dont just think it would be better, do something about it!