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Martian · 02-12-2006, 11:40 PM

Basic rules that I follow are:

Always keep right unless passing
Do not tailgate
Let the unsafe drivers pass you whenever possible

I have reasons for all three.

First off, keeping right is common sense. If somebody does want to go faster than me, they have the option to do so. That doesn't leave me in the unsafe position of being tailgated or having some dickwad flashing at me and distracting me.

However, I do drive fast (generally 125-130 on the 401, where the limit is 100), so sometimes it's not feasible. If I tried to stay right, I'd be weaving between two or three lanes in order to maintain speed. This is why there are multi-lane roads.. you use the passing lane to pass. If there are two passing lanes, it's because the passing lane occasionally gets congested enough that another is necessary. So in moderate traffic, yeah.. I do stay in the left line. In light traffic, however, I will always be as far right as I can safely get.

It also makes sense to do it that way, because it's a lot harder to miss an exit.

Second rule : Always give yourself time to react. 'Nuff said.

Third rule is a bit trickier. The basic premise is based on the theory that you have far more control over the space in front of you than you do the space to the sides or behind you. I was taught this years ago, when I first learned to drive. Therefore, if you have a driver who you suspect is unsafe, it makes sense to keep them in front of you where you can keep an eye on them and react as necessary.

I never use cruise control, because I feel that it disconnects me from driving; I don't feel that I pay as much attention when I let the computer control my speed. However, I did take the time to learn how to manipulate the pedals and maintain speed. It surprises me constantly how many people didn't.

02-12-2006, 11:40 PM	#30 (permalink)
Martian Young Crumudgeon Location: Canada	Basic rules that I follow are: Always keep right unless passing Do not tailgate Let the unsafe drivers pass you whenever possible I have reasons for all three. First off, keeping right is common sense. If somebody does want to go faster than me, they have the option to do so. That doesn't leave me in the unsafe position of being tailgated or having some dickwad flashing at me and distracting me. However, I do drive fast (generally 125-130 on the 401, where the limit is 100), so sometimes it's not feasible. If I tried to stay right, I'd be weaving between two or three lanes in order to maintain speed. This is why there are multi-lane roads.. you use the passing lane to pass. If there are two passing lanes, it's because the passing lane occasionally gets congested enough that another is necessary. So in moderate traffic, yeah.. I do stay in the left line. In light traffic, however, I will always be as far right as I can safely get. It also makes sense to do it that way, because it's a lot harder to miss an exit. Second rule : Always give yourself time to react. 'Nuff said. Third rule is a bit trickier. The basic premise is based on the theory that you have far more control over the space in front of you than you do the space to the sides or behind you. I was taught this years ago, when I first learned to drive. Therefore, if you have a driver who you suspect is unsafe, it makes sense to keep them in front of you where you can keep an eye on them and react as necessary. I never use cruise control, because I feel that it disconnects me from driving; I don't feel that I pay as much attention when I let the computer control my speed. However, I did take the time to learn how to manipulate the pedals and maintain speed. It surprises me constantly how many people didn't. __________________ I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said - Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame