|
I think the best compromise is to draft when an opportunity arises.
Example:
On I64 yesterday the traffic was heavy. Many vehicles including big rigs were tailgating at 1 car length at 60 MPH.
I usually stay in the right lane and look for a 3 stripe cushion behind a large vehicle, preferably one with the undercarriage close to the ground.
It also sends a message to aggressive drivers that I am not interested in the left lane antics that are very dangerous. Most sane drivers will not try to pass on the right using my 150 foot cushion of distance, even when it is at least 5 times the average distance between vehicles.
Staying in the right lane with a 125 to 150 foot separation distance gives me the chance to stop completely in that cushion distance or swerve right to the shoulder if a large object is in the road.
It does require a greater level of concentration that driving on a deserted highway, but nothing compared to the level of concentration the aggressive tailgaters need to apply to their stupidity.
I would much prefer no drafting and a relaxed drive, but in some circumstances here it is just not a possibility, unless you want to feel like a doormat as people blast by you with 3 feet of clearance to pass, on the right, someone in the left lane. It's highly illegal but seldom enforced here.
regards
Mech
|