Quote:
Originally Posted by SentraSE-R
Dave wasn't cited for dropping below a minimum speed. He was cited for "Sec. 7. A person may not drive a motor vehicle at a slow speed that impedes or blocks the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with the law. " - impeding or blocking the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. Since the officer saw other traffic forced to take evasive action, Dave's toast (IMHO). 45 mph is reasonable in a 60 mph zone. 28 isn't, and 'nearly stopped' isn't going to be reasonable to the judge.
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So then this would basically mean... His word vs the cops?
Sec. 7. A person may not drive a motor vehicle at a slow speed that impedes or blocks the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with the law.
breaking it down
A person may not drive a motor vehicle at a slow speed that impedes or blocks the normal and reasonable movement of traffic...
Cop stated there was traffic....
"He said that some cars behind me had had to step on their brakes and that cars were passing me left and right. "
If the cop is correct, then a ticket is warranted.
However Diesel Dave says....
"
I looked in my rearview mirror and didn’t see any cars behind me and decided to experiment a little with engine off coasting. I accelerated up to about 50 mph and shut the engine off. I kept coasting and coasting (probably about a mile or so). Since there wasn’t anyone behind me and I wasn’t in a big hurry I decided to milk it for all it was worth and coasted down to about 10 mph or so before restarting and continuing on my way. I resume my normal pulse and glide technique, going from about 28 mph to 45 mph and back, keeping an eye on the cars behind me, and making sure I wasn’t holding up anybody too much (allowing them to pass on the left)."
I can see Dave being innocent until he says... "and making sure I wasn’t holding up anybody too much (allowing them to pass on the left)."
This part of it...
"except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with the law. "
doesn't have anything to do with your situation..
I'm sorry Dave, but I would side with you until the point where it coincides with the written law....
from this
" impedes or blocks the normal and reasonable movement of traffic."
and this....
"28 mph to 45 mph and back, keeping an eye on the cars behind me, and making sure I wasn’t holding up anybody too much (allowing them to pass on the left)."
Even though you are being safe, you are technically impeding and blocking traffic that is in your lane to go a normal speed, even if you were allowing them to pass.
I don't want you to have to pay a fine or even have a ticket with points on your record. That sucks. I think the best that can be done is getting a reduction, or possibly having the judge understand sometimes people just don't know, and it was for scientific research. You were obviously doing something very odd to most people, so maybe an explanation that the cop explained to you that it is 45 min on this road, and there is no limit on other roads etc, and you will never do it again because now you know...
ITS THE OLD... "I DIDN'T KNOW I COULDN'T DO THAT" defense. (If you watched Chappelle show in the past you may know what I'm referencing)
I can tell you that I have learned from your mistake, because I did not know you could not do that.
I figured if it was safe, and there was 0 traffic that it would be okay.
I know when I P&G and I see a car I will usually try and speed up a little bit more and start P&G at more reasonable speeds...