Why do Americans drive so fast?

[gone-ot]

Uh, the purpose of the Posted Speed Limit signs are to indicate the MAXIMUM permissable speed, not the RECOMMENDED or MINIMUM speeds that people should drive.

[Occasionally6]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

It's not difficult in the least. Go the posted maximum limit, or that minus 1, and done. No worries about where the traps are, no worries about fines, no nothing but a relaxing trip to your destination.

I really don't see how something so simple has become so complicated in many people's minds.

Trying to drive at exactly the speed limit can result in a queue of other traffic behind being 'held up'. The inverted commas because they shouldn't have any expectation of travelling faster than the posted limit but the fact is they do.

Often doing that you will get drivers trying to intimidate you into driving at the de facto limit by tailgating. At the least you will be annoying them by not travelling at the socially accepted speed. That's a different kind of stress.

Arguably, that's the other drivers' problem but it's wilfully ignoring a cultural norm.

[jeff88]

Originally Posted by 101Volts

Thanks, It probably was long out-of-check; I don't think the car was maintained very well (If at all in its last years) and eventually it got to the point where it was left on while grocery shopping because it was difficult to start, It was like the "Rusty Chevrolet" Song but with the lyrics changed to mechanical problems - "Oh, Maintenance woes - The starter froze, A tailpipe just fell off... A tire blew, The alternater's removed and now I start to pray... We keep it on when we're shopping and the fuel economy keeps dropping!"

I think I've gotten far-enough off topic...

Sounds like we need a band! - The Ecomodders!

We apparently have a lyricist, anybody else?!

[101Volts]

Originally Posted by jeff88

Sounds like we need a band! - The Ecomodders!

We apparently have a lyricist, anybody else?!

Whoa, Thanks. I think I should start another thread for this discussion.

All of the mechanical woes are true too, That's literally how that car was in its last two years and I didn't mention there that the car also wouldn't go in gear easily.

The poorly-maintained car was a 1985 Jaguar XJ6, If you're wondering. And now, I'm off to make another topic about EcoModder Music.

Edit - Link to new post in the Off-Topic section: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tml#post383485

[jimd]

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

Uh, the purpose of the Posted Speed Limit signs are to indicate the MAXIMUM permissable speed, not the RECOMMENDED or MINIMUM speeds that people should drive.

Guess you have not driven though CT where they post the Minimum Speed Limit of 45(where the max is 65)

[jeff88]

Originally Posted by jimd

Guess you have not driven though CT where they post the Minimum Speed Limit of 45(where the max is 65)

I wish they would do that everywhere, I've been saying they need to do that for years.

[gone-ot]

Originally Posted by jimd

Guess you have not driven though CT where they post the Minimum Speed Limit of 45(where the max is 65)

They do the samething here in AZ, because on 'some' of the concrete-canyon freeways in Phoenix, they post both PSL and "minimum" speed, usually 45 mph.

The "exception" to the obvious statement.

[pdizzleccc]

I've seen it in maui also. Granted I've always assumed it was to remind all the tourists to not drive 30 on a road posted at 55. My largest issue with people and their driving habits is the inability to pick a speed. I typically set my cruise at 58-62 and leave it there for the duration of my highway journey if there is traffic and I cant P&G. I can never figure out why some people drive 55 till you move over to pass then they speed up to 70, then you get back behind them and slow down again.

[Fat Charlie]

That's NASCAR's influence. They think they're going to get points for laps led during their commute.

[justme1969]

Originally Posted by pdizzleccc

I've seen it in maui also. Granted I've always assumed it was to remind all the tourists to not drive 30 on a road posted at 55. My largest issue with people and their driving habits is the inability to pick a speed. I typically set my cruise at 58-62 and leave it there for the duration of my highway journey if there is traffic and I cant P&G. I can never figure out why some people drive 55 till you move over to pass then they speed up to 70, then you get back behind them and slow down again.

I did P&g to ATL. GA 2 weeks back and P&G did not go over well with the cruise cont. folks. I Pulse to 70 especially near top of large hill the K on-
E off nuetral down, hitting 77+ mph passing the standard cruise cars then stay off till 45-50mph well into the climb of next hill.
This is best eco for the car with my mods but other folks cant take it after
4th or 5th pass and repass, I usually just smile and wave when they give threatened or quizical looks.