Well, the platoons around here are mostly "clumps" with 2 or 3 people, depending on whether its 2 or 3 lanes in each direction, driving beside each other, or offset just enough that nobody can weave by, and everyone behind them is going exactly the same speed. It takes some urging of one sort or another to get somebody to quit driving side-by-side, and then people can get around. I usually come within a couple car-lengths, align the center of my car with their left outside mirror, and this usually makes em do one of two things - speed up, or get peeed and slow way down to "get even" with me, which is when I can then go around them on the right side, since they're no longer beside whoever they were pacing.
There's no logical reason for it not to be true, either... Anyway, when I'm pbutting, I'm much more alert than when I'm just cruising. When I'm catching someone, I look out for all the nutty stuff that could go wrong, like someone changing lanes unexpectedly. If I'm just cruising, I don't much care if they change lanes unexpectedly, so I don't look for it as closely.
I don't think I followed that... but anyway, getting the hell out of the clump is still going to be my major objective any time I'm in one.
Well, we're just gonna have to disagree about that.
Well, they're not gonna maintain proper spacing. You can pretty much count on it. And, buttuming they will is putting your safety in someone else's decision-making process. That's not a good idea.
And my experience is that someone is always trying to get right beside me. I can't do much about it in a clump, but I can jolly well prevent it if I'm driving in the clear.
Well, the 20+ guy is rare around here - there's cops all over the place here - its usually 5 - 7+, and once he's by a clump, he's in the clear with nobody close to him. That's the best state to be in.
Because the drunk or stoned guy has to catch him first. The drunks, etc. are most dangerous when they're hauling up on you from behind, where you might not notice 'em 'til its too late. If I'm catching one, I know it because I've been watching him not staying in his lane, etc. I know to give him a wide berth, and squirt around him a little faster so as not to be close to him for very long.
It doesn't make any difference to your lack of blood pressure and heartbeat, tho... that's what I'm talking about. "The law" is waaaayyyy secondary to what's happening on the road if you don't protect yourself from the guy that's doing it wrong.
They do, intermittantly - and that's better than always being close to someone else.
No, its safer since when overtaking, you can be watching them, and pretty much know what's likely to happen. If you're slow, then you may be getting caught by the "speeder", and at a greater closure rate, than if you were going a few mph faster yourself.
Space Invaders just gets faster, and faster, and faster - simply driving a few mph faster than everyone else doesn't generate such an overload no matter how far you go.
Dave Head
