Next Question
RSS
I have a very important rule for speed, Drive the speed of the traffic surrounding you and NEVER be the fastest driver on the road. Always make sure there is someone passing you every so often. In the old CB jargon we called this "bear bait" because they attract the police. Though not perfect, this has worked well for me for almost 30 years without a speeding ticket (I am tempting fate by saying that).
This works well except where there is photo-radar. If everyone is exceeding the pre-programmed limit, everyone gets a picture taken. here in AZ the photo-radar is everywhere! Especially in Phoenix. On the freeways they are many times only a few miles apart. Fortunately they give you 11 mph grace speed and put up signs warning you when you approach. I have noticed that the average speed on the freeways in Phoenix has dropped.
When driving alone on the road I drive between 5 mph under to 5 mph higher. When you calculate how much time you actually may save by driving too much faster it is insignificant, especially for shorter distances.
Permalink | Report
gno
That's my happy speed. I feel like I'm still in control of the car, when in light-no traffic, and I feel like I'm cruising and comfortable.
Any more, and I get tense.
Any less, and I feel poky and impatient.
Do I follow the speed limits? Yes. Mostly. Sometimes.
In residential areas I always follow the limit.
In town, I can be caught usually going about 5 over sometimes.
On the e-way (where our speed limit is usually 70mph), you'll often find me going 80 on open road.
But almost NEVER more than 80. My most comfortable speed is also definitely the top end of my comfort zone. Even at 81 I feel like I just don't have the same control, timing, or ability to stop.
But on the other hand, just give me one crack at the Autobahn, and I bet I could muster the courage to go faster! Vroom, vroooooom!
Permalink | Report
Permalink | Report
Getting passed by an impatient driver, hearing the high revs they're putting out and the exhaust they are putting out with the amount of gas they are burning..
And then meeting them side by side at the stoplight up ahead. Yea, that is a GREAT feeling. Happens 95% of the time, and I just get to smile REAL big.
I drive a Jeep, and I love cruising in it. I love driving in the back roads, not flying by, but just cruising, windows down listening to the hum of the exhaust note resonate at 1300 RPM. I've got a great sound system in it, but I love just turning off the Kenwood Deck and listening to the sounds around me. I listen to the birds, the rustle of leaves, and I watch deer cross the street.
I don't see what's the big rush. Driving is an experience. If you are in a hurry, going a little over is totally fine. If you time your driving, a 10 mile drive going 65 doesn't get you there at any worthwhile time gain than 55 if your just going somewhere like the store or work. The time you save maybe 30 seconds to a minute. a lot of people just sit there and wait when they get there, or if they are traveling to a party, they'll wait for their friends to get there.
It makes me less stressed, and pads my wallet with the extra cash I save from spending less to repair my vehicle, less wear on tires, lower engine revs, and I put gas in it less often.
On the roads I drive on, there's almost no traffic. The speed limit is 55, but I find myself cruising home from a long day at 45, the speed my torque converter locks at. I'll put on my favorite tunes, and listen to the thump of the radio.
I love to drive, specifically, cruise. No rushing, no stressful passing in high oncoming traffic, no cursing. And the slower I drive, the more I get to drive, which means I get to do more of what i love.
And, I get to listen to more songs, cause I drive longer. I love listening to music, and music is one of my passions. While driving, I get to do 2 things that I love to do.. AT THE SAME TIME!!! It's a great experience.
On the highway with the speed limit at 55, I drive 45-55.
On the back roads, I drive between 25-35mph.
It's an experience that I don't get why people would want to waste by flying by at 70-90mph!!!
Or maybe it's cause I drive a Jeep. I don't know. Must be a Jeep thing...
Jeep Wave!!!
Permalink | Report
As for what speed I feel happy about... well it depends on the conditions. If there's a 40mph stretch in a fairly urban evironment, I'm pretty happy I can get that high for a while. :)
Were it legal to do so, and if the car I'm driving and traffiic conditions were suitable, I think I'd be ok with up to 80mph.
Permalink | Report
Once in a great while, a state trooper would actually drive on the shoulder, just to pass the "sea of headlights" and see what was going on. We'd get a good laugh, and invariably someone would try to smoke past us and get pulled over by the trooper because expressway patrol within the Chicago city limits is handled by the Illinois State Police.
Nowadays, I do tenor11's trick - drive fast enough to keep with traffic, but not so fast as to smoke past everything. I also use LOS (line of sight) a lot. If I can't see around a corner 1/2 mile away, chances are there's a speed trap around the corner - so I adjust my speed and position accordingly. Same goes for hills - if you're approaching a downgrade that you can't see the end of, make that brake your friend and downshift if needed.
It also helps in my state to have a higher end radar detector, familiarity with the road, and know the location of "natural" sources of radar traffic versus the "real" radar of the police. I know the Chicago metro area expressways and tollways well, including all the spots a radar detector will activate and on which band. There's a distinct difference in tone between a "X band" stationary signal and a "Ka band" dual signal coming from a patrol car, and knowing where to expect a signal helps greatly.
As far as speed goes - when properly tuned and mechanically correct, I feel comfortable as fast as about 115 mph IF the road conditions, weather, and time of day allow. Having a radar detector in place and operating is also a must for speeds that high.
On a trip to Lansing, MI from Chicago, IL, I easily was cruising between 95 to 105 mph for several portions of the trip. What made those speeds possible were the condition of my vehicle (2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP), and I was following a BMW X5 SUV. When the SUV did 85, I did 85, when they hit 95, I did 95, when they hit 105, I hit 105. When they hit 115 mph, I laughed and locked in at 115 mph. We stayed at that speed through Battle Creek but I had to slow down to 40 mph in order to take the I69 North ramp at a safe speed. The rest of that trip I drove mostly at 90 to 95 in a 70, paying close attention to traffic and the "island forests" where the state police liked to hide, and would drop down to 75 when appropriate.
Generally speaking, every trip I've taken through MI has been at 80+ mph, except when near Kalamazoo or Ann Arbor. You're fortunate if you can get near the speed limit some days through those towns.
Permalink | Report
Permalink | Report
Answered Question
M$1
July 04, 2009 04:39 AM
What speed do you like to drive?
What speed do you feel happy driving? Will you follow the speed limit rules?
Interesting Question?
Yes (0)
No (0)
- In Cars & Transportation |
- |
- Report |
-
Share
RSS
Best Answer Chosen by Asker
| July 04, 2009 03:26 PM |
This works well except where there is photo-radar. If everyone is exceeding the pre-programmed limit, everyone gets a picture taken. here in AZ the photo-radar is everywhere! Especially in Phoenix. On the freeways they are many times only a few miles apart. Fortunately they give you 11 mph grace speed and put up signs warning you when you approach. I have noticed that the average speed on the freeways in Phoenix has dropped.
When driving alone on the road I drive between 5 mph under to 5 mph higher. When you calculate how much time you actually may save by driving too much faster it is insignificant, especially for shorter distances.
| Asker's Rating: |
• good narration. well done.
Permalink | Report
Reply
gno
July 04, 2009 11:50 PM
I totally agree with your philosophy and often follow it too. Great answer.
Tip gno for this comment
Report
Other Answers (8)
July 04, 2009 04:52 AM
80 mph That's my happy speed. I feel like I'm still in control of the car, when in light-no traffic, and I feel like I'm cruising and comfortable.
Any more, and I get tense.
Any less, and I feel poky and impatient.
Do I follow the speed limits? Yes. Mostly. Sometimes.
In residential areas I always follow the limit.
In town, I can be caught usually going about 5 over sometimes.
On the e-way (where our speed limit is usually 70mph), you'll often find me going 80 on open road.
But almost NEVER more than 80. My most comfortable speed is also definitely the top end of my comfort zone. Even at 81 I feel like I just don't have the same control, timing, or ability to stop.
But on the other hand, just give me one crack at the Autobahn, and I bet I could muster the courage to go faster! Vroom, vroooooom!
Permalink | Report
Reply
July 04, 2009 04:54 AM
I like to drive at a speed not more than 5 miles over the speed limit but only if I feel in complete control of the car. For instance, if the speed limit on a freeway is 75 then I probably would not go the speed limit as I don't feel I have control of my car with a speed much over 60-65 miles an hour.
Permalink | Report
Reply
July 04, 2009 05:54 AM
I LOVE to drive the speed limit. Getting passed by an impatient driver, hearing the high revs they're putting out and the exhaust they are putting out with the amount of gas they are burning..
And then meeting them side by side at the stoplight up ahead. Yea, that is a GREAT feeling. Happens 95% of the time, and I just get to smile REAL big.
I drive a Jeep, and I love cruising in it. I love driving in the back roads, not flying by, but just cruising, windows down listening to the hum of the exhaust note resonate at 1300 RPM. I've got a great sound system in it, but I love just turning off the Kenwood Deck and listening to the sounds around me. I listen to the birds, the rustle of leaves, and I watch deer cross the street.
I don't see what's the big rush. Driving is an experience. If you are in a hurry, going a little over is totally fine. If you time your driving, a 10 mile drive going 65 doesn't get you there at any worthwhile time gain than 55 if your just going somewhere like the store or work. The time you save maybe 30 seconds to a minute. a lot of people just sit there and wait when they get there, or if they are traveling to a party, they'll wait for their friends to get there.
It makes me less stressed, and pads my wallet with the extra cash I save from spending less to repair my vehicle, less wear on tires, lower engine revs, and I put gas in it less often.
On the roads I drive on, there's almost no traffic. The speed limit is 55, but I find myself cruising home from a long day at 45, the speed my torque converter locks at. I'll put on my favorite tunes, and listen to the thump of the radio.
I love to drive, specifically, cruise. No rushing, no stressful passing in high oncoming traffic, no cursing. And the slower I drive, the more I get to drive, which means I get to do more of what i love.
And, I get to listen to more songs, cause I drive longer. I love listening to music, and music is one of my passions. While driving, I get to do 2 things that I love to do.. AT THE SAME TIME!!! It's a great experience.
On the highway with the speed limit at 55, I drive 45-55.
On the back roads, I drive between 25-35mph.
It's an experience that I don't get why people would want to waste by flying by at 70-90mph!!!
Or maybe it's cause I drive a Jeep. I don't know. Must be a Jeep thing...
Jeep Wave!!!
Permalink | Report
Reply
July 04, 2009 12:27 PM
"And then meeting them side by side at the stoplight up ahead. Yea, that is a GREAT feeling. Happens 95% of the time, and I just get to smile REAL big. "
That's a good one. I have seen that a lot.
I do drive at speed limit in the city roads, and about 5-10mph over the limit on the highways depending on the situation. I always look around for cops in the hidding on the highways.
Report
That's a good one. I have seen that a lot.
I do drive at speed limit in the city roads, and about 5-10mph over the limit on the highways depending on the situation. I always look around for cops in the hidding on the highways.
July 04, 2009 02:10 PM
I drive with my cruise set at the speed limit or slightly (5-10) over it most of the time.
"Getting passed by an impatient driver, hearing the high revs they're putting out and the exhaust they are putting out with the amount of gas they are burning.."
I think that attitudes and "games" like this are FAR (far far far) more dangerous than speeding itself.
Why not just pull over and let the speeder pass you? This way, you wouldn't knowingly frustrate someone and perhaps cause more trouble down the road.
Anyone who thinks that they're practicing some sort of vigilante justice by frustrating another driver (even if the other driver is breaking the law) is someone who will eventually cause an accident.
Pull over. Let the idiot driver pass and the cops do their job. Take the "high road" and don't play games. This is how accidents happen and how people die.
I'm not one to comment negatively very often, if it all... but seriously, get off your high horse and help keep the roads safe rather than being the cause of road rage.
Report
"Getting passed by an impatient driver, hearing the high revs they're putting out and the exhaust they are putting out with the amount of gas they are burning.."
I think that attitudes and "games" like this are FAR (far far far) more dangerous than speeding itself.
Why not just pull over and let the speeder pass you? This way, you wouldn't knowingly frustrate someone and perhaps cause more trouble down the road.
Anyone who thinks that they're practicing some sort of vigilante justice by frustrating another driver (even if the other driver is breaking the law) is someone who will eventually cause an accident.
Pull over. Let the idiot driver pass and the cops do their job. Take the "high road" and don't play games. This is how accidents happen and how people die.
I'm not one to comment negatively very often, if it all... but seriously, get off your high horse and help keep the roads safe rather than being the cause of road rage.
July 04, 2009 11:47 PM
I'm going to agree with @robbrown. When I read that you smile real big at drivers at a stop light tells me that you're egging on other drivers. Encouraging road rage. And that's after you've been traveling 10 under the speed limit, cranking your tunes instead of focusing on the road.
And just as speeding is unsafe, so is going too slow. Ten under could be debatably perceived as too slow for the road. I don't think it's a Jeep thing, I think it's a scary thing. I wish you safer driving.
Report
And just as speeding is unsafe, so is going too slow. Ten under could be debatably perceived as too slow for the road. I don't think it's a Jeep thing, I think it's a scary thing. I wish you safer driving.
July 05, 2009 04:10 AM
Guys guys, geez..
Like I said, I drive on roads that have no traffic on them. People who pass me are just impatient. There's no cars coming on the other side of the road, there's usually just me.
I don't smile at the other driver. I just get to smile to myself that 5 minutes ago that guy zoomed passed me and 3 other guys behind me, and now I'm just sitting next to them, and they didn't save any time at all.
I just wanna clear things up that I live in the country, all the roads are back country paved roads with no drivers. I drive 45 when there's no traffic, which is 99.99999% of the time.
When people pass me, and I AM doing the speed limit. That's what pisses me off. LIMIT, speed LIMIT. And the thing is they never seem to get caught until they do something stupid.
and when someone is waiting to pass me, I ride the white line on the right so they can see the traffic ahead of me, and I turn on the rear windshield wiper when it's safe for them to go.
and how is driving the speed limit a game? I drive the speed limit, i obey it. I have friends that drive 90 in a 45. (he got caught by the way, thank god). I don't see why.
Maybe I'm the only one who's known someone who's died from doing stupid driving like this.. I guess that's why I drive the speed limit.
Report
Like I said, I drive on roads that have no traffic on them. People who pass me are just impatient. There's no cars coming on the other side of the road, there's usually just me.
I don't smile at the other driver. I just get to smile to myself that 5 minutes ago that guy zoomed passed me and 3 other guys behind me, and now I'm just sitting next to them, and they didn't save any time at all.
I just wanna clear things up that I live in the country, all the roads are back country paved roads with no drivers. I drive 45 when there's no traffic, which is 99.99999% of the time.
When people pass me, and I AM doing the speed limit. That's what pisses me off. LIMIT, speed LIMIT. And the thing is they never seem to get caught until they do something stupid.
and when someone is waiting to pass me, I ride the white line on the right so they can see the traffic ahead of me, and I turn on the rear windshield wiper when it's safe for them to go.
and how is driving the speed limit a game? I drive the speed limit, i obey it. I have friends that drive 90 in a 45. (he got caught by the way, thank god). I don't see why.
Maybe I'm the only one who's known someone who's died from doing stupid driving like this.. I guess that's why I drive the speed limit.
July 04, 2009 06:35 PM
I observe the law except when it would be positively unsafe to do so. As for what speed I feel happy about... well it depends on the conditions. If there's a 40mph stretch in a fairly urban evironment, I'm pretty happy I can get that high for a while. :)
Were it legal to do so, and if the car I'm driving and traffiic conditions were suitable, I think I'd be ok with up to 80mph.
Permalink | Report
Reply
July 05, 2009 05:59 AM
Back in the days when I carried the badge & gun, I would take great delight in driving 57 mph in a 55 mph zone, in the right lane, with cruise control on, and just laugh at the "sea of headlights" that wouldn't have the guts to try to pass a marked Ford CVPI or Chevy Caprice patrol car. The huge lettering and array of antennas must have signaled "Don't even THINK about it" to those behind me. :) Once in a great while, a state trooper would actually drive on the shoulder, just to pass the "sea of headlights" and see what was going on. We'd get a good laugh, and invariably someone would try to smoke past us and get pulled over by the trooper because expressway patrol within the Chicago city limits is handled by the Illinois State Police.
Nowadays, I do tenor11's trick - drive fast enough to keep with traffic, but not so fast as to smoke past everything. I also use LOS (line of sight) a lot. If I can't see around a corner 1/2 mile away, chances are there's a speed trap around the corner - so I adjust my speed and position accordingly. Same goes for hills - if you're approaching a downgrade that you can't see the end of, make that brake your friend and downshift if needed.
It also helps in my state to have a higher end radar detector, familiarity with the road, and know the location of "natural" sources of radar traffic versus the "real" radar of the police. I know the Chicago metro area expressways and tollways well, including all the spots a radar detector will activate and on which band. There's a distinct difference in tone between a "X band" stationary signal and a "Ka band" dual signal coming from a patrol car, and knowing where to expect a signal helps greatly.
As far as speed goes - when properly tuned and mechanically correct, I feel comfortable as fast as about 115 mph IF the road conditions, weather, and time of day allow. Having a radar detector in place and operating is also a must for speeds that high.
On a trip to Lansing, MI from Chicago, IL, I easily was cruising between 95 to 105 mph for several portions of the trip. What made those speeds possible were the condition of my vehicle (2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP), and I was following a BMW X5 SUV. When the SUV did 85, I did 85, when they hit 95, I did 95, when they hit 105, I hit 105. When they hit 115 mph, I laughed and locked in at 115 mph. We stayed at that speed through Battle Creek but I had to slow down to 40 mph in order to take the I69 North ramp at a safe speed. The rest of that trip I drove mostly at 90 to 95 in a 70, paying close attention to traffic and the "island forests" where the state police liked to hide, and would drop down to 75 when appropriate.
Generally speaking, every trip I've taken through MI has been at 80+ mph, except when near Kalamazoo or Ann Arbor. You're fortunate if you can get near the speed limit some days through those towns.
Permalink | Report
Reply
July 06, 2009 01:49 AM
SPEED KILLS !!! I am a cautious driver I must admit. I stay as close to the speed limit as I can but my car (a Chevy Trailblazer) wants to go, go, go ! If I'm not paying attention I find myself 10 miles over the limit easily and panic and back off ! Not because of the speed (which I didn't really even notice anyway) but because I don't want a ticket ! I'm 49 and have been driving since age 16 with no tickets (yet!). It's that Catholic upbrining telling me I MUST OBEY !!! LOL !
Permalink | Report
Reply
Answer this Question
Related Questions
Ask a Question
Buy Mahalo Dollars with Credit Card or PayPal
Top Members
Most Popular Tags
Categories
- Anonymous
-
Arts & Design
-
Beauty & Style
-
Books & Authors
-
Business
-
Cars & Transportation
-
Consumer Electronics
- Coupons Deals
-
Education
-
Entertainment
-
Environment
-
Fitness
-
Food & Drink
- From Email
- From Iphone
- From Twitter
-
Health
-
History
-
Hobbies
-
Home & Garden
-
How Tos
-
Humor
-
Jobs
-
Legal
-
Local
-
Love & Relationships
-
Mahalo Answers Community
-
Money
-
Music
-
News
-
NSFW
-
Parenting
-
Pets
-
Science & Mathematics
-
Services
-
Shopping
-
Social Science
-
Society & Culture
-
Sports
-
Technology & Internet
-
Travel
-
Video Games
Welcome New Members
- conundrum_makin..., November 24, 2009 03:37 PM
- fb_1595649390, November 24, 2009 03:31 PM
- sharsand, November 24, 2009 03:29 PM
- sharonparrissan..., November 24, 2009 03:27 PM
- strategiccapita..., November 24, 2009 03:25 PM
Mahalo Dollars are the currency of Mahalo Answers.
Each Mahalo Dollar costs $1.
Once you earn more than 40 Mahalo Dollars, you can request to be paid via PayPal. Each Mahalo Dollar is currently worth $0.75 when paid out via PayPal. Learn More
