yep. slow down and smell the roses. I always drive at 55-60 in the right lane myself. I noticed it was much more relaxing driving that way when I dropped my speed down. Also, sort of nice when I came to a "slow speed ahead" sign, and I had to do absolutely nothing.
bumpy
Most states have laws about using turnouts if you have vehicles behind you and you are going under the speed limit. In CA it's 5 vehicles. The purpose behind the law is to prevent some fool from making a bad pass. It is very effective and tickets are written for it all the time.
Have also seen higher MPG on the computer at lower speeds, but when doing the actual calculations over a full tank of fuel the MPG is more like 1/2 MPG difference between 70 and 55. Still a savings but not a lot.
Daveinet wrote: If the speed limit is 70 and the mean speed of traffic is 70-75, if you are doing less than 55, you are a hazard. This is an indisputable fact. You can't just think of yourself folks. NEVER travel 15 mph less than the average speed of the traffic. It is selfish and inconsiderate. Sorry if it costs you more, but causing an accident is far worse than a lighter wallet.
Typical speed demon.
20 miles
21m:49s @ 55 mph
17m:08s @ 70 mph
Minutes saved or wasted--> 4m:41s
Is saving 5 minutes really worth the danger and fuel inefficiency of operating a 15 ton rig at high speed?
I know you are making a friendly jab, but I'm not sure you caught the details my post. My post stated less than 55 mph. I did not say to drive high speed, or as your example of 70 mph. I stated 15 mph less than the mean speed. In other words, if the traffic is traveling at 75, you should travel a minimum of 60 mph. The OP mentioned traveling 53 mph. This is just not safe if the rest of the traffic is traveling 70 mph or more, let alone considerate. The point was that there is a minimum safe speed. This is not just my opinion.
If one would like to read the whole report, it is here: http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/speed/speed.htm
Substantial speed deviation causes accidents, slow or fast.
I mostly get to use my coach for weekend trips and the speed limits on the area hiways/freeways is 75. I usually cruise at 60-62 and pay close attention to traffic approaching from the rear. So far we have had no near misses, no horns, gestures, etc. If we get a group of vehicles approaching in a bunch behind us, I speed up some to reduce the speed differential to help them pass and ungroup. It is more relaxing to drive at 60-62 and I do get better mileage.
NEVER travel 15 mph less than the average speed of the traffic. It is selfish and inconsiderate.
I stated 15 mph less than the mean speed. In other words, if the traffic is traveling at 75, you should travel a minimum of 60 mph. The OP mentioned traveling 53 mph. This is just not safe if the rest of the traffic is traveling 70 mph or more, let alone considerate.
Yo Dave ....Huh ??.... !!
So we should all keep-up with people who are breaking-the-law ? ...
I am told of cases where someone driving the posted speed limit was cited for blockading traffic. Now; Do understand if they were to write me a ticket for that I'd be going to court WITH A NATIONAL TV NEWS CREW to ask the judge to dismiss it. You would all be reading it, AAA would be publishing the message, My congress people would hear it (In short, it's not nice to tick off or ticket when they don't deserve one, a person with a WORD PROCESSOR and an address book)
However. In most states the truck speed limit is still 55. I tend to drive my RV at 55, (I do know of some places where trucks are allowed to go 60.
As I said in another thread somewhere "If you need a "Smokey Report" you have not fully integrated into the RV lifestyle"
My first trip out with the rig below, I was cruising comfortably west on M-14 when I saw brake lights up ahead. We shut it down and found that some IDIOT who was in a great big hurry to get where he was going (Got there too) parked his car under a semi, ,,, at around 70 mph. Result, road was closed.
There I sat, I had food, water, bed, Television, Radio, Toilet, and a good woman beside me. What more do I need? I could have spent 2 or 3 days stopped in that back up if I'd have had to, no problems.
By the way: The idiot forgot that we are all going to the same destination, Our Graves.. he got there first. I hope to take the scenic route myself.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business John is Near Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
Driving 55-58 mph in a 70 mph posted limit(with a posted minimum of 45) and getting a ticket for IMPEDING the flow of traffic ? .... while the others are breaking the speed-limit ? ....
I WOULD go to court WITH the news media ....and I would get that cop's head and job.
I will not hold up anyone ever, if my speed is causing a backup I will speed up or get off the road. I'm a biker as well and I will not hold anyone up on it, they might run over me :-) I actually like to see if they can hang with me!
I put safety, mine and others, ahead of money saved by a slightly better MPG. Many states mandate that you pull over on two lane roads if you are holding up 5 or more vehicles, for good reason -- impatient drivers often act impulsively and sometimes dangerously. Not to mention that holding up a line of traffic for prolonged periods is rude and selfish.
Go with the flow. Or stay out of the flow.
* This post was
edited 03/15/08 01:29pm by C5man *
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