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Author: Subject: Highway Law and Disorder
vgabndo
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[*] posted on 10-9-2009 at 01:29 PM


Most of us live in one of two countries where the speed laws have been made a joke by the same kind of people who have made professional wrestling a profitable business.

I choose to drive just as fast as the law allows. As a result I have a lot of riffraff who get behind me and try to make me feel guilty about being a law abiding citizen. I had a road rager follow me to a stop and try to tell me that "slower traffic had to keep right...its the law" He couldn't seem to get his little mind around the fact that if I am traveling just as fast as the law allows, I CAN'T be slower traffic to anyone but a speeder operating outside the law.

Here's my choice, I can drive in the fast lane at the speed limit passing trucks and vehicles pulling trailers until some clown starts tailgating me and flashing his lights. I can change lanes to get out of his way, slow down to the speed of the slowest traffic, then wait until it is safe to change lanes and get back up to speed. On a trip down I-5 to Baja I can do this about a thousand freekin' times in order to make it easier for a law-breaker to commit his or her offense.

As often as not there is a completely empty lane on my right where the crook can make his own freekin' lane change if he doesn't want to obey the law. It isn't my responsibility to inconvenience myself to make it easier for anyone to break the law. Screw em.

Between my home and the County seat is a stretch of freeway with one of California's highest rates of 100 MPH speeding tickets. The CHP has really cool unmarked cars, "polar bears" and stealth SUVs. I thoroughly enjoy honking, waving and highsigning the dopes who are about open wide their wallets to feed the state's empty treasury.

I also report drunk drivers. I guess that is just the way it is if you've had a good up-bringing in the home of a public servant.

[Edited on 10-9-2009 by vgabndo]




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mtgoat666
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[*] posted on 10-9-2009 at 01:39 PM


there is nothing worse than self-righteous law abiders that plug up the fast lanes. you self righteous goody-2-shoes are a menace to society.

on the other hand, impatient light flashers are a bit annoying, and i can understand why anal retentive people get upset by fast drivers.

all thing considered, I tend to agree with the impatient light flashers: move right into the slow lane, grandpa :lol::lol:

[Edited on 10-9-2009 by mtgoat666]
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Barry A.
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[*] posted on 10-9-2009 at 01:44 PM


Wow, one more thing that I agree with the Goat on-------simply amazing!!!!!

We are definitely making progress!!!:lol:

Barry
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[*] posted on 10-9-2009 at 03:21 PM


Maybe it's because culturally they are so regimented, but the first time I drove the Autobahn in Germany, I was surprised at the courtesy on the road. Outside the urban areas, the Autobahn is usually two lanes in each direction. But absolutely no one drives to the left unless to pass. Of course, much of the road had no posted speed limit. It compares so favorably to I-5 in the central valley where one must weave back and forth because drivers think it's OK to drive in the left lane.

Back to Baja- I always thought the somewhat unrealistically low speed limits came from a time years past when there were few modern vehicles on the highway. That, and perhaps that many poor Mexicans know they conserve fuel driving slower. That said, is there anyone on this forum who would claim to drive the posted limit on Highway One?
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DENNIS
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[*] posted on 10-9-2009 at 03:41 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
That said, is there anyone on this forum who would claim to drive the posted limit on Highway One?


Well, between Ensenada and Maneadero that would be 35 MPH. Seems the regular speed is around 50. Nobody seems to care what the other driver is doing. If he goes too slowly, they just go around him. If he goes too fast, he has to work it out for himself.
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Bajahowodd
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[*] posted on 10-9-2009 at 03:56 PM


Nice try, Dennis, but I was referring to the hundreds and hundreds of rural miles.:yes:
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[*] posted on 10-9-2009 at 04:17 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by vgabndo
.

I choose to drive just as fast as the law allows. As a result I have a lot of riffraff who get behind me and try to make me feel guilty about being a law abiding citizen. I had a road rager follow me to a stop and try to tell me that "slower traffic had to keep right...its the law" He couldn't seem to get his little mind around the fact that if I am traveling just as fast as the law allows, I CAN'T be slower traffic to anyone but a speeder operating outside the law.



Here's the Calif. Vehicle Code regarding slow drivers.

21654. (a) Notwithstanding the prima facie speed limits, any vehicle proceeding upon a highway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at such time shall be driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

(b) If a vehicle is being driven at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at such time, and is not being driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb, it shall constitute prima facie evidence that the driver is operating the vehicle in violation of subdivision (a) of this section.

I got a ticket when I first came to Calif. many years ago for going too slow in the left lane. (never made that mistake again).

You notice above it says "a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at such time".

The posted speed limit is not mentioned in this section of the Code.




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[*] posted on 10-9-2009 at 04:41 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Maybe it's because culturally they are so regimented, but the first time I drove the Autobahn in Germany, I was surprised at the courtesy on the road. Outside the urban areas, the Autobahn is usually two lanes in each direction. But absolutely no one drives to the left unless to pass.


On almost all of the European freeways and tollroads passing on the right is against the law.




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Bajahowodd
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[*] posted on 10-9-2009 at 04:58 PM


Easy enough when someone is going 110mph in the left lane!
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[*] posted on 10-9-2009 at 05:03 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by vandenberg
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Maybe it's because culturally they are so regimented, but the first time I drove the Autobahn in Germany, I was surprised at the courtesy on the road. Outside the urban areas, the Autobahn is usually two lanes in each direction. But absolutely no one drives to the left unless to pass.


On almost all of the European freeways and tollroads passing on the right is against the law.


Everybody shpould read the CA vehicle code SECTION 21750-21759:

21750. The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle or a
bicycle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left at a
safe distance without interfering with the safe operation of the
overtaken vehicle or bicycle, subject to the limitations and
exceptions hereinafter stated.



21751. On a two-lane highway, no vehicle shall be driven to the
left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing
another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless the left side
is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient
distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely
made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle
approaching from the opposite direction.



21752. No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the roadway
under the following conditions:
(a) When approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in
the highway where the driver's view is obstructed within such
distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might
approach from the opposite direction.
(b) When the view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet
of any bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.
(c) When approaching within 100 feet of or when traversing any
railroad grade crossing.
(d) When approaching within 100 feet of or when traversing any
intersection.
This section shall not apply upon a one-way roadway.



21753. Except when passing on the right is permitted, the driver of
an overtaken vehicle shall safely move to the right-hand side of the
highway in favor of the overtaking vehicle after an audible signal
or a momentary flash of headlights by the overtaking vehicle, and
shall not increase the speed of his or her vehicle until completely
passed by the overtaking vehicle. This section does not require the
driver of an overtaken vehicle to drive on the shoulder of the
highway in order to allow the overtaking vehicle to pass.



21754. The driver of a motor vehicle may overtake and pass to the
right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:
(a) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left
turn.
(b) Upon a highway within a business or residence district with
unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lines of
moving vehicles in the direction of travel.
(c) Upon any highway outside of a business or residence district
with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width and clearly marked for
two or more lines of moving traffic in the direction of travel.
(d) Upon a one-way street.
(e) Upon a highway divided into two roadways where traffic is
restricted to one direction upon each of such roadways.
The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a
slow moving vehicle from the duty to drive as closely as practicable
to the right hand edge of the roadway.



21755. The driver of a motor vehicle may overtake and pass another
vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement
in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off
the paved or main-traveled portion of the roadway.



21756. (a) The driver of a vehicle overtaking any interurban
electric or streetcar stopped or about to stop for the purpose of
receiving or discharging any passenger shall stop the vehicle to the
rear of the nearest running board or door of such car and thereupon
remain standing until all passengers have boarded the car or upon
alighting have reached a place of safety, except as provided in
subdivision (b) hereof.
(b) Where a safety zone has been establilshed or at an
intersection where traffic is controlled by an officer or a traffic
control signal device, a vehicle need not be brought to a stop before
passing any interurban electric or streetcar but may proceed past
such car at a speed not greater than 10 miles per hour and with due
caution for the safety of pedestrians.
(c) Whenever any trolley coach or bus has stopped at a safety zone
to receive or discharge passengers, a vehicle may proceed past such
trolley coach or bus at a speed not greater than 10 miles per hour.



21757. The driver of a vehicle shall not overtake and pass upon the
left, nor shall any driver of a vehicle drive upon the left side of,
any interurban electric or street car proceeding in the same
direction whether the street car is actually in motion or temporarily
at rest, except:
(a) When so directed by a police or traffic officer.
(b) When upon a one-way street.
(c) When upon a street where the tracks are so located as to
prevent compliance with this section.



21758. In the event any vehicle is being operated on any grade
outside of a business or residence district at a speed of less than
20 miles per hour, no person operating any other motor vehicle shall
attempt to overtake and pass such slow moving vehicle unless the
overtaking vehicle is operated at a speed of at least 10 miles per
hour in excess of the speed of the overtaken vehicle, nor unless the
passing movement is completed within a total distance not greater
than one-quarter of a mile.



21759. The driver of any vehicle approaching any horse drawn
vehicle, any ridden animal, or any livestock shall exercise proper
control of his vehicle and shall reduce speed or stop as may appear
necessary or as may be signalled or otherwise requested by any person
driving, riding or in charge of the animal or livestock in order to
avoid frightening and to safeguard the animal or livestock and to
insure the safety of any person driving or riding the animal or in
charge of the livestock.
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[*] posted on 10-9-2009 at 05:12 PM


Boy...That was fun.
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[*] posted on 10-9-2009 at 06:17 PM


Hey Dennis, If you need some more fun, I could send you a copy of the Cal. State Septic Tank Regulations, the 2009 edition (619 pages) and a monthly subscription to the Compost Toilet and Digester Monthly Reader. :biggrin:
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[*] posted on 10-9-2009 at 06:32 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Maybe it's because culturally they are so regimented, but the first time I drove the Autobahn in Germany, I was surprised at the courtesy on the road. Outside the urban areas, the Autobahn is usually two lanes in each direction. But absolutely no one drives to the left unless to pass. Of course, much of the road had no posted speed limit. It compares so favorably to I-5 in the central valley where one must weave back and forth because drivers think it's OK to drive in the left lane.


On the Autobahn commercial trucks must stay in the right lane with a speed limit of 60mph in most places. The left lane has no speed limit except in controlled areas but you can get a ticket if the police think your driving faster than your vehicle is safe to do so. Also if you are in the left lane regardless of your speed you must pull over to let a faster vehicle pass.

I believe most states have a rule/law to stay to the right except to pass and I think that goes for CA. I don't think it is enforced on the freeways however or maybe no where. I don't know of anyone getting a ticket just for driving in the fast lane.
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[*] posted on 10-9-2009 at 06:34 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
That said, is there anyone on this forum who would claim to drive the posted limit on Highway One?


Yes, I try too----tho I have been known to go up to 60 on some straight-a-ways between El Rosario and Punta Prieta. I simply am not comfortable going any faster on THAT road, even tho I am trained for high speed chases and have participated in a few-----it is not a "strick adherrance to the speed limit" thing, tho, when the 80K limit is admittedly silly-----what is that, about 45 mph???.

Barry
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[*] posted on 10-9-2009 at 06:36 PM


['I got a ticket when I first came to Calif. many years ago for going too slow in the left lane. (never made that mistake again).']

I guess I do now, Lou your a bad boy.
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[*] posted on 10-9-2009 at 06:44 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by snowcat5
Hey Dennis, If you need some more fun, I could send you a copy of the Cal. State Septic Tank Regulations, the 2009 edition (619 pages) and a monthly subscription to the Compost Toilet and Digester Monthly Reader. :biggrin:


Now, that would definitly be called a "Bathroom Book."
Thanks for the thought. :lol:
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[*] posted on 10-9-2009 at 06:52 PM


we'll be breaking all sorts of land speed records on the 30th. outta my way, guey! if you don't like it, call a cop!

i'm just saying, it's my life and i don't want to lose it before it's time....




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[*] posted on 10-9-2009 at 07:54 PM


I try to be as courteous a driver as possible. If someone wants to drive faster than me, the last thing I want is an irate driver behind me.

On a single lane road, I'll speed up some and then back off the gas when they go to pass. On a multilane roads, I always keep right except to pass, even if I have to keep switching from the right lane to center lane to allow others to merge easily.

The above helps keep me sane, but when I see some self righteous ****** driving the exact speed limit in the left lane, causing others to pass on the right, Mr Hyde emerges. I press a button on my dash and my liscence plates roll up into the bumpers. Old tires appear from underneath and encircle my vehicle. I pull my Heckler and Koch mp5 from under the dash, and I run the offending ****** off the road while spraying them with 9mm rounds, all while screaming vile obscenities through a loudspeaker. I don't bother shaking a fist at them as I need at least one hand on the wheel.

Then I get back in the right lane flip the Dr Hyde switch and continue on peaceful and relaxed, and watch the speeders giving me a big thumb's up as they pass safely on my left.

You've been warned.
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[*] posted on 10-9-2009 at 08:13 PM


i admit it; i drive fast when there is no traffic...beachgirl thinks i drive faster than that..even...that's not possible; i can't drive that fast cause i'm already going faster than that.....pick yer speeds, amigos; it all depends when ya wanna git there



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vgabndo
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[*] posted on 10-9-2009 at 08:54 PM


I stand corrected. All those thousands and thousands of expensive reflecive speed limit signs were installed there on our California highways as a result of an absolutely mindboggling series of mistakes. Someone should have their butt fired for wasting all our tax dollars.

It appears that so long as there are any drivers within sight who are exceeding the speed limit then there is no speed limit other than the one that is being established by the outlaws.

It follows then that I can reduce my drive time to the border while I'm pulling my motorcycle trailer by just getting in the fast lane and keeping up with the 75-80 MPH traffic. If the 65 MPH speed limit is meaningless, certainly the 55 MPH limit is too.

More likely I'll just drive the speed limit in the fast lane until I am signaled, then when I am fully one car length for every 10 MPH beyond the overtaken vehicle, I'll safely change lanes. IF the next slow moving vehicle is far enough ahead that I won't be tailgating them. When I'm within seven truck lengths of the next slow moving vehicle I'll turn on my turn signal for 200 feet and reclaim the passing lane. Stone cold legal, and even then it will STILL pee off the people who think they are the only ones with a right to drive on our public roads.:lol:




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