Daily gripe: tailgating stops when we pass, not mass

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Article #13078

#13078

From: Walt Horning
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 1999 00:00

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In response to the tailgating issue, I have this to add:

Most of us have observed the following:

When a person in the passing lane(s) passes ever so slowly, then cars
tailgate rather closely and backups build.

When a person in the passing lane(s) passes by 5-10 mph or more, then
cars increase their spacing considerably

----------------

The former is obviously due to frustration (not impatience) and the
latter is due to a sense that the lane will soon be free, ending
frustration.

Now the international community standard is typically 10 kph minimum
passing speed (6.5 mph). The practice in the U.S is typically under 5
mph, and 1/2 mph and "standing still" passing is very common. Why is
the U.S so screwed up and does not conform to international standards?

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From: whorning@pipeline.com (Walt Horning)
Subject: Daily gripe: tailgating stops when we pass, not mass
Date: 1999/01/23
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