SLOW GO ON THE INTERSTATE

WRECK-LESS DRIVING©
by Gunther Doerfert, Auto Safety Columnist

SLOW GO ON THE INTERSTATE
SUNAPEE LAKE, NH: Joey complains about the many slower drivers in the high-speed lane on I-89. And there are drivers behind the slow ones blowing horns, flashing lights trying to move them to the right lane. But it doesn't work, so frustrated Joey makes the lane change and passes watchfully on the inside.

Just how slow are we allowed to go in the left lane? The minimum speed in the Interstate left lane is 55 mph day or night except as may be posted. Many states have posted a 40 mph minimum in the right lane. And some states had retained the old 55 mph maximum in all lanes rather than the more common 65 mph. But now the Feds have given full speed control to the states and the above may be obsolete in some places. Maximum speeds are 55, 65, 75 or unlimited depending upon where we are. They are being changed, still.

Will we see more crashes and more fatalities and thus higher medical and insurance rates? Or will the number of crashes remain about the same but the human and property damage seriously escalate? Stay tuned for the new statistics. Consider also the fuel savings at lower speeds.
GHD152 all rights reserved

DOGS CHASE FIRE TRUCKS

WRECK-LESS DRIVING©
by Gunther Doerfert, Auto Safety Columnist

DOGS CHASE FIRE TRUCKS
BARRE, VT: Horace, age 69, and Freda (age not given) were driving downtown to shop. Fire sirens sounded behind them from out of nowhere. It is amazing how these vehicles, despite their very loud signals, seem to appear suddenly near-by. Could it be, perhaps, that Horace and Freda were having a loud conversation? Was the CD player at high volume? Or was Horace not paying attention to his driving? Maybe his hearing is less than perfect (oh no, not that)?

Horace got out of the way and then continued on his planned route. Several other autos ahead of him pulled over too. But then they appeared to take off at higher speed to chase after the fire truck. He doubts that they were volunteer fire-persons. Chasing after fire trucks is a big NO, NO.

In many states it is unlawful to follow a fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm unless you are on official business related to the emergency. Nor shall you drive into or park within the block where the apparatus has stopped. Lastly, it is unlawful to drive over unprotected fire hoses unless directed to do so by an official.

Stay out of the way and let the experts handle the emergency. And why would we want to chase after and watch some other person's misfortune?
GHD151 all rights reserved

INTERSTATE SIGN SAVVY

WRECK-LESS DRIVING©
by Gunther Doerfert, Auto Safety Columnist

INTERSTATE SIGN SAVVY
EAST MILLNOCKET, ME: Len Brewster, in heavy traffic, was worried whether his I-95 exit might be on the left. On top of the large Interstate sign announcing an exit 1 mile ahead should be a smaller sign with the exit number. If this smaller sign is on the top left of the larger sign Len's exit ramp would be on the left and he should be in one of the two left lanes. An exit to the right should be indicated by the small sign being on the top right side.
Odds, evens; North or South? Odd numbered Interstates go South and North, evenly numbered ones go West and East. Confusing are those which run on the diagonal. Perhaps the bureaucrats flip a coin to number these. Mile markers start at the West or South end and the numbers increase from there on both sides of the Interstate. The numbers start over again when crossing a state line. In most states the exits are numbered to match the nearest mile marker but some still use the less informative consecutive exit number system.

What are those 3 number Interstates? If it starts with an odd number the spur should go somewhere other than in a semi-circle and it will not rejoin the main Interstate further on. But, if the first number is even, it should go in a semi-circle or loop and eventually return to the same Interstate. These loops and spurs are usually encountered near the larger cities and are meant to help avoid the major traffic congestion. Read your map before entering!

Many state routes are numbered in the same odd/even system used for Interstates.
GHD150 all rights reserved

RAMP ETIQUETTE

WRECK-LESS DRIVING©
by Gunther Doerfert, Auto Safety Columnist

RAMP ETIQUETTE
COLUMBIA, SC: On her way to an Elder Hostel program Marjorie drove many miles on I-26. She noticed several drivers hesitating at the end of entrance ramps before moving onto the highway. This caused vehicles behind them on the ramp to make unexpected stops. In fact, in one place 3 vehicles behind did not stop in time and there was an instant 4-banger.

The safe driver accelerates to the Interstate traffic speed and merges at the safest point. But, of course, be vigilant for the unsafe driver who speeds up to purposely close the open space you have chosen. Why are they so afraid of another vehicle getting ahead of them? Such highway speed games can be deadly!

In July 1994 the SC Legislature approved an extra insurance premium reduction for older motorists completing a safe driving classroom program. Since then there has been a large increase in persons taking such a course (from 500 then to over 4,000 now). In SC more than 850,000 drivers are eligible for this life-saving program.
GHD149 all rights reserved