mrarroyo
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Post by mrarroyo on Jun 6, 2011 10:17:27 GMT
^ funy post! I recently took a trip and at 65 mph the vehicle got 27.8 mpg. When I took the speed to 70 mph the vehicle got under 25 mpg. As you said the car is also quieter. I'm surprised that Yellow Krautmobile can actually "DO" 70MPH with you on board Actually the example posted was of a 2004 Lexus RX330. As far as the Beetle goes I have had it up to 85 mph with yours truly in it.
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mrarroyo
Been here a while!
Our man in Miami!
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Post by mrarroyo on Jun 6, 2011 10:18:26 GMT
Ian, how about getting a good radar detector? Or are they illegal in your country?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2011 10:57:51 GMT
If they have become anything like the lot here have recently it IS scary.
Presumably, they are under instructions to GET MONEY for central gov. , anything that involves a decent fine (all of these have recently increased dramatically) and minimal fuss/paperwork.
Motorists are an obvious target.
I was done a couple of months back for "not stopping at a stop sign". The truth of it was, very quiet road in the mountains, you can see all roads for the junction clearly for appox. 250metres, so I did my usuall hold the car by clutch only for a split second before continuing.
Oh no, that's not good enough, because the little weasels didn't see my break lights come on, that was "proof" I didn't come to a complete halt.
That'll be €200 to you sir!
Loads of other's, similar, stories of late too. I wouldn't mind if the actions were consistant but when you see others flouting the laws under the police noses and nothing is done....ahgggggggg!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2011 12:26:09 GMT
Driving under the limit can be an intelligent choice however. Driving under the limit is your right... on multi lane roads where other traffic can pass that is. Driving slowly, on purpose, and holding other road users well below the permitted maximum speed is classic 'passive-aggressive'. It fuels frustration and encourages risky overtaking behaviour. Driving at, say 55 or 60 on a motorway / autobahn is perfectly decent behaviour. Driving at 38mph on a single-lane country road is downright rude and the punishment should be a public hosing down with iced water. Derek ;-)
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2011 13:01:28 GMT
Ian, how about getting a good radar detector? Or are they illegal in your country? They're illegal Miguel. I have a SAT Nav with stationary cameras on it but we're not allowed to track the police mobile units. I had 9 points on my license at one time. All for doing 36 mph in a 30 zone. In this country you get 3 every time you're done so my next cop would have been a ban since you get banned at 12. I actually would have been banned for driving at 36mph. I hate the buggers now. It's so easy in a modern car to roll over 30 and just not realise. The daft thing is, I try so hard to stay within the law when driving and it's always when I'm stressed or something has gone wrong, when I creep over 30 and some blasted cop gets me. I'm down to 3 points now since the others have expired, but the feeling of unjustness hasn't left me and I've become anti cops if I'm honest as a result. Not just that, but if you're a victim, they do virtually bugger all and I soon learned to be the wrong doer - it pays because they're lenient with you. The idiots that were harrassing me at my old home were reported over and over. The cops did bugger all. Then I opened the door suddenly and smacked one very hard!!! I was taken to court and let off. They never bothered me again!!!! See - do the wrong thing and smack someone and you get an instant result and no fine, but drive at 36 and you pay a fine and get 3 points. This country is mental and almost anal in the way that some of the laws are carried out. A local teacher here got sacked for calling a pupil 'stupid.' What was missed out was the fact that the pupils had called the teacher a 'wanker.' In real life, that kid would have got a smack.... in school ... the teacher got the sack and the pupil returned to school. I often get the urge to leave this country. Ian
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Post by johno on Sept 17, 2014 22:02:39 GMT
Ian, how about getting a good radar detector? Or are they illegal in your country? I have one .Its excellent ,picks up every type speed cam a half a mile away,even non fixed hand helds plus it tells me if im exceeding the limit for the area im in, .................Over here , I believe it s not illegal to have one but illegal to use.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 16, 2014 22:50:41 GMT
I was driving one night, must have been 11 pm or so, on the 101 from L.A. to Ventura cty. California, going about 50 mph, very few cars in that stretch of road, when a CHP guy pulled me over to check my eyes with his flashlight - he says "OK sir, you can go, but try driving the speed limit this time". They get really suspicious of cars that go slower than that. I've had plenty of tickets there on surface streets, but never on a freeway. Of course, during the long rush hours (much more than an hour) you pray you can just go 40.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2014 17:42:08 GMT
In England if a minimum speed limit is compulsory then the speed is placed in a blue circle like this.... print screen windows xpAny other road, there is no law dictating minimum.The driver may be taking a steady ride to medical help, or be experiencing mechanical difficulties. Driving slowly does not cause accidents, only the impatience of the impatient does that.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2014 20:51:37 GMT
I think it's usually, if not always, OBVIOUS if someone is driving slowly WITH GOOD CAUSE.
You can tell from the way the driver positions the car. They usually keep well to the side of the road, allowing others to pass when safe to do so. They pull in when possible to allow faster moving traffic to make headway. Judicious use, too, of indicators to show they don't plan on going anywhere fast, even a rolled down driver's window and that 'please pass me' hand signal.
Whereas... the awkward, passive-agressive PITA drivers just keep right on at 40mph regardless. ONLY speeding up when the road is straight and clear which ensures you stay right where they want you to be. Behind THEM.
Am I wrong?
Derek
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jc
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Post by jc on Dec 26, 2014 21:23:14 GMT
Whereas... the awkward, passive-agressive PITA drivers just keep right on at 40mph regardless. ONLY speeding up when the road is straight and clear which ensures you stay right where they want you to be. Behind THEM. Am I wrong? Derek Transfer that to a mountain road, drop the speed to 40KMH and with very limited overtaking opportunities and aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2014 12:37:46 GMT
What ever the drivers reason for driving the speed he does, it is his or her choice. There is no law against it. Impatience kills.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Dec 29, 2014 21:12:28 GMT
What ever the drivers reason for driving the speed he does, it is his or her choice. There is no law against it. Really? I thought the speed limit on motorways was 70MPH so when I'm up in front of the beak claiming "It was my choice to be travelling at 180MPH" he's going to say "fair point" and not ban me from driving? Lesson two in making a point Rox, be sure of your facts and don't leave yourself open to be made to look misinformed..... read what you wrote and then read my reply..... see what I mean Less time spent thinking about "skins" and more time spent concentrating grasshopper.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2014 13:52:07 GMT
What ever the drivers reason for driving the speed he does, it is his or her choice. There is no law against it. Impatience kills. My dear Rox (whoops, that sounds condescending), You are correct, of course, but just please note my point about people who drive slowly, with good cause, but they do it courteously. That's what I hope for; that's what I hope I do if when the need arises. A little while back I was fortunate enough to go on a ROSPA safe driving course and it taught me a great deal about the need to drive quickly, progressively and within the law. The tutors on the course are highly skilled; they are experts. None of them mentioned anything about driving constantly at 38 mph on an out-of-limits, clear and dry open road. They mentioned nothing about cruising at 40mph on motorways / freeways. No, they encouraged getting a move on when there are no hazards. My tutor pointed out to me that I should not drive with one hand constantly on the gear stick. He told me I should use my passenger-side door mirror more. That's what they did. Analysed your driving and told you how you could improve. I wish everyone had the chance to go on a course like that. They're brilliant. Yes, anyone has the RIGHT to get in other people's way and obstruct progress; I'm not countering that. But it's not considerate and it does not encourage good, safe traffic flow. That's all an this one from me. Derek
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Post by apjaudio on Apr 18, 2015 21:53:33 GMT
Guilty in the original post, I quite often drive at or below speed limit on motorway or A roads in UK, however I am happy to make room for most people overtaking me. You see the reason is that I work until 5:30,if I'm on way back to the office early it makes no sense to put my foot down. However if it is Friday at 4 o'clock and I'm an hour away from office you won't see me for dust
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jc
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Post by jc on Apr 18, 2015 22:09:22 GMT
Nothing wrong with that Alan, it's the ones that refuse to let you pass that are so annoying. I'm not the slowest of drivers but if I see a car gaining quickly on me I'll always make the effort to let them pass. Most are boy racers but you never why they may be in such a hurry, there could be pressing reason.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Apr 19, 2015 9:27:02 GMT
Christ, they were all out yesterday... the first real spell of half decent weather and out they come..... pootering along at 35MPH rubbernecking at the scenery..... I overtook one of these damned road hazards and he had the audacity to flash his main beams at me! The other ones that really annoy me are those who hit the anchors at every corner, they must go through a truckload of brake pads every year..... I like powering into the corners up here and there is no need to "brake" on any stretch of the road into town (a 12 mile road) you can easily power through most of the corners at 80MPH but some folk find it necessary to ram the anchors on at each bend..... they are usually the type who drive these god awful looking things:
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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2015 1:38:43 GMT
That, and those who hit their brakes all the time, rather than perhaps go down a gear, (even in an auto) on a fairly steep descent in order to avoid gaining too much speed , pisses me off. We have a main road near us that we have to regularly use , where trucks and buses are required to go down to a low gear. How hard is it to put the car into the next lower gear in order to avoid braking all the time ? Besides which it reduces the risk of a collision when approaching the traffic lights at the bottom of the hill where some f'wits exit a nearby McDonalds and shoot across lanes to go the opposite direction back up the hill. I may be 76 , but I don't drive in the outside lane at 10 or 20KMH below the speed limit either ! (or the kerbside lane either)
Alex
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Post by puffin on Apr 27, 2015 14:13:45 GMT
That, and those who hit their brakes all the time, rather than perhaps go down a gear, (even in an auto) on a fairly steep descent in order to avoid gaining too much speed , pisses me off. We have a main road near us that we have to regularly use , where trucks and buses are required to go down to a low gear. How hard is it to put the car into the next lower gear in order to avoid braking all the time ? Besides which it reduces the risk of a collision when approaching the traffic lights at the bottom of the hill where some f'wits exit a nearby McDonalds and shoot across lanes to go the opposite direction back up the hill. I may be 76 , but I don't drive in the outside lane at 10 or 20KMH below the speed limit either ! (or the kerbside lane either)
Alex
Those who brake for corners have no understanding of the proper control of a vehicle. They clearly think that over a "certain" speed the car will simply fall over if they are "reckless" and don't brake to the "magic" speed that makes all journeys safe. If they were to watch the "star in a reasonably priced car" antics they would see how far even a crappy saloon can be pushed around bends without it falling over or spinning. Take a far better vehicle and it's ability to handle corners rockets. Around here there are two types of wanky driver, those with expensive, high powered vehicles, and those with Jazz's or those silly thin taller than average vehicles. They both drive one to distraction, one because they can't drive properly in any event and are too underpowered, and the other has more power than 5 Jazz's/Silly Tall Cars, but they clearly bought the wrong car. I have often thought when stopped behind them that they might like to swap with me.
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jc
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Post by jc on Apr 27, 2015 22:40:24 GMT
I must admit I'm not as quick through the corners as I once was after a little problem quite recently. I had a vertical link collapse at both bushes on a mountain bend, instant spin and a very hairy moment! Just don't trust my old banger anymore...
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2015 9:40:56 GMT
Near me I have my 'test corner'; in my previous MINI I bottled at 55mph. In my new one I can risk 60 :-)
Now and again one comes across a driver so timid (usually female it seems) who not only brakes at each bend, regardless of their own speed, but also give the brakes a touch when something comes in the opposite direction ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. What's that all about? Also the driver's seat is normally as far forwards as it is possible to have it.
Previously in this thread someone commented on what seems to be a particular ethnic characteristic i.e. stopping at lights and leaving over a car's length of gap? In my numerous long drives on the M40 to the south coast I see too many 'fast lane' hoggers? Middle lane hogging is common practice and Police have been encouraged to be harder on that behaviour. But the lane 3 hog settles in at about 68mph (UK's limit is 70) and stubbornly refuses to move over. My wife and I place imaginary bets on the likely ethnicity of the offender. As we gently and cautiously 'underatke' (yes I know it's a no-no) we find we're usually correct.
Derek
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jc
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Post by jc on Apr 28, 2015 11:17:04 GMT
My last (day) job in the UK was as an area sales manager so you can guess what my driving used to be like! The obove, I'm ashamed to say, would be bullied/intimidated until they moved over, never took long . Time between customers was wasted time, A to B in the wink of an eye. I was caught for speeding twice during a 4-5 year period, lucky I changed career .
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Post by puffin on Apr 28, 2015 12:13:26 GMT
Anyone that feels the need to brake when traffic comes towards them is clearly a danger to themselves and everyone else. They do not understand how driving works and should not be on the road. Similarly, those that slow down or brake at night when a car comes towards them. Also those that cannot see at night without full beam. When they have to dip for oncoming traffic they lose it completely.
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jc
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Post by jc on Apr 28, 2015 12:31:39 GMT
I particularly enjoy the surprise of a flipping great truck/bus/cement mixing lorry hurtling around a blind corner, on the wrong side of the road, just I as am entering the same corner from the opposite direction. They NEVER sound their horn to let traffic know they're bowling through . Swallow your heart and reverse up to collect your bowels...
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Post by PinkFloyd on Apr 29, 2015 8:42:37 GMT
There's a farmer up here with heather growing out of his ears (yeh, he's seriously THAT old) and he'll quite happily toddle along at 35MPH on a stretch of road where most locals are clocking nigh on 100MPH (remember. there are no speed cameras at all up here) but the minute you overtake him he drops the gears and floors the throttle.... what the hell is that all about?? It's almost as if he gets angry that you don't sit behind his 35MPH "cruise" vehicle admiring the back of his jeep thing. The tourists are the worst, these people who travel in homes with wheels, why do these bloody people seemingly drive in "convoys"? There's never one, there's always about 6 of them in a row..... do the entire family (aunties, uncles, children, grandparents, cousins etc.) all go on holiday together in a convoy of homes with wheels? These things NEVER get above 40 MPH and it must take these people about three weeks to arrive at their destination.... what a crap holiday that must be. I always shout out "get off the road you cheapskate bastards!"
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2015 13:33:15 GMT
I drove from Seal Beach in Orange County through L.A. County to Ventura County in California, every Friday night and back the other way on Sunday night, for 12 years. Late at night, after 11 pm, and well out of the major city traffic, the cars were sparse and traffic very relaxed. I would sometimes drop to 50-55 mph, then be pulled over by CHP, who are practically hysterical -- "Sir, do you realize that you're driving 50 mph (on a freeway that has no minimum speed posted BTW)?" "You really need to drive the speed limit, sir."
The greatest of fears in California is someone obstructing traffic, and they spot you quickly and are very severe about it. God help you if you should argue with them. Have a real problem and park your car on the side of the road, and within a short time it will be reduced to a pile of scrap metal.
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