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Why do people drive so slow on Rt. 7?

Discussion in 'General Chat Forum' started by Silly Yak, Jan 3, 2011.

  1. Silly Yak

    Silly Yak Member

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    I have been using Rt 7 for the last month instead of the Toll Road and I am struck by how often people seem to drive below the speed limit. No matter the time of day or amount of traffic I can count on someone hanging out in the left lane doing 5 below.

    What is the deal?
     
  2. bgirl

    bgirl New Member

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    Distracted driver? On a mobile phone? I am amazed at how many times I wonder, "What's up with this driver?" only to get alongside and realize that the driver is on the phone! It's dangerous and extremely annoying.
     
  3. Chsalas

    Chsalas Active Member

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    Not against the law to drive 5 or 10 or 20 below speed limit, just depends on the road conditions. Maybe people are gun shy about deer , there are a lot of them.
     
  4. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    I think you just notice because normally people are going about 20mph above the speed limit.
     
  5. Silly Yak

    Silly Yak Member

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    I thought there was something on the books to prevent this? Impeding the flow of traffic maybe?
     
  6. Sasquatch519

    Sasquatch519 Member

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    When I pass someone driving painfully slowly, my mind always tries to guess their reason:
    -Cell Phones: some drivers can't do two things at once
    -Commercial Drivers: a ticket can affect their employment
    -Minivans: moms trying to be careful with the kids in the car (although it could be argued that someone driving much slower than the rest of the traffic is at greater risk to be rear-ended)
    -Illegals: people with questionable immigration statuses fear that getting pulled over could lead to deportation

    But I believe the most common reason is lack of driving skill. Some people can hold a phone and drive without slowing down, we just never notice them. Some people just lack the skill to quickly process their surroundings and make decisions, so they slow down to give themselves more time to react. Some people can't change lanes using mirrors and instead have to crane their necks around to look out the back of the car. I think this is particularly important on a road like 7 where there are many turn-offs and people must change lanes frequently. Some people feel like they need a 10 car-length spot in order to change lanes and as their turn approaches, they slow down and wait for a landing strip that will never materialize in rush hour. Some people drive with blinders on and look only out the windshield and ignore the massive line of cars forming behind them due to their slow driving. (Actually, I think in AZ you can be pulled over if a line of 3 or more cars forms behind you and you DON'T let them pass.) But ultimately all these things come down to driving skill. Any idiot can get a license.
     
  7. cobymom

    cobymom Sheila Ryan

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    The VA traffic code states that "No person in Virginia shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law." They don't specify a range in mph.

    If there are traffic barriers up because of construction, that may slow some people down, or maybe they think the speed limit is still 50mph (because not all of route 7 is 55). I don't consider 5mph below the speed limit excessively slow, although it could be annoying if you're late for an appointment.
     
  8. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    My complaint is people who brake for no apparent reason. Maybe some people don't realize that you don't have to step on the brake pedal to slow the car down. Just take your foot off the accelerator. Oh, and the ones to brake WHILE accelerating are fun, too.

    People can be completely clueless, whether driving or anything else. Off in their own worlds, oblivious to their surroundings. Yes, I'm talking to you, mother and father-in-law! :shakehead:

    Still, I'd rather experience traffic that is a little too slow than cars going way too fast.

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

    I think it was George Carlin who said that anyone driving slower than me is an idiot. Anyone driving faster is a maniac.
     
  9. BellaRu

    BellaRu Member

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    Rt 50 is a horrible road for this. Speed limit is 55, not 40, 35, or 30! Yes, 30! You are asking for trouble going that slow on that road. Man up, people! If youre too scared to drive, get off the f'in road!
     
  10. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    Woe to the person that looks in their rear view mirror and sees BellaRu bearing down on them in her biga** truck!!
     
  11. Silly Yak

    Silly Yak Member

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    I have started taking back roads, which are faster!
     

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