I was on cruise control near Hillsborough when a king-cab Dodge pickup charged into my rear-view, its hood ornamented with a gleaming ram’s head.
I braced for a head-butt that would turn my car into a Honda Accordion.
I was driving 55 mph on Interstate 40. It was legal. It was a good way to cut the cost of gas. But it didn’t feel safe.
The Dodge Ram guy scowled and hit the brakes. He looked close enough to be riding in my back seat, but I couldn’t quite hear what was on his mind. ...
Did we come to blows on the shoulder? Did I teach this gas guzzler a lesson in physics and fuel economy? Check the Q section Drive-55 package to find out.
Bruce Siceloff reports on traffic and transportation. A News & Observer reporter, editor and blogger since 1976, he took over the
Comments
Yes
Fri, 08/01/2008 - 20:29 — BruceSiceloff (author)Good points, all. As I said, Don't try this on I-40.
I was in the right lane and I was legal, and it might be feasible if other drivers observed the 65 mph limit. But they drive faster than that of course, and 55 mph is too slow. More Sunday.
Is that gas you're trying to
Fri, 08/01/2008 - 15:15 — Wayne Uber (not verified)Is that gas you're trying to save while driving 55 worth your life (or someone elses)? If you're the slowest vehicle in heavy traffic and your causing everyone to have to make quick decisions around you, then you're a hazard. Get off the Interstate and drive on a secondary road if you're not willing to "go with the flow".
I about got killed by an
Fri, 08/01/2008 - 13:43 — Caroline (not verified)I about got killed by an 18-wheeler yesterday on I-40, at the point where the Durham Freeway splits off. I was about to merge right to get onto the Durham Freeway, when the big truck ran up on me. I guess he was anticipating that I'd be instantly out of his way, because when I checked my blind spot and realized I'd have to wait for a car to pass me before merging, I glanced back to my rearview to see the big truck swerve into the left lane to avoid flattening me.
The kicker? I was actually doing 65. God help me if I'd been doing 55.
There are for sure parts where I wouldn't do 55. It's not safe when the prevailing speed is 65+. I get tailgated and headlight-flashed for doing 55 in a 55 zone on 70 (coming off 85); can't imagine the reaction if I did 55 in a 65.
Were you legal?
Fri, 08/01/2008 - 13:37 — Anonymous (not verified)You say you were driving legally, but were you? If you were in the right lane, then yes, it was legal. If you were not in the right-most lane, then the answer is probably not.
General statute 20-146B:
Upon all highways any vehicle proceeding at less than the legal maximum speed limit shall be driven in the right‑hand lane then available for thru traffic, or as close as practicable to the right‑hand curb or edge of the highway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn.
So, were you driving legally? (I'm assuming at 55MPH, you weren't passing anybody on that stretch of road.)