Slow down and enjoy the ride

[Clipper]

wibx950.com/ixp/498/p/speeding-in-new-york/

When we were younger we used to leave Bristol and drive straight thru to Utica, stopping only for gas and to use the restrooms. We could make the trip in 11 hours driving 70-75 mph all the way.

We now drive between 65 or so, even though the speed limit is 70 in many places. Instead of carrying sandwiches and a thermos, and eating quickly in the car at a rest area, we stop for lunch and drive only 6 or 7 hours the first day. We normally stop overnight around Chambersburg Pa. have a nice dinner and relax. The second day we sleep in, eat a good breakfast and hit the road, stop for lunch and gas at a Flying J truck stop in Gibson Pa, and arrive at our destination in late afternoon. At 70 mph the drive time is around 10 hours. At 65 mph we can enjoy the ride, and cruise at a safe speed, without the stress of driving with the pedal to the metal, with one eye on the clock and the other on the speedometer. Bottom line is that I avoid the stress of pushing the envelope and we arrive safe and rested, having spent only 30 to 45 minutes more actual drive time than when driving at break neck speeds. When we used to drive straight through we would be too exhausted to do anything when we got except rest anyway. It is much safer and less stressful to ride at 65 in the right lane than it is to push 70-75 and still have tractor trailers riding up on your bumper trying to intimidate you into getting out of their way.

I have to admit that for years I drove over the speed limit to "save time." How much time did I save by driving 10 miles over the speed limit from Utica to Syracuse, or from Utica to Rome on Rt 49?

[Atticus Pizzaballa]

When I was driving back and forth for school in Rochester or meeting and work in Syracuse I always took the thruway. I never liked the thruway. I always drove the speed limit since all the cars I owned were old and tired and was never sure if they would just decide to die on me while traveling. Those big trucks with the long trailers who would pass me driving way over the speed limit had a treat with me. I would pull in front of them and drop my speed to 45 or 50. LOL It was a fun little game I played to amuse myself.

[Clipper]

Apr 29, 2024 10:42:06 GMT -5 Atticus Pizzaballa said:

When I was driving back and forth for school in Rochester or meeting and work in Syracuse I always took the thruway. I never liked the thruway. I always drove the speed limit since all the cars I owned were old and tired and was never sure if they would just decide to die on me while traveling. Those big trucks with the long trailers who would pass me driving way over the speed limit had a treat with me. I would pull in front of them and drop my speed to 45 or 50. LOL It was a fun little game I played to amuse myself.

A rather dangerous game to play PB. Some of those trucks pulling double trailers may be grossing between 60 and 80 tons. Dropping your speed to 45 in the left lane will also get a fat ticket if a trooper sees it. Good way to become a red spot on the pavement or a hood ornament on a Peterbilt.

[clarencebunsen]

I agree, Barb and I no longer make marathon drives. Our bodies and brains are not up to it. Also a big NO to playing any games in traffic. I do like Sirius satellite radio. No more losing the station just when the program gets to something you like.

[BHU]

Apr 29, 2024 11:19:11 GMT -5 Clipper said:

Apr 29, 2024 10:42:06 GMT -5 Atticus Pizzaballa said:

When I was driving back and forth for school in Rochester or meeting and work in Syracuse I always took the thruway. I never liked the thruway. I always drove the speed limit since all the cars I owned were old and tired and was never sure if they would just decide to die on me while traveling. Those big trucks with the long trailers who would pass me driving way over the speed limit had a treat with me. I would pull in front of them and drop my speed to 45 or 50. LOL It was a fun little game I played to amuse myself.

A rather dangerous game to play PB. Some of those trucks pulling double trailers may be grossing between 60 and 80 tons. Dropping your speed to 45 in the left lane will also get a fat ticket if a trooper sees it. Good way to become a red spot on the pavement or a hood ornament on a Peterbilt.

I knew a guy back in the day who was the passenger in a car being driven by a clown who thought it was funny to drive in the passing lane on the Thwy & slowing down truckers. They were in the Catskills headed for N.Y.C. when he woke up to find them stopped at 2a.m. boxed in by two 18 wheelers, the drivers enraged & carrying lead pipes who were about to break legs. They did some fast talking, real fast & barely got out of there with there heads attached. That's a true story. And the clown driving almost got a beating from the passenger who fell alseep & didn't know the little game being played that almost got both of sent to the E.R., or worse.