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Re: UNFAIR SPEED LIMITS



In article <3nmfmg$lqg@insosf1.infonet.net>,
Chad Pasma <chdpsm@dordt.edu> wrote:

[with regards to setting mirrors properly...]

>Well then what do you propose we do when we have:

>a)	no rearview mirror

I don't think it is legal to register a passenger vehicle (including
pickups and vans) in most juristictions without a rearview mirror.

>b)	a big pillar blocking the rear view

Why is the rear view so important?  The sides are infinitely more
important.

>c)	people blocking your view
>d)	a big crate in the back

>Obviously I'm talking about my van and truck here.

The situation may be a little different, but in most cases it won't be
too different (talking about passenger vans and pickups-- not
commercial trucks, step vans, busses, etc.).  Pickup trucks and vans
have larger side mirrors, which help to see more of the road.  I can
do this with my pickup.  In fact, if you have a cap on the pickup,
looking over the shoulder doesn't really help, since the cap tends to
block the over-the-shoulder view.  If you don't have a cap, there
should be no issue seeing behind.

Larger vehicles such as tractor-trailers and busses have more than one
mirror (many times the parabolic ones), so the so-called "blind spot"
is eliminated.  These can also be used on smaller vehicles, although
they aren't necessary.

One thing alluded to above: what is more important-- seeing directly
behind or seeing behind to the sides?  It seems to me that the most
accident-prone maneuver would be a lane change.  Setting your mirrors
to protect against this is infinitely more important than knowing what
the blonde bimbo driving behind you looks like.

>Shoulder checks are still the best way to prevent sideswiping
>somebody when changing lanes. I know that from that little K-car I
>almost creamed when I first got my license.

I stand by my statement.  They are unneccessary and potentially
dangerous.  Look at what happens when you turn your head around to see
behind you-- your shoulders tend to turn.  This can (and does) cause
many people to drift out of their driving lane.

BTW, the method I described for setting side mirrors is advocated by
the National Motorists Association.  It is their feeling that it is
much safer.

-JPC

-- 
 -<=>- Just say NO! to Budmilloors...   Support your local MICROBREWERY -<=>-
John P. Curcio  jpc@philabs.philips.com  Philips Labs  Briarcliff Manor, NY
   "If nothing beats a Bud, given the choice, I'd take the nothing..."
   "No goats, no boats, no motorcars, not a single 'yes-siree!'"  -BH


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