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Re: Observed interstate travel is slower at night



Excerpts from netnews.rec.autos.driving: 31-Jul-95 Observed interstate
travel .. by Paul Stuart@er7.rutgers. 
> Driving from my hometown in New Jersey down Interstate 95 to Washington,
> D.C. every two weeks, I often observe that drivers tend to drive more 
> slowly from dusk to later hours.  When daylight is still apparent, and
> before drivers turn their headlights on, interstate travel is usually
> rapid in speed.  As twilight occurs, there is a noticeable change in
> the speed of many drivers, where dusk seems to have a soothing and
> relaxing effect upon the people that use the interstate.
>  
> Have any commuters noticed this?  Is this a logical explanation
> for the slower nature of traffic during dusk?  Commentary and
> discussion appreciated!
>  
> Paul
>   

    I've noticed the same thing, especially on newly-65MPH stretches of
road.  Last night I was driving down I-79 at about 65 (actually maybe a
little under) and passing people left and right (OK, figure of speech. 
I tried to pass on the left whenever possible.)  A cop's dream!

(See?  People really CAN drive on a road with a 65 MPH speed limit and
not do 90.)

    But anyway, you're right.  People do seem to drive slower at night,
which I find confusing because I fint it easier to spot the other cars
on the road (and traffic is lighter, too.)  Hmmmm.....


later,

Nate


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