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Re: Observed interstate travel is slower at night
In article <ok7CBQe00YUu48KWdc@andrew.cmu.edu>,
Nathan J. Nagel <nn22+@andrew.cmu.edu> wrote:
>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!
>>
>
> 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.....
>
>
Please tell me at least one of these is a troll.
People drive slower at night because you can't see as well at night,
therefore it's not safe to drive daytime speeds.
Remember, you may see other cars well (assuming their lights are working
properly) but you can't see the _road_ anything above the interstate
speed limit risks overrunning your headlights.
Personally, I probably average 15-20 mph slower at night (granted I'm
a bit of a speed demon during the day). why? Because I realize
it's not safe, and for all you speed demons out there, how far ahead
of you can you spot a cop on the shoulder during the night. I'm not
willing to bet that I can beat the radar gun's range at night, something
I can do during the day.
Kevin
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