On Fri, 6 May 2005 16:33:18 -0700, "Michael Pardee"
<michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote:

>> What was dangerous? You didn't know you were doing 93 until you looked at
>> the speedometer. That right there tells me that you were most likely
>> driving in a safe, sane, reasonable manner (even if a bit above the speed
>> limit). When you realized you were doing 93MPH, what is it about that
>> magic number (93MPH) that, all by itself, makes driving dangerous? Again,
>> enlighten us. -Dave
>>
>Where there is one elk there are more elk, and they all are colored to blend
>into the night and are the size of horses. If I had a scare from one using
>the cruise control at 75 mph, what do you suppose the effect of seeing an
>elk loom in front of the car at 93 mph would be, as opposed to 60 or 65

You NEVER overdrive your headlights at night. OTOH, if you have HIDs
and can see far enough ahead to drive 93 MPH and still stop, then
there's no significant increase in risk.

An elk can bound out 5 feet in front of your car whether you're going
90 MPH or 30 MPH; if that happens, stopping distance is irrelevant.

 

In article <sv0fe.69398$3V3.19964@edtnps89>, "Brian Smith"
<Halifax@NovaScotia.Canada> wrote:

> "John" <welcomehowcome@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:jaKdndqbC_Ftx-HfRVn-pg@comcast.com...
> >
> > How many accidents have you had?
>
> One in 1973. Not that that has anything to do with speedometers. Get on
> topic.
>
> Brian

How may speeding tickets have you earned?

--
NEWSGROUP SUBSCRIBERS MOTTO
We respect those subscribers that ask for advice or provide advice.
We do NOT respect the subscribers that enjoy criticizing people.

 

"Scott en Aztlán" <scottenaztlan@NOyahooSPAM.com> wrote in message
news:d23o71diajdi7j9ppdu12gohkhshm4kj37@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 6 May 2005 16:33:18 -0700, "Michael Pardee"
> <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote:
>
>>> What was dangerous? You didn't know you were doing 93 until you looked
>>> at
>>> the speedometer. That right there tells me that you were most likely
>>> driving in a safe, sane, reasonable manner (even if a bit above the
>>> speed
>>> limit). When you realized you were doing 93MPH, what is it about that
>>> magic number (93MPH) that, all by itself, makes driving dangerous?
>>> Again,
>>> enlighten us. -Dave
>>>
>>Where there is one elk there are more elk, and they all are colored to
>>blend
>>into the night and are the size of horses. If I had a scare from one using
>>the cruise control at 75 mph, what do you suppose the effect of seeing an
>>elk loom in front of the car at 93 mph would be, as opposed to 60 or 65
>
> You NEVER overdrive your headlights at night. OTOH, if you have HIDs
> and can see far enough ahead to drive 93 MPH and still stop, then
> there's no significant increase in risk.
>
> An elk can bound out 5 feet in front of your car whether you're going
> 90 MPH or 30 MPH; if that happens, stopping distance is irrelevant.
>
Elk behave very differently from deer. Deer are so skittish as to be wacky,
while elk tend to behave more like cattle. Most of the time they stand in or
beside the road and just look at the oncoming car indifferently. Somebody
pointed out to me that nearly all car-elk collisions are with cow elk, and
it's true; I don't recall seeing a bull elk in the road or being hit by a
car.

The big problem with elk visibility at night is that they aren't
recognizable as anything until they are very close - that great coloration
they have. A car or human or rock is visible at easily twice the distance.
Only a speedometer could tell you how fast to go to avoid elk. If you rely
on your instincts you will go too fast every time - which was also the point
in the first place. Now I keep to 60-65 mph, no cruise control, when driving
freeways in the pines at night. It feels like a snail's pace but the time
difference really isn't significant.

Mike

 

"John" <welcomehowcome@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:Y5GdnWIA1K4Y_eHfRVn-pA@comcast.com...
>
> What the hell does that have to do with anything? I have my own
> preferences.
> Just because the engineers know more than I do doesn't mean they did it to
> my preference. I'm real. That's why I don't put my faith in other people's
> hands because many times what's good for them, is not good for me.
>
> You don't want your granny riding on a lowered rough rider now do you?
> Grannys want it nice and soft, and smooth, and shakey so they don't break
> a
> bone, etc. Get my point?
>
> I'm stronger than the average person and I can handle rougher but more
> precise handling. I want my car to behave like I want it to. If it
> doesn't,
> there's a bigger chance that I'll get in an accident than if I was 10mph
> over the speed limit 100% of the time.
>
> Remember that those laws are made by old grannies and granpas whose
> overanalytical nature makes their reflexes go to shit. That's why they
> need
> all drivers to drive as slow as possible so when they're on the road they
> can "fit in" or else they might get confused by people passing them
> constantly and get scared and do something stupid. That's what order is
> all
> about...

You're certainly on a roll.

 

"John" <welcomehowcome@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:jaKdndqbC_Ftx-HfRVn-pg@comcast.com...
>
> How many accidents have you had?

One in 1973. Not that that has anything to do with speedometers. Get on
topic.

Brian

 

"John" <welcomehowcome@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:ZradnTzLA_I6x-HfRVn-qg@comcast.com...
>
> You probably drive like an old woman. (I know, very stereotypical, but
> it's
> true. Most people who haven't had any accidents, drive like zombies and if
> are ever in a situation that requires reflex/skill will get into one).

Now there's an asinine statement.

 

"Bob Ward" <bobward@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:9l7n71h1ho7bnlbdigjm3qfrp6cr6jijr9@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 5 May 2005 22:53:34 -0700, "John" <welcomehowcome@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> >
> >"Jason" <jason@nospam.com> wrote in message
> >news:jason-0505050933000001@pm4-broad-33.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> >> In article <427a13ee$0$19385$892e7fe2@authen.white.readfreene ws.net>,
"Ted
> >> B." <noway@nohow.not.ever> wrote:
> >>
> >> > I read about a small BMW car that has
> >> > > the speed odometer mounted in the center of the dashboard.
> >> > >
> >> >
> >> > Is that bad? The driver's eyes should be on the road, not the
> >speedometer.
> >> > If you even have to look at the speedo, you're improperly trained to
> >operate
> >> > a vehicle anyway. -Dave
> >>
> >> LOL--Making use of your logic--the engineers should mount the
speedometer
> >> on the passenger side or not even install one.
> >
> >The only time I ever look at the speedometer is if I'm concerned about
the
> >speed limit (police officers nearby) or testing something on my machine.
> >That's about it.
> >
> >A tach is much more useful to me than a speedometer but still shouldn't
be
> >looked at while driving unless tuning/fixing something.
> >
> >Of course, they are only there to convey information that you might need.
>
>
> If your attention span is that limited, you have no business driving
> at all.
>
> You must be a sock puppet - I can't imagine two people coming up with
> such idiotic advice independently.

Way to go buddy. A+! I'm done with this...

 

"Bob Ward" <bobward@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:5v7n71lj3fe09gnglqj0ejsp6qfrhqct4c@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 5 May 2005 23:20:41 -0700, "John" <welcomehowcome@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> >
> >"Professor" <briangriffey@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
> >news:1115255516.703427.190270@g14g2000cwa.googleg roups.com...
> >> And just think... people change the springs to lower the car further...
> >> LOL
> >
> >What's your point professor? Just because someone doesn't like the way
their
> >car sits, doesn't mean that everyone has to take that stance. I lower if
> >it's too high, or higher if it's too low. I like balance and compromise
as
> >little as possible. I don't care about what intelligent people or what
> >ricers think. I care about how I want my car to behave.
>
>
> And you think that you know more about designing for proper handling
> than the engineers who created the car?
>
> Get real.

What the hell does that have to do with anything? I have my own preferences.
Just because the engineers know more than I do doesn't mean they did it to
my preference. I'm real. That's why I don't put my faith in other people's
hands because many times what's good for them, is not good for me.

You don't want your granny riding on a lowered rough rider now do you?
Grannys want it nice and soft, and smooth, and shakey so they don't break a
bone, etc. Get my point?

I'm stronger than the average person and I can handle rougher but more
precise handling. I want my car to behave like I want it to. If it doesn't,
there's a bigger chance that I'll get in an accident than if I was 10mph
over the speed limit 100% of the time.

Remember that those laws are made by old grannies and granpas whose
overanalytical nature makes their reflexes go to shit. That's why they need
all drivers to drive as slow as possible so when they're on the road they
can "fit in" or else they might get confused by people passing them
constantly and get scared and do something stupid. That's what order is all
about...

Anyway...

 

"Brian Smith" <Halifax@NovaScotia.Canada> wrote in message
news:xcIee.27231$0X6.21386@edtnps90...
>
> "John" <welcomehowcome@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:FbqdnYJNjNzUcuffRVn-tQ@comcast.com...
> >
> > Brian, get on topic. The discussion is concentrated on speedometers and
> > their effect on driving.
>
> I'm on topic.
>
> > I agree with Bob that you have to know what's going on around you at any
> > given time but I don't agree that you need a bunch of gauges to know
that.
> > Gauges are there to provide feedback as to the vehicle's condition and
not
> > the surroundings. You have to feel the car and be one with it. That's
the
> > ultimate goal.
>
> A large part of driving, involves knowing how your vehicle is operating.
> Some of those conditions are only readily available through the use of
> gauges. Such as coolant temperature, oil pressure, engine speed, battery
> condition, charging system condition, etc..
>
> > Drive skillfully!
>
> Constantly, through being aware of every aspect of what is happening
around
> me, that's inside the vehicle and outside, for you novice drivers.
>
> Brian

How many accidents have you had?

 

"Jason" <jason@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:jason-0605051459550001@pm4-broad-62.snlo.dialup.fix.net...
> In article <op7n71p9v29juk3leak9ui9mofgtoau191@4ax.com>, bobward@email.com
> wrote:
>
> > On Fri, 6 May 2005 08:23:01 -0400, "Ted B." <noway@nohow.not.ever>
> > wrote:
> >
> > >>>OK, but that has nothing to do with DRIVING. That is a navigational
> > >>>issue,
> > >>>or maybe a time issue. Think of it this way . . . could you get back
to
> > >>>your office safely if your speedometer was broken? If so, then you
see my
> > >>>point. -Dave
> > >>>
> > >>
> > >> I think you're digging yourself in even deeper the longer you
continue
> > >> with this line.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >
> > >OK, then enlighten us. What does a speedometer have to do with
*driving*?
> > >Now answer that question without referring to speed limits, speeding
tickets
> > >or cops in any manner. Good luck. -Dave
> > >
> >
> >
> > Try navigating using directions involving mileage.
>
> I have some advice for the person that wrote that speedometers should not
> be installed in cars.
> I have a neighbor that checks her speedometer very often and has never
> received a ticket for speeding. However, she has had 5 accidents because
> she has a cell phone next to her ear every time have ever seen her driving
> her car. I think that you should subscribe to a cell phone newsgroup and
> let those people know that it's dangerous to drive while talking on a cell
> phone. I should note that I check my speedometer on a regular basis and
> have not ever had an accident that was my fault.

You probably drive like an old woman. (I know, very stereotypical, but it's
true. Most people who haven't had any accidents, drive like zombies and if
are ever in a situation that requires reflex/skill will get into one).

> --
> NEWSGROUP SUBSCRIBERS MOTTO
> We respect those subscribers that ask for advice or provide advice.
> We do NOT respect the subscribers that enjoy criticizing people.
>
>
>

 

Your perception doesn't matter unless you're used to driving in different
conditions (meaning different perceptions depending on your excitement
level, etc.). Speedometer is not needed for that. It's useful as a testing
tool and to make sure you don't go over the speed limit. That's about it.

In fact, most race cars don't have speedometers and the drivers go much
faster than we do on the streets.

John

"Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote in message
news:9JadncyISqbW9-bfRVn-gg@sedona.net...
> "Ted B." <noway@nohow.not.ever> wrote in message
> news:427b61a6$0$34662$892e7fe2@authen.white.readfr eenews.net...
> > OK, then enlighten us. What does a speedometer have to do with
*driving*?
> > Now answer that question without referring to speed limits, speeding
> > tickets or cops in any manner. Good luck. -Dave
> >
> Two years ago I was returning from Phoenix with my family at night. The
> freeway was nearly deserted so I had my high beams on and was cruising at
75
> mph (the speed limit). When I saw the elk in my lane ahead we were plenty
> close, so I braked hard and changed lanes behind her. When I got past, I
> accelerated to what I thought was 60 or 65. A moment later I looked at the
> speedometer to see I was going 93 mph... the adrenaline had changed my
> perception of speed so much it felt slower. Dangerous indeed.
>
> Mike
>
>

 

"Ted B." <noway@nohow.not.ever> wrote in message
news:427b91a8$0$40403$892e7fe2@authen.white.readfr eenews.net...
>
> Again I will ask, if the speedometer was broken, could you not drive from
> point A to point B safely? The speedometer has NO use during driving,
> unless you ramble off onto a tangent about speed limits.

How do you measure your speed, or distance travelled? The speedometer is a
necessary part of the vehicle, whether you think so or not.

>What if all speedometers were banned?

I'd rather see the fools that disregard the speed limits banned. That would
increase safety on our roads, no matter where in the world you (generic you,
not you in particular) are located.

>Would you continue to drive safely for the next million miles without it?
>Very Likely.

Of course, it just wouldn't be legal to operate without a speedometer. And
(although, you seem to have a phobia agaisnt this being mentioned), there
would be more people exceeding the speed limit than there are now. This
would be due to the fact, that very few people can accurately deduce the
speed that they are travelling in a vehicle.

>I know I'd never miss it. -Dave

Well, I would. It helps keep me legal and it also helps me keep my pay
straight.

Brian

 

"hubcap" <hubcap@clemson.edu> wrote in message
news:d5fscb$5d2$1@hubcap.clemson.edu...
>
> "New" Mini. They're still a blast to drive.

From the old school viewpoint, it's hard to think of them as being Minis.
Their just too big! {;^)

Brian

 

"Ted B." <noway@nohow.not.ever> wrote in message
news:427b8f5f$0$84395$892e7fe2@authen.white.readfr eenews.net...
>
> "Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote in message
> news:9JadncyISqbW9-bfRVn-gg@sedona.net...
>> "Ted B." <noway@nohow.not.ever> wrote in message
>> news:427b61a6$0$34662$892e7fe2@authen.white.readfr eenews.net...
>>> OK, then enlighten us. What does a speedometer have to do with
>>> *driving*? Now answer that question without referring to speed limits,
>>> speeding tickets or cops in any manner. Good luck. -Dave
>>>
>> Two years ago I was returning from Phoenix with my family at night. The
>> freeway was nearly deserted so I had my high beams on and was cruising at
>> 75 mph (the speed limit). When I saw the elk in my lane ahead we were
>> plenty close, so I braked hard and changed lanes behind her. When I got
>> past, I accelerated to what I thought was 60 or 65. A moment later I
>> looked at the speedometer to see I was going 93 mph... the adrenaline had
>> changed my perception of speed so much it felt slower. Dangerous indeed.
>>
>> Mike
>
> What was dangerous? You didn't know you were doing 93 until you looked at
> the speedometer. That right there tells me that you were most likely
> driving in a safe, sane, reasonable manner (even if a bit above the speed
> limit). When you realized you were doing 93MPH, what is it about that
> magic number (93MPH) that, all by itself, makes driving dangerous? Again,
> enlighten us. -Dave
>
Where there is one elk there are more elk, and they all are colored to blend
into the night and are the size of horses. If I had a scare from one using
the cruise control at 75 mph, what do you suppose the effect of seeing an
elk loom in front of the car at 93 mph would be, as opposed to 60 or 65
(which I intended to be doing). 93 isn't magic, but it represents *twice*
the stopping distance of 60 mph. Dropping my speed by 30 mph made it seem
very slow to my hopped-up mind, but it was a lot safer than 90+ was.
Ignoring the speedometer could have been a very Bad Thing.

Mike

 

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On Fri, 6 May 2005 11:47:52 -0400, "Ted B." <noway@nohow.not.ever>
wrote:

>Again I will ask, if the speedometer was broken, could you not drive
>from point A to point B safely?

Moot point. I have driven with no clutch cable, and even no brakes,
a time or two.


>The speedometer has NO use during driving,
>unless you ramble off onto a tangent about speed limits. What if
>all speedometers were banned?

What if speeding laws were abolished?

>Would you continue to drive safely for the next
>million miles without it? Very Likely. I know I'd never miss it.

I know I never miss a good troll thread...


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--
-john
wide-open at throttle dot info

~~~~~~~~
The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining
- JFK
~~~~~~~~

 

On Mon, 16 May 2005 13:34:32 -0700, ~^Johnny^~
<nospam@gyrogearloose.com> wrote:

>I know I never miss a good troll thread...

Well, you're pretty damn late chiming in on this one...

--
Proud to be a wreckless driver!
http://www.geocities.com/scottenaztlan/

 

On Tue, 17 May 2005 06:43:09 -0700, Scott en Aztlán
<scottenaztlan@NOyahooSPAM.com> wrote:

>On Mon, 16 May 2005 13:34:32 -0700, ~^Johnny^~
><nospam@gyrogearloose.com> wrote:
>
>>I know I never miss a good troll thread...
>
>Well, you're pretty damn late chiming in on this one...

been away for awhile... <0>

--
-john
wide-open at throttle dot info

~~~~~~~~
The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining
- JFK
~~~~~~~~