I had no idea they'd attempted something similar on MythBusters. It surprised me to see it in action, but that's the great thing about physics- it surprises me every time I learn something new. thanks for the posts guys, this is a good community.
I totally lack the physics knowledge to reach a mathematical conclusion to this problem myself- but I have been wrestling with a scenario in my head for a long time that I hope someone a bit more erudite can answer- here's how it plays out.
Whenever I drive past one of those large car carrier...