Two Dashes, Two Seconds: The Law and Safety on the Road

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the topic of tailgating while driving, focusing on safety measures, personal experiences, and the psychological effects of tailgating. Participants share their views on following distances, the law regarding safe driving, and the behaviors of tailgaters, with a mix of personal anecdotes and opinions on road safety.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Personal anecdotes
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant emphasizes the importance of maintaining a two-second following distance while driving, particularly for motorcyclists, and suggests using dash lines as a reference.
  • Another participant prefers a three-second rule for regular vehicles and four seconds for motorcycles, citing the need for additional time to react due to vehicle characteristics.
  • Several participants express strong dislike for tailgaters, describing it as a dangerous and counterproductive behavior that can lead to increased stress and unsafe driving conditions.
  • One participant shares a humorous anecdote about a family member receiving a ticket for tailgating a police officer, highlighting the absurdity of some tailgating situations.
  • Another participant recounts a specific experience with a tailgater who engaged in distracting behaviors while driving, emphasizing the reckless nature of such actions.
  • Some participants discuss strategies for dealing with tailgaters, such as intentionally slowing down to create distance, while others criticize this approach as disruptive to traffic flow.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for accidents caused by tailgating, particularly in scenarios where sudden stops are necessary, such as at traffic lights.
  • There is a call for stricter penalties for tailgating, with one participant suggesting that cars should be treated like weapons due to the risks they pose when driven irresponsibly.
  • Some participants reflect on their driving education and common sense approaches to maintaining safe distances, while others share their experiences of avoiding tailgaters.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the dangers of tailgating and express frustration with the behavior, but there is no consensus on the best way to handle tailgaters or the effectiveness of various following distance rules. Multiple competing views remain regarding the appropriate response to tailgating.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference personal experiences and driving rules that may vary by region, and there are mentions of differing opinions on the effectiveness of certain driving strategies. The discussion reflects a range of attitudes toward tailgating and road safety without resolving the underlying disagreements.

  • #61
I started driving in 1960, in those years male drivers were the most aggressive and disrespectful, but I have observed over the years a trend change that now has female drivers being as much or more aggressive than males.
Driving responsible is a mental disipline that requires practice and application and a respect for others in what they do or need.
I blame television ads for much of this poor attitude we see displayed. The idea that if tires are not SPINNING or SLIDING your not feeling the experience correctly.
The poor habit of waiting until the last minute to go somewhere and having to rush to be on time, leads to fast driving and irresponsible actions.

In general there is a growing lack of respect for driving rights and I put most of the blame on TV ads and fast action video games. Now to add to distractions comes GPS screens, phone conversations and text messages while driving.

I best stop because there is so much more.
 
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  • #62
RonL said:
I blame television ads for much of this poor attitude we see displayed. The idea that if tires are not SPINNING or SLIDING your not feeling the experience correctly.
The poor habit of waiting until the last minute to go somewhere and having to rush to be on time, leads to fast driving and irresponsible actions.

In general there is a growing lack of respect for driving rights and I put most of the blame on TV ads and fast action video games. Now to add to distractions comes GPS screens, phone conversations and text messages while driving.
Don't blame ads or games. Blame the people committng the offenses.

Imagine if one of those young girls or boys wrapped their car around a telephone pole and then used your argument.

"It wasn't my fault. I blame TV ads and video games."
 
  • #63
DaveC426913 said:
"It wasn't my fault. I blame TV ads and video games."

It's plausible that TV and video games have a negative effect on the drivers perception of their own skills, but it is of course their own fault for misjudging themselves. I don't agree with that TV and video games deserves any blame, but it's possible that there is a correlation.
 
  • #64
Jarle said:
It's plausible that TV and video games have a negative effect on the drivers perception of their own skills, but it is of course their own fault for misjudging themselves. I don't agree with that TV and video games deserves any blame, but it's possible that there is a correlation.

Oh there's undoubtedly a correlation. My poiint was that correlation does not imply causation. Free will means you can decide whether or not to act like a pinhead.
 
  • #65
SonyAD said:
Only if you're a 'tard.

Sony, leroy may be a pain in the butt when he gets an idea in his head, and no one tends to disagree with him more than I (believe you me, he & I have had this exact same discussion about driving on the fast lane), but even I cannot deny that he stays pretty rational in his arguments and on-point (that does not mean he is always right, but it does mean he plays by the rules).

I've looked, but I have yet to find an ad hominem he has made againts in despite all your name-calling. Heck, I don't even think he's complained about your treatment of him.

You can't just degenerate to calling someone a troll or other forms of ad hominem. This is deplorable behaviour. PF just does not roll this way.

leroy wins if for no other reason than his opponent defaults.

Thread reported.
 
Last edited:
  • #66
Locked pending moderation.
 

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