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Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!floyd!whuxlb!pyuxll!eisx!npoiv!npois!hogpc!houxm!ihnp4!ihuxn!res
From: res@ihuxn.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.flame
Subject: re: Small Cars-flame force 10
Message-ID: <286@ihuxn.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 12-Jul-83 12:20:04 EDT
Article-I.D.: s I have been reading the postings in this spirited discussion,
Posted: Tue Jul 12 12:20:04 1983
Date-Received: Wed, 13-Jul-83 19:42:14 EDT
References: <456@ihuxp.UUCP>
Organization: BTL Naperville, Il.
Lines: 79

As I have been reading the postings in this spirited discussion, I have
noted the large number of generalizations used.  I do not believe ALL
large car drivers are paragons of virtue, nor do I believe that ALL
small car drivers are capable of winning the Grand Prix.  However,
having just completed a weekend trip of over a thousand miles spanning
three states and a Canadian Province (from the Chicago area to Ontario
and back), I have a few generalizations of my own to share.  By the
way, my car is neither very large nor very small ... it is a Pontiac
Phoenix Hatchback of which I am quite fond.

Observation 1:  Drivers of very small cars are aware of the agility of
their cars, and stake their lives frequently on their ability to push
their cars to the design limits and beyond.  The result is a lot of
scrap metal and spare parts (used) when such a driver discovers that a
limit of either the car or of the driver has been exceeded.  Another
result is a lot of profanity from other drivers as the small car cuts
in and out of traffic, cutting in very close to other drivers in a very
careless way ... apparently secure in the knowledge that they can
drive out of the unsafe situation they have created and not giving a
damn about the fact that they have exposed other drivers to risks that
they did not want to be exposed to.  During this recent trip, I had
several small cars cut in front of me with clearances as small as about
two feet ... at speeds of 65 to 70 mph.  Were I not so fond of my
little Phoenix, my wife, and my own life, I would be tempted to rap the
next SOB who tries that stunt on the back bumper and see if he can
instantaneously solve the resulting problem in physics.

Observation 2:  Drivers of very large cars seem to be either very old
ladies who think that driving 30mph on the Interstate in the left lane
is just fine, or macho business men (hard driving sales manager types)
who seem to think that by buying an expensive car they have also bought
a sizable chunk of the road as well.  In heavy traffic a while back, I
had the experience of being passed on the right at 60mph by a big white
Cadillac with a heavyset fellow at the wheel with a cigar belching
smoke ... and I was in the right hand lane (that's right, he passed me
on the right hand shoulder because traffic was heavy and only doing
5mph over the limit!).  The only times I have encountered roadhogs
(holding their speed while straddling the lane marker) they have been
driving Caddies or Continentals or somesuch cars.  

So, while I do not believe completely in generalities, I have found
that drivers of very small, nimble cars tend to drive in ways that put
themselves and other drivers in danger, secure (apparently) in the
knowledge that they can drive their way out of the situation they have
set up (and if the other guy/gal cannot, tough).  More than once such a
driver has caused me to hope that I would soon pass a Datsun-laminated
bridge abutment.  On the other hand, acquisition of a very large,
expensive status symbol seems to lead to driving in a way that implies
that a large part of the road is now owned as well, and if I happen to
be situated on that particular piece (as I seem to often be), then that
driver has the right to do whatever he pleases (regardless of the
bounds of common courtesy and civilized behavior) to force me off of
his turf.

Lest this tirade imply that I am a little old man from Buffalo who
seldom gets more than 1000 miles on the car in a year, I hasten to add
the following comments.  Most of my milage is from travel back and
forth to work on roads posted at 55mph (though many people seem to
think that they are posted at 40mph).  I do accumulate a number of
miles on the Interstate system, running with the crowd at 60-65mph with
occasional (usually unintentional) excursions to 70 or so.  In Canada
on my recent trip I found it necessary to hold a speed of 110-120 km/h
in areas posted at 100.  I am confident of my ability to handle my car
at the speeds noted above, but I find myself uncomfortable at the upper
end of the range and prefer to stay between 60 and 65mph.  I have not
had any major accidents, but have had some close calls at a number of
speeds, ranging from Interstate highway speeds to parking lot speeds
(which some drivers seem unable to distinguish from Interstate
highways!).

Lastly, a bit of advice for all drivers on the net.  Assume that the
drivers around you are drunken nerds lacking the intelligence to buckle
their seatbelts and capable of any stupid stunt in the book.  It is
surprizing how often the driver next to you fits this description!  As
a result, you will be ready for whatever stupid stunt the turkey tries
and this may save your tail ... it has mine often.

					Rich Strebendt
					...!ihnp4!ihuxn!res