shellbelle: blog 
shellbelle's blog
morning tail
Published Jul. 24, 2008
I drive into downtown Raleigh everyday for work, so I’m used to a lot of traffic and see some strange driving tactics from time-to-time, but this one I really don’t ‘get’….
Can someone puhhleeeze explain to me what the OBSESSION is all about for some drivers….
The true NEED to tailgate.
Now, let me say – I’m one that will drive with the traffic – meaning, if the traffic is slow, I slow down. If the traffic is moving above posted speed, I speed up and stay right with the flow… but I always leave 2-3 car lengths in front of me – just in case. In the mornings, people are usually wanting to get somewhere quickly, and drive above posted speed – and so will I, as long as it’s not more than 5-8 mph above posted speed (not risking speeding tickets). If traffic is moving faster, I make sure I’m in the RIGHT hand lane when there are 2 or more lanes – others can blow past me if they want.
What gets my goat is the person that feels the need to ride my bumper when traffic is flowing well. What is going though this person’s mind? Why do they have to be so close? Do they feel that if they ride my ‘bootee’ that it will make me go faster? Or are they just control freaks that need to bring me into their world?
I’m a cautious and respectful driver – so I feel responsible for looking out for how I’m driving, my surroundings and what I do. Signals are used, I don’t cut people off. So, with the tailgaters, you have now made me feel responsible for you too. What if I have to hit the brakes… I don’t want you running into the back of me – even though it wouldn’t be my fault – you have now moved from being ANNOYING to being INCONSIDERATE too.
What’s up with this?
How do you handle this annoying and dangerous problem?
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July 24, 2008 5:22 p.m.
July 24, 2008 5:21 p.m.
GOLO member since May 15, 2008
July 24, 2008 11:32 a.m.
GOLO member since April 24, 2008
July 24, 2008 10:55 a.m.
That about nails it on the head.
Be safe out there, but keep it moving :)
GOLO member since August 20, 2007
July 24, 2008 10:51 a.m.
GOLO member since August 13, 2007
July 24, 2008 10:41 a.m.
GOLO member since June 10, 2008
July 24, 2008 10:40 a.m.
GOLO member since May 1, 2008
July 24, 2008 10:40 a.m.
Cause they never learned to drive right in the first place.
When I moved to Atlanta a little over 25 years ago, I was use to far more traffic than Raleigh has, even today, but what I was not use to was folks driving 70 mph (on the beltline or I-40) SIX INCHES from the bumper of the car in front of them. One sneeze, and everyone's in a pile.
Are drivers crazy here???
I gave up a good job at RTP because of it, and have never looked back. I've turned down other good jobs at RTP for the same reason.
God bless.
Rev. RB
GOLO member since July 2, 2007
July 24, 2008 10:36 a.m.
GOLO member since May 1, 2008
July 24, 2008 10:26 a.m.
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