> I would agree with this also. It would be safer for me to keep up with
the
> flow of traffic, but I just can't justify it. Just because 99% of the
cars
> are breaking the law via speeding doesn't mean I should have to follow
them
> in breaking the law. If I were involved in an accident I could be found
> liable if it could be proven that I was breaking the law by speeding.
Many
> cars nowadays (not sure if Honda's have these, but GM's do for sure) come
> with information that can be downloaded by police / investigators that
> contain vital statistics such as speed that can be used against you in a
> trial (and there have been many documented cases where that information
has
> been used against the driver in a trial - the famous Trans-Am accident in
> Florida as one example). In the sue happy reality of a nation we live in
> today, I prefer to err on the side of both caution and the law.

Ah yes - the onboard computers. They can either save you or hang you. All
they need now are cameras to monitor the 360 degree space around your car so
it could also look for other reckless drivers that may cause you to be in an
accident, but have the other driver try to pin it on you. I see what you're
saying though, especially with so many lawyers, ambulance chasers and
lawsuits out there.
**Little anecdote - A few weeks ago I was driving home from work in rush
hour traffic. I was only going about 25 mph, but stopped harder for a
traffic light. Heard brakes lock up and a car hit me from behind (she
probably thought I was going to run the light). We pulled into the gas
station on the next corner and got out of our cars - I checked my bumber and
there was only a light scuff mark on there (mixed with the other nicks over
the years). Her car was fine too. This is in Baltimore County, MD and she
was a college student from New Jersey. Physically we were both fine but she
seemed scared out of her wits! Very apologetic, etc... Checked under the
car and opened the trunk to check the sheet metal by the spare tire. I was
going to let it go, but she still offered me her phone numbers in case I
later wanted to file a claim! I was shocked - she gave me her info but I'm
still not filing a claim. There's a time to be nice and a time to be an
a**hole. I chose to be nice.


> I only hope you're not in
> > the *passing* lane!
>
> Only when needed. There have been times where I have caused somewhat of a
> line behind me in the passing lane while I am passing a slower car than
> myself. The point is though I am using the lane for its intended purpose.
> The passing lane is not a lane for those who choose to exceed the speed
> limit and all others are not permitted to pass.

Hey - as long as you're passing someone else then you're using it for one of
it's intended purposes. Another purpose is to create a bigger artery to
alleviate congestion. :-)

Time for some zzzzzzs.....
-Dave