Date:         Sat, 28 Aug 1999 07:15:36 -0500
Reply-To:     Chuck Hill <hilltech@NETINS.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chuck Hill <hilltech@NETINS.NET>
Subject:      TAILGATERS AROUND THE WORLD
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Ah yes, tailgaters.  It's a relative term, relative, depending partly on
traffic density.  A year ago, I took the family to Europe for a
vacation, and did a trade deal for the use of a VW van.  It was an old
(70) popup 1600 engined camper, -not too fast, you understand, and there
were four of us, adding a bit of weight to it as well.  We started off
in Rotterdam, and within a block, I was bothered by cars being
practically glued to my bumper.  This continued everywhere I drove in
the Netherlands, but especially so in the more urban areas.  I noticed
that it wasn't just me who was being followed so closely--it was just
the norm.  With the traffic density, the roads, the cars, and the
manners which the drivers displayed, it was just the way it was.  Nobody
did anything sudden, everyone was courteous, and all in all, it worked
just fine.  For me, from the midwest, the boondocks of Iowa, the first
few days driving were a bit unnerving, but I got used to it.  At first I
thought I was being "pushed" because of my slow vehicle, but after a bit
I realized, I just needed to pay attention to what was in front of me,
and not do anything sudden with regard to speed changes, or lane
changes, to signal properly, etc.  Folks, I'm afraid the US is headed
toward the same level of traffic, and with it the space around us will
decrease.  We went on the Germany, where I was more comfortable with the
driver behind me mostly.  You should realize that on the four lane
roads, we were in the right hand or "truck" lane 99% of the time, and I
found the truck drivers professional and courteous, not "pushing" like
they do so often here in the states.  In fact, only once on the whole
trip, in Belgium, did I have a little encounter with a "cowboy" truck
driver who passed me and cut in on me.  The term "defensive driver" is
clear at that point--I had no offensive moves available.
    Well, anyway, we had a great trip, survived it all, and came back
home to where if you're being tailgated, you really should watch
out--especially if you notice she's doing her hair & lipstick back there
at the same time.

Chuck Hill