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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


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