John,
Actually, when I drive close to 80 mph on the freeways, I'm doing about 15 mph over the speed limit here in Indiana. Trucks here (semi's) typically run 65 -70 mph - about 10 over the speed limit. In Michigan most of the freeways are 70 mph. Car's run 75-80 mph routinely, trucks run 65-70 and faster. That is reality. If my M51 is doing 50 mph (about top speed), then the cars are running almost 30 mph faster and the semis are running 15 mph faster.
This is why I don't run my M51 on the freeway and the military convoys run with flashing amber lights on the front and rear vehicles.
Dave
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
John Souza wrote:
> Actually you are only 5 to 10 mph under a speed limit. Please keep in mind that all trucks (not pickups) and all autos (including pickups) towing trailers have MAXIMUM speed of 55 mph. So that means that they could travel at 50, but not over 55 mph. If they are traveling faster than 55 mph. then they are in violation. The problem comes in where motorists aren't capable of judging distance and speed right up on your rear bumper before they realize that they are traveling faster than you and then they want to suddenly pull to the left and pass....Most of the time not even using the nice turn signals that their new auto came equiped with from the factory.
>
> John Souza (from California)
> MVPA #2697
>
> >>> cdavis <cdavis@webworldinc.com> 09/06/01 10:05 AM >>>
> Ok, this thread is pertinent to my situation and I'm open to suggestions.
>
> I recently got my WWII era WC53 Dodge Carryall on the road and getting it
> to and from events presents a problem.
>
> It's slow, 45, maybe 50 MPH top end. To get anywhere in Southern
> California you're going to be running on freeway. Traffic moves at 70+ MPH
> there, a 20 to 25 MPH speed disparity. I watch them come barrelling up on
> me, realizing at the last second I'm not moving at their
> speed. Repeatedly, I watch the nose of these approaching vehicles drop as
> they jump on the brakes. To make matters worse, they often force their way
> over into the next lane, having already reduced speed, and cause a chain
> reaction of panic braking and swerving.
>
> It's like playing Russian Roulette, and one of these days the chamber isn't
> going to be empty.
>
> So, do I accept the fact that technology has outpaced these old trucks and
> stay away from the freeways? I'm not going to be able to purchase a tow
> vehicle and triler capable of moving 5,750 lbs of Dodge any time soon.
>
> Or is there some way I can temporarily light or flag my vehicle so folks
> notice it before they have to test their anti-lock brakes? I was thinking
> magnetic based amber beacon, but now I don't know. I guess item #3: 4 way
> flashers, but I'm still worried they won't be seen.
>
> Any other ideas?
>
> Chris Davis
> MVPA# 20000
> Lake Forest, CA
> '42 WC53 Carryall
>
> ><snip>...
> > It may be fun rationalize that we are slow
> >moving vehicles with poor rear lighting and, and to drive around with the
> >amber beacon rotating , but it confuses civilian drivers, and could add more
> >danger than it averts.
> >
> >Bear in mind that even mounting a light/siren on a vehicle in many cases is
> >illegal: The blue light does not have to be illuminated for you to be
> >charged with criminal impersonation, it just need to me mounted on the
> >vehicle.
> >
> >Some suggested guidelines:
> >
> >1- Check your States motor vehicle laws and other applicable statutes (i.e.
> >impersonation of Police officer...) before mounting lights.
> >
> >2- If it is legal to mount a light (probably an amber one), check to see
> >when you can legally operate it. (i.e. only if you are moving; stopped at an
> >accident; moving less than 10 MPH....)
> >
> >3- If you are worried about being rear ended in you MV, instead of the
> >revolving light, hook up and use
> >4 way flashers (Permanent or magnetic) (Though using them while moving on a
> >vehicle under a certain weight is illegal in some states like NH )
> >
> >4- Make canvas covers for the lights for when you are operating on public
> >ways.
> >
> >5-If you have a MP Jeep/ M43 ambulance, make blank magnetic strips to
> >obliverate the word Police/ Ambulance on the vehicle while you are
> >opperating in public.
> >
> >6- If you mount a siren on the vehicle, do not hook it up. We are not
> >emergency vehicles, we do not have the right/need to clear traffic...
> >
> >7 If you do hook it up, DO NOT use your siren in a parade: It is becoming
> >the standard for emegency service to use the siren as a signal to clear the
> >parade route for a REAL emergency..
> >
> >I know that these views will generate some hatred and flames, but think
> >about it; does the hobby need a bad reputation based on the illegal actions
> >of a few putzes?
> >
> >Respectfully submitted,
> >Hank
> >(Waiting for Ron with his counter view<G>)
> >Stay tuned; tommorows topic: Fake or real guns on HMVs: What are you
> >thinking?
> >
> >
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>
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>
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This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Mon Oct 08 2001 - 10:58:56 PDT