Reason #1000 not to tailgate...

[Matthiasa]

Ah and that's further back then nearly everyone I have every seen drive be behind someone.

 

[AmdEmAll]

I fail to see any tailgating going on in that video. We have to drive closer than that on a daily basis here in Detroit due to the shear amount of vehicles on the road.

 

[Ichinisan]

I fail to see any tailgating going on in that video. We have to drive closer than that on a daily basis here in Detroit due to the shear amount of vehicles on the road.

Distance between vehicles isn't the only factor that determines whether-or-not this is "tailgating."

Speed is a BIG one.

 

[Matthiasa]

And where your from... people will do 70-80 with not even a car length between them here...

 

[Pardus]

working link

 

[Aikouka]

Hmm since some people doubt it, maybe Mythbusters will do it. Could be fun and startling at the same time!

It's a pinch type of action, and can yield velocities of several times the tire's speed. Working in construction, I've seen rocks shoot out from under a backhoe or loader tire with potentially deadly velocity.

Isn't it also similar to the same way that tennis and baseball pitch machines work? I don't recall seeing the wheels on them spin very fast (relatively), but they can eject the ball at decent speeds.

 

[alkemyst]

I seriously cannot believe there are people in this thread that are in denial of that video.

fucking a, the world is doomed.

 

[skyking]

Hmm since some people doubt it, maybe Mythbusters will do it. Could be fun and startling at the same time!



Isn't it also similar to the same way that tennis and baseball pitch machines work? I don't recall seeing the wheels on them spin very fast (relatively), but they can eject the ball at decent speeds.

somewhat. More like when you snap a beer cap.
Loaders and backhoes roll along at 5~10 MPH max on a jobsite, but I've seen rocks shoot out from the edge of the tire and 70+MPH. They get pinched just right.
We keep the area cleaned up for this reason. Imagine you are down in ditch that puts your head closer to ground level. Guys have been seriously injured.

 

[Fingolfin269]

Wow

 

[PricklyPete]

I really wanted to get over to the Naples area too see the other side, but did not have time. Does that side of the state have a different reputation among locals than Lauderdale/Miami?

Generally speaking, the West Coast is more "laid back"...well until you get to Tampa...the people there are crazy. I prefer south east Florida as it is a bit more young and vibrant for our age group (~30)

 

[killster1]

what does this have to do with tailgating? i really wonder.. How far are you suppose to be behind someone? you put to much distance you will get people passing on the right all crazy and then you really wont have any distance. I usually have one foot over the break pedal when i am close.

 

[alkemyst]

what does this have to do with tailgating? i really wonder.. How far are you suppose to be behind someone? you put to much distance you will get people passing on the right all crazy and then you really wont have any distance. I usually have one foot over the break pedal when i am close.

It's brake.

So you tailgate so people can't pass?

 

[DrunkenSano]

In a highway that usually has a good amount of volume, tailgating is unavoidable. Because the more distance you put between yourself and another car, the more cars will cut-in in front of you, making you tailgate again. If you try to avoid tailgating completely, you'll be driving extremely slow while causing a traffic jam.

 

[akshatp]

Video not available due to copyright? Any other links?

 

[Vette73]

Video not available due to copyright? Any other links?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOhgMAOrp0c&feature=player_embedded

 

[AmdEmAll]

Distance between vehicles isn't the only factor that determines whether-or-not this is "tailgating."

Speed is a BIG one.

yeah we do 70-80 in the D with 1 or less car length between us

This usually works fine except there is always one moron that sees a lawn mower or a broken car on the side of the road and thinks its a cop or just has to stare at it and slams on the brakes causing nearly a massive pile up. This happens almost everyday.

 

[aldamon]

It's real.

Oooooor, someone is really hoaxing the mainstream media.

Autoblog story:
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/05/video-driver-of-shocking-road-debris-accident-interviewed-by-nb/

Link to the Today Show spot:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36740125...28514#42434779

....she aint a screamer....

Thank you. We finally have an explanation for the video.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

If the guy with the trailer hadn't been holding up traffic in the passing lane and was in the right lane where he friggin belonged then this would probably not have happened.



Legally not his fault, ethically I blame him 100%.

 

[Lean L]

While I don't believe tailgating is the best thing to do, there are some here who exaggerate it. In highway scenarios, it might actually be helpful to be closer to the car in front if it's an unavoidable accident. By being closer, the difference in speed between the cars will be lower compared to running into a stopped car or a drastically slower car. Avoidable vs unavoidable is a discussion for another day.

 

[cronos]

By being closer, the difference in speed between the cars will be lower compared to running into a stopped car or a drastically slower car.

Do you care to explain?

If you are doing it right, the speed difference between you and the car you're following is zero, regardless of the distance. The distance itself, in this case, will be the sole determining factor for reaction time (assuming the driver is not distracted and 100% paying attention, of course).

If you keep finding that there is a speed difference between you and the car you're following, then you may need to learn to drive some more

 

[bdude]

I always try to keep a min of 5 sec reaction time at highway speeds exactly for this reason. Always assume everyone else on the road is drunk, retarded, and stupid.

 

[Lean L]

Do you care to explain?

If you are doing it right, the speed difference between you and the car you're following is zero, regardless of the distance. The distance itself, in this case, will be the sole determining factor for reaction time (assuming the driver is not distracted and 100% paying attention, of course).

If you keep finding that there is a speed difference between you and the car you're following, then you may need to learn to drive some more

I said in an unavoidable accident. Ie even if you get into an accident due to the driver in front (slams brakes or sudden slow down) you hit them with minimal speed differences because you hit them before they even slow down too much. Now let's say the driver in front slams their brakes unexpectedly and you are in the 3 second follow distance and relaxing because you think you're safe. You hit them at a much higher rate since they slammed the brakes.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

If the guy with the trailer hadn't been holding up traffic in the passing lane and was in the right lane where he friggin belonged then this would probably not have happened.



Legally not his fault, ethically I blame him 100%.

She needs to have more respect for people pulling trailers and for 18 wheelers. Driving those things is a PITA and can result in difficulty changing lanes. Hoenstly, it is ashame she did not get killed. I went there. Joe Rossi?