Index of SPPS Budget Discussion http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/spps-posts.html _________________________________________ Where in any post has anyone even suggested that they drive the speed limit in the right lane on 35 to block other drivers? I have only seen reference to driving the speed limit in the right lane to allow access to northbound 35E in DT and driving the speed limit in the left lane. An offshoot of this need to "stake your access lane early" might be to block speeders but it is not the primary goal. It is a pretty big leap from what the posts on this subject to "highway vigilantism."
No matter how anyone tries to put the responsibility of dangerous driving on others it remains the responsibility of the driver. It seems like closer reading of posts might be in order. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mary C. Zanmiller West Seventh Neighborhood Saint Paul, MN USA -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Tim Erickson Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2004 2:32 PM To: St. Paul Issues Forum Subject: Re: [StPaul] Impeding others Index of SPPS Budget Discussion http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/spps-posts.html _________________________________________ >> Re: The practice of driving at the exact speed limit in the >> right lane, to prevent speeders from breaking the law. >> Specifically on 35E in St. Paul. Let me put forward one alternative viewpoint on this topic. I don't know if I'm right on this, but I think that this is an opinion worth considering and I welcome private or public responses. While, I support the existing speed limit on 35E and hope that drivers understand the deep and divisive history behind it, before flaunting it (which I MAY had done myself from time to time). I think that there are also serious concerns about this kind of highway vigilantism, which I MAY also have engaged in from time to time (my pet peeve, drivers who ignore the lane ending signs and speed to the front of the line before merging). While, it might "FEEL GOOD" to block speeders in the right lane, I'm not sure that this is an effective or healthy strategy for dealing with the issue. First of all, there are safety issues. Getting other drivers angry might feel good, but its also dangerous for you and for other innocent drivers on the road. The driver that you "piss off" (for whatever GOOD reason) may very well be the driver that causes an accident several miles down the road as he/she works off his/her anger with unsafe driving practices. This kind of driving has and can lead immature and rude drivers to take unnecessary risks to get past you. They might try passing on the left or even using the shoulder to get by, while these options are both/either unsafe or illegal, it will make little difference after a devastating car crash. Finally, I doubt that any real good is accomplished by this kind of behavior. Does anyone really believe that blocking traffic is going to result in anything other than a momentary change in driving behavior. While, the "bad karma" that this kind of "vigilantism" will cause, is likely to linger and carry over for hours or longer as the angry motorist goes about his/her day. How many innocent victim will suffer later in the day, because one of us choose to irritate an unreasonable motorist? I think that modeling good driving behavior and engaging in public awareness campaigns, or encouraging a higher level of enforcement are more likely to have a lasting impact and less likely to contribute towards the collective high blood pressure that plagues our society. Just my opinion - subject to change on a whim or as the result of a more reasonably presented argument. Best wishes, Tim Erickson Hamline Midway [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- ================================================= Tim Erickson http://www.politalk.com St. Paul, MN - USA 651-643-0722 [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 105978430 ================================================= _____________________________________________ SPPS Budget Reduction Forum - Feb. 23-27 Co-Sponsored By NEAT: http://www.stpaulneat.org/ _____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/ _____________________________________________ SPPS Budget Reduction Forum - Feb. 23-27 Co-Sponsored By NEAT: http://www.stpaulneat.org/ _____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
