Idiots and Physics
I don't mind driving in the snow. It's actually kind of fun in that white knuckle, ass clenching, please dear God let me get through this kind of way. What does get me riled are the idiots out there who do not understand basic grade school physics when driving in this kind of weather.
Today, I came home early because I was the only member of my team to actually make it to work today. On the way home, I came upon some IQ challenged lady who felt the safest thing to do when driving in inclement weather is to go 5 miles per hour. I felt a sudden urge to stop my car, walk up to her window, and explain to her the intricacies of how her "driving safe" was actually more hazardous than if she was speeding. My rant has to begin with the concept of momentum. By traveling 5 mph, she has essentially no momentum. Even worse, when she hits those inevitable spots of low traction, her forward velocity is so small that there is a good chance she won't pass the low traction area to reach a spot of higher traction ... like what I witnessed in the middle of her left turn across a VERY busy road. Add to this debacle the fact people behind her are now required to brake far more than they would likely expect, I guarantee she caused an accident somewhere in her travels today. My only hope is she is actually involved and not some poor schmoe who actually understands how traveling 5 mph is not the best way to control a ton of metal.
I have no problem with cautious driving, particularly in inclement weather like today. I do however have a problem with those whose caution is so extreme as to create a road hazard for others. So when driving today, please be aware that caution is a good thing, too much caution will send you straight to a lecture by me on the fundamentals of physics and how they affect a ton of metal on a slippery road.
Today, I came home early because I was the only member of my team to actually make it to work today. On the way home, I came upon some IQ challenged lady who felt the safest thing to do when driving in inclement weather is to go 5 miles per hour. I felt a sudden urge to stop my car, walk up to her window, and explain to her the intricacies of how her "driving safe" was actually more hazardous than if she was speeding. My rant has to begin with the concept of momentum. By traveling 5 mph, she has essentially no momentum. Even worse, when she hits those inevitable spots of low traction, her forward velocity is so small that there is a good chance she won't pass the low traction area to reach a spot of higher traction ... like what I witnessed in the middle of her left turn across a VERY busy road. Add to this debacle the fact people behind her are now required to brake far more than they would likely expect, I guarantee she caused an accident somewhere in her travels today. My only hope is she is actually involved and not some poor schmoe who actually understands how traveling 5 mph is not the best way to control a ton of metal.
I have no problem with cautious driving, particularly in inclement weather like today. I do however have a problem with those whose caution is so extreme as to create a road hazard for others. So when driving today, please be aware that caution is a good thing, too much caution will send you straight to a lecture by me on the fundamentals of physics and how they affect a ton of metal on a slippery road.
posted by Eddie at 14:58
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