Speed of Traffic
One of the most interesting things that I note about the drivers in New England is that the speed at which they go is irrespective of the Speed Limit. There are many drivers who always go 70 mph on the highway. In the 65 mph zone. When it drops to 55 mph. Even through the 45 mph construction zone. Still the same speed.
On other roads the speed limit is just a suggestion. I was driving down Ruote 128/I-95 the other day in the second to right lane (out of four) and had to quickly merge right to avoid being obliterated. I think I was only traveling 65 mph in the 55 mph zone….I was by far the slowest person going down that road at 12:30pm.
All of this is in contrast to Kentucky where the opposite problem tends to occur. The last time I was there I was trying to drive close to the speed limit which required me to get in the far left passing lane. Everyone else on the highway insisted on driving a good bit under this suggested speed.
Not that any of this is surprising since there is much less of an emphasis on Highway Patrol in New England. Before leaving Kentucky I was on track with about one moving violation per year, invluding the last one which was 10-15 mph over the limit, on a deserted road, in the middle of the night. (Heading down Poplar Level, from 264 to Eastern, right after the speed limit drops to 30 for anyone that knows the area.) I have received no violations during 4 years in New Hampshire even though I drive quite a bit more. I passed two officers this morning who were looking for speeders, though my 40 mph in a 30 zone did not concern them. I don’t think I that much a better driver, so what gives?