Bad Ski Commutes

[polski]

I always dread the drive back from Sunday River or Sugar Loaf. A long drive on back road, tolls and then driving through or around Boston.

Yeah, not sure what's worse, long two-lane roads like NH Rte 16 (from Wildcat et al) or dealing with yahoos on the interstates. I know that in clear non-weekend conditions, all other things being equal I'd rather drive somewhat farther on interstates than have to deal with things like Rte 16.

2) drivers feel invincible in their SUVs - 4 WD seems to denote the magical ability to maintain surface traction under any conditions,

A long time ago, before I had 4WD myself, a buddy who had it offered this sage advice: "It's four-wheel drive. It ain't God." I suspect a lot of 4WD owners don't understand this.

 

[MRGisevil]

Yeah, not sure what's worse, long two-lane roads like NH Rte 16 (from Wildcat et al) or dealing with yahoos on the interstates. I know that in clear non-weekend conditions, all other things being equal I'd rather drive somewhat farther on interstates than have to deal with things like Rte 16.


A long time ago, before I had 4WD myself, a buddy who had it offered this sage advice: "It's four-wheel drive. It ain't God." I suspect a lot of 4WD owners don't understand this.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN?! OF COURSE IT'S GOD! In fact I ritualistically make sacrifices in the form of small animals caught in my basement to my four wheel drive for the sheer purpose of appeasing this holiest of holies, lest it spite me and send me careening into a muddy ditch.

*cough*

Srsly, many of you are right- about 4WDers and their false sense of security, that is. I, for one, live in the soccer mom sanctuary of the northeast. They fly around town in their Lexus RX-whatevers going 45 in school zones to get from practice a to practice q, with a cellphone in one hand and a Rachel Rae book in the other while eating a lean cuisine, yelling at their kid in the back seat (who's drawing hearts on the rear windshield with the $24 lipstick she took from mommy's purse), all the while balancing their check book and screaming at the "jerk face" on the motorcycle for making an improper left hand turn over the close call she so narowly avoided (which wouldn't have been improper or a close call had she actually been 1.) paying attention to the road, and 2.) obeying the speed limit at the time and not going 30 miles over while doing all of the aforementioned things).

 

[billski]

WHAT DO YOU MEAN?! OF COURSE IT'S GOD! In fact I ritualistically make sacrifices in the form of small animals caught in my basement to my four wheel drive for the sheer purpose of appeasing this holiest of holies, lest it spite me and send me careening into a muddy ditch.

*cough*

Srsly, many of you are right- about 4WDers and their false sense of security, that is. I, for one, live in the soccer mom sanctuary of the northeast. They fly around town in their Lexus RX-whatevers going 45 in school zones to get from practice a to practice q, with a cellphone in one hand and a Rachel Rae book in the other while eating a lean cuisine, yelling at their kid in the back seat (who's drawing hearts on the rear windshield with the $24 lipstick she took from mommy's purse), all the while balancing their check book and screaming at the "jerk face" on the motorcycle for making an improper left hand turn over the close call she so narowly avoided (which wouldn't have been improper or a close call had she actually been 1.) paying attention to the road, and 2.) obeying the speed limit at the time and not going 30 miles over while doing all of the aforementioned things).

There's a country song about small women in huge trucks being the most lethal combination. I would argue that young, immortal youth are right up there too.

 

[riverc0il]

I-93 from Franconia notch to Boston (offenders are mostly MA plates).

I have a completely difference perspective as a former MA (and current NH) resident that did the I-93 commute to Cannon regularly. Offenders of excessive speeds and horrible driving are more often than not NH drivers from my experiences. Live Free or Die.... I guess. Though early morning Saturdays heading north the speeders are indeed generally MA plates. You just notice it more because you are in the corridor at the right time. The roll overs though are more often than not MA SUVs.

I slowed down since leaving MA and rarely drive more than 65 and I definitely top out at 70. Often I leave the speed at 60 though. The gas savings is substantial (getting upwards of 35 MPG on recent ski trips) and the risk of a ticket isn't worth while. Just leave 15 minutes earlier and the extra 5 MPH is made up and you save $5-8 bucks.

 

[riverc0il]

People tend to get a herd mentality when driving, regardless of road conditions. All it takes is one yahoo to zip past at 80mph and a whole bunch more will follow. Resist the temptation and let 'em pass.

This is a fantastic observation I often reflect on when I visit MA. As I approach the MA boarder, specifically when I-93 closes down to two lanes, I drive faster and closer to other cars because of that "herd mentality." It is completely unconscious.... until you bring it to the level of consciousness and can acknowledge it and make some decisions. I hit MA where it opens up to three lanes and my speedometer never dips below 70 MPH unless forced down whereas I rarely ever get up to 70 around here unless it is by accident.

 

[loafer89]

Driving here in connecticut has been an interesting experience since we moved here a year ago. Stop signs seems to mean roll through slowly, the speed limit, especially on interstate highways is some sort of vague, fuzzy guideline, and hardly anyone uses signals.

I used to drive near the speed limit, but now when I was back in New York state I felt like everyone was standing still on the thruway going 65mph.

I find that driving in Maine is the most pleasant with respectfull drivers.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Lemmings was a cool video game back in the day....

Hell Yeah..I had that for Atari 2600...I really hate the NY Thruway South between the toll booths in Woodbury and 287 in Mahwah NJ...lots of agressive NY city drivers who are on your ass like a hemmeroid..I'm like Greg..I try not to let other drivers faze me because most drivers are pretty bad and most people in general have major ADD and have trouble focusing and are easily distracted..