I put other - If I am passing a horse and buggy or a tractor, and I am going into an opposing lane (two lane hwy, passing allowed), I would probably not slow down.

If I am going into another lane going the same way (4 lane hwy, passing allowed) it's a bad idea to slow down as you go into the fast lane.

If there is not enough room to pass, then I slow down and possibly lane share (2 lane hwy, passing not allowed - passing cyclist or pedestrian on shoulder, etc), so as not to buzz someone while going at 100 km/h (we're talking rural conditions here).

If there is not enough room to pass/lane share I slow down, stay behind cyclist/tractor/pedestrian/horse and buggy/just horse, until an opportunity to pass presents itself <pray no semi comes from behind at 100km/h>
I agree with your comments 100%. Note that your comment about actions on a 4 lane hwy, passing allowed scenario "it's a bad idea to slow down as you go into the fast lane" are not concurred with by the OP and one or two other alleged courteous/defensive drivers of BF fame.

Here is a photo:

Would you really expect motorists to slow down for people riding on the freeway in the bike lane (and not in the no-parking zone like this guy)?
Of course not for this scenario. Why would you want them to?

I agree with your comments 100%. Note that your comment about actions on a 4 lane hwy, passing allowed scenario "it's a bad idea to slow down as you go into the fast lane" are not concurred with by the OP and one or two other alleged courteous/defensive drivers of BF fame. For the record, I, the OP, believe it is a bad idea to slow down as you go into the fast lane to pass slower traffic in the right lane. Any slowing down, if appropriate, should be done in the lane prior to initiating your merge left.

However, if a hypothetical driver is driving, say, 100 mph in the fast lane on I-5 in CA's central valley between platoons of 75 mph cars, and is approaching a car up ahead in the right lane going 65, I would recommend slowing down some before reaching that vehicle to lessen the speed differential as he approaches from behind, accelerating as soon as it is safe - usually when he starts passing him.

I also don't speed ever so slowing to respectful levels is less often needed.


I had heard about this mythical person that never speeds, ever. Should I alert the media and/or contact the Guinness Book of World Records?

Like most rational people, I slow sometimes, and sometimes I don't slow. I'll drop into the opposing lane to give a rider (bum on a DUI bike, roadie peacock, bentasaurus uberfredlias, dirtbag mountainbiker, etc.) plenty of room.

If it's a car I typically won't slow unless they qualify as a possible threat due to their behavior, unless my closing rate/speed is very high. Then I'll slow down so as not to scare them as I come around. If people aren't watching their mirrors they can freak, and jerk the steering wheel if you surprise them by passing at high speed.

I go against the grain of those in a rush. Rarely do I use lane three on the freeways. No me. My wife says i am slow traffic. Unless, I am late for work.

However, if a hypothetical driver is driving, say, 100 mph in the fast lane on I-5 in CA's central valley between platoons of 75 mph cars, and is approaching a car up ahead in the right lane going 65, I would recommend slowing down some before reaching that vehicle to lessen the speed differential as he approaches from behind, accelerating as soon as it is safe - usually when he starts passing him.

In your hypothetical, that 65 mph car would most likely be blocking the left lane. This is California after all.

I've been your hypothetical driver and there's no reason to slow as you pass a car in the right lane, unless they're weaving.

In your hypothetical, that 65 mph car would most likely be blocking the left lane. This is California after all. I specified he was in the right lane. Whether such a driver is more or less likely to be in the left lane is irrelevant.

Besides, flashing your lights (during the day) or brights (at night), is fairly effective at getting them to change to the right lane anyway. And if they don't, pass on the right. Same reasons to slow down apply.

I've been your hypothetical driver and there's no reason to slow as you pass a car in the right lane, unless they're weaving. There are a myriad of reasons to slow down.


To start, it's a good habit to get into, forcing you to pay particular attention as you pass.
If either one of you blows a tire or has some other reason to swerve, the lower the speed differential, the better.
Your speed is easier to judge accurately relative to other same direction traffic. The lower your speed differential as you approach and pass, the less likely you are to appear to be speeding (say to a CHP on an overpass, coming down an offramp, approaching the otherway, scouting from an airplane, etc.).


Those are just off the top of my head.

I specified he was in the right lane. Whether such a driver is more or less likely to be in the left lane is irrelevant.

It was a joke Captain Serious.

Besides, flashing your lights (during the day) or brights (at night), is fairly effective at getting them to change to the right lane anyway.

In my experience that only works about 25% of the time.

And if they don't, pass on the right. Same reasons to slow down apply.

I slow a bit when passing on the right and don't slow when passing on the left, unless they're being squirrelly.

To start, it's a good habit to get into, forcing you to pay particular attention as you pass.

You should already be paying particular attention. You're driving 100 mph after all.

If either one of you blows a tire or has some other reason to swerve, the lower the speed differential, the better.

And if a meteor drops into your lane...sorry. That's Chicken Little material. If drivers were constantly concerned with blowing tires every time they passed another vehicle everyone would be passing a 15 mph.

Your speed is easier to judge accurately relative to other same direction traffic. The lower your speed differential as you approach and pass, the less likely you are to appear to be speeding (say to a CHP on an overpass, coming down an offramp, approaching the otherway, scouting from an airplane, etc.).

You're driving 100 mph. You should be hyper-aware of CHP threats from pacing off of offramps, etc. Planes pace so merely passing someone isn't going to make you stick out any more than slowing, and then speeding right back up (your hypothetical above).

That's also why it's prudent to run a Valentine One and a scanner.

I prefer Old Ruffian Barley Wine

never, ever

I'd like to see the state law that says if you're passing someone on the freeway, and you are going 100 and the guy you are passing is going 65, that it's suggested you slow down, out of courtesy, of course.

I'd also like to see the state law that syas if you are passing a bicyclist you should slow down.

Always. I always make sure that the relative speed difference never exceeds my reaction time. If who/whatever I'm passing might jump out in front of me, I will have time to brake and not kill someone or their dog.
Think about it, when's the last time you passed a loose dog walking down the shoulder of the road without touching the brakes? Anyone with a constructive potential within society slows down and gives a wide berth, just in case. Why should people deserve less respect than a stray dog?

Anyone with a constructive potential within society slows down and gives a wide berth, just in case. Why should people deserve less respect than a stray dog?

I have safely passed a handful of cyclists on two lane roads(highways) when there was a 100+ mph speed differential. It depends upon the road, traffic loads and the vehicle IMO.

If you assume that any cyclist is going to jump out in front of you then you need to give them a very wide berth.

I believe safe passing warrants a vehicle on two lane roads speeding up to passing speed before reaching the tail end of the vehicle being passed.

this allows the passer to spend the least amount of time in the opposite lane passing the vehicle, and not spending any time alongside the vehicle attempting to bring the car up to passing speed.

For safety on two lane, rural roads with limited passing zones and broken double yellows, accelerate to passing speed BEFORE reaching the end of the vehicle being passed, merge to ascertain true clearance, and pass cleanly and swiftly, allowing yourself to throttle back after passing the vehicle, and settling back into the travel lane.

In some driving situations, I would definetly NOT slow down before passing a vehicle.
Accelerate BEFORE attempting a pass on roads with limited passing zones on two lane highways.


This whole thread is just bunk science anyway. is it about passing bicyclists, tractor trailer trucks, horse and buggies, or gorillas on the basketball court? (one of mr. head's pet scenarios)