Community Forums

Medicus · 07-29-2022, 02:59 PM

Just got back from Yellowstone NP, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington State, etc. and couldn't help but notice that folks just had to pass me no matter the speed I was traveling. I could do the speed limit (or just a hair over) and drivers (almost exclusively of cars) felt they needed to pass me, whether it be a two-lane country road, the crest of a hill, or on a winding road up a mountain. In most instances I was not traveling more than 5 miles below the speed limit.

It raised the question for me: Why do they feel the need to pass me? Is it the fact that I'm pulling a 30+' travel trailer and they can't see around me well?

Any thoughts or shared experiences?

twinboat · 07-29-2022, 03:03 PM

They pass for forward visibility .

Driving behind an RV or truck limits your view of the road ahead.

Old-Biscuit · 07-29-2022, 03:03 PM

I do not like being behind ANY large vehicle.....they block distance viewing

I like seeing/knowing what is happening up ahead.

So I pass large trucks, RVs, folks towing etc

And when I am towing my 34' 5th wheel with my long truck I understand and try to allow for passing me

Ray,IN · 07-29-2022, 03:19 PM

Me 3X. The issue is the needed extra following distance when you cannot see around the vehicle you are following.
Most of us cheat on following distance because we can see the brake lights of the 2nd car in front of us, then when following and not having that advantage we become uneasy and pass.
Many times when I'm following a large vehicle I cannot see around or through their glass people pass me for the same reason and reduce my following distance, dictating I slow to regain adequate following distance.
If a follower cannot see the drivers mirrors they cannot see you behind them, which has caused many fatal crashes from tailgating.

Drive Defensively has a renewed importance today. I don't care if I'm late as long as I arrive.

Marine359 · 07-29-2022, 03:28 PM

It’s not just visibility. I feel like most people in cars drive 5-10 mph over the speed limit. So, if you’re going the speed limit, car drivers feel like you’re impeding traffic.

johninsd · 07-29-2022, 03:30 PM

Coming down a steep grade in the Rockies a few years ago on a bicycle I was going about 60 mph in a 50 zone - and some of the automobilists still had to pass me over a double yellow - can't stand to be slower than a bicycle. Psychological effect I suppose.

F239141 · 07-29-2022, 03:34 PM

Dumbazz four wheelers doing dumb stuff, pretty typical. Im always doing 5 to 15 over the speed limit and they have to pass, then go slower than I was. They did it all the time when i was driving trucks.

On a side note Im not scared to pass someone on a 2 lane when i was driving trucks or now in the motorhome. You will have some dumb four wheeler doing under the limit with 3 cars behind them bumper to bumper and are scared to pass, not me, ill take all 4 in one pass.

I dont like being behind another RV because most people driving them, can even drive a Kia, let alone an RV, and they are normally driving at the speed of smell.

Medicus · 07-29-2022, 03:39 PM

I get the need to "see ahead" for safety reasons. But, if the vehicle is traveling at the speed limit and you are following at a safe distance, then what is the rationale to pass? The only one I see is the need to be in front...

Old-Biscuit · 07-29-2022, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medicus

I get the need to "see ahead" for safety reasons. But, if the vehicle is traveling at the speed limit and you are following at a safe distance, then what is the rationale to pass? The only one I see is the need to be in front...

Traveling behind a Large vehicle even one doing the speed limit means I have to rely on them and their judgement
Nope...I'm gonna pass

move on · 07-29-2022, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

I do not like being behind ANY large vehicle.....they block distance viewing

I like seeing/knowing what is happening up ahead.

So I pass large trucks, RVs, folks towing etc

And when I am towing my 34' 5th wheel with my long truck I understand and try to allow for passing me

Exactly.

F239141 · 07-29-2022, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medicus

I get the need to "see ahead" for safety reasons. But, if the vehicle is traveling at the speed limit and you are following at a safe distance, then what is the rationale to pass? The only one I see is the need to be in front...

Im going to pass you in my motorhome, semi, or auto if you are doing the speed limit, i have no urge to go the speed limit, but if i pass you Im going to be far down the road in a minute, Im not passing someone just to do 1MPH faster than they are.

Honestly i dont understand the need to see around, if you are doing a proper following distance there is no need to see around, that is almost the dumbest reason to pass.

outlawten5 · 07-29-2022, 04:06 PM

Not me. I like to draft so close you can count my nose hairs in your rear camera

twinboat · 07-29-2022, 05:25 PM

If you drop back to keep a safe following distance, that gap is going to be filled by someone passing you. Then you need to drop back again.
If you let this keep happening, you'll never get to travel at the speed limit. Pass the large vehicle and cruise along a bit faster then him.