Forum Discussion

Rich_Mar's avatar
Rich_Mar
Explorer
Aug 17, 2015

What would you do, stay put or pull over?

I have always wondered what other people would do in this situation, or at least what the majority would do. I'll tell you up front that I would have pulled over. Here's the situation. We were returning from a short trip. The road is two lane with passing stripes and many straight areas to pass. The speed limit is 55. But the lead rv, a class c,would only go 55!!!! Now he's obeying the law and is not in the wrong according to the speed limit. But at one time he had 8 vehicles behind him. For some reason the car or two behind him would not pass him making it unsafe for anyone farther back to pass such a long group. I know of the 5 car pull over law, but if you are going the speed limit, does that still apply? I would and have. I don't like having people on my tail. The road is country and elk or deer are your biggest concern. Also it was daylight. We know the road and I usually go 60 max. This a problem everywhere. I've often said it doesn't matter what the posted limit is, it could be 90mph and I bet some nut would exceed it. Just wondering. rich
Seeking Advice
  • down_home's avatar
    down_home
    Explorer II
    Aug 17, 2015
    Logical and considerate thing, and in many locations required is to pull over and let the traffic pass. Same as going down the road on a tractor.
  • korbe's avatar
    korbe
    Explorer
    Aug 17, 2015
    In our neck of the woods, many of the two-lane mountainous roads have paved and signed turnouts to allow slower moving vehicles to use them.

    I will pull over onto paved shoulders or turnouts to let anybody go by and it doesn't matter what my speed is or the number of vehicles following.

    Of course I have seen many lead drivers ignore the signed and posted turnouts. Either oblivious to the situation or don't care.
  • Pangaea_Ron's avatar
    Pangaea_Ron
    Explorer
    Aug 17, 2015
    I always try to pull over. I don't want people doing crazy things behind or beside me.

    Sometimes I get a thank you wave, toot or flashed lights, but mostly nothing, occasionally I get 1/2 of the peace sign.
  • PenMan's avatar
    PenMan
    Explorer
    Aug 17, 2015
    I always pull to the right but keep moving even if only one car behind me. That way they can easily see beyond me to make passing decisions easier. If I get several vehicles behind me I will pull over. Usually need to use the bathroom anyway.
  • Finally_Time's avatar
    Finally_Time
    Explorer
    Aug 17, 2015
    Don't know about other states but in CA if you delay 5 or more vehicles you are considered a "slow moving vehicle" and it's pull over time. The code doesn't mention speed limits. In general when I'm driving the motorhome I'll pull over, when its sale, to let anyone who's been following me for a little while get by me.

    California Vehicle Code, Div. 11, Chapt. 3, Article 1, Sect. 21656
    On a two-lane highway where passing is unsafe because of
    traffic in the opposite direction or other conditions, a slow-moving
    vehicle, including a passenger vehicle, behind which five or more
    vehicles are formed in line, shall turn off the roadway at the
    nearest place designated as a turnout by signs erected by the
    authority having jurisdiction over the highway, or wherever
    sufficient area for a safe turnout exists, in order to permit the
    vehicles following it to proceed. As used in this section a
    slow-moving vehicle is one which is proceeding at a rate of speed
    less than the normal flow of traffic at the particular time and
    place.
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Aug 17, 2015
    I think common sense dictates that pulling over when safe to do so is the prudent thing to do in that situation. Why risk getting caught up in someone else's wreck when they make a poor passing decision out of frustration.

    Then again, as we all know, common sense isn't so common these days...
  • paulcardoza's avatar
    paulcardoza
    Explorer
    Aug 17, 2015
    If there's no easy passing place in sight, or if I know the road and they'll unlikely be able to pass me, I'd pull over. No big deal for me to do so and I'll make a bunch of people happy. No-brainer.

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