Epiphany

[dvarapala]

Have you ever been driving on the freeway at a steady speed, had a faster vehicle catch up to you from behind, and then slow down and match your speed and begin keeping station a few carlengths behind? Did you ever wonder why these morons don't just pass you? I believe I have finally discovered the answer.

My car is currently in the shop for a recall. The dealer gave me an RX 350L as a loaner vehicle. One of the electronic doodads it has is "RADAR Cruise Control" so I decided to try it out. When it catches up to a slower car it slows down very gradually - so gradually it's easy not to notice. There is an indication on the dash when this happens, but no sound or other alert. This explains why the typical zoned-out driver will zoom up behind you and then slow down, only to wake up a few minutes later and finally execute a pass.

[Egnalf]

My Ford's do that. It sucks because if you don't stay really far from the car in front of you the computer bogs it down if you try to pass. It's annoying af

[78SA]

Originally Posted by dvarapala

Have you ever been driving on the freeway at a steady speed, had a faster vehicle catch up to you from behind, and then slow down and match your speed and begin keeping station a few carlengths behind? Did you ever wonder why these morons don't just pass you? I believe I have finally discovered the answer.

My car is currently in the shop for a recall. The dealer gave me an RX 350L as a loaner vehicle. One of the electronic doodads it has is "RADAR Cruise Control" so I decided to try it out. When it catches up to a slower car it slows down very gradually - so gradually it's easy not to notice. There is an indication on the dash when this happens, but no sound or other alert. This explains why the typical zoned-out driver will zoom up behind you and then slow down, only to wake up a few minutes later and finally execute a pass.

I always wondered why that 1978 F150 did that.

[Rodnok1]

So you mean they're all not dickbags needing a good smacking? Who knew...

[dvarapala]

IMHO it should work more like parking sensors: as you get closer there are warning beeps that increase in volume and/or frequency to let you know you're getting too close. Encourage people to stay alert, not let them zone out.

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by Egnalf

My Ford's do that. It sucks because if you don't stay really far from the car in front of you the computer bogs it down if you try to pass. It's annoying af

My '19 Edge has adaptive cruise, which mimics what the OP posted.
If you move over to a clear lane, you'll zoom by. If not, it'll
slow down (even apply brakes if needed)to match vehicle in front.
Pull out to either side that's clear, and it'll resume pre-set speed.

[thecornerman]

What about the idiots that speed up to squeeze in between you and the car in front of you ONLY to stop and turn?
Especially when there is no-one behind you!

[Steve_R]

Still waiting for the epiphany.

[z06psi]

Originally Posted by Steve_R

Still waiting for the epiphany.

I think his epiphany is he realized he is gay and this post is just the ice breaker.

[NEED-A-VETTE]

Originally Posted by dvarapala

IMHO it should work more like parking sensors: as you get closer there are warning beeps that increase in volume and/or frequency to let you know you're getting too close. Encourage people to stay alert, not let them zone out.

Yes, girl. Preach.

[Steve_R]

Originally Posted by z06psi

I think his epiphany is he realized he is gay and this post is just the ice breaker.

Reasonable.

[BOTY]

I drove a newer big truck that had that, kinda cool for the first 15 minutes then screw that.

[MrPeabody]

In Silicon Valley if you leave more than one car length between you and the guy ahead of you, someone will cut into it. But it's safe because you're only going three mph. This is only during rush hour which is 24/7/365.

[Steve_R]

Originally Posted by MrPeabody

In Silicon Valley if you leave more than one car length between you and the guy ahead of you, someone will cut into it. But it's safe because you're only going three mph. This is only during rush hour which is 24/7/365.

ICNLT.

[Mick]

Originally Posted by Steve_R

Still waiting for the epiphany.

Originally Posted by z06psi

I think his epiphany is he realized he is gay and this post is just the ice breaker.

After seeing the pictures of his physique, reading his posts about his wife leaving him, and him taking up watching the gay porn, I was also expecting him to finally realize that he is a gay man. It's OK, there is plenty of time for that.

OP: The automotive feature you are looking for is called "adaptive cruise control". It has been available for several years now. Even a cheap ass like me has it on his lumber-hauler. You're welcome.

[dvarapala]

Originally Posted by thecornerman

What about the idiots that speed up to squeeze in between you and the car in front of you ONLY to stop and turn?
Especially when there is no-one behind you!

Learn to see it coming and don't let them.

[dvarapala]

Originally Posted by z06psi

I think his epiphany is he realized he is gay and this post is just the ice breaker.

Sorry to get your hopes up.

[dvarapala]

Originally Posted by Mick

The automotive feature you are looking for is called "adaptive cruise control". It has been available for several years now. Even a cheap ass like me has it on his lumber-hauler. You're welcome.

Well I hope you use it more intelligently than the typical brain-dead zombie driver out there.

[thecornerman]

Originally Posted by dvarapala

Learn to see it coming and don't let them.

REALLY!!!
Did you really just say that?

[MrPeabody]

Originally Posted by Steve_R

ICNLT.

It's why I left there almost 30 years ago.

I don't even like to make a phone call to there.