In a message dated 1/26/06 9:23:32 AM Eastern Standard Time, inua@CHARTER.NET
writes:

> I try my best to drive by the 3 second rule. When the car in front
> passes a certain mark along the highway, I adjust my speed so it takes
> the long count of three for me to pass the same mark. On dry pavement ,
> no matter how fast we are traveling, it keeps the distance right  for
> stopping safety.  On wet pavement I step that up to a long count of
> five.  Ice and snow - a whole 'nother matter. Varies with temperature
> and snow conditions. But generally "well back" works.  When some idiot
> wants to "fill in the gap" in front of  me and comes running up real
> fast and then has to put on the brakes -- I let him have the space and I
> back off. I won't argue

i always leave an "escape space" in front of me when i stop at a light or
intersection.  ive had to dive on the shoulder quite a few times when i heard
tires screeching behind me... and yanking the wheel to the right and flooring it
has saved my ass (literally) a few times..

chris