Don, When in California, southern or otherwise, I've found the drivers
remarkably polite compared to those in my home environs of Oklahoma and
Texas.  Here, a lane change signal seems to be notice to the driver
behind that (s)he should jump lanes into the space you signaled your
intent to occupy.  some sort of a primal urge to conquer, I suppose.  In
California, folks actually make space for you, if you signal.  So far as
the speed limit and tailgating -- required practice hereabouts, it
seems, and the speed limit gives notice of a minimum, not a maximum.

On Wed, Aug 26, 2009 at 3:46 PM , Don Hanson wrote:

>   The 3-second rule?  Following at a safe distance?  You ever drive a
> freeway in So. Cal?  Crap, those folks rip along at 85+ within a few
> feet of
> the car ahead..If you leave even close to one car length some one will
> try
> to squeeze into that hole ahead of you.  All the while, talking or
> texting,
> putting on makeup, drinking a Latte, or driving a huge over loaded
> truck
> with 6 more lanes of traffic going the same speed...Makes drafting a
> semi
> out on the highways seem like a child's pre-nap relaxation game..If
> you dare
> drive at a mere 70mph...they give you "The Stink-Eye" as they speed
> past...
>   Don Hanson
>