Why does it seem like some people speed and tailgate more in the rain or snow than during normal weather?

Pat S

Drivers of SUVs and large pickups seem to do this more often than anyone. Not all of them, of course, but a far greater percentage than any other type of vehicle.

Maybe they feel invincible - as if they can drive in any type of condition without worrying, and they'll intimidate anyone who gets in their way.

However, many of them learn the hard way that they're not. A tow truck driver once told me that I would be amazed at how many SUVs and pickups he has pulled out of snowbanks and ditches.

Although I'm sure he was correct, I really wasn't all that surprised to hear it.

largecar8

Because these incompetents do not possess the common sense God gave to a rutabega and are totally clueless about inclement weather driving until they end up upside down in a ditch, wrapped around a tree requiring extrication with the jaws of life, or part of the rear bumper of another vehicle. Then they say "Why didn't anyone tell me this could happen?" Duuhh!!!

Middle child.

because, if your smart, your slowing down and there not so it seems like there doing it more often, plus when it's raining or snowing your paying more attention to other cars and some people are just stupid and reckless drivers.

jake

People are crazy when they get behind the wheel. The bad weather alters thier egos. This might explain the high insurance rates.

Vince M

It may not be that they drive any faster, or tailgate more often or closer.

In fact the problem is more likely that they do NOT change the way they drive to allow for the change in driving conditions.

I live in California and, it is my observation that California drivers, in general are the WORST bad weather drivers. We are so spoiled by the mild climate, that, when the weather turns bad we drive exactly the same as we do when the weather is good. The result is a LOT of bent metal and way too many injuries and deaths.

So, what may be a safe following distance, or a safe speed in dry conditions is WAY to close or too fast when the streets are wet.

Dan H

The early snow of the season and most people have forgotten how to drive in the snow and freezing rain.

Overall speeds are lower when it snows and rains, and some people are just impatient. After all, they have a car with anti-lock brakes, traction control, four wheel drive, auto parallel park, cruise control, voice command radio, etc. The car practically drives itself.

They have forgotten that there are other people out there and that their car, for all it technological advances, still takes extra time to stop when the going gets slippery.

Other than anti-lock brakes, the other technology (even all wheel drive) does nothing to shorten stopping distances once you press on the brake pedal. Even Anti-lock brakes only help control the stop, they do not necessarily shorten the stop when there is snow and ice on the road.

Winter is coming, so be prepared to slow down and give more room between you and the car ahead.

They think that they can drive faster than you feel safe driving. Just let them pass you, and offer to help them when they plant themselves into a snow drift.

Curt

We like to live on the edge!!

closetcoon_fan

People don't drive faster in bad weather. You are probably just driving a lot slower and other people are just driving normal which makes them look faster. Believe me, because I still like to drive fast and way more people drive like slow asses when a drop of water hits their car.

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