"In Carpool Lanes, Hybrids Find Cold Shoulders" LA Times

[Salsawonder]

I like using the HOV lane with my Prius but have to admit it was an odd incentive. Functionally we belong there d/t lower emissions but physically we are taking up the same amount of space but with only one person.

I am sure this will pass. Gas prices are swinging high again which will be incentive to many to switch. The Tax break was a bigger incentive than the car pool lane.

As far as the people defending their right to go the "speed limit" in the car pool lane, I don't think that is right. When you drive so much slower than the "flow", you should be to the right, not in the HOV lane. This applies to Prius and any car with 1 or more individuals in it. The need to impede traffic to prove a point is just childish.

[dipper]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Salsawonder @ Apr 10 2006, 10:31 AM) [snapback]237559[/snapback]</div>

...
As far as the people defending their right to go the "speed limit" in the car pool lane, I don't think that is right. When you drive so much slower than the "flow", you should be to the right, not in the HOV lane. This applies to Prius and any car with 1 or more individuals in it. The need to impede traffic to prove a point is just childish.
[/b]

I agree up to a point.

But what is considered "flow" of traffic? Is 100mph flow of traffic? I have seen idiots think that going 90+mph down the highway to consider it as "flow" of their traffic.

I don't mine bumping up 10+ or even 15+ mph over speed limit, but 25+ mph over speed limit cannot be considered "flow".

[Thomas Brock]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dipper @ Apr 10 2006, 01:52 PM) [snapback]237570[/snapback]</div>

I agree up to a point.

But what is considered "flow" of traffic? Is 100mph flow of traffic? I have seen idiots think that going 90+mph down the highway to consider it as "flow" of their traffic.

I don't mine bumping up 10+ or even 15+ mph over speed limit, but 25+ mph over speed limit cannot be considered "flow".
[/b]

I agree with Dipper...

Them numbers on the metal signs aren't 'speed requirements'...They're not even really 'speed limits'...They are recommended speeds by the state DOTs for that particular piece of roadway.

I drive by few rules...The most important is 'Drive as safe as possible'. That means, as fast as I'm comfortable given conditions of the road, traffic and weather. Normally, five or ten miles over the posted recommendation on highways. That's all. I've been passed by foolish drivers on interstate highways while I was doing 80 (posted speed was 75)...

[jsf]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Thomas Brock @ Apr 10 2006, 09:32 AM) [snapback]237524[/snapback]</div>

Indeed, there are some cities/states that allow Prius' to get and maintain the proper authorization...My point is...A car with one person shouldn't be in the HOV/carpool lanes.
[/b]

This is really a local or region specific-issue. There are many factors involved, and while you are entitled to your opinion, which may be valid for your area. I suggest unless you know the traffic flow in Calif, the driver behavior, all the things involved, your opinion is as relevant as my opinion would be on a North Carolina traffic issue.

[Emma]

I don't see driving the speed limit as "impeding traffic" at all. I see driving well over the speed limit as dangerous, irresponsible, and, oh yeah, illegal.

[H2OSkier]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dipper @ Apr 10 2006, 10:52 AM) [snapback]237570[/snapback]</div>

I agree up to a point.

But what is considered "flow" of traffic? Is 100mph flow of traffic? I have seen idiots think that going 90+mph down the highway to consider it as "flow" of their traffic.

I don't mine bumping up 10+ or even 15+ mph over speed limit, but 25+ mph over speed limit cannot be considered "flow".
[/b]

I agree, this morning I was passed by a car that had to be doing 95+. I was in the carpool lane doing 70+ and he/she went around me before I could even react. This is just plain nuts !! I will slow down in the carpool lane if the traffic in the next lane is stopped or barely moving. If you're doing 70 and someone pulls into the carpool lane over the double yellow you're toast.

My whole issue with this article is not who should or should not use the carpool lane. But giving the impression that the whole cause of the slowing of the carpool lane is due to hybrids. If a study is done I just wish the number of illegal cars are taken into account.

Ken

[TheForce]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Salsawonder @ Apr 10 2006, 01:31 PM) [snapback]237559[/snapback]</div>

As far as the people defending their right to go the "speed limit" in the car pool lane, I don't think that is right. When you drive so much slower than the "flow", you should be to the right, not in the HOV lane. This applies to Prius and any car with 1 or more individuals in it. The need to impede traffic to prove a point is just childish.
[/b]

So if I have a few people in my car and I want to use the HOV lane does that mean I have to break the law and speed? I would not speed to use the lane. People that speed and people that are 5mph or below the posted speed limit are the problem. At least around here they are. Last time I heard the HOV lane is not the autobahn and has the same rules as the rest of the roads.

Just to let you know I live in an area that has no HOV lanes and even if there was one I would most like not use them. But 99.99% of the time I will drive the speed limit and no faster. Onlytime I will go with the flow is in a traffic jam or slow moving traffic.

[artie]

i have the stickers, but i virtually never use the carpool lane, i go too slow, and i stay in the slow lane. smug, envy, no sir. i don't want other drivers to be more upset than they are. i try to drive ( and live ) with consideration for others, and if i do use the HOV lane, my car goes 80 with the rest of the fools.

[Thomas Brock]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jsf @ Apr 10 2006, 02:04 PM) [snapback]237578[/snapback]</div>

This is really a local or region specific-issue. There are many factors involved, and while you are entitled to your opinion, which may be valid for your area. I suggest unless you know the traffic flow in Calif, the driver behavior, all the things involved, your opinion is as relevant as my opinion would be on a North Carolina traffic issue.
[/b]

I agree, it's a local issue. And I also agree that I'm in North Carolina and typically, we don't have California-esque traffic...

But can't we all agree that one person in a car isn't a High Occupancy Vehicle or a carpooling vehicle?

Why not have a "Hybrid/EV" lane? That sounds like a good solution. Seperates us, Hybrid elites from the mundane drivers! :P

[jsf]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Thomas Brock @ Apr 10 2006, 11:21 AM) [snapback]237595[/snapback]</div>

I agree, it's a local issue. And I also agree that I'm in North Carolina and typically, we don't have California-esque traffic...

But can't we all agree that one person in a car isn't a High Occupancy Vehicle or a carpooling vehicle?

Why not have a "Hybrid/EV" lane? That sounds like a good solution. Seperates us, Hybrid elites from the mundane drivers! :P
[/b]

OK I better understand your position - one of semantics what to call the lane rather than suggest what should or should not be allowed in my area.

I would have nothing against generalizing the term, but there would be some challenges. Specifically, there are different classes of vehicles besides hybrids, such as LP vehicles, that can use the HOV lane. In Calif they all have similar stickers, but different colors. If it were called something general such as "Limited Access Lane" there would probably be much confusion.