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Roland Greppmeir wrote: > > My experiences are about the same. Our "Autobahns" in Germany, though, > in 95 % only have 2 lanes in each directions and passing on the right > side is highly illegal. > > > Roland > `69 square > `69 TL > `69 beetle Same goes for the Netherlands although we do have (ridiculous) speed limits. The thing is that the BMW and merc owners don't just think they have the sole right to the left lane, but speed limits don't apply to them either. Also they are always on their car phone. Simple and very efficient solutions when one of them tries to climb onto your rear is to very slightly touch the brake so the brakelights flash. That normally helps, if not three other options remain to be used depending on the mood you're in. 1) hit the brakes full. This can be dangerous, but as all these dickheads have ABS they normally stop faster than you. A towbar can be very helpfull here. This can especially be very effective if combined by slowing down to about 40 mph, making sure they can't overtake you on the right. Better check first if it's not a gorilla size guy behind you. Normally they are Yuppies (easy to knock down when they try to get out of their car) or elderly, boldheaded, overweight, cigar smoking geriatrics (don't hit them too hard, as they break easily) 2) pull the emergency brake. This has the surprise element as the brakelights don't flash, therefore rather dangerous but great fun. All that is mentioned under one applies as well. 3) The good old brick waiting on the passenger seat and thrown out the sunroof. Better practice this first with something heavy but soft. I rarely do these things in my VW as I tend to drive it for fun and will not be bothered by the other drivers. In the volvo, which is pretty fast and on a bike there is the additional problem with people trying to be faster than me. On the bike that's real fun, you got to be driving a very fast ferrari or porsche to out accelarate a bike. However, certain people will always try and it always puts a smile on my face to see them disappear in the rearview mirror, than slow down till they are ready to overtake me and open the throttle full. The expression on their face makes my day. For those of you living in the States (our Australia) that never drove a car in Europe, you have it easy. People drive really relaxed and are very friendly compared to European drivers, which can be absolute idiots and maniacs once behind the wheel of a car. For international relations sake I won't go into specifics regarding drivers from certain european countries :-). Maybe you might think I'm also one of these uptight drivers, but in general I'm a very friendly and gentle driver,.....till provoked by a BMW ;-). Cheers, Theo