Uncletom
New member
Freeway driving is a learning experience you learn as you go. Shortly after I got my drivers license in 71 I went to the nearest stretch of interstate to see what it was all about.
I-90 was around 60 miles south of me I got on at Osseo planning to drive to the Black River Falls exit and back.
As I made my way down the on ramp I saw the speed limit sign that said minimum 45 mph and 65 maximum. I decided that 55 being right between the two would be a good enough speed to go.
There was pretty light traffic so I rolled out on the freeway and commenced to motor along. After maybe 10 miles a state trooper pulled me over. He asked if there was something wrong with my car. I told him I didn't think so. So he asked me why I was going so slow.
I explained that I had never driven on the interstate before and had seen the max and min speed limit posting and thought I was doing alright. He said Well today we have pretty light traffic but in the future do at least the max speed, if traffic is passing you a lot you should speed up and run with the rest of the pack.
That's pretty much what I do these days, I admit that sometimes I am leading the pack by a fair stretch, depends on my mood.
Pulling a trailer is another learned experience. When I was much younger I drove dads old pickup. I pulled a lot of farm wagons and trailers with it so I had already learned to keep a good eye on things behind me in my mirrors.
The little utility trailer I have now is only about 12 feet from hitch to tailgate so not a real problem at all. It tracks nicely in the tire prints of my tow vehicles. You do have to remember you have it behind you when you turn at gas stations and such or if you pass someone on the highway.
I had a brother in law that kept forgetting he had the 40 or so foot long camper behind his pickup. That cost him some money a few times. Fortunately no injuries in those accidents.
Being as old as I am I have driven a lot of different vehicles including semi trucks, its not that hard to learn stuff. Be cautious, aware, and don't be stupid and you will most likely be alright.
I-90 was around 60 miles south of me I got on at Osseo planning to drive to the Black River Falls exit and back.
As I made my way down the on ramp I saw the speed limit sign that said minimum 45 mph and 65 maximum. I decided that 55 being right between the two would be a good enough speed to go.
There was pretty light traffic so I rolled out on the freeway and commenced to motor along. After maybe 10 miles a state trooper pulled me over. He asked if there was something wrong with my car. I told him I didn't think so. So he asked me why I was going so slow.
I explained that I had never driven on the interstate before and had seen the max and min speed limit posting and thought I was doing alright. He said Well today we have pretty light traffic but in the future do at least the max speed, if traffic is passing you a lot you should speed up and run with the rest of the pack.
That's pretty much what I do these days, I admit that sometimes I am leading the pack by a fair stretch, depends on my mood.
Pulling a trailer is another learned experience. When I was much younger I drove dads old pickup. I pulled a lot of farm wagons and trailers with it so I had already learned to keep a good eye on things behind me in my mirrors.
The little utility trailer I have now is only about 12 feet from hitch to tailgate so not a real problem at all. It tracks nicely in the tire prints of my tow vehicles. You do have to remember you have it behind you when you turn at gas stations and such or if you pass someone on the highway.
I had a brother in law that kept forgetting he had the 40 or so foot long camper behind his pickup. That cost him some money a few times. Fortunately no injuries in those accidents.
Being as old as I am I have driven a lot of different vehicles including semi trucks, its not that hard to learn stuff. Be cautious, aware, and don't be stupid and you will most likely be alright.
Last edited:
