Around Town: The Pennsylvania Speedway
Print
Like (
DURING THIS WRITER's recent travels to Grand Rapids, Mich., we developed aching hands from clinching the steering wheel during some harrowing Grand Prix driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, at right.
Our stress level increased considerably when we encountered a number of drivers with Virginia plates who used their brights liberally as an aggressive suggestion for us to slide our rental out of their way. (Please note: The speed limit was 55 mph. We won't disclose how fast we were going, but the road-abusing Virginians cruised by at 85 mph.) Moving violations were certainly in progress, but we don't know whether the predatory use of high beams is a violation of Pennsylvania driving regulations.
Actually, we aren't sure if that violates District law, either. But judging by a report from the City Paper's Heather Murphy, it's clear that there are plenty of minor D.C. driving laws that most everyone violates. How often do you use your parking brake? Add this new one to the list.
» "Grand Rapids Celebrates Ford's Legacy" [Express/WaPo]
» "Made to Be Broken" [City Paper]
» "Don't Cut in Front of That D.C. Bus" [Free Ride/Express]
» CLEVELAND PARK: Picking up on some news from before the Christmas holiday, advisory neighborhood commissioners have OK'd a plan by the Walgreens pharmacy chain to take over the historic Yenching Place restaurant — where secret discussions to end the Cuban Missile Crisis were held. But, as the Current newspapers reported, because the Cold War landmark, including its distinctive Art Deco and neon facade, sits within Cleveland Park's historic district, the plan must get the approval of D.C.'s Historic Preservation Commission. [Current]
» FOGGY BOTTOM-GWU: Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota remains hospitalized at George Washington University Hospital after his emergency brain surgery on Dec. 13. According to the AP, the senator will not be present on Capitol Hill when the 110th Congress reconvenes next week. It is still too soon to tell when he'll fully recover. [AP via WaPo]
Photo by Michael Grass/Express
When One Became 22: Local Activist Brings Ghost Bikes to Dupont Circle for Alice Swanson
The Business of Caring: A Consultant Offers Fundraising Tools to Make a Difference
A Career Set in Gemstones: Claudia Arbelaez's Journey into Jewelry
Addison Road
Perhaps you should stay out of the passing lane unless you're, I dunno, passing?
By joelogon , Posted December 29, 2006 3:55 PMExcuse me, I was passing people. If I wasn't, I would not have made it from Grand Rapids to D.C. in nine hours.
By mgrass , Posted December 29, 2006 4:06 PMLet's see, back of the envelope says that's an average of about 73 mph, which is not bad. I rarely go above 80, myself. But I also don't fuss and pout if someone else wants to go faster than me.
By joelogon , Posted December 30, 2006 2:05 AMI mean, you're already breaking the speed limit, so it's not like you've got the moral high ground); let them pass instead of crying about "aggressively flashed" high beams. (You would prefer tailgating, or passing on the right?)
Finally, presumably you don't drive a lot, living in the District, but come on.
Go ask Dr. Gridlock to post your complaint and see what happens. I suspect riotous laughing and pointing.