Cruising Sailors Forum Archive

A funny and true story

Back in the 70's when CB radios were popular, I had a job that required me to average about 1000/miles per week by car. Naturally my car was equipped with a CB and I used to pass the time by listening to the trucker chatter and once in a while would join in.

It was a very dark night with no moon, and torrential rain that was causing ponding on the roads. Wipers on high, I was traveling on an unlit section of the PA Turnpike in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, in a road construction zone. For about 10 miles they routed traffic from both directions into one side of the divided highway so there was only one lane each way and a temporary concrete barrier between them.

I was in that section doing about 55 when some dude fast-approached from behind with high-beams on, and started tailgating while flashing his high beams. I sped up to about 65 which was faster than conditions warranted -- but he kept at it right on my tail.

Then I heard on the CB that there was a radar trap at a specific mile marker ahead about 5 miles (this turned out to be about 2 miles beyond the end of the construction zone). I slowed down even more and was doing about 45, and the tailgater became even more intense and was absolutely pissed that he could not pass. As the road went back to 2 lanes I sped up to about 75, and he stayed on my tail flashing his high-beams, just to give me "the message". About a mile before the speed trap I backed it down gradually to under 50, the tailgater passed me close and at high speed with his gas pedal floored.

I felt great satisfaction when I drove by him, pulled over by the state trooper.

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