Readers weigh in with their best nicknames for speeders
Q You’ve finally asked for the appropriate name for speeding maniacs, who I think should be named “road rockets” — those driving in excess of 75 mph, and/ or overly aggressive or dangerously changing lanes. We desperately need this term in your column. — Carl Stoffel, Mountain View A But first other recommendations.
Q
Oh, there are so many names we could call speeders, many of which can’t be printed. My choice that can still be printed is morons. Also see: fools, idiots, dolts, dunces, blockheads, ignoramus. — Devin Foley, Fremont A I certainly do, and countless readers responded to give nicknames to drivers who believe 80 mph or faster is their right. Q Please ask Mrs. Roadshow if she likes these nicknames for speeders:
• Ducks and Weavers
• Reckless Weavers
• Reckless Roadhogs
• Speed Racers
• Speed Scofflaws A Ducks and Weavers is a hit with Mrs. R. Q As to highspeed drivers, during my growing up years in the Bay Area and as a deputy sheriff working a traffic beat, they have always been and always will be Speed Demons. So throw that term into the pot. — Glenn Neklason, Florence, Oregon AThe pot is brewing.
Q
I say “Speedy Gonzales” from Warner Bros. Looney Tunes cartoon series when I see speeding maniacs. — Raymond Mar, San Jose A How about Road Runner? Beep-beep.
Q
I nominate “Road Vaders.” — Florentina Ciriales, Milpitas A Sorry, that is reserved for those who exit onto an off-ramp at the last possible moment. Q Many of us refer to fast drivers as Rabbits. They will lure any traffic cop away from us and get caught in any speed trap before we get to it. — Alan Templeton, Sunnyvale A OK.
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It’s obvious that this debate can go on ad nauseam. It’s time to school your readers in reality. Should speeders obey the speed limit? Yes. Will they? Never.
The reality is that law enforcement officers uniformly advise that slower drivers move right and let speeders pass. There is no debate among them about this. In California a driver going 70 in a 65 zone will not get ticketed for speeding. A driver in the far left lane impeding traffic may get a ticket. — Paul Jacobs, Saratoga A You are probably right.