Camping in the Left Lane
Nov 1st, 2006 by Jeremy
Ok, I have plenty of rants in mind to get the flow going on this site, but I figured I would start with an obvious one. Drivers that are oblivious to the flow of traffic and decide to just hang out in the left lane. Of course this is a bigger deal on two or three lane freeways, but the general situation applies.
“Who cares that there is a line of cars backed up behind me, I am going the speed limit (or at least within 5 mph under it) and I don’t have to move for anyone.” This is the attitude I hear in my head when stuck behind the guy in front of me that just won’t move. Reality is this idiot likely is without a clue, but in my mind he is doing it out of spite. I know, my problem on that point, but the source of the problem is still crawling along in front of me.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not a speed demon and I do have some modicum of patience, but I can often be found telling my windshield exactly what I think of various drivers around me. Hey, the road is there for all of us, but pay attention to what is happening around you and get in the lane appropriate to your speed. Weaving around such people, trying to show prowess as an amateur pole-position driver doesn’t help things out either. As mentioned over at drivers.com, Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right.
What ever happened to people understanding the basic rules for lane use.
- Right lane = Exit lane
- Left lane = Passing lane
- Middle lane(s) = Traveling lane(s)
You may have different names for them depending on your area, but the basic principle applies.
Now, for the obvious point - when do these logic deficient drivers always seem to appear, when I am in a hurry of course. Late for a meeting, yep. Hurrying to a dinner reservation, yep. Flight time coming up quick, yep. Murphy knew what he was talking about.
So, you think you own the left lane no matter what speed you are going? For my sanity, and likely the sanity of so many others, please get find or somehow obtain a clue and get out of the way.
I’ve seen it documented that this is the #1 cause of freeway accidents in the U.S. The reason people in Germany drive 150 mph routinely but have a much lower freeway accident and fatality rate is because lane courtesy is strictly enforced. In other words, the worst ticket you can get over there isn’t for speeding, it’s for driving slow in the left lane!
I live in Phoenix where apparently everyone believes the left lane is the slow lane. Drives me nuts. And Scottsdale is the worst of all where a bunch of people in Escalades and Lexus SUVs will deliberately do it because they believe they are better than you and have the obligation to waste your time.
I live in Wisconsin now, but am originally from Illinois and most of my family is still there. There is actually a law now in Illinois that requires drivers in the left lane to be in the process of passing other drivers. If not passing, then drivers must stay in the right lane. I doubt it’s being enforced, but at least it’s an attempt to move the “dilly dallers” over.
Well being from NJ, where everyone seems to have road rage, this is a big problem. NJ is known for fast drivers, and I’ll admit I rarely do the speed limit on the highway - I’m usually the one in the left lane going 10-15 miles over the speed limit. So when I’m traveling along at 80 mph and some guy is tailgating me? Then I usually don’t move out of his way -it depends on my mood :-) Not if I’m already doing 80!
But I agree, for those people doing the speed limit or less than in the left lane, move over! If I’m on your bumper and you’re just doing the speed limit - what’s the big deal of moving over? Maybe I really DO have an emergency or am late for something - and your just adding to my stress level by driving so S-L-O-W!
How about the people who know you are trying to go faster than them, so they go even slower, or they get close enough to the person in the middle lane, to try and “box” you in - so you have no where to go. Talk about stress!
I know exactly what you’re talking about. We do driving north and south on highway 5. What happens is all the SUV’s with Dvd’s on are going 65 - 70 with the cruise control on and that’s it. No movement at all. It’s like a caravan in the left lane. This is all contrary to what is taught is drivers training. Is that still taught in high school. There it is taught the left lane is the passing lane after completing the pass one moves back into the right lane so others can pass if they desire. But nooooo!!! OOOOhhhhh, yup then it’s a conversation with the windshield @$$%*!
And while we’re at it, what ever happened to blinkers. Simply an option that comes with the car?? Why is it noone but me uses blinkers anymore to indicate where they want to turn. Yesterday I saw someone make a left turn from a middle (non-turning lane) to pass someone who was not turning quick enough. Where’s the fire?
Just my two cents…
Dana
Dana I could agree with you more. I have those frequent conversations with the windshield. As for the blinkers, that is another topic coming soon :)