Due to gridlocked traffic...
...I have, on occasion considered the proper course for drivers in the lane that needs to merge and for drivers in the target lane. The correct behavior is (IMHO) to travel at the same speed as neighboring traffic and, when safe to do so, vacate the merging lane. When I spent considerable time on the road, I identified a variety of driving habits.
The first on my list is type I've named 'Millard Fillmore'. Fillmore is characterized in part by the "let twenty cars merge in front of him" behavior. He just wants to fill more of the lane ahead of you. Generally acts is if he's never driven before yesterday. Will occasionally stare at an upcoming traffic sign with that "know-nothing" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Know-Nothing_movement) gaze.
Another rolling-road-block I've seen now and then, I call 'George Bush'. Bush has never heard of the concept: "Lead, follow or get out of the way." Any regular mail addressed to Occupant with a street address in any city that simply reads "the passing lane" will be delivered to this man. Speed (or lack thereof) is never an issue and, despite party affiliation, he only drives in the far left lane.
There is the easily spotted Dale Earnhardt, jr. Dale seeks out lanes that are being vacated due to an upcoming merge and acts as if the speed limit in that lane has tripled.
special thanks to LS for: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1018215199#post2
= new reply since forum marked as read
I would invoke the death penalty of those who do not use turn signals.
...I would settle for impounding their cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, skateboards and shoes.
...I've had innumerable experiences of traveling (or attempting to travel) past that area in either direction. I fear that having these veritable pimples on the ass of progress ticketed would only lead more blockages due to those who slowdown to see what's going on.
I suggest tasking a large powerful police helicopter to pick up and carry away such vehicles; impounding them pending the owner's ability to demonstrate that he's not an asshole. (90 day time limit.)
...that the vehicle behind you isn't a taxi.
1. The Wingman - The Wingman can be in either right or left lane.
He matches his speed (usually, but not always, below the speed limit) EXACTLY to the driver in the other lane and 'flies' close formation.
I have the biggest problem with the 'below speed limit' Wingman if I'm trying to get around him and his leader.
But I also hate the guy who flies wing on me.
He's a little slow, so I ease into the left lane to pass him.
About the time I get abeam or slightly ahead he realizes "Oh, I'm not doing the speed limit." and bumps it up. Now he's flying dangerously close to me at exactly the same speed, leaving me no room to maneuver if conditions dictate. I usually speed up 5-10 miles an hour for a few miles to get some clearance between us.
2. The Cruise Control Addict - You've seen the guy. He has this rule, "Once I engage cruise control I won't turn it off for any reason."
So he's in the left lane doing 63 mph on the interstate. The speed limit is 65.
The 18 wheeler he's 'passing' is doing 62.7 mph.
But by god he's got his cruise on and he IS s-l-o-w-l-y creeping by the 18 wheeler.
What's the problem?
I mean besides the 12 cars behind him that would dearly love to do at least the posted limit or maybe even 2 or 3 mph over.
And he doesn't understand that time spent a few feet from one of the road behemoths is something you want to cut to the barest minimum.
If you've ever been next to one when he had a tire blow, you'd understand.
When I get behind a CCA, I'll hold back at a safe distance from the truck until the CCA has cleared his front bumper by 2 or 3 car lengths.
Then I punch it and get by ASAP.
Just my $.02.
