Florida "Road Rage" bill would require left lane drivers to move over.

[A HERETIC I AM]

From WINK news.com

SOUTHWEST, Fla - Attacking the problem of so-called 'left lane cruisers”. That's the goal of a road rage bill, that state lawmakers are considering. (snip) Here’s the problem: drivers, holding up traffic in the left lane -- the passing lane. This bill would penalize those 'left lane cruisers'. And some say that rewards aggressive speeders, at the expense of the law-abiding.

I say GOOD! It's about time. If you are in the left hand lane and there is plenty of space in front of you but cars are right behind you, YOU ARE HOLDING UP TRAFFIC and should change lanes to the right. Why this utterly simple concept is lost on so many Americans is beyond me. I just hope this bill makes it all the way through.

[Balbus]

1. I agree with you, but it won't be long before the first dipshit posts...

"If I'm driving the speed limit, I can drive in whatever lane I choose to..." or something to that effect.

:banghead:

[napi21]

14. I guess I'm one of the dipshit's you're referring to, and I don't live in Fl.

I live in Ga. and we have major problem on our interstates too. What I see here is some drivers are just unhappy if anyone is in front of them, weaaving between lanes just to be at the head of the pack. I try not to exceed the speed limit by more than 12-15 MPH, but even my insurance agent told me she doesn't pay any attention to speed limits. She's always in a hurry and if she gets a ticket, so what. HOW can a law establish a penalty against someone who IS driviing close to the speed limit in favor of the impatient driver who's in a hurry?

As far as I know, every State has laws against weaving in & out of traffic as well as driving TOO SLOW on an interstate, so why do they need this new one?

[Balbus]

15. Yes, you are. But be consoled with the fact that you weren't the first.

That honor belongs to RGBolen.

[MindPilot]

19. Because there needs to be a law against DWA

Driving While Asshole

If you are impatiently weaving in and out of traffic, you are being an asshole. If you are self-righteously enforcing the speed limit in the number 2 lane, you are also being an asshole.

[Toasterlad]

187. There Would Be No Need For Weaving If Assholes Would Stay Out of the Passing Lane.

[liberal N proud]

197. Thank you

Ohio and Illinois drivers are the worst

[FredStembottom]

42. It's not 1965 anymore.....

Here is how it goes in today's real world. I know. I drive for a living.

People in the left lane already going 12 miles/hour over the speed limit. They belong there. They are passing strings of cars in the other lanes who are truly going slow.

Behind them? Asshole in an absolute rage because he can't go 20 miles/hour over the limit.

Behind him..... a seriously dangerous driver in a sputtering fit because he can't go 30 miles/per hour over the limit.

Etc. Etc. I do not exaggerate. 30 MPH over the limit is common now.

It is now impossible to go fast enough to not have an enraged, seething monster come up behind you even faster heading for his roll over accident. Think back. There never used to be roll overs. Now they are a daily occurance. And they are killing others besides the drivers of the insane vehicles.

Here's the deal: If we are passing others on the right, we belong in the left lane. The left lane is not the Enable 90 MPH Driving in the 55 Zone lane.

This is a spontaneous revolt. It is my passing lane, too. I will not be forced over and forced to join a slower lane to allow criminally reckless driving that kills.

I say all this with respect. Things are drastically different out there now. I will not help it spread any further.

Like I say - I drive for a living. No one is in a bigger hurry than me. But something is terribly wrong now. And I will no longer enable the carnage.

[immoderate]

46. Notice, whenever there's a rollover, it's an SUV.

That's why there weren't so many rollovers in the past.

--IMM

[FredStembottom]

49. Oh gosh no.....

Flipped sedans are the latest fad! See them regularly.

[immoderate]

68. If you're serious, see #66 below.

Hard to tell from your wording.

(BTW, great avatar of Julian.)

--IMM

[CRF450]

155. Believe it or not, cars can rollover too.

[bullwinkle428]

53. Word! So many more SUVs and pickups on the highway

as compared with even 10-15 years ago...

I've driven full-size pickups on occasion, and always had a perception of that "top-heavy" feeling at all times, especially when making turns. Some of their drivers just scare the hell out of me on the interstates!

[michreject]

57. Where I'm at, it's pretty much 90% cars

and I live in a high SUV ownership area.

[immoderate]

66. And what kind of vehicle do you drive?

Your anecdotal, subjective, confirmation-biased info is just not scientific. The physics should tell you that's not possible. But here's some more information from PBS' Frontline:

How serious is the motor vehicle rollover problem in the U.S. today?

Single-vehicle rollovers (for all vehicles, not just SUVs) cause more fatalities than any other kind of motor-vehicle accident -- one-quarter of all deaths yearly. In 1999, 63 percent of all SUV deaths were in rollovers.

Do SUVs have higher rollover rates than other types of vehicles?

Yes. In 2000, SUVs had the highest rollover involvement rate of any vehicle type in fatal crashes -- 36 percent, as compared with 24 percent for pickups, 19 percent for vans and 15 percent for traffic cars. SUVs also had the highest rollover rate for passenger vehicles in injury crashes -- 12 percent, as compared to 7 percent for pickups, 4 percent for vans and 3 percent for passenger cars.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/rollover/etc/before.html

Could you be mistaken? :shrug:

--IMM

[michreject]

83. I own a 3/4 ton PU and a SUV

In 1999, 63 percent of all SUV deaths were in rollovers.

This doesn't prove that 63% of all rollovers were SUV's

Do SUVs have higher rollover rates than other types of vehicles?


Yes. In 2000, SUVs had the highest rollover involvement rate of any vehicle type in fatal crashes --

Again, this doesn't prove that the majority of rollovers were SUV's, just more prone.

[immoderate]

87. And you're not biased, either.

:rofl:

--IMM

[booley]

248. Girls, you're BOTH pretty

and the fact is that you can both be right and your arguments do not refute the other.

[FredStembottom]

103. I've seen 4 now.

1 was a Ford Contour. 1 a Honda Accord. 1 was a big GM sedan Buick Roadmaster, maybe. Another was so flattened down I wasn't sure, On thier roofs in the median or along the shoulder.

That's my whole point. I am on the roads as my job and totally insane, freaky, physics defying speeding is now happenening on our roads. And I believe that thousands of drivers are having a reaction to the sheer criminality and life-threatening nature of this change - and saying to themselves "if I block someone going 90 in the 55 - so be it."

[Lorien]

219. That's what I usually see here in Florida

they are always really LARGE SUVs too. I've yet to see a Honda Element or CR-V flipped on the highway (though I'm sure they can flip). I've seen at least four of the larger Ford models flipped. Since they rarely show any other signs of impact, it seems as though they've rolled from swerving, not being hit by other drivers.

[CRF450]

254. It actually takes a little more than just swerving to rollover an SUV

They have to be put into a fishtail, and be sliding completly sidways to flip over. The people that rollover an SUV are the ones who dont know how to control a vehicle that big and high over the ground. I'v done lots of practice purposly putting my car into a fishtail (in a parking lot, not the roads!) and learned how recover from it. Its pretty easy to do a sports car like mine which has a wide wheel base and wide tires, but not so in econo cars, trucks and SUV's. I wouldn't even attempt this in my truck LOL!

[pnwmom]

86. Thanks for the reality check. You'd think some of these people

have never seen real traffic.

[Two Americas]

104. thank you for that

I see 100 cars with drivers angry and impatient, tail gating and weaving for every one I see who is (usually briefly) holding up the left lane by driving the speed limit. Very rare to see someone driving under the speed limit in the left lane for very long. As you say, you can be driving in the left lane 10 mph over the speed limit, passing a string of cars, and angry drivers stack up behind you acting like maniacs.

Ironic, and a commentary on the times, that people would see the solution to road rage as punishing those at whom they are angry.

The behavior of the speeders and weavers and tail gaters is irrational. They take big risks, and put those around them at risk, for a very minimal gain in time saved, if any. I think they want to feel as though they are getting ahead, and that this is fueled by frustrations they have in their life that have nothing to do with driving.

"Road rage? Get those idiots out of my way so I can speed all I like! Or else!" This is all so insane.

[bobbolink]

107. This is where "liberals" and "progressives" act NO DIFFERENTLY from the conservatives

they purport to hate.

The same attitudes, the same rage.

same/same

AND... what about those times when the highways were planned so ridiculously that you MUST be in the left in order to exit or make a turn?

Laws like this give ragers the right to run you off the road, to hit you, to shoot at you, when all you want to do is make your exit, at the speedlimit instead of ABOVE the limit.

Yes, INSANE.

Goodbye, common courtesy. It was nice while it lasted.

:(

[Dorian Gray]

125. We drove to the West Palm Beach airport this morning...

(Visiting family for easter.) Anyhow, we were going 65 mph. The posted speed limit was 70 mph. We went to the fast lane to go around the person in the middle lane who was under the speed limit by about ten mph. Once there, we were stopped by someone else going the same speed. Nobody in the slow lane.

There was no traffic, yet we were unable to pass in the left lane because someone blocked it. And we were well within the posted speed limit.

That's the type of thing that is aggravating when driving. And it's probably more common in Florida as there are quite a few elderly drivers who are cautious. I respect their cautiousness, but they should be cautious in the right lane. (My mother is one of those very cautious drivers, and I've told her for her own safety to stay in the right lane if she is going to drive below the speed limit.)

I find driving in Florida to be frustrating! And I live in NYC, where there is always traffic on the LIE or the BQE!

[YankmeCrankme]

233. This is the thinking that kills me

Don't you look far enough in front of you to evaluate traffic? I mean, if you're in the middle lane and the car in front is slower and you look at the left lane and see traffic that is going slower than you, then look at the right hand slow lane and see no one in that lane why don't you change lanes into that one????

No, you change lanes into the one that is obviously going to slow you down before you can go around the car in the middle lane. How can you complain about other drivers?

[question everything]

150. Pretty much so

But then, if I am coming to a stretch of the road with several on and off ramps that are close to each other, I will stay on the left lane, so that I don't have to weave back and forth, or slow to let merging drivers in.

So if someone behind me is seething, let him/her. And, yes, often someone will weave back and forth between lanes, fine.

Once I pass that bottle neck, if there is an opening I will move back to the right. Oh, and I do drive about 10 mph over the limit. And I do not use a cell phone while driving.

[TahitiNut]

193. 100% agreed! Amen.

Fucking lead-footed, tail-gating, road-warriors who 'think' it's some competition should be yanked off the highways for good.

:grr:

[liberal N proud]

198. I get out of the way of the idiot going 30 over

Let him have it. The ticket down the road too.

[Pushed To The Left]

200. I would "K&R" your reply if replies could be recommended.

Slow drivers in the left lane do upset me, but the ultra-aggressive drivers anger me more. (I will admit that I have probably been a little more aggressive than I should have been at times when I have been running late. I'm not proud of that at all)If it's a "road rage" law, it should probably target aggressive drivers more. I would also like to see a law enacted that increases the penalty for any act of violence (murder, assault, etc) that happens because the perpetrator is having "road rage". If a person shoots somebody to death for cutting him or her off, that should be first degree murder with special circumstances rather than 2nd degree murder.

[sendero]

239. Yes...

... the "special circumstance" is that some asshole endangered my life because he missed his exit, and murder should be reduced to manslaughter.

[CRF450]

201. Depends on where you live.

Over here in NC, people rarely go anymore than 10 over the limit. But when I get on 158 to go to the Outerbanks, I see alot of driver doing 15 over.

[Lorien]

218. I agree. I saw a horrific accident occur last year on the Florida turnpike

We were all driving 10 mph over the speed limit (at least) a black SUV blasted past me in the left lane and weaved in and out of traffic. moments later I saw what looked like a small mushroom cloud of fire ahead, and all of us had to slam on our brakes to avoid hitting one another. Traffic was at a dead stop and billowing black smoke was rising into the air, so many of us jumped out of our cars and ran to the accident site to see if we could help. The black SUV had plowed into the back of a flatbed semi that was hauling what looked like porta-potties. Both vehicles were engulfed in flames, but the drivers, though injured, were pulled to safety. 13 other cars had piled up behind them (more injuries but no deaths) and two had rolled down the embankment and laid on their sides. We were all stuck on the highway for five hours as the EMTs and police worked to clean up the scene-all because one A-hole just couldn't drive FAST ENOUGH!

[frogcycle]

237. ding ding ding

If I am passing people at what I consider to be a reasonable pace then the ones behind me who think they are on a NASCAR track can just cool their jets

What a lot of people don't get is that relative speeds are a big hazard. If the mass of traffic is all moving at roughly the same speed, with the left gradually outpacing the others, then everyone can maintain a reasonable awareness of their surroundings and stay relatively safe.

But passing someone at a differential speed of 20 mph is in itself hazardous, regardless of what the speed limit is. That's why going too slow is wrong too. When stuff is changing rapidly like a game of space invaders, then the risk of someone not realizing someone has jumped into their "blind spot" and is overtaking rapidly goes up.

Passing on the right is hazardous, because that's where the blind spot is. Doing so suddenly, whipping back and forth, is just asking to cause an accident.


Staying in the left lane when the right is available, when you are NOT overtaking anybody, is bad because it stimulates idiots to be idiotic.


I turn on the right turn signal as I get abreast of the lead vehicle when passing a string, so the jerk behind me won't dash around me on the right the second there is clearance. Often they try anyway. I saw one in my mirror one time try it as I was changing (with signal), catch himself and whip back, only to nearly run off the road the jerk behind HIM who was dashing past me on the left before I had cleared the lane...

[Winterblues]

80. So you feel the driving in the left lane is license to break the law?

What gives you the right to speed just because you happen to be in the left lane?

[benEzra]

115. But it's OK to break the law by blocking the passing lane?

It is illegal in all but 2 states (NC and I think MI) to block the passing lane regardless of how fast you think you are going. If you are in the passing lane and someone behind you wants to pass you, the law says to move to the right, no if's, and's, or but's. Refusing to do so is breaking the law.

[dysfunctional press]

158. it's also illegal to go faster than the posted limit, EVEN when passing.

so if someone is going the legally posted limit in the left lane, they are within their rights.

[benEzra]

166. No, they're not. In most states, the person going the posted limit in the passing lane

is breaking the law if there is traffic behind them, regardless of how fast they think they are going. Only four or five states allow you to drive the posted limit IN THE PASSING LANE if there is traffic that wishes to pass; it's illegal in the others.

http://www.mit.edu/%7Ejfc/right.html

Looking at the chart, I see only NC, AK, MD, and OH as allowing you to drive the posted speed in the left lane if you are obstructing traffic. It's perfectly fine for you to drive the posted speed (even though that speed may be set artificially low for revenue reasons), but if you do, do so in the legally mandated lane and don't block the passing lane.

[dysfunctional press]

168. it's illegal to exceed the speed limit, even when passing. bottom line.

when/if any tickets issued under such a scenario ever went to court- they would be thrown out.
and as has been demonstrated in this thread- they have been.
sorry.

[benEzra]

169. No, you can still be ticketed for being in the wrong lane...

and unless the self-appointed enforcer of the speed limit in the left lane has their speedometer calibrated every month, it is entirely possible that they are running well under the posted speed. Also, at least around here, the speed limits are often set 10 or 15 mph below the desired traffic speed in order to enhance revenue.

But to the topic at hand, the left lane is NOT

the Cruise Control Lane
the SUV Lane
the Important Person Lane
the Cell Phone Lane
the Easy Listening Lane
the Sightseeing Lane
the Left-Handed Person Lane

it is the PASSING lane. If you're not passing, get out of the lane. It's not just safer and polite, it's the law in most states. Is that such a hard concept to grasp?

When walking down the sidewalk, do you stiff-arm pedestrians who you think are jaywalking, too?

[dysfunctional press]

170. but if traffic is already travelling at the posted limit, there's no legal reason to pass.

sorry.
you can blather on all you want- you're still wrong.
and yes- tickets can be written for just about anything...that doesn't mean that they'd stand up in court.

[benEzra]

177. That still doesn't allow you to legally block the lane.

Again, do you stiff-arm people you think are jaywalking? After all, they have no legal right to jaywalk, so that makes it OK for you to treat them however you want, right?

[dysfunctional press]

204. if i'm travelling at the posted limit, people can pass me on the right.

seeing as they don't mind breaking the law by speeding, passing on the right shouldn't be a problem for them.
btw- in order to "stiff-arm a jaywalker", i'd have to be jay-walking as well, and i don't do that.

[benEzra]

208. "My lawbreaking is SOOOO much more righteous than THEIR lawbreaking" (n/t)

[dysfunctional press]

210. if i'm travelling at the posted limit, and there's traffic in the other two lanes...

i'm not breaking the law.

and there's always traffic in the other two lanes.

[benEzra]

211. In most states, yes you are breaking the law.

Chart of state laws here.

http://www.mit.edu/%7Ejfc/right.html

Only a handful of states allow you to block the passing lane as long as you are running the speed limit.

[maui9002]

221. Here's the problem

It's sometimes hard (and I'd argue very difficult to enforce) to distinguish between the person who drives in the left lane when he or she could drive in the right lane and the person who's passing a long line of cars in the right lane who are going slower than he or she is. In my own situation, I always move to the right when I can to allow faster traffic to pass. But I often face the situation (on 1-10 between Phoenix and Tucson, which sounds similar to other interstate corridors) where I need to pass someone on the right (usually multiple cars) who are going around 65 mph and I'm going @ 75 mph (the posted speed limit) but others in the "fast" lane are going to 85 to 90 mph. And if it's fairly congested, which at times it often is, it creates dangerous conditions because everyone stays in the left lane continuously (with everyone going @ 80 to 85 mph bumper to bumper) because they (i) don't want to get stuck behind the caravan going 65 mph forever (once you get in the right lane, you're going to wait awhile before you can pass again) and (ii) don't want someone who is impatient and going 90 to pass them on the right and then dive back into the left lane just before they reach the slow moving caravan on the right.

Frankly, I don't think legislation will change this behavior; perhaps some educational spots could persuade people to drive using common courtesy. I'm not terribly optimistic, and I'm not naive, but just being a little bit courteous would go a long way; whether you're driving at 65 mph, 75 mph, or 85 mph.

[benEzra]

229. If you're going significantly faster than the traffic in the slow lane,

but going slower than I'd like, I'll be patient and wait for you. There's got to be give and take. As long as you are getting back to the right whenever it is clear to do so, and you're not doing a cruise control pass at 1 mph faster than the right-lane traffic, that's not a problem at all. On the other hand, if you stay in the left lane for 5 miles and never even make an attempt to get to the right for a minute to let the cars behind you pass, that could be inconsiderate.

I make the NC-to-NW-Florida run on a regular basis (usually 95 to 20 to 85 to 65 and back), and you see courteous give-and-take between fast cars and slower cars all the time. What gets people riled isn't having to wait 30 seconds for a slightly slower car to pass; it's the clueless dolt who makes no attempt to get to the right, and drones along yakking on his cell phone in his land barge oblivious to the fact that he has 50 yards of traffic backed up behind him--or perhaps gets his jollies from slowing other people down, like some other posters on this thread--that lead to frustration, IMO.

BTW, if you are going 55.1 next to a car going 55.00, and a car comes up behind you doing 80 with its flashers on and you are on the road to the hospital, step on the gas pedal and clear the passing lane. Yes, that has happened to me--with my then-7-year-old with the gastrointestinal malrotation, serious cardiac condition, and immune deficiency next to me, alternately throwing up intestinal material in the car (potentially VERY serious) and lying still with his eyes closed, I'm trying to get him to medical care 20 miles away, and Mr. Self Righteous Speed Police absolutely WOULD NOT clear the passing lane. Aaaargh. IIRC, the person in the slow lane saw my hazards on and either stepped on it or hit the brakes (I don't remember) so I could pass the left-lane clown on the right. That was frustrating beyond words.

[maui9002]

245. Don't disagree

Most drivers will move to the right if they can; and most faster drivers will understand if someone is going 65 passing someone who is going 55. The real problem occurs, and it's pretty normal for I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson, when a group of cars is going say 65 mph in the right lane, another group of cars is going 75 in the left lane, and someone who wants to do 85 (and most people going 85 on I-10 between PHX and Tucson aren't going to the hospital--they're just in a hurry) shoots up the right lane to pass all the cars in the left lane, and then, at the last minute before hitting the slower moving traffic in the right lane, tries to cut back into the left lane--it's dangerous and wrong.

[high density]

181. I guess that's the justification for those folks that create rolling roadblocks

by pulling out from the right lane and then going the same exact speed in the left lane. It serves no purpose other than to get cars backed up and people pissed off. The reality is that people speed and the left lane is often going at least 10 miles over the limit. If you can't handle that, stay in the right lane(s).

[dysfunctional press]

205. if you can't drive without speeding, stay off the roads.

nt.

[benEzra]

209. How about we all practice basic courtesy...

I won't tailgate you, and you stay out of the passing lane unless you are actually passing.

[heidler1]

249. If you ask a CA Highway patrol officer about cruising in the left lane at the speed limit

the ones I ask said that that you should move over to let cars pass, but Judges will not convict on those tickets because the law is conflicted and don't meet the 12 man Jury test so in practice no conviction for cruising. Sure about half of the jury would vote to convict, but you would very seldom get a unanimous jury vote, which is required, either way.

[SteveM]

130. Precisely. Hear it in every Defensive Driving class. Passive aggressiveness sucks.

[zennie62]

207. I agree

right you are!!!!     Not me..

[Cooley Hurd]

2. Most traffic jams are started by left-lane campers...

Our interstates are becoming quickly obsolete due to increased traffic. This can easily be lessened by enforcing the "slower traffic keep right" letter-of-law.:thumbsup:

K&R.

[LiberalFighter]

22. That's the problem it is not the law in every state.

[Cooley Hurd]

23. It is here in NY...

...white signs with black lettering on all the interstates.

[LiberalFighter]

77. Not here in Indiana unfortunately

[Xithras]

118. And some states, like California, have conflicting laws.

One one hand, California has a law on the books requiring "slower" traffic to move right. Of course, that SAME law has a built in loophole that exempts drivers doing the speed limit from citations. If you're doing 65 in a 65 and refuse to yield the left lane, you can't be ticketed (the CHP will sometimes issue a ticket if you're creating a problem, but judges toss them 100% of the time if the ticketed driver brings up the prima facie speed limit exemption, so the CHP officers typically don't bother). There is ALSO another law on the books in California that eradicates the concept of the passing lane, and specifically states that ALL lanes on any state roadway with more than a single lane in each direction are DRIVING lanes. Again, this means that drivers can cruise in the left all day long, even if the right is empty and deserted.

[benEzra]

119. It's law in all but 2 states, NC and (I think) MI. (n/t)

[LiberalFighter]

128. AK, MD, NC don't require to move if they are at speed limit.

AR, SD does not require to move.

There are other states that don't require moving to right unless overtaken.

Indiana requires drivers to be in the right lane if they are driving at less than normal speed. But they don't post signs to stay right if slower. At least I haven't seen any in the last 20+ years.

[benEzra]

129. I looked it up just now...I see NC, AK, MD, OH as allowing you to drive 55 in the left lane...

all the others seem to have some variety of "slower traffic keep right" law, though there are exceptions and quirks, and unfortunately they are rarely enforced, and not all states even post signs.

http://www.mit.edu/%7Ejfc/right.html

[LiberalFighter]

220. That's the key... not all states post signs

And I bet if you look at their manual they mention little about this.

[mantis49]

185. It's not in IL

The legislature tried to change that 2 years ago but it died.

[benEzra]

212. According to this chart, it apparently is...

http://www.mit.edu/%7Ejfc/right.html

it says 625 ILCS 5/11-701(b) and (d) require traffic to "keep right except to pass on limited access highways effective January 1, 2004." It may be that the measure that failed was a provision to step up enforcement of the 2004 law.

[shanti]

99. nah

most traffic jams are started by rubberneckers!

[Two Americas]

106. not true

The NTSB did an extensive study about this at one time. Traffic jams are caused by the "accordion effect" - drivers speeding, weaving, dodging, and tail-gating, which causes stop and go situations to develop. You can also see this effect when crowds go through passageways and doorways. If all walked at a steady speed and didn't jam up on one another, all would get out faster. When there are fires, this selfish urge to get ahead of everyone else leads to fatalities, as does aggressive driving.

One would think that Democrats would be talking about public transportation on this thread. "My personal right to speed around town in my personal vehicle so get out of my way" is more congruent with libertarianism and is very anti-social and dangerous.

[bobbolink]

108. "is more congruent with libertarianism and is very anti-social and dangerous."

YES!

These are the ways in which we act just like the conservatives and libertarians we purport to despise!

THANK YOU!

[dysfunctional press]

159. shouldn't they also then equally enforce the maximum speed limit letter-of-law??

:shrug:

[RB TexLa]

3. If you are driving at the posted maximum speed allowed it can't matter because the people behind you

do not have the legal right to go faster than what they are going.

[Cooley Hurd]

4. In a perfect world, perhaps, but even the Police do not enforce...

...the "posted speed limit."

[LanternWaste]

98. So we're all "Illegals"...

So we're all "Illegals"...


Illegal drivers, that is.

[alarimer]

7. I agree with you

Fuck those speeders. THEY are the ones committing road rage by driving up into someone else's tailpipe. THEY do not have the right to speed. And they are the ones to blame for "road rage". Stupid speeding assholes who can't control their tempers.

[Zywiec]

10. I hope you never have to rush anyone to the hospital

or try to get there before a relative passes away.

Of course, if you do, please be sure to drive at or below the reasonably set speed limit.

[RB TexLa]

13. courts have ruled that neither of those situations exempts one from traffic laws

[Zywiec]

16. And I'm sure in one of those circumstances your first thought would be on a traffic law

That's a bunch of shit and you know it. Obviously in your perfect world, no one ever has to rush anywhere.

[RB TexLa]

18. And I guess people could argue some have to speed because there is a monster on their bumper

when in reality most are just people who think, "I am so important and need to get through here, these people need to realize just how important I am and get out of my way! There should be a law requiring them to understand how God damn important I am!"

[Zywiec]

34. Sure, as opposed to look how God damn important I am

I'm not letting you get by me because I'm doing the speed limit like a good citizen.

Thanks for doing your part to keep us all good, law-abiding citizens!

:patriot:

[RB TexLa]

35. I rarely go into the left lane, I usually drive a good 15 to 10 mph below the speed limit

I just laugh a good bit at the people who think they really need to get somewhere cause of how important they believe themselves to be.

[Zywiec]

37. You drive 15 MPH below the speed limit?

So on a 55 MPH highway, where speeds are regularly exceeded, you are driving 40 MPH?

:rofl:

[RB TexLa]

40. I'm usually pretty relaxed when I'm driving

[AngryAmish]

47. He is griefing you

And doing it quite well. Obviously, nobody does what he claims to do. But it certainly got a rise out of you.

[dysfunctional press]

160. if your thoughts aren't on the traffic laws- you shouldn't be driving in that emotional state.

you'd be endangering yourself and others.

[BreweryYardRat]

71. Speaking as a speeder...

I generally try not to ride people too close -- I make sure I can see their wheels.

And the only time I'll break 80-85 on the highway is if I have something really urgent to do -- rushing to get to dorm check-in before they close, or trying to sort a voting problem out.

[CRF450]

152. I regularly drive 8mph or so over the limit, except in populated areas

Does that make me an asshole on the road? No it doesn't. I generally keep my distance from oter drivers in front. And no, I dont have any kind of temper, but it does kinda build up when some idiot in the left lane is riding along with another vehicle in the right lane. I consider that more of an a-hole thing than just simply going 10 over the limit.

[MindPilot]

12. Yes they do...at least here in California

The prima faca speed law is basically that you should travel at a speed which is safe for conditions. If everyone is going 80 and you plant your ass in the number 2 lane at 66, you are the one causing the unsafe condition.

[Xithras]

120. Prima facie law in California was updated in 2001

It does NOT contain a "safe for conditions" clause any longer. The state's prima facie speed law is now basically "25 MPH unless otherwise posted". If it's posted otherwise, you can travel at any speed up to the stated limit if conditions permit.

There is no legal foundation for an unsafe conditions charge against someone driving the speed limit on a clear day in California. You cannot be cited for doing 65 in a 65, even if 50 people are lined up behind you.

[Hobarticus]

24. And you don't have the legal right to stop them, either.

So until the police are there to do the job, move to the right and let traffic flow.

[AngryAmish]

38. Why do you drive in the passing lane?

Most every jurisdiction has rules against it.

[RB TexLa]

41. see post 35. I just enjoy a good laugh at people from time to time

and see no need for the law.

[AngryAmish]

44. good one!!

Excellent griefing, my friend!

[slackmaster]

58. How accurate is your speedometer?

Has it been calibrated to compensate for tire wear?

I think the left lane should be reserved for passing whenever possible.

[RB TexLa]

60. I don't dive in the left lane much, don't pay much attention to the speedometer

I'm usually well below the speed limit.

[slackmaster]

61. My point is that nobody can be sure they are actually going exactly the speed limit

Due to tire wear, most peoples' speedometers tend to overstate their actual speed.

[RB TexLa]

62. The GPS isn't affected by tires

[michreject]

81. It's not your job to enforce the law

If you happen to go in the ditch when I cut back in front of you......oh well!!!

[RB TexLa]

85. See post 35. I just like laughing at you people as I drive

[pnwmom]

84. 90% of the time, our area freeways are too crowded to keep one lane

always open for passing.

[SteveM]

132. It does matter. If you're doing 70 in the left & somone is behind you doing 80...

CHANGE TO A SLOWER LANE. I have driven for a living and the admonition that slower traffic keeps right is not only the law but the safest way to drive. I find that when people squat in the fast lane it is because they: (1) don't want someone immediately ahead of them, and (2) they are making a statement. The former is selfish, the latter arrogant and dangerous.

[bean fidhleir]

244. And if you're doing 70 because everyone to the right is doing 60, what then?

[NutmegYankee]

134. You would be so screwed on I-95 through Conn.

They'd eat you right up and deposit you right into a well placed tree. Nice knowing you.

[fishwax]

151. but it doesn't follow that you have the right to impede their progress

unless you're passing a slower car yourself.

[dysfunctional press]

162. but they have no "right" to their progress if it involves breaking the speed limit.

nt

[fishwax]

171. but neither do you have the "right" to continue driving in the left lane if it's safe to

pull over and somebody behind you is going faster (in most states, at least).

[dysfunctional press]

172. if i'm already going at the posted limit- they have no legal reason to pass me.

nt.

[fishwax]

174. that's irrelevant--if it's safe to move into the right lane, you have no legal right to drive in the

left if somebody is overtaking you. At least, that's the case in most states, though not all.

The fact that they are not within their legal rights does not negate your own responsibilities.

[dysfunctional press]

178. where i live, there's three lanes in each direction, and all 3 are full of traffic...

"passing lane" is irrelevant. i like the left lane, because semi-trailer trucks are restricted to the two right lanes, and i don't like driving with them on my ass. and as long as i'm travelling at the posted limit, i'm fully within my rights.

[fishwax]

183. Illinois law requires you to pull over to the right if a car comes up behind to overtake you

There are exceptions--if you're passing another car, in congested traffic, if road conditions make it unsafe, and so on. But traveling at the posted limit does not itself create an exception. If the lane to your right is clear and someone comes behind you wishing to pass, the law calls for you to move over. You can always return to the left lane when it's clear.

http://www.danrutherford.com/leftlanelaw.asp

[dysfunctional press]

188. illinois law also states that you can't exceed the speed limit to pass another car.

sorry.
the speed limit always takes precedence.

[fishwax]

190. Illinois law doesn't say that the speed limit takes precedence. That's just what you want to believe

If speed limit always takes precedence, than the jerk behind you in the left lane who's following you way too closely because he wants you to pull over isn't doing anything wrong because, after all, he's traveling at the posted speed limit.

But that's not the case. Even though he's going the speed limit, he's breaking the law because there is this other law against tailgating. Likewise, even though you're going the speed limit, you're breaking the law because there is this other law that says you must move right, if possible, when someone is overtaking you from behind.

[dysfunctional press]

192. following too closely is a crime, at least in illinois.

and yes, the speed limit is THE bottom line- if you're going under the legal limit in the left lane, and more than 10 cars(i think that's the number) are lined up behind you, you can be ticketed- and it will probably stick. but if you are going the legal limit, you could still be ticketed- but it would be(and has been) thrown out in court.

[fishwax]

196. Exactly. So is driving in the left lane when another vehicle is trying to overtake you and it would

be safe to move right. :shrug:

Here is the relevant part of the Illinois Vehicle Code:

(d) Upon an Interstate highway or fully access controlled freeway, a vehicle may not be driven in the left lane, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle.

(e) Subsection (d) of this Section does not apply:

(1) when no other vehicle is directly behind the vehicle in the left lane; (2) when traffic conditions and congestion make it impractical to drive in the right lane; (3) when snow and other inclement weather conditions make it necessary to drive in the left lane; (4) when obstructions or hazards exist in the right lane; (5) when a vehicle changes lanes to comply with Sections 11-907 and 11-908 of this Code; (6) when, because of highway design, a vehicle must be driven in the left lane when preparing to exit; (7) on toll highways when necessary to use I-Pass, and on toll and other highways when driving in the left lane is required to comply with an official traffic control device; or (8) to law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles engaged in official duties and vehicles engaged in highway maintenance and construction operations. (Source: P.A. 93-447, eff. 1-1-04.)

As I said earlier, there are several exceptions, but simply obeying the speed limit isn't among them. Hundreds of citations have been written for violations of this law (though according to the link I posted earlier, cops are much more likely to give warnings). It is (like tailgating) a violation of a law that is independent of speed.

[dysfunctional press]

203. where i live, in the chicago suburbs, it's always congested enough for #2 to apply.

or #4, because the semi's use the right two lanes.
and has been pointed out elsewhwere on this thread, if you're travelling at the posted limit, judges will and have dismissed the tickets in court.
the speed limit ALWAYS prevails in court in these cases.

[fishwax]

216. it's been suggested, but there's no real evidence of it

Like the "ten cars" assertion or your insistence that it isn't really against the law, the suggestion has not been supported by the evidence. Tickets have been issued, and I see no reason to believe they haven't or wouldn't stand up in court, since the law is very clear and doesn't contain a speed limit exception.

Of course, as I said, an individual judge can likely throw out a conviction if he wants to, but it would be rather foolish to assume that you can break the law because whatever judge you get will share your moral critique of the Illinois Vehicle Code.

[pitohui]

176. this may be but as a practical matter it is better to get in the right lane and let them pass

unless you are a state police officer, then it is probably the better part of valor to get out of the way of the speed demons

they may not care about their own life and safety but you care about yours, if you feel safer driving at a slower speed, best to move into the right lane unless for some reason you can't -- a good reason for not moving over is that the police have a vehicle already pulled over on the side of the road, it is aga. the law in many states to be on the right near where police have someone pulled over

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

163. I Don't Have A Legal Right To Cut Them Off Either, But I'm Gonna LOL

[hlthe2b]

5. In theory, yes, but "careful what you ask for...."

The premise ends up being applied 0n four lane divided highways (not meaning interstates) that pass through cities (two lanes each direction), with some dangerous consequences.... Having passed this law in CO, I am increasingly finding the aggressive drives tail-gait the left lane (even when those in the left are "flying" 30-25 miles over the speed limit," so that the right lane becomes clogged with a constant mass of people trying to either go the speed limit, or slightly over. Alternately, they get nailed when a stop light comes up, because one is forced to either speed by the cop on the side or get run over by the left lane aggressors. It then becomes impossible for nearly everyone else to get over into the left lanes to turn.

This makes sense for six lane divided highway/interstate freeways--not others.

[islandmkl]

6. as a floridian I wish this bill would pass....

but they have attempted this for several years and there is always some complication to getting it passed...

for any who think it is about 'aggressive speeder' in the left lane:

come one down to where I-75 is two lanes each way between Tampa and Naples and Miami and follow some generally 'older' citizen who won't pass the million trucks in the right lane, all the while exhibiting the attitude of 'i'm going the speed limit', while there are 20 or 30 cars and trucks stacking up behind them...

if everybody would slow down the safety aspect is obvious, but the problem won't be solved with 'IF'...

it becomes very dangerous to have cars lined up for miles bumper to bumper...and moving fast....

[AirmensMom]

8. And who will enforce it?

I lived in FL for 12 years and saw some pretty outrageous things: Left on red (yep -- stop, look, and go), people stopping in the middle of the intersection when the light turned, people stopping in the middle of the road for no reason at all, speeding through school zones, dangerous lane changing, 100+ mph on the highway, etc. Leave one car length between yourself and the next guy, and someone will cut you off to get in there. You get the picture. And I never saw anyone get pulled over.

[LiberalFighter]

25. They should send some of the NJ state police down there.

[MindPilot]

9. Problem is it will likely not be enforced

There are already laws against impeding which seem to be completely ignored.

Almost every close call I have is the result of congestion caused by someone in the first three lanes traveling significantly slower than the majority of traffic. And as we all know a close call is just inches and milliseconds from being a crash.

[rateyes]

11. I know a guy that was driving speed limit in the left lane

with traffic backed up behind him. He was pulled over and ticketed. On court day, the officer that wrote the ticket was there, and the judge asked him how a person could be holding up traffic if he was doing the speed limit?

The case was dismissed.

I like the law, too. But, it will be difficult to enforce it if the person in the left lane is driving speed limit.

My take is that the left lane is a passing, and if you are not passing, regardless of the traffic conditions, you ought not be driving in it.

[kentauros]

17. The key to any such law is to emphasize the name of the left lane

as the passing lane. Here's another reason it should be emphasized as such: emergency vehicles. Ambulances, firetrucks, police cars all use that lane (that is, I usually see them using it when there's no shoulder on the inside as seems to happen fairly often on Houston freeways.)

Here's another reason it should be called the passing lane: safety dictates that you should pass on the left. Granted, Texas (and probably other states) say that if the road allows for it, passing on the right is legal, but that's where the bigger blind spot is, too. Now, how safe is it for some of you to continue to drive the posted speed limit in the passing lane when you are the one being passed on the right? Not all people passing in the passing lane are tailgaters, either ;)

[A HERETIC I AM]

21. Your last sentence is the ENTIRE point.

My take is that the left lane is a passing, and if you are not passing, regardless of the traffic conditions, you ought not be driving in it

Absolutely spot on. It isn't about whether or not a driver is going the posted speed limit, it is about lane discipline and traffic flow. The safest speed to travel, regardless of the posted speed limit is that speed at which 75% of the traffic is traveling at. Having said that, the left hand lane is the passing lane and once the passing maneuver has been completed, one should move back to the right as soon as is safely possible.

[LiberalFighter]

33. That is what I always try to do... after passing I get back into the right lane

Sometimes I even pass others while in the right lane. Only because there are people that use the left lane no matter what. But I make the habit of shaking my head when I pass. Probably doesn't do any good when there is only the driver but if there is a passenger it might stir things up between the two about that person's driving.

Sometimes when I am doing extended highway driving I see others in my mirror passing back into the driving lane after I have done so. Maybe it's because they see that I go back even though there is no traffic in front of me.

[rateyes]

73. Once, I was driving on the Interstate, and two cars were

playing games, doing 45 side by side, had traffic backed up for a long ways. (I'm about 5 cars back and pissed) All of a sudden I see in my rearview mirror everyone getting in the right lane, and then I see why---an 18-wheeler is coming fast on my bumper flashing his lights. I gladly move over and watch the show when the driver of the semi is bearing down on the kids driving in the left lane (in a convertible). The looks on their faces were priceless when they sped up and passed their friends. It was great to see the gestures made to those two cars as others continued to pass them before they got smart and exited the interstate. :evilgrin:

[LiberalFighter]

76. Sometimes those semi drivers can be your friend LOL

[Outraged As Usual]

20. Simmer while my rolling roadblock slows you down!!

I am a driver who will NOT give way to speeders. If I am traveling in the left lane and am going the posted limit or slightly above, the people who want to speed and endanger the rest of us can go to hell. I will not move to the right unless I am convinced that a real emergency exists behind me.

Why should the people who obey the speeding laws move over for speeders? Why should we allow the roads to turn into autobahns because some inconsiderate speeders want to arrive a moment or two before they would have if they had obeyed the law? To hell with the inconsiderate speeders...sit behind me and get red faced and blast your horn and flash your lights while I flip you off from my sunroof and laugh out loud at you...seeing your red face in my rear view mirror makes my day!

If a driver is in their work vehicle and it is being driven badly, I just call the company right on the spot and complain about the employee to the boss...following them if they get by me until they get called by the office and read the riot act...most businesses do NOT want their reputations being trashed by out of control drivers using their vehicles..maybe if a few got fired they would lighten up. For private drivers, let em eat pavement and simmer while I keep the posted limit.

If anyone gets too uppity with me, I will box in both lanes with a slower driver on the right..a rolling roadblock..that works wonders for getting the Tums munched behind you...don't like it? Then ask your congressperson to raise the speed limit...but play rough and tailgate or gesture and things will get very slow indeed..I enjoy seeing the speeders get furious...and I am heavily armed, always, so forget waving a pistol at me...that will result in your next stop being a funeral home.

Maybe if the speeders would just follow the law and stay calm and not assume they own the roads we would not have to force them to comply by not giving way to their illegal actions.

[MindPilot]

26. A prick and apparently quite proud of it

Carry a gun in your car, make cell calls while driving, deliberately impede traffic, trash working people. Yes the quintessential hall monitor of the freeway.

Tell me, as a professional self-righteous shithead do you drive a BMW or a Mercedes?

On edit, Oh welcome to DU!

[Touchdown]

50. Hey Jock Boy! I drive a BMW, and I'm not a douchebag!

Now those Mercedes drivers though...;)

[WritersBlock]

56. Watch it there....

;)

[MindPilot]

157. Yeah, in retrospect the more accurate question would be

Buick or Volvo?

[bullwinkle428]

95. My money's on a Lexus...

;)

[Outraged As Usual]

214. But it is an OLD Mercedes!!

OK, I drive a Benz...so what? The guy who said he would win with me had better have a car with wings that can fly over me!! Also, I am a professional driver,or used to be, logging over a million miles with NO tickets, ever..and no accidents...ever. I can handle a phone and drive also, thanks. Being armed in North Carolina is a given...we love our equalizers down here.

I am tired of speeders making driving less safe and demanding that we all accommodate them, and if they want to play, so be it. I am just confrontational enough to not allow some speeder to make me change my driving habits and plans for them...no way. C'mon down here sometime y'all and see a state where the pick ups get as much, or more, respect than the fancy city folks in their new status cars.

I am glad that some speeders get apoplectic behind me..its amusing!!

[Pharlo]

228. Jeez,

I hope I never become that sanctimonious.

I drive a lot on the interstate. If I'm going the speed limit or about 5 mph above, I stay in the right lane. If I move over into the left lane to pass, I increase my speed to that of the flow of traffic until I judge the distance and speed of the right lane to be more in conjunction with the speed I prefer to be driving.

Where I come from, it's called COMMON COURTESY!

Oh, and I've probably logged damn near as many miles as you and I've never had an accident either.

[raccoon]

263. I agree with you.

Edited because I had poster mixed up with another poster.

[Cooley Hurd]

27. In NY, YOU'RE the one who is illegal - you're causing traffic jams...

...in which the incidence of accidents are increased dramatically. I've taken civil engineering courses dealing specifically with road design and traffic flow, and your actions are MUCH more likely to cause an accident.

[KG]

29. well, i'll bet you're feeling really good about yourself, ain't ya, little feller?

another gun-toting dweeb. never fails.

[A HERETIC I AM]

30. Your post is a perfect example of why this bill should pass.

You are most likely not a law enforcement officer and it is therefore NOT up to you to make sure everyone else does as you think they should.

You want to drive at or below the speed limit? Fine. Be my guest. Just drive where you are supposed to drive - in the right hand lane.

If anyone gets too uppity with me, I will box in both lanes with a slower driver on the right..a rolling roadblock..that works wonders for getting the Tums munched behind you...don't like it? Then ask your congressperson to raise the speed limit...but play rough and tailgate or gesture and things will get very slow indeed..I enjoy seeing the speeders get furious...and I am heavily armed, always, so forget waving a pistol at me...that will result in your next stop being a funeral home.

A perfect example of the type of driver this law should be targeted at.

Maybe if the speeders would just follow the law and stay calm and not assume they own the roads we would not have to force them to comply by not giving way to their illegal actions.

Who is this "We"? Are you a member of a special squad of do-gooders tasked with making sure the rest of us do what you want?

Shut up and get the fuck out of the way.

By the way, welcome to DU

[Outraged As Usual]

215. In North Carolina...

There is NO way that a NC Trooper will give a ticket to someone for NOT speeding. No way Jose. If you are doing the speed limit, the Trooper will have to sit and simmer along with the rest of you. I will NOT move over for a cop either if I am doing the limit..unless they activate their lights and express a desire to speed past me...then I will move over. If I am doing less than the speed limit, then I WILL move over. Why should safe drivers who obey the speed laws become facilitators for the speeders? Why should we have to allow them to violate the laws with us as pawns in their game?

If the drivers ALL obeyed the posted speed limit, then there would be NO problem, now would there? No. It is only the speeders that want the rest of us to get out of their way so they can endanger the rest of us...I believe I am doing the community a service by stopping the speeders from dominating the roadways.To accommodate speeders is like going in your house and ignoring the crack dealers in your yard....instead tell them to obey the law and go away!!

And to all those fools that resorted to personal ( and inaccurate !) insults directed at me...just try and get by me on the right..or play a game like you brag about here, and you will end up in a morgue, hospital or at least renting a car while yours is in the body shop...once the game starts I WILL win. On a 2 lane road you are MINE if I see any attitude...and I am ready to take it to any level you wish...make sure your affairs are in order before you play, though.

[A HERETIC I AM]

217. For someone who claims to have one million miles worth of experience, you obviously haven't learned

how to properly use a multi-lane, limited access roadway, much less have a grasp of the dynamics of traffic flow.

Why should safe drivers who obey the speed laws become facilitators for the speeders? Why should we have to allow them to violate the laws with us as pawns in their game?

Again, who is this "we" and "us"? Are you secretly a member of a highway speed enforcement club that is determined to force the rest of the motoring public to bend to your will? Do you really have that large a sense of self importance? Why is it that you can not grasp the incredibly simple concept of lane discipline and courtesy? If someone is going 2 MPH faster than you are, are they a problem in your eyes? What about 1 MPH? or .5 MPH faster? Are you so arrogant and small minded that you would refuse to allow a car that is traveling a mere 200 feet per hour faster than you the ability to safely get past you? If so, why? At this point you aren't protecting the public at large, you're just being a fucking prick. That's not an insult, it is a factual observation.

If the drivers ALL obeyed the posted speed limit, then there would be NO problem, now would there? No.

Actually, yes. There would be a problem. A HUGE problem. Humans are not automatons and expecting every single driver to adhere to YOUR concept of what is an appropriate speed is arrogant at best and infantile at worst. There are without question, times that prudence and safety might require a driver to go faster than the speed limit (or to merely speed up from whatever speed they are traveling at) in order to safely allow someone to merge, to avoid an oblivious driver changing lanes, to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle, to get to the hospital before their pregnant wife gives birth in the car, etc. If you have never seen the need for someone to simply accelerate, I would submit that your claim to have 1,000,000 miles of driving experience is drastically overstated.

I believe I am doing the community a service by stopping the speeders from dominating the roadways

Speeders "dominate" the roadways? Really? It is clear by reading what you have written that you have a seriously skewed perspective of highway travel. And for the record, the rest of the motoring public does not need, nor does it require your "service" in this regard. That is why we have the Highway Patrol.

To accommodate speeders is like going in your house and ignoring the crack dealers in your yard....instead tell them to obey the law and go away!!

Comparing "speeders" to crack dealers in your front yard is quite simply absurd.

just try and get by me on the right..or play a game like you brag about here, and you will end up in a morgue, hospital or at least renting a car while yours is in the body shop...once the game starts I WILL win. On a 2 lane road you are MINE if I see any attitude...and I am ready to take it to any level you wish...make sure your affairs are in order before you play, though.

You have some serious anti-social views here, pal. Is it REALLY so big of a deal to you that I may wish to simply pass you that you are willing to resort to violence merely to prove a point? A point that is, by the way, not up to you to enforce in the first place. I hate to have to ask this (cause I have an idea already) but just who the hell do you think you are? You aren't special, you're just an arrogant, self righteous prig who has determined it is his responsibility to protect the rest of us from ourselves. Get over yourself, man.

Intentionally plugging up the left lane, simply because you think it is your duty to control everyone else, or because you think of yourself as having superior driving skills and therefore know what's best for everyone else smacks of some serious personality flaws. Were you bullied as a child and now that you are older and have an automobile, you are going to get back at all those who made your life miserable? What possible business is it of yours if someone wants to drive 5 MPH faster than you drive? Why does this get your panties in such an incredible knot?

Again, YOU are exactly the kind of person this sort of legislation is aimed at. Lighten the fuck up, leave your gun at home, buy some penis enlargement pills, KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS and get the fuck over it.

One final thing. I'll put my driving skills up against yours any day of the week. I drove professionally for over 20 years and have well over 1.5 million miles under my belt. I've come across people like you before. Even driving an 80,000 pound tractor trailer, if I need to and want to, I'll get by you, trust me. If your answer to this is that you would ram into my truck or shoot at me, I assure you, it will not keep me behind you and it will not help you make your point.

[raccoon]

264. Maybe he's royalty. "Again, who is this "we" and "us"? " nt

[Toasterlad]

230. You Must Have a Really Demeaning Life.

Set yourself up as King of the Road because your job sucks and no one treats you with any respect? I'll bet that's it. What a sad, pathetic loser you must be.

Welcome to DU!

[BulletproofLandshark]

238. You sure are full of yourself aren't you.

I WILL get by you on the right, and should you try to cut me off if I ever encounter you on my trips between VA and FL, I hope you enjoy the taste of guardrail. Who the fuck are you to think you own both lanes? Oh fuck it, with your attitude it isn't long before an angry 18-wheeler decides to perform his own "community service" anyway.

[EOTE]

256. Sorry, I don't simmer for psychopathic assholes.

And believe me, I'd have no problems passing you, Mr. Andretti. I'd leave others to deal with your psycophathic ways. You are a very sick and insecure man. Apparently when you don't get your fill of jollies by trying to inflict your will upon others on the highway, you bring your petty games to the internet by pathetic attempts at trying to get us to cower to your bravado. A million miles and you still haven't learned to act like an adult. How sad.

[Ordr]

39. Welcome to DU.

And if I ever see you on the road, I apologize in advance for every single possible slur, expletive, obscenity, and hand-gesture that I hurl your way.

[Touchdown]

You make phone calls while on a freeway????

"If a driver is in their work vehicle and it is being driven badly, I just call the company right on the spot and complain about the employee to the boss...following them if they get by me until they get called by the office and read the riot act..."

So lecture me about auto safety some more. Why is the word hypocrite coming into my head right now?:eyes:

[PVnRT]

51. Left lanes are for passing only

Every state that I know of has that right there in the driver's manual. If you're just traveling in the left lane, you are committing a violation, and if you're doing it to piss people off, then you're just an asshole.

Why should you move over? How about road safety? People like you, who are so righteous as to think that YOU are responsible for slowing people done, trigger road rage. You could just play nice and move over. That's what I do when I stick to the speed limit driving home; why that's so hard for people like you, I'll never know.

[Touchdown]

69. I see you smoke pot. Tell us more about obeying the law.

:freak:

Yeah, I read your profile.

[High Plains]

78. Dude, that shit could get you shot!

And probably nobody would cry too much over it, either.

[Bill McBlueState]

82. "ask your congressperson to raise the speed limit"

You think Congress sets speed limits? :rofl:

I hesitate to trust whatever else you have to say on this topic.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

97. Actually, in a way they have.

As I recall the whole double nickel thing started under Nixon to help with the gas crisis. It was a federal initiative and states that did not comply lost out on federal highway money.

[Bill McBlueState]

112. right, but that was repealed in 1995

Wouldn't keep them from doing it again, I guess.

[RamboLiberal]

91. I hope you're in a state with this law and get a cop behind you

Enjoy paying the big fine you selfish idiot!!!!!!!!!!!

[Name removed]

92. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Ikonoklast]

111. Don't come to Ohio

Hand gestures will get you nice ticket for road rage. Doesn't matter if you're driving the limit. And if you do it with a weapon in the car, it's a felony, whether you have a carry permit or not.

You are just deliberately provoking people in order to get a response.

You must have little control over your own life, so you try to exert control over others.

Sad little guy.

[Outraged As Usual]

242. You are wrong..totally!!

Please link the law that says a gesture is illegal. It is not. It is perfectly legal to gesture in any way, with a middle finger on any finger, and it is perfectly legal. read the law before you spew nonsense next time. Gestures are covered under the disorderly conduct statutes, and it requires VIOLENCE, immanent or actual, before it becomes illegal. Violence is an essential element of a breach of the peace, which is what disorderly conduct is. You must INTENT TO PROVOKE A VIOLENT RETALIATION in order to be guilty. You may legally flip off a cop or anyone else in America, and unless you intended to provoke violence, there is no law broken. It is also NOT a felony or anything else to have a legal weapon in a car, no matter what the supposed OTHER infraction may be....where in the world did you get this nonsense?

Gestures are far different than words, although with words you still must have the intent to provoke violence for it to be illegal either. If you pull your car over and trey to instigate a fight, then that is enough...but driving down the road there is NO LAW that says you cannot gesture, yell, or curse as long as no violent intent can be proven. Having a permitted gun in the car means ZERO to the issue: A gun does not automatically become illegal because you gesture at another driver...you better not be hanging a shingle out anytime soon giving legal advice!! Stick with generalizing and guessing and stop trying to quote laws that do not exist.

[Two Americas]

124. ROFL!!!!!

:rofl:

What us funny is how few understand that your post is no more outrageous than the OP.

[Catherine Vincent]

126. Your post made me laugh out loud.

I've seen drivers go the speed limit in the left lane and I think they do it to piss off the speeders. One speeder flashed his lights, tailgated him, blew his horn...the guy didn't budge. He finally passed him on the right and jumped in front of him and put on his breaks. I was two lanes over and was laughing my ass off.

[Book Lover]

139. You have to aim that pistol

All I have to do is accelerate.

[cherokeeprogressive]

146. Simmer? Don't flatter your insignificant self.

I'll pass you on the right, with a smile, and forget about your sorry ass before you fade from my mirror.

Secondly, I wouldn't "play rough and tailgate". I'd slow down to two seconds behind you and play with your head by giving my turn signal a little tug every five seconds or so to keep you looking in your rear-view mirror. When you slow down in your pissant attempt to make me angry, I'll just get over a lane and laugh as I drive by while you look like the ass you are to fifty other vehicles.

You drive in the left lane even though you're not the fastest moving car on the road? That shit'll get you ticketed on the Autobahn, where lane etiquette actually saves lives.

Loser with a capital

L

[BigDaddy44]

164. You must be a real hoot at parties

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

165. I Eat People Like You For Dinner LOL

Seriously, you think your box technique would work against me? ROFL. Oh, it's been tried, and I win EVERY TIME. Trust me, if you were ever in front of me and pulled that shit? Oh yeah, you'd lose. You'd realllllly lose. Nothin I detest more on the road than selfish people like yourself, who think they have the right to control the world. You better hope you're never in front of me on rt 80, or I think I'd forever change your perception of your little game! :rofl:

[high density]

182. Why are you assuming faster = less safe?

Me going 75mph and leaving you in the dust is much safer than you causing a quarter mile of cars to putt along bumper-to-bumper in a line of outrage behind you.

[Zuiderelle]

255. So, how could you know if there's a real emergency behind you?

What if it's four or five cars behind you, and there's someone trying to rush a friend of family member to the hospital?

You sound like a real prize.

[raccoon]

262. To answer your question, Why should the people who obey the speeding laws move over for speeders?"

Maybe because you don't want to have an accident? :shrug:

Of course, if you'd rather somebody plow into your back end....

It will be his fault but you may end up in the hospital.

[EmperorHasNoClothes]

28. Illinois passed an identical law a year or two ago

and it hasn't made any difference whatsoever, as far as I can tell.

[ProfessorGAC]

167. I Agree

It hasn't improved congestion problems. It hasn't reduced accidents. And, since on of the motivations would be that the cops would be more easily target one lane for speeders, it failed there too, since the tickets issued per 100,000 vehicle miles hasn't gone up!

Now, i'm mister speed limit, but i didn't need a law telling me to get out of the way. I stay right, except on a three lane in each direction, where i stay middle if there are a series of exits coming up. If there's a long stretch without exits, i move all the way right.

So, i didn't need the silly law to do the right thing, and the law didn't accomplish anything.
The Professor

[LiberalEsto]

31. The problem is making left turns

In order to pull into my neighborhood, I have to make a left turn and wait to cross two lanes of oncoming traffic.

I have to get in the left lane and stay there at least a half mile before my turn, because DC/Maryland drivers are merciless and will NEVER allow anyone to get in front of them.

This means I have to drive in the left lane through a posted 45 mph school zone, and there are frequent police speed traps in the area.

Now, I am not a slow driver. I maintain a steady speed of 51 mph in this particular left lane, so as not to miss my turn and have to drive another mile and sit at three stop lights in order to turn around.

But heaven forbid I drive 51 in the left lane with my left turn signal on for half a mile in a posted school zone. The SUV/aggressive assholes are right on my tail because I have the NERVE to want to turn into my own neighborhood.

At least in New Jersey, where I grew up, there are jughandles for making left turns. This makes it possible to stay in the right lane for a left turn. Maryland is too cheap to build jughandles.

I hate these fools who think their Pigmobiles are their personal assault weapons.

[PVnRT]

52. That's different

If you are making a left turn as you say, you are doing it correctly. This type of law is to go after those who think the left lane is a through-traffic lane instead of for passing.

[LiberalEsto]

88. But I can't keep the Pigmobiles off my tail

whether I'm driving legally or not. I think DC area drivers are the most selfish, vicious drivers in the nation.

[bullwinkle428]

102. I'm sure the Chicagoland drivers could give them a run for their money!

[magellan]

32. This rule works well in the UK and it's good to see it proposed here

But British drivers generally start with a few qualities that help make it work: they're better, safer drivers and more courteous on the roads than American drivers.

[A HERETIC I AM]

43. That's because getting a drivers license in England is tantamount to getting

a private pilots license in the US, from what I understand.

I've been on a number of motorways in England and have observed that lane discipline is not at all the problem it is in the states.

[magellan]

67. Yes, comparatively speaking it's very difficult

The tests are much harder and far more comprehensive. It isn't unusual to fail your license exam in the UK the first time.

My husband, a Brit, was astonished by how easy the road test is here. Needless to say he aced it the first time.

[kentauros]

75. In Texas anyway, the prevailing mindset seems to be

to get as many people in a car as possible instead of into mass transit. Since I took my license test in the mid-1970s, the test has been dumbed down at least once. You can even get a translator if you don't speak English to take the tests. Nevermind that all signs are in English and you don't get a translator in the car with you... ;)

It seems like I've read that the British test is the most difficult in the world. I know I probably wouldn't pass it, just from what little I've learned about it. I would like to see high-performance cars sold here to only be allowed if the driver gets special training on how to drive it. Americans only seem to understand straight and fast. Put them on a reducing-radius cloverleaf and they drop that speed to a crawl. Maybe Top Gear should be required viewing before drivers' tests to show them what real driving is like ;)

[ThomWV]

36. In the 60's and 70's Florida Troopers regularly ticketed for excessive left lane usage

I believe the charge was called obstructing traffic or something like that. It was a $10 ticket, people (assholes) used to get them all the time, my mother as an example used to get them often.

[Javaman]

45. But what of the assholes that go apeshit when you are in the right lane? nt

[ThomWV]

101. That's why we have the 2nd Amendment (Smirk)

And that is comming from a gun lover.

[flvegan]

48. IIRC, they tried this same bill a couple years ago

and it failed to pass.

Hope this one does pass, not that it'll be enforced.

[ovidsen]

54. The Ugly Americans...

Heretic, why am I not surprised that your post compelled otherwise reasonable (I hope!) DUers to exclaim they have a RIGHT to sit in the left lane and drive the point positions of rolling roadblocks? I understand the protests from people who drive on surface multi-lane highways and who are trying to position themselves for a left turn. If you want to jockey in front of me to lake your left, I don't have a problem with that at all. But it's a whole 'nuther story on freeways and tollways.

It both cases (surface roads and limited access roads), it boils down to courtesy. Such a simple concept.

Which many Americans just can't grasp.

On my many driving trips to continental western Europe, on the autobahn, autoroute, autostrada or whatever, almost everyone heeds to the rule.. keep right, pass left only.

Why we in the good ol' US of A have to be so damned territorial about the 60 or 70 square feet of pavement most of us occupy at any given moment completely escapes me.

Stop being lane monitors. Stop being so frigging self-righteous about it.

On surface roads, give a break to the guy making a left turn. On freeways and tollways, keep right, pass left only.

It's a simple matter of courtesy!!;)

[A HERETIC I AM]

64. Thank you. Very well stated.

I was a professional driver for over 20 years and it is my experience that your observation is entirely correct - it IS about courtesy. It is often referred to as "Lane Discipline" (a term I've used numerous times) and why so many Americans just can't seem to grasp it is beyond me.

[ovidsen]

189. Maybe we're watching too much NASCAR?

Just a guess, But I can think of no more serious reason for your typical American to act like he or she is content to drive 190+ miles an hour, risking the lives of their own as as well as other for, what... saving a few minutes? Can you say immature? Okay, the prize money is huge, but so what? Is this pro wrestling, or what?

It's all kind of juvenile to me. The hall/track monitor a.k.a "power trip" attitude the typical driver revels in just adds to their "do as I say, not as I do" mentality. One way of the other, "they" get theirs. In this life or the next.

Plus, I can think of no major league sport (and for the purposes of organized competition, I will consider it a sport),where cheating is not only tolerated; it's encouraged. No wonder the rest of the world looks at NASCAR with disdain.

[A HERETIC I AM]

195. Please. Don't get me started. 20 years of driving included 12 years in Motorsports...

and 4 of those directly involved with NASCAR racing.

I've often enjoyed watching Grand National/Winston/Nextel/Sprint cup Racing (all of them the same class, just different names), but I have said before; "NASCAR is the Professional Wrestling of Motorsport."

[cherokeeprogressive]

147. Lane Etiquette saves lives. N/T

[YankmeCrankme]

236. the problem I think is that people you do what you say get fed up

with the high speed drivers who ride their bumper while they are using the passing lane to pass. A lot of people get tired of that clown right behind them when they're passing and usually prolong the change of lanes to irritate the tailgater for not being courteous.

Sure you can speed if you want, but courtesy goes two ways.

[michreject]

55. I hope it passes

Then is adopted coast to coast.

[trof]

59. But...but...they don't want to turn off their cruise control.

Drives me nuts to come up behind a driver who is passing that big 18 wheeler at a speed just .000023 mph faster than the truck.
I know it would be way too much to ask for him to just step on the accelerator for a few seconds and GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY!

[JBoy]

89. Agghh. I fucking HATE that.

The opposite situation is bad too. The guy who obviously doesn't use cruise control and can't keep his speed anywhere close to consistent. He passes you, comes back over to the right, then 20 seconds later you have to pass him because he's slowed down so much. Two minutes later he's passing you again.

[trof]

113. Yeah, that too.

[WritersBlock]

63. There's already a statute for this: 316.081

This is from the Florida Legislature website:

The 2007 Florida Statutes

Title XXIII
MOTOR VEHICLES

Chapter 316
STATE UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL

View Entire Chapter

316.081 Driving on right side of roadway; exceptions.--

(1) Upon all roadways of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:

(a) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement;

(b) When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the highway; provided any person so doing shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the highway within such distance as to constitute an immediate hazard;

(c) Upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon; or

(d) Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic.

(2) Upon all roadways, any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

(3) Upon any roadway having four or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for two-way movement of traffic, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of the centerline of the roadway, except when authorized by official traffic control devices designating certain lanes to the left side of the center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use such lanes, or except as permitted under paragraph (1)(b). However, this subsection shall not be construed as prohibiting the crossing of the centerline in making a left turn into or from an alley, private road, or driveway.

(4) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in chapter 318.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 104, ch. 99-248.

[RT Atlanta]

65. KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS

The left lane cruisers irk the hell out of me. Good for the bill, however, how are police going to "prosecute" it?

[natrat]

72. DONT CAMPOUT ON SOMEONES BUMPER JUST BECAUSE THERE IS 100 FEET IN FRONT OF HIM

[rateyes]

74. I like the proposed law, and I always ride in the right lane

unless I'm passing, but I freaking hate tailgaters. When I'm doing 5 miles over the speed limit on a two lane highway, and people come up and ride my bumper, I get pissed as well. I never tailgate anyone. I have on a couple of occasions, when knowing there aren't cars behind the tailgater as well, given them a taste of the back end of my car. I've quit doing that, though. You never know when some idiot will pull a gun these days.

[Mountainman]

70. Here's my situation, I'm driving in the left lane. The right lane is moving slower.

Usually there is a truck or something slowing traffic in the right lane. Those people are stuck because the can't switch lanes, too much traffic passing them up in the left lane. I'm keeping up with traffic even if it means going faster then the speed limit. Some person comes up on my tale and drives like he's going to hit me if I don't move over. Their plan is to intimidate everyone in the left lane. I don't move over because I would get stuck in the slow lane.

I say screw the person who's driving anti socially. Everyone else is driving like the conditions warrant.

[RamboLiberal]

93. I have no problem with you as long as you are passing

slower vehicles in right lane. I just get pissed at the idiots who won't pass the slower right hand lane vehicles. I always wonder if they have their car on cruise control and are just too lazy or selfish to press the gas pedal down.

[Bill McBlueState]

79. you *should* move over,

But is passing a law that says so really going to solve this problem?

[benEzra]

117. Actually, it's already law in 48 states, including FL.

I gather that the current proposal is about increasing the penalty and/or enforcement for breaking the law by obstructing the passing lane.

[RamboLiberal]

90. We have that in PA but problem is knowledge and enforcement

We've had it for several years now but I'd bet most drivers don't know about it because it's never publicized and rarely enforced unless you got a trooper behind the offender following.

It pisses me off to no end when I'm on a rural interstate and you got some idiot in the left lane with cruise control on who won't pass the vehicle in the right lane and has everyone behind them fuming.

[SteppingRazor]

94. I'm still waiting for the Florida legislature to create a SteppingRazor lane...

that only I get to drive in. :popcorn:


Kidding aside, this is not the first time the state congress has tried to enact this law. In fact, IIRC, it's at least the third, and every other time has failed miserably.

[noonwitch]

96. This is badly needed in the part of Florida where my dad lives (old people land)

I told him he'd never get out if he actually had to evacuated during a hurricane (his condo complex has shelters). I was driving on US 41 through Port Charlotte-it's a 4 lane road, two lanes in each direction. In the left lane, an old guy was going 25 mph, and in the right lane an old guy was going 20. They didn't even turn when we passed the OCB! The speed limit was 45, btw.

[benEzra]

100. GOOD.

FWIW, in 48 of the 50 states, it is ILLEGAL to obstruct the passing lane no matter how fast you think you are going, but many states don't enforce it. I have the severe misfortune to live in one of the 2 that don't (NC), and around here most drivers seem to think the left lane is

(1) the Cell Phone Lane
(2) the SUV Lane
(3) the Important Person Lane
(4) the Sightseeing Lane
(5) the Self-Appointed Enforcer of the Speed Limit Lane

I once was trying to take my son to urgent care (he's a special-needs kid, and some things can be life-threatening for him that wouldn't be for the ordinary kid), and you would not BELIEVE the number of dumbasses driving in formation with right-lane traffic who simply would not let me through, because it was So Damn Important for them to drive 55.5 mph in the left lane next to someone running 55.4. Aaargh.

I wonder if chronic left-lane blockers stiff-arm other pedestrians when they're walking down the sidewalk, too, or if they just change into idiots when they get behind the wheel of an SUV...

[Outraged As Usual]

240. Call an ambulance

Sorry about your kid...I really am. But you do not get a speeding pass because of medical needs. Call rescue if your kid needs transporting in an emergency and drive cautiously the rest of the time. You hate North Carolina so much, why not go back to Florida? I am an ex Floridian also, and do not even look south anymore...Florida is a wasteland.Full of crazy speeders and worse.

The left lane is for PEOPLE DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT. The other lanes are for people driving LESS than the posted limit. Thats all. If you want to go 55, stay left. If you want to go between 45, the minimum speed, and 55, the maximum speed, then stay to the right. Simple, isn't it? Until the SPEEDERS arrive and try to bully us all out of their way so they can violate the traffic laws and endanger us all.Speeders are the problem, totally. If they would not speed, all would be well.

But of course these self important speeders just MUST get past us all and impress us with their lane cutting and swerving, right? Not with me...and if you run on the right side of the road to pass illegally on the right, endangering even more people, I will call the cop's and stay with you until they arrive and witness your arrest and I personally will spend the rest of the day if need be dragging you to a magistrate to get a warrant singed and you in front of a judge. In North Carolina, a citizen may effect such an arrest by being the complainant. You will NOT win with me.

Until the speeders get it thru their thick skulls that speed kills, the rest of us must try and see that the crazy drivers do not dominate the roadways and act in ways endanger all of us.If you see a big black 300E, very shiny, in front of you and I do not respond to your flashing lights and your gestures, remember that the next move you make may well cost you a lot more than you bargained for. In this neck of the woods, at least!( Anywhere in Western North Carolina)

[A HERETIC I AM]

243. I get it now.

You're totally clueless. That is the only possible explanation. You have ZERO understanding of the proper way to use a multi lane, limited access highway. Here's the evidence;

The left lane is for PEOPLE DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT. The other lanes are for people driving LESS than the posted limit.

This entire conversation has less to do with speed limits than it does with LANE DISCIPLINE and courtesy, two things you obviously have no grasp of.

It's apparent that you are not a courteous driver. That makes YOU the problem, not someone who wants to get past you on the highway.

[EOTE]

257. Once again...

A sad, sorry little man tries to inflict his will on others. If you think that any reasonable person won't speed for medical needs, you're far less intelligent than I had even originally thought. And good luck getting your warrant 'singed', have you had much luck with that in the past? Does the word hypocrisy mean anything to you? Do you think about what a brave road warrior you are and then go home for a few tokes of your 'medical' marijuana? I can't wait to get the drug dogs to your house for your brazen flaunting of the law. Sad, sad man.

[Two Americas]

105. it is the American way

Sadly, this fits a pattern that now dominates our culture.

Road rage? Well if "they" were not in my way, I wouldn't be angry with "them." Get those idiots I am angry with out of my way! Then I wouldn't be angry! (Yes you would, at someone or something else)

Racism? Well if "they" weren't the way "they" are, then people wouldn't fear "them!" Get "them" out of my face and I won't be angry at "them!"

Poverty? Well if "they" were making the "right choices" then I wouldn't need to worry about "them!" Get "them" out of my face and I wouldn't be angry at "them!"

"Yeah, I am sicked and tired of having to worry about other people - getting in my way and bothering me. Who wouldn't be angry?? Don't try to make me feel guilty about this! If other people don't like it, then too bad! Why should I have to worry about other people? They are all a bunch of stupid idiots anyway. What about ME?? What about what I want?"

[bobbolink]

110. You're describing perfectly the sociopathic attitude now accepted.

also known as conservatism.

[pitohui]

109. be honest, when does this ever come up in real life?

most of the folks in the left lane around here and in mississippi are going 80 mph or more, who ever sees anyone "cruising" in the left lane, they'd just be a little spot of grease on the interstate after approx ten minutes

maybe it's different in florida and all their cars are stuck in low gear but i doubt it

[benEzra]

114. As a former Florida resident, I can say it is a HUGE problem in FL.

It's even worse here in NC, one of only two states in the nation where blocking the passing lane is legal as long as you are not driving slower than the posted speed limit.

I was just in Florida a couple of weeks ago for one of my 9 y.o. son's recurring cardiology appointments. It was a problem.

[A HERETIC I AM]

116. Regularly

Mississippi is not the tourist destination Florida is nor does it have as large a population of retirees.

This bill is not about allowing people to speed. It is about lane discipline and keeping right except to pass.

[pitohui]

122. i just never see this, to me it's quite wild and unique

i haven't driven as far east as florida in years, the places i drive, mississippi and west to arizona and nevada, well, folks, all i can say is, if you're in the left lane you'd better be making TRACKS or you'll be a little smear on the ground

i wonder what the difference is that would account for so many people driving slowly in the left lane in florida!

[Two Americas]

123. agreed

People who complain about this do not really care about speed, they do not care about getting anywhere, they just can't stand the thought of anyone being "ahead" of them. They think that the "problem" is the person in the car ahead of them, rather than admitting where the problem really is - inside their own minds.

When you do a lot of long distance driving for a living you can see this quite clearly. The "freedom" that people seek, is the "freedom" to express their rage, hostility and aggression at will against innocent strangers. And they ask us to believe that it is the innocent strangers who are the problem?

[slackmaster]

131. Here in California we have Sunday drivers in the left lane every day

It's pretty annoying.

[Breeze54]

140. You must be the guy putting along in the passing lane, unaware everyone wants to kick your ass!

:rofl:

J/K :P

:hi:

[pitohui]

173. not a guy and i don't drive in the left lane

the left lane is for passing and speed demons

honestly i don't see this problem where i drive, it seems to be that only florida and california is seeing this problem -- i drive quite a lot and in most places people go well above the limit in the left lane

so assuming j/k is "jerk off" looks to me like you're the jerk off and i hope you enjoy being the first person to start in with the name calling, what are you, 4 years old?

[CRF450]

202. Um, you got that wrong, j/k means "just kidding".

HAA!! You just went off on another member for no reason :rofl:

[Breeze54]

213. Thank You...

I couldn't believe the tongue thrashing I got for JOKING around with them!!! :eyes:

Has DU lost it's collective sense of humor? So frigging serious about muchado about nothing!

That was the third time in two days someone got PO'd at me for J/K with them! :wtf:

I mean, I add the LOL and the :P and the :rofl: and I still get yelled at!!

I give up. ;)

[JerseygirlCT]

252. Every day, all the time

In fact, I've learned there's a certain obnoxious woman driving a gold sedan who seems to commute at the same time I do. She insists on getting into the left lane and parking there, on a daily basis.

When I see her, I know I'd better find a way around, because the traffic jam will be building - it's a sure bet.

Traffic does move incredibly fast up here now. I've been moving at 80, only to look back and see someone in my trunk. As soon as it's safe to do so, I get over and let him/her go. Not my responsibility or right to "teach a lesson". And even at 80, if the majority of the traffic is moving at about the same speed, it all flows well and safely. Until someone gums up the works moving far too slowly.

I've also noticed that it's almost inevitable that slow person is either a steering wheel hugger, absolutely terrified to be behind the wheel (slow lane, please!) or someone on the phone, barely paying any attention to the traffic around them.

[Jed Dilligan]

121. I don't know, maybe getting the speeders off the road

would reduce this problem? Or setting the speed limits to the speeds at which people actually drive?

If someone is going below the speed limit in the fast lane for reasons other than traffic or other obstructions, they should be ticketed. But there should not be a law that demands that people break the law or get out of the way of those who do. Changing lanes all the time is much more dangerous than "cruising" on a long trip. If you're going a reasonable speed--which I think is generally 5-10 mph more than the posted limit, which is just a cash cow for the local courts and police--you shouldn't have to get out of the way for someone who is dangerously speeding. If they have to hit their brakes, good; they were driving too fast.

[seasat]

127. I know how they could do it without legislation.

Just put up signs saying "cafeteria with cheap buffet coming up on right". The snow birds will hug the right lane then.

[NutmegYankee]

133. Drive right should be the law.

[Breeze54]

135. I think that's already a law in MA. The left lane is supposed to be for passing only

and the middle for traveling and the right for slower traffic, trucks and exits.
I can't stand it when someone is in the left lane doing just under the speed limit
of 55 mph or the exact limit when everyone else is doing 75 + ! :grr:

Get the hell out of the way!!!

[Thickasabrick]

136. Jesus - first they pass that law that says it's ok to carry a gun to

the grocery store and shoot anyone "you think" might be threatening you.....then they want to pass a "road rage" law....in support of the "ragers".

Florida seems to have anger issues.

[Scout]

137. too many cars on the road to waste half of it for "passing only"

i think a bigger problem is the asshole who has 5 miles of "lane ends, merge right" signs and refuses to merge at the time everyone else has and has simply had to slow down some to accommodate the additional cars. No, this self-important asshole has to speed by everyone and then bully his way in at the front where you finally HAVE to merge. Then some stupid asshole actually stops and LETS them in! Fuck that shit, if they'd merge in a timely fashion no one would have to stop and all would only have to slow down a little.

[cynatnite]

138. I either go around or just kick back until I can...patience is a virtue...

This is a stupid bill and a waste of taxpayer money. The threat comes from impatient drivers who just want to get somewhere fast. Patience is what I was always taught when it comes to driving. If someone's slowing me down, wait a while...the time will come when I can go around them no matter what lane I'm in.

[Breeze54]

141. I disagree. Slow drivers in the fast lane are definitely the problem.

They are clueless and idiots who are breaking the laws of the highway.

Want to drive slower than everyone else? MOVE TO THE RIGHT!! --->

[cynatnite]

142. Impatience causes a lot of accidents...

That's my point. No matter who is in the right or the wrong on this what's important is people's lives. I'd rather practice patience and not be the cause of an accident because I'm in a hurry.

[Breeze54]

143. I agree with that but they have to take responsibility for their inaction, as well.

You can get a ticket for going to slow too.

The rule of thumb on the highway is to pace yourself with the flow of traffic.

If most are doing 65 mph, then you should too or move to the right. It's pretty simple. ;)

[cynatnite]

145. Totally agree...

respect comes from all sides. I'd move over. But if someone doesn't, oh well. They don't. I just stay where I am until I can pass them. Common sense, IMO.

[riverdeep]

144. The speed limits in this country

seem to be designed for the lowest end of the bell curve in terms of intelligence/reaction time/driving ability. They seemed to be thinking, 'what's the fastest a moron/moronic driver could travel down this roadway safely?' Obviously, for the rest of us, it seems slow, so we speed up.

That's wrong. For many of us, this is one of our first lessons on the law. That laws can be just arbitrary rules only about power and control, not about rational restrictions to make all of society flow more smoothly. As to driving, it stems from the idea that in this country driving is seen as a right, not the privilege that it actually is. We should design traffic laws for the average driver, not the worst. If your ability can't measure up, you shouldn't be driving. A necessary corollary would have to be the expansion of public transportation (which should occur anyway).

The left lane is for passing, don't park there. If you're weaving in and out of traffic-you're the problem, not those around you. If you meet some chump going five miles slower than the limit in good conditions while boxing you out with the car in right lane, don't tailgate! It's dangerous to everyone. Flash your turn signal to indicate you want to pass. If they don't move and you can't pass in the oncoming lane, turn on the radio and chill, your chance will come. Thankfully, most people still drive reasonably, despite the frustrations.

Now, about those damn subwoofers...

[cherokeeprogressive]

148. Cars have changed, yet speed limits really haven't.

Power assisted rack and pinion steering. Wider, steel belted radial tires. Race inspired suspensions. Brakes with much better stopping power, not to mention anti-lock capability.

Try driving a car that was built before Carter lowered the SL to 55 mph, at 75, then get into one of todays cars. WORLDS OF DIFFERENCE. Yet the speed limits don't reflect the improvements.

[CRF450]

154. Oh yea...

Cars today can handle 75mph like it was nothing compared to cars of 35 years ago. Even truck/SUV's despite their high rollover rates can handle pretty decently if you know how to control those things.

[Breeze54]

149. I have subwoofers. What do you want to make of it?

:P

:rofl:

Very good, common sense post! :hi:

[CRF450]

153. I do too, but I dont blast them constantly like every thug wannabe here does

[pitohui]

175. no that is the kind of thinking that kills people

in the real world, most posters on DU live in the usa, a very large country where you need to be able to own and operate a motor vehicle to do basic things like being employed for a job -- most jobs (except maybe in the northeast) won't hire you unless you have "reliable transportation" code for owning your own car

the roads have to accommodate the fact that beginners (teens) with little experience are driving, seniors (who have poor night vision and much slower reaction time) are driving, that people are driving tired after work (i was rear ended and injured by a woman in broad daylight coming home from her job at a hospital, are we to make a law against tired people driving and to insist that people in demanding jobs like doctor and nurse not be allowed to drive), finally, the roads have to accommodate the fact that everyone occasionally makes an error in judgment or timing because we are mortal human beings

all these factors argue in favor of the roads and the laws being designed to account for the least skilled person who can still safely operate a motor vehicle

keep in mind that any night YOU drive home tired or sleepy then YOU are one of these least skilled drivers

there is never going to be widespread public transportation in the usa in our lifetime, the time it would take to build the infrastructure would be decades, the cost monumental, because of the size of the country and the areas that would need to be serviced plus the high rate of violent crime in this country makes it unsafe for many in the population (women, older people) to use it at certain times unless they just want to paint a target on themselves and get themselves mugged or raped or killed

for all these reasons, the speed limits seem to err on the side of caution but the truth is, whether you admit it or not, NONE of us is ALWAYS at the top of our game whilst driving

we have unrealistic ideas sometimes, but the idea that roads should only be for the very few "perfect" drivers would be a great way to kill the economy, that's for sure, that's beyond unrealistic and into the category of delusional

[riverdeep]

179. Thank you for a reasoned counterpoint.

However, I'm not arguing for perfection- rather for improvement. I didn't say the laws should be tailored for the best drivers, but average drivers. We are way too lax in our requirements for operating a motor vehicle. For the vast majority of us, if death or carnage is going to be visited on us, it will come in the form of an auto accident. Believe me, if cars were invented today, they would be banned, or at least highly restricted. Imagine letting people take a ton of mass moving at 88 feet per second moving mere feet from opposing hurtling pieces of mass, guided by poorly trained, often distracted operators. We're simply desensitized to the potential danger, and more and more see our cars as an extension of our living room-talking on the phone, eating, looking at the scenery, etc. Some other nations (Britain was mentioned) have a higher standard for drivers, and the drivers adjust.

Teens shouldn't be driving on their own until they have enough experience-that's what the learners permit is for. As for the elderly-how many stories have we heard of one of their member crashing into a bank window. Sorry, but if you have to drive at 35 in a 50 to feel safe, you need to get other options.

If you feel you can't operate your vehicle after a work shift, pull off and take a nap.

As for public transport, well, no easy solutions there, that's true. Buses, however, can use the infrastructure that's already here, along with ride sharing options. Violent crime is almost exclusively a function of our drug laws. That's the cause of the lion's share of violence in the country. Look at prohibition-violence shot up when enforced, swung down when it ended. We're still living under prohibition. In the meantime, ground marshalls on buses, like air marshalls, may work.

These are major shifts. But then, you get what you pay for.

[B Calm]

156. As a professional truck driver, I use those left lane cruisers as BEAR BAIT!

When a cop is out to write a speeding ticket, they'll 10 times out 10 give the ticket to the guy in the passing lane. If they want to be stupid, use them to your advantage.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

161. OMG PLEASE Let This Come To Jersey Too. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!

Every damn day I gotta deal with those stupid fucks in the left lane, that are just oblivious to the world around them. Though immature and stupid, I cut them off every chance I get, to wake them the fuck up and get them to move over, so that other people behind them don't have to put up with their selfishness.

I can't stand it! I'd LOVE to see that law here!

[Runcible Spoon]

186. HA well thats what you get for living in Joi-zee!

-signed,

Uppity NYer

:evilgrin:

[high density]

180. In Maine we have signs up all over the place that say "keep right except to pass"

and "slower traffic keep right." In general people heed them on the highways but in passing areas on hills, few cars pull over to the right lane.

[entanglement]

184. Speeding is the new Olive Garden / breast-feeding in these parts

:evilgrin:

[geomon666]

191. Absolutely correct.

I can't stand that crap.

[RoadRage]

194. Well.. from the girl nicknamed "Road Rage"...

I will say that nothing pisses me off more then a "rolling blockade".. ie - 2 cars driving exactly at (or sometimes even 5 miles below) the speed limit in both (or more if there are more then 2) lanes. People who think it's their job to police how fast I or other drivers go by staying side-by-side the entire time down the road just to slow everyone down behind them.

There was actually a story about this a few years ago.. a guy was in a porche who was speeding, and 2 guys in front of him decided to "police" him, and slowed down to 10 miles below the speed limit so he couldn't pass. He ended up trying to pass them on the shoulder to get by, and one of the slow drivers tried to cut him off - and the porche ended up wrecking by crashing into a telephone pole.

The driver of the porche was seriously injured - but didn't die. Turns out he was a cardiologist on his way to the hospital to do an emergency surgery.. and now he's confined to a wheelchair. All because 2 assholes thought it was their job to POLICE traffic.

Some people speed to be assholes. Some people speed because their wife is in labor and needs to get to the hospital. Some people speed because they have an emergency they need to get to. It is no ones job except for the police to slow anyone down.

So yeah, slow drivers piss me off. And i'm just a person who speeds to be an asshole - i'll fully admit that. But you can't possibly know that if you're just driving next to me.

[A HERETIC I AM]

199. What an incredibly well written post. Thanks ..n/t

[EOTE]

259. How incredibly sad.

Yet there are still some who proclaim it's their job to keep people at or below the speed limit (actually, usually it's just at or below the speed they're traveling at, because they're the arbiter of just how much over the speed limit you're allowed to go). And if someone is in a Porsche or Bimmer, it's even more important that they be reigned in by these rolling blockades because it's so damaging to their fragile egos to be passed by a sports car. It's sickening that so many people are actually willing to create extremely unsafe situations by kidding themselves into thinking that they're doing a good thing by keeping everyone else as slow as them. Just sickening. And yet there are many here who are OUTRAGED that some people choose to drive rationally. It's not the people who are using the left lane as it's intended to be used who are on the power trip, it's those self-righteous jerks who so wish they were the highway patrol who are.

[zennie62]

206. Make sure they use their signal!

A major pet peeve of mine!!!

[guardian]

222. Slow is good

Anything that slows down traffic is a good thing. Slower means less fossil fuel consumption and reduction in CO2 emissions which slows down global warming. I can't believe all the DUers that don't care about the environment.

[lib2DaBone]

223. Left Lane..... look at Me!

Hey you in the left lane.... it's all about YOU right? Its all about your Conservative, Christian, Neo-con, Right-Wing Bull Shit. It's all about YOU making a statement so that we all can SEE. OK.. we SEE you. We see that you are a freaking brain-dead fucking MORON... so get over into the right lane and give the rest of humanity a break from your ignorance. Jesus God... <sigh>

[EOTE]

260. Are you ok?

Only conservative, christian, neo-cons use the left lane? It seems like you might have a few anger management issues. I use the left lane all the time. I spend far more time commuting than I want to, so the left lane cuts down on the amount of time I have to drive during the day. And before you start saying something like "Oh, so you drive 200mph and put everyone's life at risk just so you can get home 30 seconds earlier", please don't respond with such nonsense. I figure that driving very safely in the left hand lane saves me about 15 minutes per leg in my commute. That's an additional half hour I get to spend with my family a day. Considering I commute almost 3 hours per day, that half hour is very important to me. But I guess I'm ignorant because I use the left lane as it's intended to be used. I guess we should just pretend that the left lane doesn't exist.

[pompano]

224. I wonder what....

...one would call a motorist that drives with two wheels in each lane, appeasers?

Some people can't get back over in the RHL...their blinker got stuck. :D

[JCMach1]

225. Sorry, but this will fuel more agressive driving. If you are driving the limit, you should not

have to move over.

If you want to see the kind of idiotic behavior this produces, come for a visit in Dubai and I will show you your worst driving nightmares...

[Toasterlad]

231. I Completely Disagree With Your Asinine Post.

But I LOVE the little animated thing in your sig line! It's adorable!*

*series!

[JCMach1]

232. People will think they have a right to agressively tail-gate and flash

at extraordinarily high rates of speed...

It is extremely dangerous.

[Toasterlad]

234. I Have No Doubt That Slow People In the Left Lane Cause More Accidents Than They Prevent.

However, while I disagree with you on the subject, I was just kidding about the "asinine" part.

I really, REALLY like that magic rabbit!

[JCMach1]

235. can't take credit for him

got him from the net somewhere... there is a whole collection of cute animated rabbits... decided on that theme for Spring.

[XOKCowboy]

265. Why NOT move over? It's called courtesy.

Do you feel it's some sort of "moral duty" to slow people down?

The lack of courtesy on the road today fuels a lot of road rage.

[Warren DeMontague]

226. Dennis Leary said it best:

I drive really slow
in the ultra-fast lane
while people behind me
are going insane...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXTN3h-b9nU

[HughMoran]

227. Maybe, but when I'm doing 78 MPH in the left lane and some hot-dogger flips me the beams

I let off the gas and look in amazement at the ass hole in the rearview. Some idiots need to learn to drive without endangering other people by cutting in and out of traffic at 80MPH.

[mdmc]

241. YES

[Manifestor_of_Light]

246. What if the left lane goes to an exit?

I have had to get in the left lane several miles ahead of the exit to Dallas while going east on Loop 610. That's because the traffic is thick and that exit backs up for two or three miles. You can't cut into the lane at the last moment, because you'll probably get rearended by the guy behind you in the second-from-inside lane.

:banghead:

[A HERETIC I AM]

247. This legislation seems to be directed at rural sections of interstate

The idea of "keep right except to pass" has a logical exception for a left hand exit on a limited access highway.

[JerseygirlCT]

253. Those are the most stupid pieces of road design I've seen.

We've got tons of them on my stretch of highway here, too. Guaranteed traffic jams, every one of them.

The worst are IN Hartford, where the geniuses have designed left exits, and then right exists in which the entrance comes first. So you have merging traffic weaving in and out and people trying to get from far right all the way to the left past people trying to get all the way to the right to exit.

On my 20 minute commute there are 6 left hand exits. I don't think the traffic reports are even live anymore. It's the same thing every day - why bother?

[L0oniX]

250. How about they limit cell phone use to the right lane too while they're at it.

[raccoon]

266. How about they limit cell phone use to WHEN YOU'RE NOT DRIVING while they're at it. nt

[JerseygirlCT]

251. Oh good heavens, yes.

That is NOT a travel lane. It is a passing lane. I don't care how much the pokes want to show the world that they are traveling too fast -- if you're leading a parade, get the hell over. Be smugly self-righteous from the right lanes.

It's also just the safe thing to do. The slow-movers clogging the left lane cause all sorts of congested traffic patterns, cars start getting too close to each other, and soon all it takes is one small miscalculation by one car to create a total mess.

And who's the genius who thought building highways with left lane entrances and exits was smart?

[LanternWaste]

258. Too many damned illegals on the road...

Too many damned illegals on the road... speeders that is. But I bet a lot of people thought I meant something completely different. I wonder why? :sarcasm:

[FlaGranny]

261. I pass in the left lane when I want to - period.

I move out of the way as soon as I pass if there's an a-hole coming up behind me doing 100, but even so I will not move over until I can do so without cutting off the car I'm passing and that REALLY pisses off the speed idiots. They're like the guy a couple of weeks ago who blew his horn at me and gave me the finger for stopping when the light at an intersection turned RED about 100 feet before I got there to make a right turn. Sure, we're allowed to turn right on red here, but we're supposed to stop at red lights and make sure the intersection is clear first. He expected me to just blow through a red light at an intersection. I sure hope that idiot can read lips because I looked him right in the eye and called him a "stupid f'ing asshole" before I had time to that think I might be taking my life in my hands. Before I got to that intersection I was doing 50 in a 45 mph zone in a heavy traffic area - in the right lane. I'm sure that pissed him off too. It doesn't make any difference what lane you're traveling in when you have an asshole behind you.

My opinion is that the stupid f'ing assholes of this world are the ones who should be punished, rather than someone obeying the law, but what do I know?

Oh, and by the way, I hate it too when someone drives in the passing lane instead of using it to pass, no matter whether they're going the speed limit, under it, or over it. It's just rude. But - still, there ARE the assholes.