Why do some of the less intelligent people in this country INSIST on driving SLOW in the LEFT LANE? Don't you geniuses know "SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT", and that, although it's not enforced for the most part, that it is ILLEGAL to drive in the left lane UNLESS you are passing? In most of europe, and especially in Germany, it is a VERY hefty fine, and can result in confinement. SMARTEN UP, you dorks! Stop backing up traffic! Stop BREAKING THE LAW!!
2006-10-19 13:05:02 · 20 answers · asked by gorbasche2 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
I'm assuming you're talking about the left lane being the fast lane or a passing lane while on a stretch of freeway or hiway, because in towns and cities, the left lane, or #1 lane in law enforcement terminology, is NOT the fast lane. There is no rules for slower traffic to move right in city limits.
As far as slowpokes clogging up the #1 lane on hiways, most of them are idiots, usually elderly, or women, who think "By God, I'm doing the legal speed limit and not a mile over it and if they don't like it too bad!"
Also, unlike in Europe, police very rarely ever ticket slow drivers in the #1 lane. I have never seen someone get a ticket for that infraction. The cops would much rather go after the speed demons, since they figure they pose more danger to other motorists. But I'm with you: these slowpokes can cause accidents too. I wish U.S, cops would enforce the "slower traffic keep right" rule more often.
2006-10-19 13:13:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
This is what we call here ... a moving roadblock, there are a lot of native people here who are used to driving VERY slow on the reservation roads so when they come off the reservation they hold up traffic. Its usually elderly people or a few "there is no one on the road but me" people. What they do, one drives 25 miles under the speed limit, the other one gets in the #1 lane otherwise quoted as the "fast" lane and they put their Front bumper even with the back bumper of the "slow" car. So not only are they driving in this person's blind spot but they are going slower than molasses in January and holding up traffic.
Now Please understand, I don't mean this prejudice in any way.. but that is usually how it goes and it usually ends with my husband yelling in my ear about how the stupid idiots won't move. Have you noticed that Germany has less accidents than we do? I wish we would adopt some of their driving laws.
2006-10-19 14:01:21 · answer #2 · answered by blondeokie73 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
On the freeways, at least, the left lane is the "passing lane"....That is the official designation for it.
Those who don't pass while in said lane are not only idiots, they are creating a traffic hazard.
No, I don't do it.
Right, so I recognize that this isn't okay, but I gotta tell you about a recent experience. I was driving down the highway...In the left lane, because I wanted to do 60 and everyone else was doing 50 (it's a windy road). So, I get stuck behind this guy in a Mercedes. He's on his phone (naturally). For about 10 miles, I'm stuck behind him, and he's driving like a retard...He's going the same speed as the guy in the right lane...then he's going slower...then he's going faster...then he has his turn signal on as if he's gonna change lanes...then he turns it off...then back on again...then off again. Finally, we get to a spot where there are more lanes....I move into the 2nd lane, pass him on his right, and then - I moved back into the left lane and took my foot off the gas. I KNOW! Totally bad, but I honestly couldn't resist. As I was passing him, I looked into the car...he was doing all of this crappy driving with his wife and two kids asleep in the car, and all the while he was on his phone. You won't believe that he actually had the nerve to then speed up (to about 85 by this point), and pass me! As if he never realized there was anyone behind him, or that he had inconvenienced anyone else. Apparently, the road was built just for him and the rest of us are just in his way. Whatever!!
2006-10-19 13:14:30 · answer #3 · answered by abfabmom1 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I agree that it is soooo irritating to contend with someone going slow in the left lane. And, as abfabmom1 wrote, the telephone seems to cause this. Why can't people at least use their cruise control when they're on the phone? However, it is not illegal in all states. A bill here to make it illegal to drive in the left lane, other than to pass, failed recently.
2006-10-20 14:21:29 · answer #4 · answered by harrison 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gorb,
I am a very slow driver. I drive the speed limit or slower and I normally stay in the slow lane. I take surface streets when ever I can.
HOWEVER, when I am on the freeway, if my exit is in the left lane, I have to move over when I can. People won't let me through, otherwise. If that means 4 miles of slow driving in the fast lane, so be it.
Sorry, but when people need to get over, let them over.
2006-10-19 17:01:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
on a three lane highway, i will normally drive in the center lane, except to pass.on a two lane, i will stay to the right, except to pass. i believe very strongly that this is the way it should be for everybody, but i realise that there are an awful lot of stupid, ignorant, and obnoxious drivers no matter where you are who just don't get it. speeding doesn't even enter the equation.
2006-10-19 19:37:40 · answer #6 · answered by Brian D 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here's where a problem occurs. A person decides to pass on the left, but none of the previous left-laners want to let that person over... finally, that person moves to the left to pass, but then other fast "perpetual residents of the left lane" tailgate that person.
NOTHING makes me drive the speed limit in the left lane like a tailgater!!!!!
It's not just slow people who "live" in the left lane. There are an awful lot of selfish, impatient speeders who live there, too, making it impossible for the rest of us to use it as a passing lane.
2006-10-19 13:26:07 · answer #7 · answered by scruffycat 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you want to drive slower than the flow of traffic, keep to your right. If i were a cop i would give that person a ticket. and then when they get rear-ended it the fault of the guy in the back. How many injuries are caused by people like this?
They are a hazard to everyone on the road.
From Vito
2006-10-19 13:21:55 · answer #8 · answered by Vito-V 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Actually in many parts of North Carolina, it is essential to use the left lane of an otherwise fast road to make a U-turn or, even worse, a left exit off a restricted highway.
Now, if you are talking about, say, New Jersey, where there are jug-handles everywhere, you have an excellent point.
2006-10-19 13:09:29 · answer #9 · answered by skip 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It's a pain... but sometimes you do get stuck over in the left lane b/c you go to pass someone and then they decide to speed up and traffic gets really heavy.
2006-10-19 13:12:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋