Most states have a rule that slow drivers are supposed to stay in the right lane and let people pass. I know my state has this rule, the only problem with the rule is that I’m considered a slow driver because I go the speed limit.
If I drive 55 and I’m in the left lane, by law, I’m supposed to defer to the jackass speeders who are doing 90. I have to move over so they can get burn on down the road. Why?
Don’t say “Safety”. Bullcrap. Safety is not driving 90 in the first place. Do you think the speeder will swerve into the right lane to try to get around me? Sometimes, but the speeder can’t get around me if there are other people in the right lane also obeying the law and doing the speed limit.
My biggest complaint about having to move over for speeders by law is that this encourages speeding. It gives a free lane to anyone who is daring enough to break the law. People like me who obey the speed limit are the ones who will abide by the slow drivers in the right lane rule anyway.
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The law is not that it is a “speeding lane” but rather that it is a “passing lane.” The reason far more people are pissed off at you than vice versa is that while you self-righteously drive 55 in the left lane you cause back ups of traffic behind you, and yes, force people - even those doing 56 mph - to pass on the right. Everyone - 90 mph’ers included - should travel in the right lane. And when you slow-poke 55 mph’ers need to pass someone who is going even slower, it is permitted by law for you to exceed the speed limit briefly while passing. By staying to the right as a rule you permit the flow of traffic at whatever average speed it happens to be going, whether 55mph or 70mph.
Instead of smelling your obviously delicious farts and dreaming of a world filled with only you, maybe you could think of someone besides yourself and move the hell over so traffic can flow properly.
Driving fast doesn’t cause accidents; driving carelessly - at any speed - most certainly does.
And for the record, I generally drive 60 mph on my daily commute. In the right lane.
Matt on June 6th, 2007 at 5:52 pm | Link
I would add this to Matt’s comment: in most places it is legal to drive a speed that is “reasonable and prudent.” The posted “speed limit” is presumed to be reasonable and prudent, but higher speeds can be legal as well, depending on the circumstances. On most posted 55mph stretches of highway in clear weather, 70 is a reasonable and prudent speed for an alert driver in a functioning car. So when you’re self-righteously occupying the left-hand land lane at 55 mph, you’re impeding people who are obeying the law.
Driving slower than the flow of traffic is about as dangerous as driving faster. If you’re never exceeding the posted speed limit, you’re probably a crappy driver. But, since the accidents you cause will be behind you, you may never know it.
Mark on June 13th, 2007 at 6:40 am | Link
I need to side mostly with Matt and Mark on this one. The policy I’ve adopted after awhile is simply one of “avoiding the conflict with each other.” What this means for me is that if somebody is going slower than I’d like, I’ll do my very best to stay a reasonable distance from his bumper for a reasonable amount of time.
HOWEVER, I think it’s quite fair for me to expect that this driver should show the same respect in that after a short period of time in which a car is traveling right along behind him (and in MANY cases, an increasingly growing length of cars), he would pull over (or move into the right lane, if on a multi-lane road), and allow the car(s) to pass.
By doing this, we all can simply avoid bubbling up with anger inside. Even you must admit that when you are riding in the left lane at 55, and cars build up behind you, becoming increasingly more impatient with you, you become angry. Wouldn’t you rather avoid this? If you would move over and let them pass, I think it’s safe to assume that they might be a little less impatient with the next “righteous 55 driver” in the left lane that they approach… and even less impatient if they knew it was likely he or she would also move over. Ultimately, that means that you wouldn’t have people up your bumper all the time.
I’ll make this simpler for you. By pulling over, you will actually decrease the amount of rudeness displayed to you by the “speeders.” It’s a macro-social effect.
Sub1ime14 on July 3rd, 2007 at 9:11 am | Link
Most accidents have 2 of 3 elements: 1, excessive speed; 2, distraction or impairment; 3, an unexpected or hampering road condition (a swerving vehicle or icy-patch for example). The combination of #1 and #2 are responsible for most motor vehicle accidents. It may surprise you to know that #1 in and of itself causes quite few motor vehicle accidents. It is actually the number of maneuvers required to circumvent slow left-lane drivers that contribute to more dangerous road conditions than simply exceeding the posted limit by 20-30 MPH. Now, I’m not talking about people who drive 90 in crowded conditions or >100 in moderate conditions…these are extreme speeders who cause tremendous jeopardy to those on the road. But most of the time, it is actually slower moving vehicles that lead to the perfect brew of road conditions that can cause accidents.
Now, we the people decided long ago that we are going to live in a society where slow drivers get out of the way of fast drivers. It has always been a courtesy (again I am not talking about the super speeders). Whether codified (as in quoted statutes in many states which permit “prudent and reasonable” speeds to keep up with traffic flow, or not, many people follow a reasonable speed which will take them to 70 MPH on a freeway with 55 limit or to 85-90 MPH (in open [not rushour] driving conditions on 65MPH roads. There is a bell curve, like there is with most continuous variables, with the average driver slightly exceeding the posted limit (say 65 in a 55 zone, or 70-75 in a 65 zone). These folks should occupy the second-to-left or middle lane. Folks traveling at speeds below these should occupy the R lane. The left lane is for faster traffic. A good rule of thumb is that you should expect to be passing other cars if you are in the L lane.
If you find that traffic is passing you on the right, that is a signal to get over. This will decrease the chances of an accident (b/c everyone is not going to start driving 55 b/c you do, honey).
Most people sort of understand this by osmosis, but others need a more direct and literal explanation….
roadauthority on September 18th, 2007 at 9:44 am | Link
it would be nice if the impatient speeders behind me who think i’m a slowpoke going 75 while i’m passing a vehicle would actually keep their briefs on a moment while I move back into the right lane, instead of jerking over to the right lane to pass ME as soon as they see enough room to squeeze 6 inches past my bumper………..remember what your teachers taught you standing in line in kindergarten…..don’t PUSH.
D on October 23rd, 2007 at 7:16 pm | Link
D: Agree wholeheartedly, as I am, in fact, in your camp. Those people are probably the most dangerous drivers on the road. Out of the non-intoxicated ones, anyway.
Speaking of dangerous…All you impatient assholes who go one step further and use the breakdown lane: up here in my neck of the woods (southern CT) someone was killed recently as they sat in/near their car in the breakdown lane and were struck by someone “avoiding traffic.” Completely senseless tragedy.
Matt
Matt on October 24th, 2007 at 11:52 am | Link
Listen all you slow drivers need to move the hell over. You know there are 20 cars behind you and about 15 passing you on the right so unless you are an inbred asshole. MOVE THE HELL OVER and do your slow speed in the right lane and stop trying to regulate the speed of traffic to your slow ass speed.
Eric on January 2nd, 2008 at 11:24 am | Link
Or it’s the Liberal wackos in the hybrid pieces of crap, those things can’t do over 45 but they jump on over in the left lane anyway.
Rush on January 7th, 2008 at 2:19 pm | Link
How about the morons that jump in front of you in the left lane then slow down. They suck, then when you go to pass them they speed up. That is why once I get a chance to pass, I cut them off withing inches of their bumpers. They are just trying to regulate the speed of other drivers and one day they will get what is coming to them.
Chuck on January 8th, 2008 at 8:31 am | Link
The original poster is a JA. Just move over and enjoy your drive. Why let it bother you? Why waste time writing about it. Just move the F over and get out of my way.
Phil on February 11th, 2008 at 10:18 am | Link
Number 1, You have a issue with control.
Number 2, You are WAY to concerned with that other driver that wants to go faster than you.
And we both know it’s not always some idiot that wants to go 90. It could be someone that just wants to go a little fast than you. Someone that knows their exit is coming up and they need to move over and you are stopping them cause you are so concerned with your so called right to go the speed limit in what ever lane you’re in. And it could be someone who’s loved one was just taken to the hospital and they are trying to get there. Or they have a sick animal they need to get to the vet. Or their child is sick….. You have no idea. You just assume that everyone that wants to go faster than you is WRONG and you are RIGHT and you DON’T CARE!
Why don’t you be more concerned about what YOU’RE doing, not why that guy is trying to get by you. Be a little courteous and move over. Isn’t that what you would want someone to do for you if you had to go a little faster for whatever reason, then the person in front of you? And if it is a jerk and there are a lot of them out there. Why get so upset? Once they are by you and gone you don’t have to deal with them anymore. Why do you feel the need to be the one to teach them a lesson. You are just as bad as the idiots.
Laura on February 16th, 2008 at 7:59 am | Link
Get a life Mr. I drive 55 mph and want to hold up traffic acting like an 80 yr old driver. Get the hell out of the way idiot.
If u want to drive slow…. the speed limit…Get the hell out of the way-Jerk & get a life.
I hate people like u in the mornings.
katie on February 18th, 2008 at 9:29 am | Link
Agreed… Slow drivers need to get over for people going at a reasonable speed. We don’t have all day to get across town. If the speed is 55 (first off that is sooo slow) you should try going about 70… besides it is not like some kid is going to pop out in front of you on the highway…DUH!!! Just wait for the faster driver to pass you then pass the driver slower than you.
Alex on February 25th, 2008 at 11:15 am | Link
I just drive the speed limit. Don’t get mad at me if I’m going the speed limit and you’re late. That’s you’re problem.
Simplicity.
piper on May 31st, 2008 at 3:54 am | Link
Yes, I’m going to get mad at you. The law says that slower traffic must keep right. I know you’ve seen those signs. Why is that you choose to abide by only the signs that are convenient for you?
It is because of you, Mr. I-am-better-than-everyone-else, that I am late. I follow the rules of the road. I move over when someone driving faster than me is behind me. If you are driving the speed limit and not a mile over (which is crazy- who does that?!), then that is your prerogative. You are not the police, so who are you to force me to drive your speed? Your complaint is that I am breaking the law by speeding, yes? Well, you are breaking the law by remaining in the left lane when you are the slower driver. It must be nice to have crap that smells like roses.
As a bit of a tangent, I’d like to moan a bit about the slow drivers that feel the need to run a stop sign, cut me off, and then drive a couple miles below the speed limit. It’s like only some laws apply to these people. You run a stop sign (dangerous), and cut me off (very dangerous), but then drive slow (cause that is the law and you are a safe driver). Get the hell out of my way!!
Tom on June 10th, 2008 at 12:50 pm | Link
My only question is this: if you are driving the speed limit, and only the speed limit, then why are you out of the right lane anyway? If you are the slow person, you should never have a reason to be in the fast lane to begin with. Common sense should tell you this. If you know the law (as you seem to) then you should realize that without people like you, we wouldn’t need those signs.
Kent on June 26th, 2008 at 12:40 pm | Link
Hi, I’m a freelance writer writing a story on the increasingly heated conflicts over left-lane driving.
I’ve spoken to folks who get frustrated over left-lane ‘campers,’ but I’ve had trouble tracking down someone from the other perspective. I would like to speak to someone like you, Piper, or the original post-er.
It’s Friday, 7/18 and I’d like to catch up w/ someone ASAP to add another perspective to my story. I’ll explain. I can be emailed at: csolomon3837 @ yahoo dot com .
thanks Chris
Christopher Solomon on July 18th, 2008 at 11:52 am | Link
Chris,
I would be interested in reading your article when it’s finished/published. Please come back and provide us a link or information about how we can read it. Thanks.
Sub1ime14 on July 21st, 2008 at 10:47 am | Link
Why is it if I’m going way over the speed limit that people are mad at me for not pulling over?….. why should I have to pull over if Im over the speed limit and the right lane is wide open?
Rick G on July 25th, 2008 at 7:34 pm | Link
You should read the National Motorist Association’s page on the subject of lane discipline. In most states, the left is for passing only. That is the law. Don’t try enforcing your own version of the law yourself.
FrankieJ on July 26th, 2008 at 9:25 pm | Link
Rick G, Piper, and original Poster,
The right lane is where you belong. The left lane is a PASSING lane. Meaning (since you apparently don’t seem to grasp the concept) PASSING. If you are not passing other cars, you need to be in the right lane so that you can coast. You can actually get a ticket for obstructing traffic if you are caught holding up the flow in the fast lane. So you can legally be cited for what you are doing.
I communte in the mornings, what I do is put the car on cruise control for 65-70 and coast in the slow lane. When I am approaching a vehicle that is driving slower, I switch lanes by waiting until traffic is clear in the left lane, using my blinker and PASSING not mathing the driver in the slow lanes (even more dangerous) speed, and when it is safe, I return to the slow lane. If you guys could cooperate, we would actually have less aggressive drivers, and safer roads.
When I was younger, I was driving actually three miles over the speed limit, but it was my right away. This older women in an exploer who were impatiently waiting at a stop sign (they kept creeping closer to the road as I was approaching the intersection, however just as I passed for some reason the driver decided to try to cut me off. Clearly, it was not safe and we ended up having an accident.
The first thing I hear when I got out of the car was “well you were speeding” You know what? Yes, I was going over the limit by three miles. But I was not cited, they were. The accident was their fault for not yielding to the right of way.
They thought they were right and learned the hard way, you think you are right. Don’t be the ones to learn the hard way.
I agree with everyone else’s comment to you on here. They said it just like it is. It is not up to you to regulate the speed of traffic.
Based on your postings, I bet you are the people that mosey on over into the fast lane with out even to check if it’s safe. You must really piss people off on the road. You should really really be careful doing dangerous things like. You can really piss the wrong person off.
Just cruise in the slow lane, listen to music and for God’s Sake don’t be on the phone too you f-ing JackAsses!
Jesucita on August 3rd, 2008 at 10:54 pm | Link
Jesucita has said it all. The left lane is for passing NOT cruising.
I have this problem almost every morning on my way to work. Neither one of the drivers ahead of me are even going the speed limit (50mph) and I have my cruise control set and I have to hit the brakes because there’s someone in the PASSING LANE going under the posted limit!
It is one of the most annoying things to me!
I was taught in driver’s ed that the left lane was for passing. I don’t know where all these other drivers went to school.
And whoever the original post was, I would run your ass over. If someone wants to fly past me that’s their problem. You need to worry about yourself and not about anyone else. And STAY OUT OF THE LEFT LANE!!!
heart of stone on September 7th, 2008 at 10:49 am | Link
i agree with the the side of this argument that is AGAINST the OP. however, i can see both sides.
i’ll do the OP’s side first. the OP see’s the speed limit as a law that needs to be obeyed for people safety, just like laws prohibiting murder (though not as extreme, duh). now, take into account that not all left lanes are passing only…there’s a difference between a LEFT LANE IS FOR PASSING ONLY sign, and a SLOWER CARS KEEP RIGHT sign. now, if the speed limit is 55, and someone is going 55 in the left lane in an are where the left lane is for passing only, they only have the right to be there when passing someone. now, if they are going 55 in the left lane in a zone where it says slower cars keep right, then they do, technically, by law, have the right to be there. no one has to move over for speeders…technically. it sucks, i know. i hate it, too. the slower cars are the ones that want to go slower than the posted speed limit. like going 50 in a 55 or something. no cop is going to (or at least they shouldn’t, technically) pull over someone going the speed limit, 55, in the left lane because they were holding back traffic that wanted to BREAK THE LAW and go 65.
now, onto the side that i actually agree with. the speed limits that are posted in any given area are OBVIOUSLY slower than what is safe to go on a dry, sunny day. the limits are there as actually a general guide of what speed to travel when it’s rainy and foggy. if you are on I-90 going 85 in a 70, especially in a pack of cars, you’re totally safe. if you get into a wreck going 70 or 85 (as long as no tailgating is involved), either way you’re screwed. so might as well save time. now, when you decide to go into the left lane and “hold hands” with the car next to you, both going the speed limit, and cars start to back up behind you, why do you think it’s your job to play COP and stay parallel with the car next to you? does it make your penis feel bigger or your vagina feel tighter? if you’re gonna go the same exact speed as the car next to you, just GO in that lane. YOU are the ones who cause road rage and accidents. and just imagine if someone who is rushing a friend or pregnant wife to the hospital gets stuck behind your self righteous ass, and because of you playing COP, the extra time it takes them to get to the hospital costs a human life…just imagine! and if i’m going 65 in a 60, and i’m in the left lane, about to pass you (you’re in the right lane) and you switch into the left lane to pass the guy in front of you who is going 59, just so you can go 60. just wait for me to pass first! i hate waiting for somebody to pass another car, just to see that they are only going SLIGHTLY faster than the car they are passing.
Matt on September 10th, 2008 at 3:18 am | Link
so what if I drive the speed liimit in the right side lane, its the posted amount, and its usually the safest speed to be going “in good weather” with ‘good conditions” The problem is that people drive too fast for road conditions, and people who are late-and then drive fast to try and compensate. Yes you may pass me, but you and I will meet up at the next turn signal. I stay in the right side and never get into the left lane, unless I have to turn left. Speeders just be aware that your desire to go fast and there there in a hurry is also increasing your blood pressure, and not in a good way. Leave early enough, slow down a little and you will feel much better when you arrive at your intended destination
di on October 21st, 2008 at 12:19 pm | Link
go ahead…drive the speed limit in the right lane…but STAY in the left lane. the speed limit is what is “safe” in MOST bad conditions…not extreme like snow, ice or massive fog. on a dry, sunny day at noon, it’s safe to 10-15 over.
and countless times i have driven fast…and watched as the slow drivers i just passed have to STOP for the red light, that i made it thru…HAHA sucka!!
i feel GREAT when i get to my destination and i have just gotten there in record time…i feel EFFICIENT!
Matt on October 21st, 2008 at 6:18 pm | Link
It is definately true that if slow drivers were a little more polite to those going a little faster that the roadways would end up feeling like a battlefeild.
I have no problem with someone going the 55 mile limit because they dont feel safe going over it as long as they stay in the right lane or atleast make an attempt to not hold up the traffic and make assumptions about the drivers that are going faster, the truth is i feel that it is safe to drive 65 or so in the same conditions, and ive never once had a wreck doing it, its actually quite safe, the safe speed depends on the driver, if gramps who cant see clearly is goin 70 in a 55 that is completely unsafe, but however someone who is fully aware of the road and pays attention (not on the phone etc) can drive much faster safely.
So in short i definately agree that slow drivers should stop trying to police the road because they think that just because someone says the speed limit is x that is the only safe way to drive and that simply is untrue.
I think most accidents are not caused by excessive speed, nor going slower, they are caused by people who dont pay attention, so yes thats you mrs soccer mom on the phone trying to figure out if the game is canceld and make out your grocery list on the way to dropping your kids off at karate practice. go ahead and drive slower if you cant safely drive any faster, i know you need the roads too, just please pull over for me if i need to pass! and everyone should lay off the phones and such that should be one of the highest fines as it surely causes the most accidents. in other words, PAY ATTENTION! or hire a driver or take a cab etc. atleast from what ive seen here the most wrecks are from drunk driving and not paying attention regardless of the speed.
while slow drivers get the tention hot on the freeway I think the real cause of road rage is not the slow guy even if they are rude, and its not the fast guy even if it does tick us off it doesnt mean there is something wrong with us, just remember that there are deadlines hanging all over most of us that drive fast, people expect us to be on the ball and effecient and thats just what we are trying to do, not everyone has the luxury of not having to work, being retired or a housewife etc, some of us have to get on the ball to be able to survive.
no the real cause is poorly designed roadways, many of these towns we lived in were constucted under a tenth the traffic we now have and our system is just inadequate. its like being at disney world on its worst day every morning, lines , backups , lights out, road work, tractors that cant wait until after rush hour, its just gotten bad so that it doesnt matter the day, something will always be wrong. we need larger roads and better design of our towns, for instance, there is no reason to have every office in one lil patch
Ash Miller on October 23rd, 2008 at 8:03 am | Link
The speed limit is the maximum speed limit you can go in any lane including during the act of passing.
I totally agree with the author on this. If I am going the speed limit then I have the legal and moral right to drive in any lane. If I am going the posted speed limit then I am NOT slower traffic by definition of law. Period, no arguments. The speed limit is the law.
I can drive anywhere I want and if I am going 60 in 60 then I can drive in any lane I choose AND I can NEVER be told I am slow because I am driving the Maximum speed limit.
Steve Cook from nannycam.Net on November 3rd, 2008 at 11:40 am | Link
Here’s the unwritten rule. If you are driving the speed limit or have a car approaching from behind in the left lane, MOVE OVER. Drive with some common sense and courtesy which I know is basically non existent in New England. Actually, Rhode Island has the distinct honor of having the most clueless drivers in the country which I certainly agree with (not that I am one of them - I’m a New Yorker by birth!!). Massachusetts is not far behind as most are Massholes. Can’t tell for the other New England states but I’m sure the apple does not fall far from the tree.
So, move over, use your directionals, and go to common sense school - you idiots.
Marc M on November 3rd, 2008 at 1:52 pm | Link
You, sir, are a inconsiderate jackass. You drive 55, so there is no reason for you to be in the left lane other than some self-righteous decision that no one else should be going faster than you. Proof? “My biggest complaint about having to move over for speeders by law is that this encourages speeding.” So you’re staying in the left lane to discourage speeding? Who appointed you judge, jury, and executioner?
Do you also block jaywalking pedestrians from reaching the sidewalk?
Those of us that choose to drive safely over the speed-limit will use that lane for it’s intended purpose, passing. With you in the left lane we are forced to slow down and create a dangerous backup, or pass you on the right, equally dangerous.
People driving 90 in a 55 are going to be unsafe no matter what YOU do. Quit being a primadonna and move over for the rest of us Grandma.
Chris S on November 3rd, 2008 at 2:12 pm | Link
The speed limit is the law however it is not absolute. In case of an emergency, drivers in all of the states expect for Alaska and Ohio are permitted to drive above the posted speed limit in a manner within the safe conditions of the road and traffic (I had to paraphrase because each state’s wording is different). It is also permissible to exceed the posted limit when passing traffic on the right again within safe conditions.
This area gets very gray once you change the type of road you are commuting on. A two lane undivided “highway” (two lanes for each side of opposing traffic) restricts the left lane to passing only. Why? To provide the maximum amount of reaction time and protection for the drivers of on-coming traffic. What about a six lane, divided Interstate highway like those found in L.A.? If an HOV lane has not been established, all lanes are open to traffic (Semis not included) however slower traffic, by law, shall yield to the right for faster traffic. Why? The blind spot on the left side on any vehicle is on average 35% to 45% smaller than the right side. Many studies have been performed by the NTSB and IHS that show that drivers that cause traffic to divert around them because they are travelling at or below the posted speed limit account for 9.7% - 11.6% of the fatal accidents nationally. With DUI related accidents accounting for 37% for all fatal accidents nationally, slow driving is the third most deadly cause of accidents on the road.
I so many words, what I am trying to say is “Get the F over”. I do not need you to tell me I am driving too fast. I have made a decision to break the law by driving 10 MPH faster than the posted limit but you are may be breaking the law by not yielding to me. You do not know my need to drive fast yet you will impose your will upon me to drive slower. If you choose to ignore the law, you are as guilty as me for driving to fast.
Christopher on November 3rd, 2008 at 2:49 pm | Link
I have an issue with the people here criticizing the original poster. There are several comments that presume the poster is an “inconsiderate jacka$$,” “self-centered,” or simply “WRONG.” Who do you think you are to call him these names? You’re criticizing him for believing he owns the road when you’re the ones who are violating the law.
Whether you believe in speed limits or not, they are the law and the people of this country are responsible for them, not God or some dictator. If you don’t like the way things are, then go vote for someone tomorrow who will change the speed limits instead of taking matters into your own hands or attempting to put down those who actually make an effort to follow the law.
Steve on November 3rd, 2008 at 3:14 pm | Link
just stay in the right lane and stop freakin comlaining. i yell at people like you almost everyday. and really man, whats the difference between doing 55 in the left lane and 55 in the right lane. chances are people will always be driving faster than you…so just stay outta the way.
have a nice day
Kait on November 3rd, 2008 at 3:37 pm | Link
Steve - driving faster than the posted speed should (theoretically) help the gov’t in deciding to increase posted speeds. When considering changing a roads speed, they look at the speed 85% of drivers go. So if a majority of people drive faster than the posted limit, then they should (again, theoretically) increase the limit.
Of course in reality, they seem much more likely to DECREASE limits because this causes more people to speed (most ignore limits and drive what they feel is prudent for the conditions) and thus gain additional ticket-revenue. See also: implementing red-light cameras (and the magically-shortened-yellow-light) instead of increasing yellow and all-red times.
WT on November 3rd, 2008 at 7:10 pm | Link
To the OP. I just happened to find this site and registered just to suggest you simply move to the right lane. It’s that easy. Otherwise I think your problem runs deeper than drivers who go faster than 55.
Who the heck gives the right to someone to give a speed limit second to be frank you slow pokes out there deseve to get rammed up the rear end by a speeding car . the same way i would **** the **** out of your nasty cun’t snatch after i took a **** inside your pussy i would eat the ozzing **** and throw it up into your asshole then fist **** your asshole like a plunger.
Why are there two sides to this argument? Why are people agreeing with the original poster? Common sense, people!. Common sense!! And people wonder why we have traffic jams and accidents. If you’re not passing anybody and somebody wants to pass you, get your ass over! Once I’m simply astounded that some people are actually agreeing with the original poster. Amazing.
Slow drivers are THE cause of accidents, not fast drivers. Those who are daring to drive fast knows what’s they are in for. It’s the slow drivers that caused traffic to build up and someone behind will have to hit the brakes, and that’s when accidents can happen.
So yea, slow drivers should never, never ever be on the fast lane.
Daniel on December 9th, 2008 at 5:33 pm | Link
Wow, lots of speeders seem to think that they are great drivers!
The law is that all vehicles are prohibited from exceeding the speed limit. So, if you’re over the limit, you’re breaking the law regardless what lane you are driving in. But, there’s no law against driving below the limit, unless there’s a posted minimum.
The so-called “passing lane” is for passing a vehicle that is driving below the limit, like wide load or a tractor, or some who decides to drive slow. But the speed limit still applies when you are passing. As a matter of fact, the standard driving curriculum explains that you’re not even supposed to accelerate when you pass.
So regardless of who’s passing who, the fastest anyone should drive is the posted speed limit. And anyone can drive slower. Once you are done passing, regardless of your speed, you should return to the right lane.
I just don’t see what speeders are complaining about. You should only be driving the speed limit anyway.
Kevin on December 10th, 2008 at 1:17 pm | Link
Kevin, do you follow everything as blindly as you follow the government? you’re really going to let them tell you what is safe for you? who are they to say that they know better than you? and who are you to say you know better for other people?
the speed limit follows the rule of “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link”. what i mean by this is that the speed limit is designed so that the absolute most dangerous vehicle to drive can still safely go at the posted limit. for example, on a road posted at 40mph, a semi-truck can safely go 40…but most cars could probably be doing 55. most suv’s 50 and bigger pickup trucks that are hauling stuff 45.
so when you’re driving along in the left lane, looking at your speedometer every 2 seconds to make sure the needle is EXACTLY on the 60mph mark, and feeling all good and proper about yourself…just remember that not everyone drives your way…and that you should just MOVE.
also…you really think that the only safe speeds are in multiples of 5? i’m sure it’s just a coincidence that in nature the only safe speeds are 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 etc…
Matt on December 11th, 2008 at 5:57 pm | Link
Kevin,
Be careful with your absolutes. Some states allow drivers to legally exceed the speed limit while passing. See:
http://www.mit.edu/~jfc/laws.html
Even more importantly, many states have laws that make it an enforceable offense to drive in the left-lane for more than a certain distance (typically 1/8 mile) without passing. There is a fine AND license points associated with this offense.
Sub1ime14 on December 12th, 2008 at 2:04 pm | Link
To sum it all up:
The people who are going the speed limit feel that they can legally drive in any lane no matter what, despite the fact that they may be breaking the law in doing so.
The people who are moving along at traffic speeds feel that they are doing so safely, despite breaking the speed limit.
In my opinion:
I agree that we should do our best to make the roads safe. However, if the majority of traffic is running at a certain speed, even if it is over the speed limit, then the person in the fast lane who is going against the flow is the one making the road dangerous for everyone else, not safer.
So, if you are in the left lane and traffic gains on you, you aren’t passing inside traffic, or you have to fiddle with something, please make someones day and just move over. I promise that I will do the same for you one day when you just have to get somewhere.
David
David on December 29th, 2008 at 6:25 pm | Link
Everyone on both sides of this argument seems to know the law. I would prefer we adopt the driving laws of Germany. Somehow they seem to “get it” when comes to freeway driving.
The LEFT lane IS the PASSING LANE - If you’re slow be courteous and move over please… Less Accidents with common sense!!
Shelly on March 3rd, 2009 at 2:33 pm | Link
Sammy Hagar would not approve of your speed/driving habit.
Prox on March 25th, 2009 at 10:50 am | Link
Rechts fahren!!!!
Sam on March 30th, 2009 at 5:25 am | Link
The reason there are written laws is as you can see from the above posts everyone has their “own” version of the law. There has to be one law that everyone needs to obey and there is. It’s called the speed limit. Now, maybe you don’t like it but that’s the way it is. You can use every excuse in the book why you need to drive over it but that is just what it is an excuse.
Stop cursing those people who are obeying it YOU are the one disobeying the law. The law is there to control people from going whatever speed they want - those people don’t care how many accidents or people get killed by speeding they just want to do waht they want to do. Very selfish. I’m with the poster. Call me all the names you want.
Becky on March 30th, 2009 at 5:51 pm | Link
OK Becky, I’ll bite. You are a self-righteous dimwit. If traveling in the left lane at any speed is also a traffic violation, then you, too, are disobeying the law. Not to mention that it is permissible to keep pace with traffic even if everyone is going over the speed limit.
By traveling in the left lane at a slower - albeit strictly legal - speed you create an unsafe situation. And I would argue it is more unsafe than left-lane speeders. Drivers like you create bottlenecks when you take 5 minutes to pass an even slower vehicle in the right lane, causing tempers to flare and multiple lane changes once people can finally pass you on the right.
MAtt on March 31st, 2009 at 8:11 am | Link
If you’re obeying the speed limit, why do you need to be in the left lane? Also if you know that you’re blocking traffic, why would you insist on staying the left lane, now you’re being asshole. Are you an asshole? I’m not saying get over for speeders or whatnot, but goddamnit stop holding up traffic! And yes people will try to pass you the first chance they get because if you don’t get over once you (finally) pass that truck, you’re an asshole or you’re oblivious to the outside environment and both of them are very likely.
There is some obvious lack of logic being used here. The people speeding in the left lane are the ones saying that the drivers doing the speed limit should be in the right lane because the left lane is for passing? How does that make sense? So people speeding are in a constant state of passing other cars? That doesnt make sense. If this is true, then the people going the speed limit are also in a constant state of passing cars because no one in the right lane ever goes the speed limit, they go much slower. In essence, forcing the people going the speed limit to go slowed than they want to.
This whole argument doesnt make any sense. The person doing 60 in a 55 will call the 55′er a slow poke, then a person doing 70 will call the person doing 60 a slow poke, and someone doing 75 will want the 70′er to move over. This is why there is a speed limit. The left lane isn’t open to the person willing to drive the fastest.
Logic on April 26th, 2009 at 3:12 pm | Link
The argument is not all fast drivers stay in the left lane and slow drivers the right. Everyone should travel in the right lane and pass in the left. And when passing a driver going only slightly faster than oneself, increase speed appropriately so as to not inhibit faster drivers in the left lane.
Simple, safe, logical. And most of all, lawful.
MAtt on April 26th, 2009 at 6:00 pm | Link
Simple enough. Yet, just as complicated as merging: it’ll go right over people’s heads
Stablecannon on April 26th, 2009 at 6:08 pm | Link
Stablecannon, you’ve hit it right on the head. Clearly, it went over Logic’s head, as he/she completely missed the entire point of the discussion - which Matt reiterated nicely. Pass on the left, then return to the right. Heck, I take an interstate to work everyday, and even if I’m in a hurry and passing at 75 or so, I STILL GET IN THE RIGHT LANE WHEN NOT PASSING. It’s the law. Oh, and for those of you who are on the verge of responding as to the legality of my speed, it is legal in my state to exceed the speed limit temporarily while passing. Hmm… wonder why that is? Oh! Perhaps, it’s to keep people from moving incredibly slowly in the left lane and creating clusters of angry drivers behind them.
Sub1ime14 on April 28th, 2009 at 7:18 am | Link
The OP and his supporters are just incredible. Why do you people feel that you are so important and better than everyone else? Why do you feel that it is necessary to tell everyone else how to drive? Here are the 2 arguments that I’ve seen so far. Driving over the speed limit is illegal, and driving in the passing lane is illegal. You know what? Agreed! So if you are such a stickler for following the laws, follow ALL of them, not just the ones that are convenient for you. You’re calling me out because I speed by saying that I’m breaking the law, so you shouldn’t move over for me. You’re also breaking the law, you dimwit. How else do we need to explain this to you. You’re. Not. Following. The. Law. You’re the law abider, so abide them. Moreso, what you’re doing is dangerous and rude. Be a saint and move over to the right lane if it is empty. I do. Other drivers pass me all the time, and that is their prerogative. If a cop pulls them over, that’s fine because it’s his job. It’s not my, yours, or anyone else’s job to be a regulator of the road.
And for the record, I drive only 10 miles over the limit. I’ve spoken with a few cops and an attorney about this, and cops will not hassle anyone for driving only 10 over the limit. I have been going down the interstate (in the right lane I might add) with other people flying by me only to see them slam on their breaks because a cop is also driving on the road. I keep plowing along at my 10+ the speed limit speed and pass them and the cop. Not once has he pulled me over or even bothered to give me a look.
Tom on April 30th, 2009 at 10:06 am | Link
I’d like to add to my comment above. Yesterday, I drove into Atlanta to go to the zoo with my wife and daughter. We we using the HOV lane. Numerous times, I had to pull off the HOV lane because some joker was driving the speed limit on it and refused to pull aside and allow faster traffic to pass. What is the point of that? You’re not a safe driver if you do this; you are causing traffic and annoying other drivers. YOU, Mr. Speed limit in the HOV, are 1 out of 30 drivers to be driving exactly the speed limit in the HOV lane. You are at fault, not the other 29 drivers.
Why do these people feel the need to drive in the HOV lane? They could be going their merry way at the same speed in one of the middle lanes, but no, they have to camp out in the HOV lane because, dammit, they have a passenger in their car, and they damn well are entitled to using that lane. Just because you CAN use the HOV lane, it doesn’t mean you HAVE to. Like I said in my post above, I move over for faster traffic. If I noticed that when I was driving in the HOV lane that I had a caravan of cars behind me and some were passing me on the right, my first thought would be, “Damn, I’m in the way. Let me move over before I become too much of a jackass.” But not these people. Why even think of how you could be inconveniencing everyone else on the road? It’s easier to just stare straight ahead and ignore them. Better yet, why don’t you just stick a cell phone up to your ear, then you can really tune out the rest of the world.
Tom on May 4th, 2009 at 9:42 am | Link
It’s simple folks- if you’re in the left lane, regardless of what speed you are traveling, if someone behind you is going faster and wants to get by, if the space is available on the right side, you move over. You have no idea what is going on in their lives or why they need to go fast, nor should you care- you should show courtesy and just move over. Even if you’re going 75mph- if it’s safe and there’s room in the right lane, you should move over. I just don’t understand why people feel the need to try to control other people’s behavior.
I was listening to an expert on news radio that stated that statistics show that it’s not SPEED that is the major cause of accidents. Speeding in and of itself does not cause accidents, but rather it is other road hazards, such as people who drive slow and refuse to yield to faster traffic, thereby causing people to pass on the right side which is dangerous, and it also causes tailgating as a result of traffic being so backed up behind the slow driver. Add to this the road rage caused by one inconsiderate person, and you have the recipe for an accident.
Not moving over for your fellow man shows a lack of consideration, period. You are just being a jerk.
Johanna on June 22nd, 2009 at 12:06 pm | Link
fufufufufufuf fu fuf fufufufufu I just got an agressive driving ticket because of one of you aholes. I was going around someone going 10 under the speed limit in the fast lane now I got a ticket a real bad one agressive driving, I have to get a lawyer even.
chris on July 12th, 2009 at 8:29 am | Link
Left-lane-passing-only advocates are hiding their aggression under the auspice of the law. I view competition on roads as something very bad. I’m more interested in traffic efficiency. Too many people race forward at breakneck speed then lock brakes. Then the fun of inching forward a little, followed by braking routine begins. The left lane should be designated a travel lane.
http://bohmtechnical.blogspot.com/2009/05/rethinking-traffic-laws.html
Chan on July 15th, 2009 at 10:38 pm | Link
That’s good to hear that you are interested in traffic efficiency. That is exactly what yielding the passing lane to faster traffic will do. What you don’t seem to understand is that it is not a competition for me or many of the other faster drivers out there. We just drive faster than you. You’re car isn’t even a blip on my radar until I find that you are cruising about in the leftmost lane backing up traffic. If there is an open space to your right that you can safely pull over to, why would you not do that? If the roles were reversed, I would do exactly that for you to let you pass. You see? Not a competition, just common courtesy to my fellow drivers on the road.
I feel the most aggressiveness (albeit passive) from the left lane hogs that refuse to budge from the lane that they have deemed theirs. It is those drivers that cause traffic and cause tempers to flair. In the future, think of your fellow drivers instead of just yourself.
Tom on July 27th, 2009 at 10:46 am | Link
Some good comments here. from both sides of the fence.
I tend to drive in the middle or left lanes on freeways, and ALWAYS yield (when I’m safely able to) if someone driving faster wishes to pass me.
Sometimes this means that I’m not going to immediately move right and slam on my brakes because the guy over there is doing 10mph less than I am.
So the guy doing 10mph faster than I am may have to wait until I can get over- but I will, so please be patient.
I have one question for the folks who assert that it’s their right to drive in the left lane at the speed limit and NEVER yield:
Imagine that you have in your car: a wife getting ready to deliver/a child with appendicitis/a very sick pet/etc. - so you’d NEVER exceed the speed limit?? How do you know the person behind you isn’t in that situation? Be considerate, one day you may be the one having the emergency….
Randy on August 3rd, 2009 at 9:43 am | Link
Don’t you people know that I own the roads, Damm it I pay taxes too.
I do not ever want to see one of you ever again going over 40 mph in any lane. If I cause you to have an accident because you wanted to pass me. Well, you deserved it.
I mean how can you have any pudding if you don’t eat you meat…
Most of you won’t . get it….
but for those who do….
all and all, I’m going to hunt down a brick. what I do with that brick. You’ll never know… Unless you are driving in the left lane.
Smoked on October 1st, 2009 at 4:27 pm | Link
the rule is the left lane is the passing lane so once you pass you get back in the right lane if u gonna complain dont fail and have the wrong facts dumbass
alex shippee on November 30th, 2009 at 11:59 am | Link
ok here’s the deal people don’t always go “90 miles per hour” in the left lane they tend to go 70 or 75. I do agree that slow drivers should be in the right lane but do not assume that you are being safe. You cause people to end up tailgating you, road rage and truthfully I do not think that you are being fair to the other drivers on the road.
Anonymus on December 14th, 2009 at 5:24 pm | Link
Where I live the speed limit is 70 mph. It f*cking pisses me off when people are driving 90mph in the left lane!!!!!!!!! You 90mph people need to get to the f*cking right lane!!!!!! Do not get me started about those 70mph drivers. You 70mph drivers do us all a favor and get the f*ck off the highway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I like to open up my corvette to 120mph. It gives me the best performance for my money. Nothing makes me more f*cking pissed off than to slow down to below 100mph. It makes me so pissed off. I want to take a tire iron and smash up someone’s car. I have had about enough of this f*cking sh*t. I think I will start carrying my f*cking 9mm handgun.
Pissed Off on December 18th, 2009 at 7:56 am | Link
To the Original Poster:
Move over and let them pass. If you have been reading the posts, you can get a sense of where most of the “speeders” heads are at. They have stated that they possess the skills required in order to go however fast they wish to go. Their reasons are many and varied but try to understand the underlying message: “I am the judge of how fast I can drive and I am very angry at anyone who gets in my way!”
When you see then coming up in your mirror, do not hesitate in moving over. If you do not, they will tailgate you, or worse.
Move over and let the law of natural selection eventually weed the gene-pool.
Cal on December 23rd, 2009 at 7:05 pm | Link
You totally missed the point, Cal. The two main points are:
-Move over, it is the law
-Move over, you are blocking the flow of traffic
Self-righteous people such as you and the original poster fail to understand that other people exist in the universe, and while you may give yourself a warm, fuzzy feeling by driving the speed limit in any lane, you in fact create a hazardous situation for the rest of us. Yes, there are douche bags who tail gate and swerve and pass on the right, and it is doubtful that any of us move over fast enough for them. And while they create even more dangerous situations than the rest of us, right behind them are people like you who restrict traffic flow and force people to pass on the right, and make otherwise safe drivers - though not by your 55MPH standard - into tailgaters and “swervers.”
Without turning this into an anthropology dissertation, I would argue that the prehistoric analogue to people like you were selected out of the population. Ever since humans became civilized us “speeders” have been pulling you through the ages with our more developed instincts, faster reflexes, and keener minds, though more importantly it is our awareness of our surroundings that keeps us on top. You and your kind are so wrapped up in your pretentious adherence to the speed limit that you fail to either recognize the dangerous situation you are causing, or you cast the blame on others. 100,000 years ago while people like me were running away from large things that wanted to turn them into dinner, the last thought your kind had before becoming dinner was, “my running posture is so efficient!”
MAtt on December 24th, 2009 at 9:18 am | Link
Yes MAtt, your “more developed instincts” are obvious to all. You have reinforced my point rather than refuted it.
Cal on December 25th, 2009 at 3:16 pm | Link
No. Once again, Cal, you have demonstrated your dazzling lack of reading comprehension. Either that or you haven’t actually read the majority of the posts.
MAtt on December 25th, 2009 at 6:08 pm | Link
Matt, I can tell by your posts that this really gets to you. I cannot say that I am sorry for your misplaced obsession. I feel safer knowing that you are sitting at home, assiduously constructing replies to whoever disagrees with your infantile ideas rather than out driving the streets.
I do not disagree with you over the heart of this thread. Slower drivers should move over and allow people to pass on the left.
What I object to is you, Matt. Your attitude is representative of too many drivers. You have an undeveloped personality and obviously have never been taught how to exercise patience as an adult. Your individual posts reflect your anger and sociopathic behavior. You know what “Sociopathic” is Matt? Let me help you:
“Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.
Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.
Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.”
You would not recognize these qualities in yourself, Matt, nor would you admit to them if you did.
If you would be honest and drive the way you usually drive when taking a DMV driving test you would fail. You know it as well as I.
If I drive the way I usually drive when taking a driving test I would pass no problem.
I urge everyone reading this thread to consider how dangerous drivers risk us all. The next time you see a speeder passing in the left lane, get out your cell and call the Highway Patrol. Give them the location and license number of the car. You might want to mention you thought you saw them throw a beer can out of the window.
Matt, I am sure you will pour over this message. Read and re-read it as much as your heart’s desire. It should send your already high blood pressure up a notch.
However, you might just be a “troll”, saying outrageous things in threads just to elicit responses, sort of an internet “Shock Jock”. I cannot tell which. Your responses are on the border of being too outrageous to believe, or just the machinations of an immature adult.
Have fun composing your scathing reply. It won’t change the fact that you just got spanked!
Cal on December 28th, 2009 at 10:24 pm | Link
Really? Please read my comments (every one but “Matt on September 10th, 2008 at 3:18 am,” which is not me). I’m pretty sure I don’t come off as you say. I stand up for that which I hold to be true, and if that makes you uncomfortable then so be it.
You are probably correct in your assertion that I would not pass the DMV driving test, based solely on the fact that I drive a few miles per hour over the speed limit. On the other hand, I stop at stop signs, I turn right on red only where allowed, and I use my turn signals. I drive with only one hand on the steering wheel, but I drive a manual transmission so I think it is allowed.
As to the rest of your post: I am not a sociopath; I am not an internet troll; I am very fit and have excellent blood pressure and other vitals; and I am appalled at the notion of you providing false information to the police.
MAtt on December 29th, 2009 at 7:35 am | Link
One more thing: After twenty years of driving I have zero tickets and zero accidents.
MAtt on December 29th, 2009 at 7:37 am | Link
Cal, I find it interesting that you intentionally opt for a “higher level” (read “more difficult/assanine) explanation, definition, or choice of word in every bit of your response to Matt. It seems to me that your insatiable need to notch yourself out as superior to him is quite fitting of the very definition of sociopath that you chose to share with us. Notably the part where you said “You would not recognize these qualities in yourself, […], nor would you admit to them if you did.” Guess that about rules out any possibility of you agreeing with me on this. Have a nice day, and be good to your fellow drivers, even when you find it difficult to do so.
Sub1ime14 on January 5th, 2010 at 2:48 pm | Link
Well, I feel as if on a 5 lane highway, like here in St. Louis that a-holes didn’t get on my bumper regardless of my speed as there are plenty of other lanes to speed in! I have gotten countless tickets because I had to speed up and get over so I could let some a hole go ahead of me and I am sick of it! I generally do 5 over the speed limit which is 65 in a 60 around here. there are generally 5 lanes on each of our highways and I think it unneeded that somebody be on my tail.
I am guilty of going around someone doing less than the limit, however, I don’t hover on their rear end waiting for them to speed up and get over so I can pass. That’s just rude.
If everyone just did the speed limit there would NOT be any congestion and probably less accidents. The fact that so many people are in a hurry to go and sit and wait somewhere (which we all know is what normally happens) makes it ridiculous and unsafe to drive on the roads. The fact that most of those people who are in such a hurry are also text messaging and talking on their cells is another matter.
traci on January 15th, 2010 at 12:58 pm | Link
@Traci:
we’re not talking about being in, say, the middle lane, of a 5-lane road, going 65 in a 60. we’re talking about being IN THE LEFT LANE, on a 5-lane road, going exactly 60mph. and not moving over because “technically” it’s against the rules. they are playing COP. you remind me of the kid who would always call fouls while playing basketball for the most ridiculous things. “oh, your finger barely grazed my arm, THAT’S A FOUL!”. TECHNICALLY, you’d be right. but you’d also be an annoying douche bag who is so caught up following the rules that you forgot why the rule is there. don’t focus on the rule, focus on the goal that the rule is trying to accomplish. take speed limits for example…the goal behind those is to have people travel safely. and when everyone around/behind you is going 70 in a 60, or OBVIOUSLY WANTS to go 70 in a 60…YOU’RE the one causing a more dangerous situation by being so damn persistent on going whatever speed you personally have decided is safe/ok to go.
if everyone did the speed limit, then yes, there would be LESS congestion. and if everyone went 5 over, there’d be even less.
i’m usually in a hurry when i drive. why? because the quicker i get from point A to point B, the longer i have to enjoy myself at point B. why spend an extra 5-10 minutes on a travel just doing nothing but sitting behind a steering wheel, when i could use those extra 10 minutes to spend with my friends? or get something done? the whole “speeding doesn’t save you time” argument that so many people use is such crap. i would know, because it’s amazing how much faster i get around town than the people i know who religiously obey the speed limit. sometimes going just SLIGHTLY faster is the difference between making a missing a light. or a ferry. and if you miss that one light…you might also get stuck behind a super slow driver…or stuck behind an accident.
here’s a great example. the other day, my friend and i were hanging out, throwing a frisbee at a park. we both were hungry, so we decided to go get in our cars and drive to the local teriyaki restaurant. i’m a fast driver. he is not. we both left the park at the same time. i was in front. because of my fast driving, i made it thru a light while it was still green…by the time he got to the light, it was yellow and then red. he had to wait. i got to the place, ordered my food, and sat down and started to eat it. THEN he showed up. he spent an extra 5 minutes behind the wheel of a car…doing NOTHING.
also, i’d like to know what percentage “most” is when you say “the FACT that most of those people who are in such a hurry are also text messaging and talking on their cells is another matter.” i’d say, at most, 1/10 people i see driving on the freeway are on their cell phones. and how can they be texting and talking on the phone at the same time? unless they are using speaker phone…
Matt on January 15th, 2010 at 9:17 pm | Link
Matt, I have 3 words that will explain the above: least common denominator. Unfortunately, traffic law has been simplified as much as acceptably possible, so that it’s easy to understand and interpret for those who are incapable of developing a logical pattern of reasoning behind their own behavior (let alone that of a group or a “process” such as traffic pattern flow/logic). These people have a very stringent and simple guideline that, if followed, will generally lead to their safe arrival. Unfortunately, they’re not going to ever expand their thought process around traffic to understand the larger laws at play and realize there are ways to improve the efficiency of that system. One of those ways is to have a standard flow (read it as “speed” if that is clearer for this example), combined with a means by which to introduce variations into an individual’s pattern/rate of flow/speed without changing the base pattern of flow. This means of variation is more commonly known as a left lane. If you introduce a standardization into the left lane that is equal to that of the right lane, then there is no room for variation, and any change in the base flow/speed is propagated indefinitely backwards.
Sorry, Traci. What I mean to say was “Left lane go fast bad. Bad people go fast. Laws good, people bad.”
Sub1ime14 on January 20th, 2010 at 1:56 pm | Link
I drive 33 and always I’m in the right line i have read: that
the biggest book sail in U K is “code de la route” trafic rule régulation best seller
the people english know now they drive at right line no left
it is a the better book for the english people hihi
oxo on January 22nd, 2010 at 6:28 pm | Link
I know the MAtt and Cal argument is about a month old, but I’d just like to comment that MAtt gave a masterful smackdown on Cal. It truly was applause-worthy, and got me chuckling a few times during the read. So, MAtt, thank you for that.
Cal, what made me laugh so much in your argument is calling down MAtt on his intellect when it is blatently obvious that you are mile inferior to him. Not even bringing up the fact that you don’t quite “get” why you should keep to the right if there is faster traffic than yourself, he argues better than you, has better grammar and an overall stronger grasp of the English language, and he doesn’t make pendantic copy and paste comments from an online dictionary. Epic fail, Cal, epic.
Oh, and since this can’t be repeated enough, people. Be a saint and just yield to faster traffic. It’ll be less stress for you, and less stress for the drivers behind you. Everytime you cause a car to pass you on the right, baby, zombie Jesus cries.
Tom on January 26th, 2010 at 3:13 pm | Link
Driving in the left lane under the speed of the flow of traffic is a major cause of trafic congestion, road rage and accidents. It is also illegal.
I think it is due to a lack of education, willful selfinesses and also drivers from cultures and regions that are clueless of the rules of the road.
My approach is to flash my high beams and toot my horn. If they don’t move I pass with 6 inches to spare while laying on the horn.
tom on February 3rd, 2010 at 4:48 pm | Link
In Europe (parts of it anyway) the passing lane concept is the only way people drive. The left lane is only for the fastest traffic. If people drove in Europe the way they do in the US, not yielding to faster cars, they would be arrested, lose their licenses or at least be run off the road.
tom on February 3rd, 2010 at 4:56 pm | Link
A technique I use with slow drivers (frequently elderly, female or Asian-go figure) in the fast lane when they tap their brakes because I’m tailgating them, is to pass them with inches to spare, flipping them off and laying in the horn, swerve in front of them and then slam on my brakes. If they hit me they get to buy me a new car cause the law says that you always must stop in time to avoid hitting the car in front of you. Gotta love that almighty law! F**K you slow drivers, get the F**K off the road!
tom on February 3rd, 2010 at 5:13 pm | Link
haha nice Tom! i don’t usually take it that far, however. i don’t know the law in Europe, but here, if you cut someone off and then *immediately* brake-check them, you would still be held accountable. why? because you essentially forced them to tailgate you instantaneously when you cut them off. now…if you brake-checked them when they were tailgating you of their own accord…that’s another story…*cough* *cough*
Matt on February 4th, 2010 at 2:49 am | Link
I just want to point out that lowercase “tom” and I aren’t the same people. Cutting people off and brake checking them is just as bad as ignorant left lane drivers. There are more than one way to be a douche.
Tom on February 8th, 2010 at 9:38 am | Link
@Tom (capital Tom, not lower-case tom): my favorite thing to do when someone is tailgating me is to drop my car down a few gears (say, from 5th to 3rd), take my left foot and gently press the brake pedal just enough to get my brake lights to come on, then hold my foot there, then floor my gas pedal.
what happens is my brake lights come on, but i speed up…AND they slow down. it makes a pretty nice gap, pretty quickly
Matt on February 8th, 2010 at 11:07 am | Link
Capital Offence….
We are talking left lane campers here. tailgating is in the other complaints site.
Thank you.
Smoked on February 8th, 2010 at 12:17 pm | Link
The two (left lane campers and tailgaters) are so closely related that it’s hardly off topic to talk about one, especially seeing as the topic has gradually and smoothly shifted towards this direction.
Left lane campers lead to tailgaters, so it’s only natural that a discussion about left lane campers would include/lead-to discussing tailgaters.
Matt on February 8th, 2010 at 7:33 pm | Link
If someone is tailgating you, you are the left lane camper. Do me a favor, get the hell out of the way. Move over to the right lane please.
Smoked on February 8th, 2010 at 11:20 pm | Link
ummm, if you read my earlier posts, you’d realize i HATE left lane campers. i’m on your side here, man. i’m referring to being tailgated either on a 1 lane road, or in the right lane. and usually, when i’m being tailgated, i’m ALREADY speeding.
Matt on February 9th, 2010 at 1:55 am | Link
I HAVE ACTULLY,
Smoked on February 9th, 2010 at 3:02 am | Link
Tailgaters suck, unless of course they are driving behind someone in the left lane, then I feel it is justified. It doesn’t matter how fast the left lane driver is going, if there is an opportunity for him to safely yield the left lane to the driver behind him, then he needs to get over. Speed isn’t relevant. That’s the exact argument the left lane squatters are using to justify remaining in the left lane.
There is always going to be somebody that drives faster than you, and you must yield the lane to them if they approach. I’m comfortable driving 10 miles over the limit. If someone approaches going 15 or even 20 over, I will get out of the lane when it is safe to do so and let them pass. Why? Well, mostly because I’m not a douche, but also because I’d hope they’d do the same for me if I happened to be going faster than them.
That said, you’ve got to give the guy in front of you a resonable amount of time to pull out of the left lane before you start tailgating. I’ll follow from behind without any frustration for miles if the traffic is bad and there isn’t any way for him to move over. But as soon as there is an available space in the lane to the right, and the person I’m following doesn’t move over to let me pass, then I’m pissed. I’ll ride his ass. I’m well aware these actions are a little childish, but screw it. Tit for tat sometimes.
Tom on February 9th, 2010 at 9:09 am | Link
Ugh, the most annoying part of this is that I can completely understand the left lane slow driver thing when there are TWO lanes, but when there are 5? come on people, use your brains! it does not apply on a highway with more than TWO lanes. and i’ve hit TWO people in my life because i was in a left lane on a 5 lane highway, they tailgated, i break checked them, they swerved around and slammed on THEIR brakes, guess what? My car got f’d up, but THEY were fined, THEIR insurance had to cover MY car, once I got a completely new car. HA! So, the moral of this story is that being an asshole will get you back in KARMA. Just being a responsible driver is the important thing regardless of how fast you are driving. I used to be a real speed demon and an angry driver who needed to get from point A to point B at the fastest rate because I was like the a-hole Matt who was selfish. You know what? I don’t think the 5 minutes really matters. Matt, do you have children? or have you had someone who works on roads get hit by a speeding vehicle who was in a hurry and passed a car but didn’t pay attention to a road worker? Surely not since you still insist on being an a-hole. I’m waiting for someone to hit me with my child in the car or hit another family of mine because of their being so in a hurry to play some frisbee with a friend for an extra 10 minutes or get a sandwich cause he couldn’t wait at the light. So help me, I’ll probably take matters into my own hands. it’s cool though, go ahead, be a-holes. You’ll get what you deserve in the end one way or another. :)have a great day!
Traci on February 9th, 2010 at 10:15 am | Link
excuse me, Traci? i’m an asshole? for not driving the same way you do? your logic is ASTOUNDINGLY solid! wow, how can i even debate or reason with such an intellectually superior person like you?!
you say the 5 minutes doesn’t matter. i hear this argument all the time. “the TINY bit of time you gain by driving quicker doesn’t really matter in the long run. it’s more important to drive slow and be safe, like me!” it’s funny, because usually i can also get these SAME PEOPLE to say the phrase “it’s the small things that count”. which i will then inform them that i use that mentality when driving fast…because it’s all those “small amounts” of time that i save that add up in the long run. i can’t tell you how many HOURS, possibly DAYS of my life i have saved by driving “fast” (by the standards of people like you).
you see, Traci, i’d rather be doing something with my life, instead of sitting behind a wheel. so the less time behind with wheel, the better.
also, i find it ironic that you called me and asshole, but willing and openly admit to brake-checking people (which i actually agree with you doing). because many people will consider brake-checking to be an asshole-ish thing to do.
so let me ask you this, how fast of a driver does someone have to be in order for them to fall into your “asshole” category? is anyone who drives faster than you an asshole? lemme guess, you have found the magical fastness at which to drive where if you were to drive ANY faster, you’d be an asshole? you’re just the perfect little driver, aren’t you?
or is it my reasons for driving the way i do? am i an asshole in your eyes because i put my priorities on different things than you do when it comes to driving? let me guess, you think i don’t know how to stop and smell the roses in life, right? i’ll clue you in on something, then. the whole reason i drive fast is so that i can have just THAT MUCH MORE time to smell the roses! i’ll be getting high on rose pedals by the time you finally pull up in your car to take your first sniff. and then i will bitch you out, telling you how much you’re missing out on life…by not living exactly the same why i do, which is like OMG OBVIOUSLY RIGHT!
get your head screwed on straight, Traci.
Matt on February 9th, 2010 at 11:29 am | Link
I am not “Matt.”
Traveling in the left lane - not passing - at any speed, regardless of the number of lanes, is ill-advised. There is so much idiocy on both sides of this discussion. Brake checking? Are you people nuts? What kind of self-righteous asshole brake checks just to prove a point about who is speeding, who is tailgating, who is “correct,” whatever that means?
Tailgating is retarded. Brake checking is retarded. Making false reports to the police is a felony. And everyone, not just the two people in the accident, pay the price. Traffic, high insurance rates, blood-sucking lawyers, road rage, etc.
Why don’t we all grow the **** up, be the better person, and drive courteously? If speeders didn’t tailgate and slowpokes moved over, we’d all be delayed by traffic less often, our insurance rates would be lower as a whole, and in rare instances we wouldn’t be mourning the loss of life over something that is taught in kindergarten: sharing (as in, sharing the road).
MAtt on February 9th, 2010 at 11:33 am | Link
I completely agree with you, MAtt. However, how else do I clue in the road regulator in front of me that they should move over? Flashing lights is hit or miss. They will either ignore me, get pissed and brake check me, or get a clue and move over (this is the rarest of the three).
I can try to make an illegal right lane pass that may either work or not. A lot of times, the road is fairly congested except for the miles of open space in front of a left lane squatter. Trying to pull in the right lane to pass may be futile even if they don’t act like a prick by speeding up and blocking me in (I’ve never understood this asshole maneuver, btw. If you are happy going your own speed, why would you block someone trying to pass?). Not to mention, that even in the best of times, passing on the right is considerably more dangerous than passing on the left.
I’ve found the only thing with even a 50% success rate is tailgating, and I only use this as a last resort. I give the driver ahead of me plenty of time to move to the right and let me pass. I accomplish this feat painlessly numerous times in the day when others wish to pass me, and I only ask for the same courtesy. I will patiently wait behind the driver in front of me for them to move over once they can safely do so. I’ll even give them the benefit of the doubt more than not.
“Hmm, I think I could moved over to let someone pass back there, but maybe he’s not as good a driver as me. Ah, there’s another spot; surely he’ll let me pass up there.”
It’s only when it’s become bleedingly obvious that the person in front of me is a douchebag and feels that he owns the left lane, if not the whole road, that I will tailgate him. Yes, I know that it’s childish, and risky. I’ve got excellent reaction skills, and have never come close to an accident when someone attempted to brake-check me. Does it make it right? Absolutely not. But does it make me feel a little better? Hell yes! And you know what? Sometimes, the jerkoff will feel uncomfortable and will move over for me and let me pass. Bonus!
Tom on February 9th, 2010 at 12:25 pm | Link
brake checking is not a problem. at least, not the kind i’m talking about. when i “brake check”, i brake semi-quickly for a half second just to get their attention…i don’t actually brake hard enough to allow them to hit me (i don’t want my car smashed!). i am “checking” them. to see if they’re paying attention. and to also get them to BACK OFF.
but like i said, my favorite way to deal with tailgaters is the “press the brake pedal gently and hold it while i floor the gas” move.
there would be one instance i can think of where if someone was tailgating me they would be justified: if i was camping in the left lane. like Tom said, sometimes the ONLY thing that will wake these people up is having someone ride their ass. and, like Tom, i have lightning fast reflexes, as well as the know-how of what to do with those lightning fast reflexes.
in short: me tailgating someone is still safer than having 90% of drivers out there behind you at a “safe” distance. not to mention my car can stop on a dime.
Matt on February 9th, 2010 at 1:06 pm | Link
`To all you left lane campers. I was the guy behind you. I was the one that followed you home and kicked your ass in front of your wife and kids. I have done this while you pulled into Wendy’s looking for a Burger. You see some of us, just want to get down the highway. but I will take the time to educate you
Smoked on February 9th, 2010 at 1:29 pm | Link
Left lane = Passing lane on MULTI-LANE highways (this includes 3 or more lanes for those with limited reading comprehension).
This is one of the primary reasons behind the success of the German autobahn, even at speeds of +150mph. There are, of course, many other reasons… but we could at least start by getting this right.
Wild Bill on February 9th, 2010 at 4:24 pm | Link
@ Wild Bill:
there is a 2 lane freeway that goes through where i live. i can not remember which sign says it, but it says either “left lane is for passing only” or “slower traffic stay right”. i think it’s the first. 85% sure.
however, even if there wasn’t a sign, on a 2 lane road the logic should apply. there aren’t too many things more frustrating when it comes to driving than being stuck behind 2 cars that are “holding hands” with each other…preventing you from passing/getting around.
Matt on February 9th, 2010 at 7:30 pm | Link
Ah, Matt you failed to answer my questions. I think the majority of people who have children and realize the preciousness of life realize that getting somewhere quicker, possibly injuring or God forbid killing them (which has happened to 2 members of my family, a 2 year old nephew and my step father). The people were speeding and not paying as much attention as they should have. Perhaps they too had “lightening fast reflexes” or their cars could “stop on a dime” however 2 people were left dead. I don’t so much care if people speed (within a reasonable limit, I don’t think that 20 over is reasonable, but that’s just MY opinion). And I am not self righteous or think my ideas are any better or more right than anyone elses. And when I’ve brake checked people, its been more like a quick 2 second brake check as to say “get off my ass” not an actual like slam on my brakes and cause the accident. If that person insists on getting in front of ME and brake checking me back and causing an accident, that is THEIR perogative. I do believe in “stopping to smell the roses, and the little things are what count” however, I don’t have to risk driving in excess speeds or tailgating, etc. It’s a never ending battle between people who go a reasonable speed and those who tailgate and swerve around aimlessly, don’t check their blind spots, don’t use turn signals, etc. But I know one thing, the person I was when I was 19 and speeding, tailgating etc, is long gone. No good can come of it. if you get through life that way and nothing bad happens to you or anyone else, good for you. But guaranteed those of you who are always in a hurry have probably caused an accident that you never even knew about. Oh well. I’m not the best driver by any means, but I try my best to be responsible and courteous to other drivers. You don know what’s going on with the person in the car in front of you, behind you, beside you. But I guess all you tailgaters and people always in a hurry are the ones who never let people turn on a busy road, get over when there’s a closed lane or wave a pedestrian across the street.
and matt, I’m definitely not missing out on life. Lucky for me, I get all the time in the world with my family in friends, lucky enough not to have to work and be in a rush all the time. Guess that’s what living simply gets me.
Traci on February 9th, 2010 at 7:32 pm | Link
@ Matt:
The area that I travel recently put up signs that say: “KEEP RIGHT except to pass.”
Signs previously posted read: “slower traffic keep right.”
The newer signs do a much better job at getting the message across judging by the way drivers have reacted to them. We need more of these signs EVERYWHERE!
You might be interested in a quote that I just ran across: “I felt safer on the Autobahn at 120 mph than any interstate at any speed.”
I want that.
Wild Bill on February 9th, 2010 at 7:45 pm | Link
there’s a reason i didn’t answer your “do you have kids” question, Traci. because it’s a loaded question. and it isn’t relevant. you’re trying to play the age card on me…but you better be careful, because eventually the age card will be played on you in a few decades time. also, it is incredibly arrogant to assume that if someone does not have kids, that that person is incapable of understanding just how precious life is. i have utmost respect and reverence for life. the lives of others. my life.
“It’s a never ending battle between people who go a reasonable speed and those who tailgate and swerve around aimlessly, don’t check their blind spots, don’t use turn signals, etc.” wrong. it’s a battle between slow-pokes, medium speed drivers, and fast drivers. or, as George Carlin said, “why is it that anyone who drives slower than you is an idiot, and anyone who drives faster than you is a maniac?”
to some people, i am a maniac. to others, i am an idiot. guess what? to some people, YOU’RE a maniac.
also, i think you should know i have a spotless record. no tickets, no accidents. you see, the faster i drive, the MORE attention i pay. very observant of my surroundings, my speed, brake lights, animals, etc. when i drive slow…i zone out. i’ve noticed that the drivers i feel safest riding passenger with are the fast ones. (not the 100mph in a school zone fast) the slow ones seem…unconfident. worried. unsure. doubtful of their abilities.
Matt on February 9th, 2010 at 8:33 pm | Link
I agree with Matt in that I feel safer driving behind faster drivers. I’ve noticed faster drivers tend to use their signals, stop at stop signs, and for the most part, be more aware of their surroundings. That’s not to say there aren’t jerkoffs out there that weave in and out of traffic endangering all of us without a care in the world, because we all know those people exist also. I hold them in as much contempt as I do a left lane camper. They are both driving dangerously.
But back to faster drivers tending to be safer drivers, there have been countless times that I’ve been driving behind one of those speed limit sticklers to find they have no clue what the hell is going on on the road. They stick to the speed limit because it’s the LAW!!! but then when they get to a stop sign, they pull a rolling stop, and make a left turn without a signal. These people have no clue, and they are out in droves. Sure, there are fast drivers who do the same, but in my experience, I’ve found faster driver = more aware = stops at stop signs and uses turn signals. And with slower drivers, I prepare myself to be frustrated with everything they do on the road.
Tom on February 10th, 2010 at 8:52 am | Link
just to end this never ending argument, as I am sure it can and will go on forever, matt, I was not getting at age for any reason. As a matter of fact, i am probably younger than you. It’s not age that matters to me on this issue as I have a grandmother who drives probably as fast if not faster than you, she neither has been in an accident. Spotless record, but she is a maniac. And as I had said before, even if you haven’t been in an accident, doesn’t mean you haven’t caused one, doesn’t mean you have either. I was just trying to get a point across. But I see the majority of people on here seem to be of the men species and therefore this is an endless battle as men seem to be “right” all the time and the “superior” of the 2 genders. I guess that’s why myself as a female care so much. And I guess that’s why most of you don’t. Men don’t understand much, I completely get that, it’s in your DNA. That’s a whole other matter at hand. However, keep on keepin on and for all your sakes, I hope you don’t get in or cause any accidents. I’ll keep goin at things the way I do and you’ll keep goin at things the way you men do.
Traci on February 10th, 2010 at 10:46 pm | Link
Traci, gender has nothing to do with this. you just severely generalized a whole 50% of the population. if a guy walked into a conversation that was made up of mainly women and said something this harsh about women, he would get ripped to shreds in a second! we never said we’re right simply because we’re men, nor did we indicate that we are superior because we’re men. we do “care”. and even if we didn’t, again, it wouldn’t have anything to do with our gender. and how dare you say that men don’t understand much. have you looked at ANY of the most influential people in the world? the majority of the doctors, scientists, inventors, entrepreneurs and social-leaders have been men. and you say men don’t understand much??
Matt on February 11th, 2010 at 2:06 am | Link
Traci writes a whole bunch of sexist bull****. For the record, anything that she types on here from now on will be viewed by me similarly to feces on a lawn.
Tom on February 11th, 2010 at 8:05 am | Link
Wow, I love this argument. Why is it so hard to understand that we use the left lane for passing? There are signs here in jersey that say stay right except to pass and slower traffic stay right. I also understand that there is a speed limit but if you are in the left lane going the same speed as the car next to you then why are you in it? I do go faster than the speed limit as do most people. But when I get the chance to be in the right lane I move. I also move over for people driving faster than me. I really hate the people that stay in the right lane doing the speed limit knowing I want to go faster so when I attempt to pass right because they refuse to move they speed up. What the f is that? Who is the dangerous one here? Or is the I am first attitude? You can’t cut me in line, I’m first.
There may be rules but you also have to adapt to your surroundings and the area you live in. I am sure it’s a lot different in say Indiana then where I am from. People aren’t going to change the way they drive just for you, especially where I am from. Try driving on the Garden State Parkway Traci or on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, you would be killed with your driving. How about we stick you in the middle of Manhattan and see what happens. You have to drive aggressively. You can’t just pretend your the only one who matters on the road. People need to be to work or whatever.
And those idiots on here that are bitching about speeders and saying they shouldn’t have to move over really need to shut up. I am sure they do other things like talk on their phones, not use a blinker, not yield properly, run a yellow light too late and so on. But I guess they are perfect drivers and follow all the rules. Most of the ones bitching about speeders are women I noticed. And women tend to bitch the most, Traci/Cal. Yea I noticed men are aggressive drivers but women are usaully idiots when they drive. La la la I am the only one on the road, lets check my hair and text. Maybe I should switch lanes without looking while I am doing this.
And for that comment on the whole “do you have kids”. If you want your kids to be safe why are you in the left lane knowing that there are speeders and aggressive drivers? Makes so much sense to me. (sarcastic) Let’s piss off the speeders with your kids in the backseat and then post about it online.
I guess I just drive like a man in Traci’s eyes because I totally agree with everything Matt says. Which by the way I think I am in love with lol
I know this whole post is old but I had to put my two cents in. I HATE people in the left lane who shouldn’t. If the cars on the right are passing you, move over grandma.
Oh and there is this cute little example on this site that all you complainers should check out: http://www.slowertraffickeepright.com/
And by the Cal, I hate people that try to out wit others. Just because you used words that most humans don’t use in everyday conversation and just because you may be able to place those words in just the rights places to make you feel like your sooo much better than the other “idiots” on here doesn’t mean you won the argument. I bet you were so proud of yourself after that post. Trying to make Matt seem like some psychopath who is out trying to run over other drivers. I’m sure you are miss perfect when you drive. Check me out with my awesome driving skills and my awesome debating skills. I am just so awesome. And yes they can decide how fast they can drive. They are grown up and big boys. It seems to me it’s not them deciding how fast they can drive but you regulating how fast they can drive. Miss I am the left lane monitor.
And the ones who don’t follow the rules the most when driving are the police. Why don’t you go and complain to them for tailgating and flying down the left lane? On the GSPW They go over 90. I just do as my superiors do.
Abby on February 16th, 2010 at 5:56 pm | Link
a female that drives like me? i love you too
pass on the knowledge, Abby. pass it on.
Matt on February 16th, 2010 at 6:50 pm | Link
Again, just for the record, “Matt” != “MAtt.” (”!=” means “does not equal”. Congratulations, you are all now programmers.) While I generally fall on Matt’s side of the argument, I feel it is worth noting.
@Matt, if Traci were a more gifted debater your “men are understanding because they are the majority of the doctors, scientists, etc.,” would suffer a swift and certain death. While I agree with the rest of the post (Matt on February 11th, 2010 at 2:06 am), I think men and women really do take very different approaches when analyzing a problem. Something akin to “the glass is half empty” versus “the glass is not half full.” Men and women can argue even when they agree.
MAtt on February 16th, 2010 at 8:51 pm | Link
@MAtt, i am curious about how my argument would suffer a quick death? i did nothing wrong (at least from how i see things). i referenced facts, which point toward an obvious trend. now, yes, you could argue that up until the past few years, women have been walked all over and pushed down and restricted in society, so that could play a role in them having not been as prevalent at inventing, practicing medicine, etc.
and besides, i only used that point as a counter-point to her point of “men aren’t intelligent.” truthfully, i meant it as a half-witty, half-sarcastic reply (with some truth thrown in there)
Matt on February 16th, 2010 at 9:27 pm | Link
Men don’t have a majority of anything due to their ability to understand other peoples’ points of view. And it doesn’t take a degree in “women’s studies” to know there are people alive today who were alive when women didn’t even have full voting rights.
Regardless, I shouldn’t have taken the comment so literally. That is such a “chick” thing to do…
MAtt on February 16th, 2010 at 9:54 pm | Link
well, in the “list of inventors” and things of that nature, we do hold a majority. again, i’m aware that that’s the past and that the fact is evidence of an old trend, and is *not* indicative of present truths.
i’m very well aware that there are people alive right now that were alive when women were treated like dogs.
Matt on February 17th, 2010 at 12:05 am | Link
The 2 Matts lost me lol. But I am a women and do agree that women are catty. I prefer not to be friends with them, mainly because of that or they are out of their minds. And I always said I would rather be a house wife than working. I do not care what other women think, I believe I can make babies for a reason and that is to care for and raise them. I am 27 and getting married to a great guy and can not wait to be a wife and mother. He just has to finish his computer courses(he is younger than me and has a BA in law and society)
I know that was off topic but I saw the whole men/women thing going on
Abby on February 17th, 2010 at 3:41 pm | Link
Try driving in new jersey, 6 lanes, bumper to bumper, everyone is doing 70+, while the speedlimits 55. If you don’t either move over or stay the same speed as them, you’ll cause an accident and risk lives or a massive pile up.
Even if there was no traffic, you’re in the left lane doing 55 and taking your sweet @$$ time passing another guy doing 53 in the right lane, and a guy comes up behind you doing 130, think he’ll have enough time to slam on his brakes? without losing control? Also, think about emergency vehicles, this keeps most people in the right lane, so it will mean there will be alot less cars and less panic when they come flying by.
MiDi on February 17th, 2010 at 10:45 pm | Link
@MiDi
if there was no traffic, then a guy going 55 in the right lane, who comes up on someone going 53 in the right lane has every right to get into the left lane to pass him. as the guy doing 130, that is NOT with the flow of traffic, and i think we could all agree that a speed THAT HIGH is maniacal.
Matt on February 17th, 2010 at 11:45 pm | Link
Agreed. 130 is an insane speed to be driving. That said, if he came flying up behind him, I would yield the lane to him anyway, because 1) it’s the right thing to do, and 2) I don’t want him to kill me. But back to what Matt said, the guy going 55 has every right to be in the left lane to pass the guy going 53. But here’s the thing, you left lane regulators, he needs to get his ass back into the right lane after he completes his pass, so those people going faster than 55 can pass him. We all have people that drive faster than us, and we all should yield the passing lane to those people. If I drive 65 in a 55, I have every right to be in the passing lane to pass those slower than me. But then I get right the hell out so that people faster than me can pass me. How do people still not understand this argument? It’s pretty basic to me.
Tom on February 19th, 2010 at 9:43 am | Link
There are times that 130mph is perfectly reasonable… given the right conditions (car, road, weather, traffic, etc.). People in Germany do it all of the time, and they aren’t dying any more quickly that we are over here in the USA.
I will agree, however, that the instances in which 130mph is reasonable are limited (unfortunately) due to the unaware/complacent drivers that we have here. This can be fixed.
Wild Bill on February 19th, 2010 at 12:52 pm | Link
sure, if you’re on I-90 and there’s NO traffic around and it’s on a dry road, straight road in the middle of the day…130 could be very safe. you’re only risk is a FAT speeding ticket.
and yes, Tom, of course the guy going 55 who is passing the guy going 53 should immediately get back in the right lane. that’s common sense.
Matt on February 19th, 2010 at 2:34 pm | Link
@ Matt
I disagree… there can be some degree of traffic.
The drivers just need to be aware of what is going on around them. As of now that is not the case.
I feel like a broken record on the Germany thing, but it is a great example of how a highway system should work. They take driving seriously, as everyone should everywhere.
Wild Bill on February 19th, 2010 at 2:48 pm | Link
I think MiDi is just exaggerating. I know what he means because I live in Jersey and the traffic here is crazy. You have to follow unspoken rules while driving
Abby on February 21st, 2010 at 5:31 pm | Link