Life Left-lane Slowpokes Drive you Crazy? - Page 7

**Lzen** · 04-04-2012, 02:57 PM

http://discover.aaa.com/default.aspx...iving/Monthly&

The words ‘move over’ – even if readable in the rearview mirror – may not mean much to them, but a ticket might. Some states are cracking down. In these days of longer commutes and simmering tempers, nothing seems to set off already-testy motorists like the left-lane camper – the guy/gal who drives in the passing lane and bars faster drivers from easily passing. Web sites have cropped up to educate other drivers, or to vent. There’s a (somewhat painful) YouTube song called “Keep Right.”

Even bigwigs get frustrated. Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell, weary of having his limo slowed down by such left-lane pokies, ordered an aid to have the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission install signs a few years ago reading “Keep Right, Pass Left. It’s the Law.” And now some states are cracking down on left-lane campers, both to keep traffic moving and to tamp down the road rage that goes from zero – to – 60 faster than ever before. That’s not just a pretext. Last year, a driver was arrested on Interstate 79 outside Pittsburgh after allegedly brandishing a semiautomatic pistol at a driver who was on his tail.

You could get a Ticket ~ Some states didn’t allow left-lane lingering but didn’t enforce the law. Now they are. At the start of last summer, the Washington State Patrol began pulling people over for violating the state’s left-lane law, which prohibits “impeding the flow of other traffic.” This is a real big hot-button topic for the public at large right now; there’ve been a lot of complaints from drivers who’ve had to deal with left-lane campers. So far authorities have been gentle with the $124 ticket; the drivers stopped were given verbal warnings. Last year, news outlets reported that Oklahoma was bolstering enforcement of its left-lane law as well.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports that they deal with the left-lane drivers going too slowly weekly; they’ve issued more warnings than tickets. Insurers haven’t gotten aggressive yet; but this kind of ticket has the potential to raise rates. Any moving violation that applies points to a driver’s record could affect that driver’s car insurance rates. And because left-lane driving would be considered as such an infraction, this would be taken into account when reviewing a driver’s policy.

What’s the law in your state? The laws vary widely. A few states – for instance, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts and New Jersey – permit use of the left lane only for passing or turning left. Georgia, Colorado and Louisiana follow the Uniform Vehicle Code, requiring drivers to keep right if they’re going slower than the speed of traffic. Wyoming prohibits blocking the far left lane of a highway “for a prolonged period,” though it adds that the traffic should be “at a lawful rate of speed.” In Arkansas and South Dakota, vehicles don’t have to stay right. Alaska, Maryland, North Carolina and Ohio vehicles can drive in the left lane so long as they’re moving at the speed limit.

Florida is trying to join in: Lawmakers reintroduced a Road Rage Reduction Act in 2008, requiring motorists to stay out of the left lane on interstate highways except when passing. It passed the legislature in 2005 but was vetoed by Gov. Jeb Bush, who questioned whether it was based on sound research.

It’s no wonder drivers can be confused and often frustrated.
One of my biggest Pet Peeves – One of those exasperated drivers in your rearview mirror might be Eli Dozier. “That’s one of my biggest pet peeves in the world, is when people stay in the left lane. They’re not passing, they’ve got people behind them, trying to go around, and they just cruise,” says Dozier, 31, and a stay-at-home dad. “It’s probably the most uncourteous thing you can do,” he says, adding that it’s “obviously” unsafe. “I’m a fast driver,” Dozier allows. “But if I’m not passing, I don’t use that left lane at all.” So what’s a frustrated motorist to do?

Dozier heard in a chat room about some windshield decals that said “Slower Traffic,” with an arrow pointing to the right-hand lane, printed backward in large letters for reading in a rearview mirror. “And so I immediately ordered one. I jumped on it.” He loves the thing. “Most people, its just inattentiveness” that keeps them in the passing lane, Dozier says. “Most people, when you pass them, they’ll give you a wave, they’re thankful” for the reminder.

At lease, he says, women tend to be. Men sometimes take Dozier’s sticker as an affront and will retaliate by slowing down, he says. There have been some middle fingers, some choice words. And then, Dozier says, “I have been known to show them how good the back of my car looks.” At very close range. Which only exacerbates the situation. Overall, through, both he and his wife are delighted with the results, he says. They recently bought her a Dodge Ram 1500 with a quad cab and they’ve ordered a decal like his for it.

Pennsylvania authorities also find that reminders do work. “Anecdotally,” says Carl DeFebo of the Turnpike Authority, “you do see a lot less people . . . enjoying the weather” in the passing lane since 25 signs went up on the turnpike in recent years. It probably helps that “sometimes our police will actually enforce this,” DeFebo adds, handing out warnings or tickets that add up to $108.

Courtesy Counts – The creator of those stickers, J.A. Tosti, is also director and founder of Left Lane Drivers of America. “What we’re seeking to do is raise awareness,” he explains. Tosti said aggression only aggravates other drivers. For him, response to the decal on his car has always been positive and pleasant – in large part because he is a patient, non-tailgating driver. “It’s amazing how effective the stickers are,” he says. “On one trip from Portland to Seattle, I felt at time like I was sweeping the left lane with a broom.” A faster, more courteous – well-swept – highway? Sounds like something most folks could live with.

Defending the driving – But not everyone agrees with those who tell them to get out of the way. “The left lane is for passing . . . not a license to speed till you kill someone,” wrote a contributor to Motor Trend’s blog. “Grow up. If I’m in the left lane doing 65 while the speed limit’s 80, I’ll move over. But if I’m doing the speed limit, and someone decides he’s Mario Andretti … he/she can go around me and break the law further up the highway.”

Washington state law says it is a traffic infraction to drive continuously in the left lane of a multilane roadway when it impedes the flow of other traffic. There is a misunderstanding, a lot of people think that if they’re going at or near the speed limit they don’t have to get out of the lane. And the left-lane driving debate goes on.

**morphius** · 04-04-2012, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJChiefsFan

This is one of my biggest two problems with drivers. That and putting the blinker on AS they are turning. Awesome, what is that point?!

Maybe it is like the road signs here in KS. They tell you it is a turn only lane at the point that it is impossible to do anything about being in the wrong lane, lol.

**TrebMaxx** · 04-04-2012, 10:30 PM

The left lane slowpokes on the highway should die.

Those that don't know how to maintain a consistent speed or use their cruise control on the highway should die.

Those that try to pass in the right lane, a line of traffic backed up in the left lane due to the slowpoke syndrome then cut in to the left lane when the line has obviously been created in the left lane behind said dumb shit slowpoke should die.

Those that see the warning signs that lane "x" is closed "x" miles ahead and continue on "x" lane passing all the considerate drivers that have formed a line in lane "y" then expecting another motorist in lane "y" to let them in should die. Also, the motorist in lane "y" that lets asshole motorist in lane "x" into lane "y" should also die.

Frazod · 04-04-2012, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrebMaxx

The left lane slowpokes on the highway should die.

Those that don't know how to maintain a consistent speed or use their cruise control on the highway should die.

Those that try to pass in the right lane, a line of traffic backed up in the left lane due to the slowpoke syndrome then cut in to the left lane when the line has obviously been created in the left lane behind said dumb shit slowpoke should die.

Those that see the warning signs that lane lane "x" is closed "x" miles ahead and continue on "x" lane passing all the considerate drivers that have formed a line in lane "y" then expecting another motorist in lane "y" to let them in should die. Also, the motorist in lane "y" that lets asshole motorist in lane "x" into lane "y" should also die.

My name is frazod, and I approve of this post.

**Easy 6** · 04-04-2012, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morphius

The only people that tick me off are the ones that speed up or slow down to whatever speed you are going,

This, this, this.

The ones that pass when you pass, then tailgate you in the right lane, then pass you, get in front & proceed to immediately slow or set their cruise like 2mph under yours, making you constantly adjust to them.

I light up the jets & put as much distance on those people as i can asap, wanna play footsies for the next 50 miles? **** you.

-King- · 04-04-2012, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrebMaxx

The left lane slowpokes on the highway should die.

Those that don't know how to maintain a consistent speed or use their cruise control on the highway should die.

Those that try to pass in the right lane, a line of traffic backed up in the left lane due to the slowpoke syndrome then cut in to the left lane when the line has obviously been created in the left lane behind said dumb shit slowpoke should die.

Those that see the warning signs that lane lane "x" is closed "x" miles ahead and continue on "x" lane passing all the considerate drivers that have formed a line in lane "y" then expecting another motorist in lane "y" to let them in should die. Also, the motorist in lane "y" that lets asshole motorist in lane "x" into lane "y" should also die.

I won't lie, sometimes when I feel like an asshole, I'll do this, especially when traffic is really backed up and I have places to go.

**alnorth** · 04-04-2012, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by headsnap

SERIOUSLY?!?!?

apparently you are the same person on the road as the one you are in DC...

You are wrong.

If I am GOING OVER THE EFFING SPEED LIMIT, then I am not slow.

Don't like it? Too damned bad.

If you are in the left lane, you want to go fast. If you are going significantly over the limit (where 1 mph is not significant), then you are going fast. If you want to drive some crazy unsafe speed, you have no more right to the left lane than I do. Want to pass me? OK, fine, I don't mind if you pass me, but I'm not going to shift left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right for hours.

The right lane is for people who go the speed limit or slower.

PERIOD.

Brock · 04-04-2012, 10:42 PM

The left lane is for passing. PERIOD. Quit trolling.

**pr_capone** · 04-04-2012, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrebMaxx

Those that see the warning signs that lane "x" is closed "x" miles ahead and continue on "x" lane passing all the considerate drivers that have formed a line in lane "y" then expecting another motorist in lane "y" to let them in should die. Also, the motorist in lane "y" that lets asshole motorist in lane "x" into lane "y" should also die.

As I get onto the highway on my way to work, there are two lanes that merge into the highway. I *ALWAYS* stay in the far right lane because I know the people in the left getting ready to merge with highway traffic are gonna ****ing lollygag their way into the lane.

I typically wind up going about 90 as I merge into the highway about 1/4 mi down the road right before my lane ends and right into wide open spaces. No clue why no one else has picked up on that shit.

When I look back, the 7 cars I have passed that were waiting to merge are stuck in a mini traffic jam and I'm boogieing right down the road.

**alnorth** · 04-04-2012, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beach tribe

Exactly the kind of thinking that pisses people off.

It is WRONG. There's NO REASON why anyone should have to pass an idiot in the right lane.

bullcrap.

You are wrong. If I am going significantly over the speed limit, then I shouldn't have to get out of your way. I don't want to put up with the people in the right lane either, if you want to drive at some stupid ticket-bait speed, thats fine, but its incumbent upon you, the weird, rare, outlier, who almost no one drives similar to you, to figure out how to get around normal people.

**TrebMaxx** · 04-04-2012, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -King-

I won't lie, sometimes when I feel like an asshole, I'll do this, especially when traffic is really backed up and I have places to go.

You are a quality poster on this board, but I'm sorry, you should die.

**alnorth** · 04-04-2012, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

The left lane is for passing. PERIOD. Quit trolling.

No, it is not. Not legally in most states, and not in practice. What you fervantly wish was so in your fever-dream fantasy-land, has no basis in reality.

I don't see people driving 15-25 over hardly EVER go to the right when they speed ahead even if there's no visible car ahead for miles. They all stay in the left lane forever.

Brock · 04-04-2012, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alnorth

bullcrap.

You are wrong. If I am going significantly over the speed limit, then I shouldn't have to get out of your way. I don't want to put up with the people in the right lane either, if you want to drive at some stupid ticket-bait speed, thats fine, but its incumbent upon you, the weird, rare, outlier, who almost no one drives similar to you, to figure out how to get around normal people.

It should be obvious that the outlier here is you.

**pr_capone** · 04-04-2012, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alnorth

but its incumbent upon you, the weird, rare, outlier, who almost no one drives similar to you, to figure out how to get around normal people.

If it is so rare and almost no one drives like that it seems to me that your argument of having to go left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right-left-right for hours... is a moot point.

Brock · 04-04-2012, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alnorth

No, it is not. Not legally in most states, and not in practice. What you fervantly wish was so in your fever-dream fantasy-land, has no basis in reality.

I don't see people driving 15-25 over hardly EVER go to the right when they speed ahead even if there's no visible car ahead for miles. They all stay in the left lane forever.

People may well drive like dipshits where you're from. It would explain why you apparently don't understand basic road decorum.

JOhn · 04-04-2012, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrebMaxx

The left lane slowpokes on the highway should die.

Those that don't know how to maintain a consistent speed or use their cruise control on the highway should die.

Those that try to pass in the right lane, a line of traffic backed up in the left lane due to the slowpoke syndrome then cut in to the left lane when the line has obviously been created in the left lane behind said dumb shit slowpoke should die.

Those that see the warning signs that lane "x" is closed "x" miles ahead and continue on "x" lane passing all the considerate drivers that have formed a line in lane "y" then expecting another motorist in lane "y" to let them in should die. Also, the motorist in lane "y" that lets asshole motorist in lane "x" into lane "y" should also die.

When I see this happening and I am in Lane "y" and in my work truck....I ease over till I am straddling the line and block them from any further progress.... They don't wanna tangle with 26,000lb truck with a irritated driver

04-04-2012, 02:57 PM
Lzen Banded Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Oz Casino cash: $-569308	Left-lane Slowpokes Drive you Crazy? http://discover.aaa.com/default.aspx...iving/Monthly& The words ‘move over’ – even if readable in the rearview mirror – may not mean much to them, but a ticket might. Some states are cracking down. In these days of longer commutes and simmering tempers, nothing seems to set off already-testy motorists like the left-lane camper – the guy/gal who drives in the passing lane and bars faster drivers from easily passing. Web sites have cropped up to educate other drivers, or to vent. There’s a (somewhat painful) YouTube song called “Keep Right.” Even bigwigs get frustrated. Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell, weary of having his limo slowed down by such left-lane pokies, ordered an aid to have the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission install signs a few years ago reading “Keep Right, Pass Left. It’s the Law.” And now some states are cracking down on left-lane campers, both to keep traffic moving and to tamp down the road rage that goes from zero – to – 60 faster than ever before. That’s not just a pretext. Last year, a driver was arrested on Interstate 79 outside Pittsburgh after allegedly brandishing a semiautomatic pistol at a driver who was on his tail. You could get a Ticket ~ Some states didn’t allow left-lane lingering but didn’t enforce the law. Now they are. At the start of last summer, the Washington State Patrol began pulling people over for violating the state’s left-lane law, which prohibits “impeding the flow of other traffic.” This is a real big hot-button topic for the public at large right now; there’ve been a lot of complaints from drivers who’ve had to deal with left-lane campers. So far authorities have been gentle with the $124 ticket; the drivers stopped were given verbal warnings. Last year, news outlets reported that Oklahoma was bolstering enforcement of its left-lane law as well. Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports that they deal with the left-lane drivers going too slowly weekly; they’ve issued more warnings than tickets. Insurers haven’t gotten aggressive yet; but this kind of ticket has the potential to raise rates. Any moving violation that applies points to a driver’s record could affect that driver’s car insurance rates. And because left-lane driving would be considered as such an infraction, this would be taken into account when reviewing a driver’s policy. What’s the law in your state? The laws vary widely. A few states – for instance, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts and New Jersey – permit use of the left lane only for passing or turning left. Georgia, Colorado and Louisiana follow the Uniform Vehicle Code, requiring drivers to keep right if they’re going slower than the speed of traffic. Wyoming prohibits blocking the far left lane of a highway “for a prolonged period,” though it adds that the traffic should be “at a lawful rate of speed.” In Arkansas and South Dakota, vehicles don’t have to stay right. Alaska, Maryland, North Carolina and Ohio vehicles can drive in the left lane so long as they’re moving at the speed limit. Florida is trying to join in: Lawmakers reintroduced a Road Rage Reduction Act in 2008, requiring motorists to stay out of the left lane on interstate highways except when passing. It passed the legislature in 2005 but was vetoed by Gov. Jeb Bush, who questioned whether it was based on sound research. It’s no wonder drivers can be confused and often frustrated. One of my biggest Pet Peeves – One of those exasperated drivers in your rearview mirror might be Eli Dozier. “That’s one of my biggest pet peeves in the world, is when people stay in the left lane. They’re not passing, they’ve got people behind them, trying to go around, and they just cruise,” says Dozier, 31, and a stay-at-home dad. “It’s probably the most uncourteous thing you can do,” he says, adding that it’s “obviously” unsafe. “I’m a fast driver,” Dozier allows. “But if I’m not passing, I don’t use that left lane at all.” So what’s a frustrated motorist to do? Dozier heard in a chat room about some windshield decals that said “Slower Traffic,” with an arrow pointing to the right-hand lane, printed backward in large letters for reading in a rearview mirror. “And so I immediately ordered one. I jumped on it.” He loves the thing. “Most people, its just inattentiveness” that keeps them in the passing lane, Dozier says. “Most people, when you pass them, they’ll give you a wave, they’re thankful” for the reminder. At lease, he says, women tend to be. Men sometimes take Dozier’s sticker as an affront and will retaliate by slowing down, he says. There have been some middle fingers, some choice words. And then, Dozier says, “I have been known to show them how good the back of my car looks.” At very close range. Which only exacerbates the situation. Overall, through, both he and his wife are delighted with the results, he says. They recently bought her a Dodge Ram 1500 with a quad cab and they’ve ordered a decal like his for it. Pennsylvania authorities also find that reminders do work. “Anecdotally,” says Carl DeFebo of the Turnpike Authority, “you do see a lot less people . . . enjoying the weather” in the passing lane since 25 signs went up on the turnpike in recent years. It probably helps that “sometimes our police will actually enforce this,” DeFebo adds, handing out warnings or tickets that add up to $108. Courtesy Counts – The creator of those stickers, J.A. Tosti, is also director and founder of Left Lane Drivers of America. “What we’re seeking to do is raise awareness,” he explains. Tosti said aggression only aggravates other drivers. For him, response to the decal on his car has always been positive and pleasant – in large part because he is a patient, non-tailgating driver. “It’s amazing how effective the stickers are,” he says. “On one trip from Portland to Seattle, I felt at time like I was sweeping the left lane with a broom.” A faster, more courteous – well-swept – highway? Sounds like something most folks could live with. Defending the driving – But not everyone agrees with those who tell them to get out of the way. “The left lane is for passing . . . not a license to speed till you kill someone,” wrote a contributor to Motor Trend’s blog. “Grow up. If I’m in the left lane doing 65 while the speed limit’s 80, I’ll move over. But if I’m doing the speed limit, and someone decides he’s Mario Andretti … he/she can go around me and break the law further up the highway.” Washington state law says it is a traffic infraction to drive continuously in the left lane of a multilane roadway when it impedes the flow of other traffic. There is a misunderstanding, a lot of people think that if they’re going at or near the speed limit they don’t have to get out of the lane. And the left-lane driving debate goes on.
Posts: 42,470

04-04-2012, 10:30 PM	#92
TrebMaxx Supporter Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Peoples Republic of CoMo Casino cash: $-2302748	The left lane slowpokes on the highway should die. Those that don't know how to maintain a consistent speed or use their cruise control on the highway should die. Those that try to pass in the right lane, a line of traffic backed up in the left lane due to the slowpoke syndrome then cut in to the left lane when the line has obviously been created in the left lane behind said dumb shit slowpoke should die. Those that see the warning signs that lane "x" is closed "x" miles ahead and continue on "x" lane passing all the considerate drivers that have formed a line in lane "y" then expecting another motorist in lane "y" to let them in should die. Also, the motorist in lane "y" that lets asshole motorist in lane "x" into lane "y" should also die. __________________ Last edited by TrebMaxx; 04-04-2012 at 10:39 PM..
Posts: 4,452

04-04-2012, 10:42 PM	#97
Brock Say hello to my little friend Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Larryville Casino cash: $9598422	The left lane is for passing. PERIOD. Quit trolling.
Posts: 47,314