General Discussion

MineralMan

(151,495 posts)

90. The problem with this is that too many people believe

Sat Dec 27, 2014, 10:59 AM

Dec 2014

this applies to all roads with two lanes in both directions. Where I live, almost all arterial streets and major county roads have two lanes in each direction. They also have stoplights and many left turn opportunities. They're surface streets, and even when the speed limit is 55 MPH, there are intersections and people turning left at those intersections.

Sadly, too many drivers seem to believe that the left lane is the passing lane on those roads, too. It's not. It's just a traffic lane. I stay out of it, due to all the left turners, and the right lane is usually the one that's moving faster.

Only restricted access roads are subject to this "passing lane" rule. Any road with intersections simply isn't subject to any such rule. Someone will always need to turn left. Even if there are left turn lanes, they're usually not long enough to slow down within that left turn lane.

So, if you're on a road with intersections, stow your anger at left lane drivers who aren't going as fast as you like. They'll be turning left soon. Please!

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Why you shouldn't drive slowly in the left lane - Vox (Finally! this is one of my pet peeves!) [View all] Bill USA Dec 2014 OP

yet, when it is total congestion with both lanes packed to the gills...and nowhere to go-- hlthe2b Dec 2014 #1

LPT: slower traffic keep right _Blue_ Dec 2014 #9

Have you never driven in congested traffic, both lanes bumper to bumper? hlthe2b Dec 2014 #13

The slower traffic keep right law isn't intended for bumper to bumper gridlock _Blue_ Dec 2014 #14

which if you bothered to read my post, was my POINT. hlthe2b Dec 2014 #15

Your post talked about multi-car pileups caused by left lane _Blue_ Dec 2014 #16

yes, because the self-entitled aholes still try to weave through bumper to bumper traffic hlthe2b Dec 2014 #17

If they can "weave in and out", the left lane squatter can merge over too. _Blue_ Dec 2014 #18

stay with your armadillo crossing highways... clearly you have no business nor clue re: traffic hlthe2b Dec 2014 #22

I'm just advocating adhering to traffic law and safe driving practices. _Blue_ Dec 2014 #24

no..you are just being intentionally obtuse hlthe2b Dec 2014 #26

Nonsense. If even one left lane squatter changes their ways, it's worth it. _Blue_ Dec 2014 #33

Are you one of those aggressive drivers? Drahthaardogs Dec 2014 #112

Only if they're disobeying the traffic laws by driving slowly in the fast lane _Blue_ Dec 2014 #122

Do you really think that helps? Drahthaardogs Dec 2014 #126

72 mph is a "squatter" backing up traffic for miles? carolinayellowdog Dec 2014 #37

Yes. _Blue_ Dec 2014 #40

That isn't how it actually works whopis01 Dec 2014 #70

So they don't crash into the one in front of them. _Blue_ Dec 2014 #71

They are not going slower whopis01 Dec 2014 #72

Because in Texas we've got a long way to go Gman Dec 2014 #75

Boston. Agschmid Dec 2014 #116

a PERFECT city for walking carolinayellowdog Dec 2014 #117

Houston driving Aerows Dec 2014 #128

No. It should be **KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS** Martin Eden Dec 2014 #88

Absolutely! AwakeAtLast Dec 2014 #94

In my city, most of the time both lanes are always full. pnwmom Dec 2014 #156

"Keeping to the right would make traffic twice as slow" Martin Eden Dec 2014 #157

I wasn't talking about an interstate. Our regular city roads have multiple-lanes each way. pnwmom Dec 2014 #196

City roads with stoplights and left turn lanes Martin Eden Dec 2014 #199

I think I misunderstand you before, or maybe it was the way the OP was worded, pnwmom Dec 2014 #203

Doesn't work/Not intended for stretches leading to left side exits CreekDog Dec 2014 #125

yes. good point. many roads have left exits. DCBob Dec 2014 #161

This! 1monster Dec 2014 #109

Yeah, whenever these threads come up, it seems like half the posters have never encountered cemaphonic Dec 2014 #115

true. When traffic is any more than "light", all the lanes tend to fill up. Bill USA Dec 2014 #206

WOW! I never expected to get this kindof 'action'. Well, perhaps it did everyone some good to Bill USA Dec 2014 #207

WTH? I never get in the left lane unless I want to pass someone. I stay in the mddle lane. CTyankee Dec 2014 #2

Gotta love that word "menaced" A HERETIC I AM Dec 2014 #10

I have had them sound their horns and I am scared of them...this is before they CTyankee Dec 2014 #55

Step on the gas pedal BubbaFett Dec 2014 #97

If a truck driver has honked their horn at you? alphafemale Dec 2014 #100

I use to blow my air horns to warn them when they did something stupid and are about to be killed. B Calm Dec 2014 #105

I have an extremely good driving record and as a result I get very good insurance rates. CTyankee Dec 2014 #168

Me too! Now if everybody drove as good as you, there wouldn't be any road rage, right? B Calm Dec 2014 #171

I guess so. I get frustrated like anyone else but I figure that I am a mature adult CTyankee Dec 2014 #173

I have no doubt you are a good driver. I don't know why a truck driver blew his horns at B Calm Dec 2014 #174

Most truckers are just fine. I do worry more about those crazy asses who zigzag around CTyankee Dec 2014 #176

I use to team with an owner operator coast to coast. We were out in LA B Calm Dec 2014 #178

I've never seen a truck doing that. Just crazy smaller cars...kinda like mine. CTyankee Dec 2014 #179

Like I said, there are bad truck drivers too. I knew it was time to retire, B Calm Dec 2014 #180

I've never felt menaced by a truck driver. alphafemale Dec 2014 #96

...... A HERETIC I AM Dec 2014 #98

A truck is coming. I don't want to be behind a truck. alphafemale Dec 2014 #101

Well, thank you, sweet of you to say. I'll take my excellent driving record and my CTyankee Dec 2014 #170

Irfyou are intimidated by truck drivers? alphafemale Dec 2014 #183

Lucky me, yep! CTyankee Dec 2014 #186

If a professional driver blows there horn at you? alphafemale Dec 2014 #188

Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know you were there when it happened and saw the whole CTyankee Dec 2014 #189

This response confirms my suspicion. alphafemale Dec 2014 #190

Haha NJCher Dec 2014 #54

yep, pretty much! CTyankee Dec 2014 #56

I generally do the same, middle lane and often the right lane if those folks RKP5637 Dec 2014 #60

You never get in the left lane to exit or geton another highway? CreekDog Dec 2014 #167

of course. I was talking about this particular run that I make between Boston and CT. CTyankee Dec 2014 #172

Amen! Little Star Dec 2014 #3

OMG! +1,000,000,000,000 Dont call me Shirley Dec 2014 #4

Even worse... Bagsgroove Dec 2014 #5

Yep, that happens sometimes cpwm17 Dec 2014 #20

The funny thing is when everyone is on the left lane question everything Dec 2014 #6

True. But some are always in the passing mood. JDPriestly Dec 2014 #12

So Cal freeways are different. LWolf Dec 2014 #65

Same thing on I-5 up here in Oregon. Lizzie Poppet Dec 2014 #95

This message was self-deleted by its author FirstClassTicket Dec 2014 #7

highways where there are many left turns sure left lane is used. ahem how many go thru WI etc where PatrynXX Dec 2014 #8

Slow traffic to the right. JDPriestly Dec 2014 #11

I use the left lane speeders as Bear Bait! B Calm Dec 2014 #19

I've always called them "chum", but Bear Bait works too. n/t IDemo Dec 2014 #53

Yep, they come in really handy, I do the same, let them get snagged in the traps! n/t RKP5637 Dec 2014 #61

indeed give them the left lane and let evolution do the work! nt Anansi1171 Dec 2014 #130

lol, i didn't know there was a term for this! Takket Dec 2014 #108

Exactly! Most speeders are too dumb to get out of the left (hammer) lane. When Smokey Bear B Calm Dec 2014 #169

Couldn't be more clear... canoeist52 Dec 2014 #21

Then you have the speeders who think the left lane is for them only and will box you B Calm Dec 2014 #27

Best time I ever got around a slowpoke who was in the left lane TlalocW Dec 2014 #31

I hate to admit it but that's been a fantasy of mine. Gidney N Cloyd Dec 2014 #92

After your little bit of road rage was over, did you continue down the road in the left lane B Calm Dec 2014 #118

For about half a mile while I passed another car on the right TlalocW Dec 2014 #119

. . Next time you drive, try to B Calm! B Calm Dec 2014 #121

It's my biggest pet peeve cpwm17 Dec 2014 #23

South Florida might be the worst... hay rick Dec 2014 #47

Yep! Then you've got the ones entering the highway that just as you're at the intersection RKP5637 Dec 2014 #63

I drive +5 in left lane lobodons Dec 2014 #25

If you aren't actively passing, move to the right JoePhilly Dec 2014 #28

In many states the far left lane is truck restricted, making the middle lane the truck passing lane. B Calm Dec 2014 #30

Unless you are passing the cars to your right at that speed frazzled Dec 2014 #49

Have some basic courtesy and move over. cpwm17 Dec 2014 #51

And you are part of the problem. Can't be bothered with "dealing" with the people entering the hiwa rhett o rick Dec 2014 #76

You are the problem the post is talking about. Tommymac Dec 2014 #77

You're the problem. FYI nt TeamPooka Dec 2014 #124

A bunch of lawbreaking assholes are attacking you carolinayellowdog Dec 2014 #133

Say what? Many highways are 70 mph. In IL I believe 90% of them are 70mph riderinthestorm Dec 2014 #134

As vehicle technology improves year-to-year, vehicles become safer to operate Maedhros Dec 2014 #185

You are behaving very selfishly. Maedhros Dec 2014 #184

Are you from Ohio...it's not the "I'm doing 5 miles over the speed limit lane" ileus Dec 2014 #193

They don't want to be considered slower traffic. JoePhilly Dec 2014 #29

Sorry BlueinOhio Dec 2014 #32

amen! Riverman100 Dec 2014 #48

Wrong. A HERETIC I AM Dec 2014 #66

Here's the thing: Hosnon Dec 2014 #74

+1 Go Vols Dec 2014 #111

+1 distantearlywarning Dec 2014 #152

You should be sorry Martin Eden Dec 2014 #86

I turn left in 5 miles. alphafemale Dec 2014 #99

Sorry Glassunion Dec 2014 #201

I'm Confused cer7711 Dec 2014 #34

Suggestion for the alien: Refrain from driving... cherokeeprogressive Dec 2014 #43

4 way stop The Jungle 1 Dec 2014 #35

Arcata No-Go: Jesus Malverde Dec 2014 #58

Never had this problem until I moved to Indiana from Michigan caraher Dec 2014 #131

This message was self-deleted by its author B Calm Dec 2014 #132

I see a lot of road rage in this thread! B Calm Dec 2014 #36

steam pressure The Jungle 1 Dec 2014 #81

My pet peeve: Car in front of me goes 30 down the freeway entrance ramp FiveGoodMen Dec 2014 #38

Hold your ground, you have the right away. The car coming onto the interstate has to yield B Calm Dec 2014 #42

No, I AM the car coming onto the interstate. FiveGoodMen Dec 2014 #44

Oh, okay I know what you are saying. Now if that vehicle in B Calm Dec 2014 #45

Yep, I know exactly what you mean. I hate it when that happens. Then you've got to floor it like RKP5637 Dec 2014 #64

Or better yet. They stop and put on their signal. Seen it more than once. Hassin Bin Sober Dec 2014 #67

You would be following a hyper miler... CANDO Dec 2014 #127

Would you rather be right than hit? annabanana Dec 2014 #87

I use to drive 18 wheelers. If they had hit me they would be dead! B Calm Dec 2014 #104

MOM The Jungle 1 Dec 2014 #83

George Carlin said it best helpmetohelpyou Dec 2014 #39

Left lane for passing only in Texas is only when marked with signs. TexasProgresive Dec 2014 #41

Simplistic bullshit. "There are basically two types of drivers..." harris8 Dec 2014 #46

I'm mystified by those in this thread who seem to be prickly about the lane thing. CTyankee Dec 2014 #187

Kauai = 1 highway; 2 lanes - 1 in each direction KauaiK Dec 2014 #50

Not always freedom fighter jh Dec 2014 #52

People do that because they don't want to deal with people merging into their lane from the left...n Jesus Malverde Dec 2014 #57

I've seen left lane JoeyT Dec 2014 #59

NY State Thruway.... its 65 but Florida drivers hang out there at 55 or less. Historic NY Dec 2014 #62

In my experience, Connecticut has the worst left lane drivers. Bonobo Dec 2014 #68

Is it the I-95 section between New Haven and NYC? NutmegYankee Dec 2014 #151

Yes exactly! Nt Bonobo Dec 2014 #162

The left lane is the safest lane and so that's where I drive. I don't go too slow though. Vattel Dec 2014 #69

Hogwash. Left Lane is the passing lane. Neither lane is 'more' safe. Drivers are safe...or not. Tommymac Dec 2014 #78

On my commute on I95 there are three lanes each way. Vattel Dec 2014 #79

You are an UNSAFE driver Martin Eden Dec 2014 #85

I don't force others to drive on the right. Vattel Dec 2014 #93

That's potentially dangerous Martin Eden Dec 2014 #106

I disagree. It depends on the highway, but sometimes the left is the best. Vattel Dec 2014 #129

Be considerate: the left lane is the passing lane. Quantess Dec 2014 #73

If one is not speeding one is impeading ChosenUnWisely Dec 2014 #80

Just because I drive a Nissan Altima doesn't mean I should sacrifice my life or limb to CTyankee Dec 2014 #200

What kind of idiot doesn't know the left lane isn't for snails? Reter Dec 2014 #82

KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS Martin Eden Dec 2014 #84

Happens here in the Seoul Metropolitan Area in South Korea davidpdx Dec 2014 #89

The problem with this is that too many people believe MineralMan Dec 2014 #90

Get the hell out of the passing lane. NOW. HughBeaumont Dec 2014 #91

my son and i watched a police flash his lights at a motorist in the left lane. seabeyond Dec 2014 #102

This goes double for long-term two lane entities like the Pennsylvania Turnpike. HughBeaumont Dec 2014 #154

I also hate it when a big truck decides to pass the big truck SheilaT Dec 2014 #103

If your cruise control setting is like 1/4 mph faster than some guy you catch up to, brewens Dec 2014 #107

That was a big problem I had with speeders who thought they owned the left lane. I drove B Calm Dec 2014 #120

This is next to meaningless in Los Angeles. Marr Dec 2014 #110

"the middle lane is usually the fastest" zappaman Dec 2014 #113

lol! Marr Dec 2014 #114

Yeah. same situation here in dc. DCBob Dec 2014 #164

Mr. Putt Putt, piddling along doing the minimum highway speed in the left lane Warpy Dec 2014 #123

what I don't get d_r Dec 2014 #135

So becasue you don't want to go faster then the person behind you ChosenUnWisely Dec 2014 #136

Dude read what I wrote d_r Dec 2014 #137

I did read it either speed up or pull over ChosenUnWisely Dec 2014 #138

No d_r Dec 2014 #139

So you admit you are selfish and intentionally go slower in the left lane because ChosenUnWisely Dec 2014 #140

No d_r Dec 2014 #141

Not in my world you block me I will tailgate and flip you off ChosenUnWisely Dec 2014 #142

my responsibility d_r Dec 2014 #192

Are you the guy who passed me and two other trucks in the emergency lane and B Calm Dec 2014 #143

Nope I would have blown by you and gave you the finger as I went by ChosenUnWisely Dec 2014 #144

Does giving me the finger help you feel better? I always considered the finger B Calm Dec 2014 #145

Post removed Post removed Dec 2014 #146

The only one being a dick is the aggressive driver who has no patience. George Bush lost B Calm Dec 2014 #147

from my POV the only one being a dick are those who intentionally imped others ChosenUnWisely Dec 2014 #148

LOL, that motorist you think is impending your lane may have a gun too. My advice to you B Calm Dec 2014 #149

OK fine by me their choice as for patience I have it in spades excpt for impeding asrseholes. ChosenUnWisely Dec 2014 #150

I knew you wouldn't take advice from a professional driver. Motorists like you B Calm Dec 2014 #153

until you shoot them because they do not get out of your way? then it is their business whether seabeyond Dec 2014 #159

in a post above tailgating and flipping off. i was gonna ask if you would pull a gun too. seabeyond Dec 2014 #158

LOL +1 B Calm Dec 2014 #175

Yes, this is an enormous peeve of mine distantearlywarning Dec 2014 #155

I have lived in Florida for 32 years now - yes, those drivers that suddently stop in the DrDan Dec 2014 #165

I wrote above that south Florida drivers might be the worst in the nation. cpwm17 Dec 2014 #182

If you are constantly getting passed on the right ... dawg Dec 2014 #160

My pet peave are people driving way over the speed limit.. DCBob Dec 2014 #163

+1000 if you are going more than 10mph over the limit for no damn reason JCMach1 Dec 2014 #166

Your selfishness is why there are more accidents on US freeways than on the German Autobahn cpwm17 Dec 2014 #177

+1 Couldn't agree more! You'd be surprised how many of them are cops B Calm Dec 2014 #181

The one thing I loved about having to take my drivers license exam for the UK Veruca Salt Dec 2014 #191

I ran into some British tourists in Florida cpwm17 Dec 2014 #202

On those coutry lane speed limits... Glassunion Dec 2014 #204

Some mistakenly think it's their "fast lane" for some unknown reason. ileus Dec 2014 #194

Very common in Indiana on I-65. They think they own the left lane because they are speeding. B Calm Dec 2014 #195

Move the Fuck Over! alphafemale Dec 2014 #197

See what I mean! Makes one wonder how they got drivers license. B Calm Dec 2014 #198

NJ recently almost doubled the fine for travelling in the passing lane. Good! Glassunion Dec 2014 #205