This is the type of thing California used to be known for, progressive clear headed traffic regulations. But, our state is lagging behind others when it comes to defending the rights of the faster drivers. I’m no lead foot, I’ve had one speeding ticket in my life and that was back when Fred Flintstone and I had to use our feet as both engine and brakes. I’ve since embraced the calmer side of driving. Anyone that has ever spent any time headed north or south on I-5 can attest to this, the left lane – the “passing lane” – not so much.
When I went on a long weekend in Oregon last summer I was surprised to see a road sign advising me that cruising in the left lane was a ticket-able offense. They really take the whole idea of a Passing Lane seriously, and now so does the state of Delaware. And I, for one, applaud this law.
As I said in an earlier blog I spend a couple of hours everyday driving to and from work. I see all kinds of nonsense going on in other cars. People talking on their cell phone without using a hands free device foremost among them. The other day a young lady busy applying make up while negotiating city traffic caught my eye, and very nearly my bumper! And then there are the people that camp out in the passing lane and refuse to move over so they can be passed.
I’m not sure if it’s stubbornness, or a misplaced sense that they have the power to set the speed of all traffic and will help the police by keeping everyone else’s speed down , or the arrogant belief that their speedometer is perfect and everyone needs to abide their pace setting. One thing I do know is it is dangerous.
There are some who believe the speed limit is merely a suggestion. Those folks also feel that the whole road is theirs, and the idea of lanes is good for keep others in place. These people weave in and out of traffic, squeezing into the smallest spaces and generally driving everyone nuts. Cruising in the passing lane only encourages these lead footed drivers in their weaving ways. If the weaving only made things dangerous for the Lead Foots I wouldn’t mind. Let them put their own necks in a noose, but leave mine out please. My simple request – when you’ve made your pass, move back over to the right hand lane when possible. The neck you save could be your own, or more importantly to me, mine.
