Left lane not always passing lane...
State by state laws. I thought all states had the same law...I guess that would explain the way some people drive - really just depends what state you learned to drive in as to what driving laws "stick" with you. If it's not a law, I consider it a common courtesy not to hover in the left lane.
Also learned that the yellow speed limit signs are not enforceable unless you cause an accident, then you can be cited for traveling too fast. Contradicting signs have gone up on the DNT as discussed in a DMN article.
New law says left lane for passing only
09:07 PM CDT on Sunday, October 25, 2009
Scott Satchfield / Eyewitness News
NEW ORLEANS, La - Staying in the left lane for extended periods of time is a driving habit that leads to frustration for many people.
"When I'm on my way traveling, I want to be able to travel,” said Bobbie Brent-Cornish of New Orleans. “I do not want to be inhibited."
After lawmakers passed the measure earlier this year and its enforcement by state troopers on Oct. 1, left-lane driving is now against the law on Louisiana highways.
"You cannot travel slower than what the traffic is,” said LSP Troop B Trooper Joe Piglia. “You cannot impede traffic by traveling in the left hand lane, nor stay in the left hand lane just for travel alone. You have to move back to the right."
It may seem like an easy violation to avoid, but Piglia said the law has already caused confusion and controversy.
Officials want to clear up the new rules.
You're in the clear if you use the left lane to pass another vehicle, to make a left turn at an intersection, if emergency vehicles are parked on or near the right shoulder, or if the right lane is simply backed up with traffic.
Police say it's pretty simple with those exceptions aside.
"This is something that's blatant, that somebody is traveling in that left hand lane, is impeding traffic, or is on the interstate and just refuses to get over. I know all motorists have seen that," said Piglia.
Drivers welcome the change.
"On occasion people tend to stay in that lane and unfortunately create a traffic hazard, really for everyone, and so I think the intent of the law is good," said William Grieggs of Laplace.
Officials have also said they won't focus enforcement efforts on stretches of highway running through cities.
"When you get outside the metropolitan area where traffic is not an issue, to keep traffic flowing, to have people going to that right lane to keep the traffic flowing, and not to have somebody that's driving at a slower speed in that left hand lane," said Piglia.
Why lane courtesy is important...
Most people may see this and think it is obvious - but if it is so obvious, why is it so overlooked/ignored??
Thinking about that statement - makes me wonder if the top 3 reasons people fail to move over that are privy to this courtesy are:
1) They think they are doing a service by controling other drivers' speed.
2) They enjoy aggravating other drivers; or
3) They are so full of cheese that they are oblivious to what is going on around them.
"Lane courtesy is the simple act of moving to the right to allow faster traffic to pass. This act of courtesy will significantly improve highway safety. By not obstructing other drivers, we are allowing traffic to flow more smoothly. When traffic flows smoothly, there is less tailgating, less weaving in-and-out of traffic, and therefore fewer accidents.
When drivers exercise lane courtesy, they defuse the situations that cause road rage. Ask almost any motorist ((almost any motorist? What about the ones doing the damage? They are motorists too)) what irritates them the most and the majority will answer, "left lane hogs." It is the failure of slower traffic to keep right or yield to the right, when faster traffic approaches, that makes driving a frustrating burden. The courteous act of moving to the right can eliminate driver stress and conflict, and make fellow travelers happy to share the road."
I think everyone is a left lane hog sometime or another, knowingly or unknowlingly....
