Tuesday, December 6, 2011
The Left Lane
I've had it.
As many of you know, I spend approximately 10-12 hours on the freeway in any average week.
I love my car. I'm even kind of a fan of driving. But sitting behind the wheel for as long as I do, I long ago lost any interest in dawdling. I just want to get where I'm going and get out of the car quickly.
That's not always possible. There are traffic jams and road hazards and there's almost always that guy in the giant truck who
But the very biggest problem I see on a daily basis is the driver who insists on using the left lane incorrectly.
Yup, the one that's often called the Fast Lane.
Do you know why it's called the Fast Lane?
Because it's the lane where you go FASTER THAN THE REST OF THE LANES.
Just about EVERY state in the entire United States recognizes the left lane as a passing lane for vehicles that are traveling faster than the rest of the highway. This may or may not be the posted speed limit, and most states won't ticket you if you're going with the "flow of traffic," even if it's higher than the maximum. As long as people are being safe and not ridiculous about it.
One afternoon, I was headed home from work and ended up behind a slower car. I pulled into the left lane to pass that car, and then another, and then another. And then, while still in the left lane, I came upon a beat up old jalopy that was going 60mph. The speed limit along that stretch of road is 65. I flashed my brights, as is the commonly accepted way of saying, "move the eff over," and the car SLOWED DOWN.
I backed off a little bit. At this point, I didn't switch lanes because the traffic over there was still going slower than I wanted to. This guy needed to move over. It's the law.
The car sped up a little. I did too. Then he slowed down again. This went on for several minutes. Cars behind me were going around us because the right lanes were starting to move faster, but now it had become a matter of principle. That guy was going to move over because it was the right thing to do.
Well, he never did move over. And my exit was coming up. So I reluctantly gave up. As I was passing the car, I glanced and saw the passenger in the front seat who looked to be at least in his mid-sixties. Sticking his tongue out at me and flipping me off.
Because his chauffeur was violating California Vehicle Code Section 21650-21664.
People.
This is ridiculous.
It happens every single day all over this country.
To the point that state highway patrol agencies are starting to crack down and ticket drivers who are "impeding the normal flow of traffic."
Halle-freaking-lujiah.
Look. I know that speeders cause all kinds of accidents. I know it's important to drive safely.
But you are not the highway patrol.
(Unless you happen to actually be a highway patrol officer reading this right now. In which case, thanks for keeping us safe.)
It is not your job to regulate speed or the flow of traffic or to punish jerk drivers who are flying back and forth across the roadway.
If you aren't passing someone, stay in the right lane.
Because people are carrying guns these days, folks. With actual bullets. Do you really want to piss off the wrong person on the wrong day?
(I am NOT carrying a gun. I will NOT shoot you.)
(Yes, I WILL shoot you, but only dirty looks.)
(And maybe some sign language.)
Do the right thing. Stay out of the left lane unless you are passing someone, getting around some kind of obstruction, or all the other lanes are closed.
Because otherwise, YOU are the one breaking the law.
You are awesome. And if you share this post, you'll be even awesomer!
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I hope they start cracking down. But it seems like the SoCal cops are just as bad at respecting lane hierarchy as everyone else. I regularly see them darting in and out, passing on the right,and--AAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHH--changing lanes without signaling. (And I don't even drive much.) Way to lead by example, coppers.
ReplyDeleteWhat annoys the crap out of me are drivers in the slow lane suddenly speeding up when you're trying to get on the freeway! Grr!
ReplyDeleteAh, this post reminds me of the old days when I was doing outside sales in SE Michigan. It's been more than ten years since then and nothing's really changed. People still drive stupid. Hang in there and stay safe. And watch those hand signals because you're right - people have weapons (and their biggest weapon is their vehicle).
ReplyDeleteI hang out in the fast lane ....whenever I get to use the interstate that is...but it's usually because I'm always speeding.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my driving pet peeves. This happened yesterday, and I wanted to ram the car.
ReplyDeleteI agree! If you want to drive under the speed limit (or even the speed limit) you should still get in the right hand lane EXCEPT for passing.
ReplyDeleteTotally a pet peeve of mine, too.
Aaron is going to love this post:-)
ReplyDeleteMan, I can't STAND people like that. Actually, there is a whole lot that people do behind the wheel that I can't stand.
ReplyDeleteAnd then one day I find myself accidentally doing one of those stupid things and I feel like a total ass.
Obviously, in this case it was totally intentional and that guy very well should - er, I mean MAY get shot.
A-freakin-men!!! I've always said if everyone would make sure they are passing the person on their right, or move over if they're not, that traffic wouldn't be NEARLY as bad.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have been known to scribble signs on scrap paper and hold them up to people (as I pass them on the right) that say, "move the H over! You're not passing anyone! That is usually on my drive up to Utah when it's 2 lanes and even more annoying.
And the worst part... If you give them a little light flicker, they get all pissy and prideful about it. (generally only ca drivers... Most other states simply recognize their mistake and move over without conflict). I'm all sorts of irritated just thinking about this! Haha
Thanks for the post!
Amen! That drives me crazy as well. Usually the people are clueless. Or busy texting.
ReplyDeleteDONT MOVE TO UTAH...or back to Utah....
ReplyDelete♥ Celina
Ugh, I can't stand when that happens! They have to know that what they're doing is wrong, right? RIGHT?
ReplyDeleteIf I drove, that would very quickly become my #1 pet peeve.
ReplyDeleteI just had a ten minute rant about this yesterday. Of course when I could finally get around the idiot in the left lane, it turned out to be this little old lady and then I felt bad for thinking such nasty thoughts about her.
ReplyDeleteUGH! This is SERIOUSLY one of my biggest pet peeves. Though sometimes I miss it, I hear stories like this and I'm glad I gave up my car. Otherwise I'd have an awful amount of road rage.
ReplyDeleteI don't drive and even I know this. :)
ReplyDeleteI feel you! That is one of my biggest pet peeves! GRRRR. Also, where I am now is a small two lane (one lane each way) road and there are additional rules. If you have 5 or more vehicles behind you, you are required to pull over. It's a small, windy mountain road, but it has plenty of turnouts. Do you know how many times I have been stuck going 40 mph behind a guy who has decided that he doesn't need to pull over even though clearly he is going slower than the rest of the crowd!? Annoying.
ReplyDeleteThe road would be safer and less stressful if people were just polite! I've had people turn right in front of me where I've skidded off the road trying to avoid hitting them, they were so close. And then if I honked my horn, they would give me the finger -- SEVERAL times! Um, you almost killed me and now you're flicking me off? Seriously???
ReplyDeleteThis is maybe the funniest thing you've ever written. And I can totally relate. Every day on freeway I'm yelling at someone: "Friggin' move over!"
ReplyDeleteUnless someone is on my butt. Then I might slow down a bit. Oh, no. You will NOT get there before me, my friend!
It's middle lane drivers round here on our motorways, impervious to the flow of traffic and/or any legislation. Ah well. :)
ReplyDeleteApparently, I have a reputation for being a bit of a lead foot and yes, this drives me crazy. I have also been known to shoot people....dirty looks. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThis is hilarious! (Mostly because it's too damn true.) Can you write your next post on the Gomers in the grocery story who park their fricking cart in the middle of the aisle and then stand there for 45 flipping minutes deciding between cut green beans and french-style green beans? :D
ReplyDeleteTrish
http://contemplatinghappiness.blogspot.com/2011/12/writing-is-therapeutic.html
I couldn't agree more with this post, Karen. To wither speed up or move over seems to be a good idea.
ReplyDeleteOh man does this ever tick me off!!! As if the 60 year old MAN was sticking his tongue out at you and flipping you off! WTH?! Now THAT would've made me CRAZAAY.
ReplyDelete