Left Lane, Move Over!

Winston-Salem, NC – Is there anything worse than being stuck behind a vehicle traveling 5 MPH below the speed limit in the left lane? Yes, it’s when you’re aboard a 4 lane highway (2 lanes in each direction) and the vehicle in the right lane is going the exact same speed as the one in the left; thereby forming a blockade. Honestly, I do believe that some people are unaware of the “drive on your right, pass on your left” rule. I will not list the certain types of people who violate this particular rule since some of the readers may fall into the categories. However, I believe that state troopers and officers alike should pull over cars, which are deliberately violating this rule. It not only slows down the traffic flow, but it is very dangerous. If you see a car behind you that it traveling faster than you (i.e. it is gaining on you in your rear view mirror), move over to the right! The only time that the left lane should be used is to pass slower cars and trucks occupying the right lane.

There are some drivers who breach this rule and later complain about it through the newspapers and talk radio shows. They go on to say that once the passing car circumvents them, by either driving on the shoulder or by tailgating a car in the right lane, it will spray it’s window washer fluid so that it’s remnants splash onto the left lane dweller’s car. Good! It’s a sign telling you that your “soccer mom” van should be in the right lane traveling 45 MPH, instead of the left lane of a 65 MPH highway. If somebody flashes their high beams when they’re behind you, it means scoot over! I, personally, have only used this method once because it was a dire straits situation. I only condone the “high beam method” if the violator is still in the left lane after a mile of refusing to move over. Sometimes, the fast car will flash its high beams and there's literally no space for the slower car to move over, so give them some time if they're attempting. Not only is a safer to stay to the right, but it improves traffic flow. As a daily highway commuter, if I’m stuck behind a left lane violator for more than 2-3 miles, it extends my commute by 5-7 minutes. So please, as a common courtesy to all, stay to the right when driving and only use the left to pass!