Community Forums

CJ7ole · 08-06-2011, 05:39 PM

I see a lot of folks prefer to drive in the left lane of a four or five lane road, even if they are not passing or turning left ahead. They must just seem more comfortable there. I even have seen five in a row in the left lane going below the speed limit, with no one in the right lane. And as I observe, it is not just a few folks, but a strong minority of drivers. I am not speaking so much of driving RV's on the interstates, just four wheelers driving on local connectors and highways. While I have issues with this driving technique, my purpose with this thread is not to start a flame war but to better understand the logic, simply so I can relax more and say to myself, ok, there is a logical reason they drive differently from me, let it go.

So, are any of you left laners willing to share why you prefer the left lane? Help me out here if you would. And if is just "I can drive where I want", that is ok too.

Actually, my DW often accuses me of driving in the left lane, which is often true. But then I point out that I am usually going at least plus 5 or I am passing someone, or I see a line of slow right lane traffic ahead. Personally, I get real uncomfortable when I know someone is on my tail and I am holding them up, I can't wait to move over and let them pass, but that is just me.

I know this can be a divisive topic, if you don't think so, just Google "driving in left lane" and read some of the opinions folks post, both from right laners and left laners. Please don't make the moderators step in to stop any name calling.

Thanks.

Cat320 · 08-06-2011, 05:58 PM

Many drivers I see in the left lane are waaaaaay too busy talking on the phone, smoking, eating, combing their hair, texting, reading a book, putting on make up or shaving to be worried about anything as trivial as the lane in which they are driving.

JayGee · 08-06-2011, 06:21 PM

Today at times I was in the left lane in my four wheeler on I59 with no one being in the right lane. I was doing about 75-78 in a 70 zone. I moved over as soon as I saw anyone coming up behind me. I was in the left lane because the right lane was very rough.
However, I did need to get in the right lane a few times to pass someone that was on the phone, and one car that had "just married" on the dark tinted windows, I have no idea what they were doing.

Perry White · 08-06-2011, 06:28 PM

You ever drive down I-55 south of Caruthersville Mo going into Arkansas, you'll know why some people are in the left lane. Right lane is a wash board. I stay in the left lane as long as no ones behind wanting to pass. Bottoms the shocks it is so bad. But your right. Still waiting on my cell phone jammer to be delivered.

dsbike · 08-06-2011, 06:33 PM

In Charlotte I drive in the 3rd lane of 4. My reason is; I drive 5mph over the posted limit, here it is very normal for 5mph -10mph over. The tractor trailers are not permitted in the left 2 lanes. Sometimes they are slower & sometimes the same or faster. I do not want to be a hindrance to anyone on the road making a living driving. However what I don't understand is the person going slower than traffic in the far left lane or the person who passes in the right lane when there is no traffic in the left lane. But the driver that gets me irritated the most is the one who comes up on you 5-10mph faster & then slows down to your speed & sits in your blind spot.

fishfryer · 08-06-2011, 07:01 PM

Please be aware that in Colorado (perhaps others) the left lane is passing only. They are giving tickets for riding in the left lane. This is for the interstates.
Jerry H

Perry White · 08-06-2011, 07:02 PM

Illinois also, but I don't think they press it. It ought to be the law in all 50

Meandering Retiree · 08-06-2011, 07:12 PM

I will run in the left lane if there is no one around, and move over when I traffic catches up with me. My wife does counted cross-stitch while I drive and I like to take the smoothest road possible for her. She seldom sews in Arkansas. :-)

Gary - K7GLD · 08-06-2011, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perry White

You ever drive down I-55 south of Caruthersville Mo going into Arkansas, you'll know why some people are in the left lane. Right lane is a wash board. I stay in the left lane as long as no ones behind wanting to pass. Bottoms the shocks it is so bad. But your right. Still waiting on my cell phone jammer to be delivered.

ABSOLUTELY! When I'm not a hazzard, blocking traffic, etc., I'll use the smoothest stretch of pavement available - and that's NOT usually the right side TRUCK lanes!

My wife, the dishes, and the suspension of our rigs appreciate it!

AND, our milk hasn't churned itself into butter, or the eggs scrambled themselves as we drive, either...

LadyFitz... · 08-06-2011, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsbike

...But the driver that gets me irritated the most is the one who comes up on you 5-10mph faster & then slows down to your speed & sits in your blind spot.

I hate that! there should be a special place reserved below for them!

D in Davie · 08-06-2011, 08:48 PM

I confess. I am one of those slow guys who ocassionally drives in the left lane. My sin is further compounded by the fact that my cruise control is set a 59 miles per hour no matter what the actual speed is. I prefer to drive in the right lane but the road is often is such bad shape that I'm afraid my coach will shake apart. I will do my best to drive in the right lane but that is not possible in Louisiana or parts of I25 in Colorado. I will pull over as soon as I see 2 or more vehicles behind me. On a single lane road I pull over and stop as soon as I see a safe place to do so. Your question raises an opposite question. What is your big hurry anyway? Most of the big DP units blowing by me at 80+MPH are driven by someone just like me, retired (white hair) and no need to be in a hurry.

4Knights · 08-06-2011, 08:58 PM

Kansas just enacted the Left lane law- passing lane only, they are giving tickets for not moving back to the right lane.

BlauMax · 08-06-2011, 09:14 PM

I thought only Californians did that. Drives me nuts. It's truly rude.. but they are oblivious to the rules. A friend told me many years ago that when you are in AK.. ya don't do that or risk a citation. Try it on the Autobahn in Deutschland.

There are times I hate to travel in the far right lane her in CA. The roads are so bad from big rigs bouncing up and down on the highway that that lane will shake the fillings in your teeth loose. My running "joke" (but a sad one) is I could tell blindfolded when I leave CA and enter AZ, OR or NV.

docj · 08-06-2011, 09:36 PM

Left lane drivers should try that stunt on a German Autobahn; they'd be driven off the road, literally. German drivers know that the left lane is for passing ONLY; if you are not passing someone you have no business being there. I number of years ago I was on a long Autobahn trip and found myself thinking "I can stay in this lane since I'm going over 90mph and no one will pass me." Wrong!! A driver in a super car doing over 110 came up behind me and let me know with her lights that I needed to move over NOW!