Community Forums

PNWGirl · 11-07-2009, 01:31 PM

I'm wondering if this is a problem just for the PNW or everywhere now?

Big Rig's (18-wheelers), around here, stay in the middle lane. Even on grades when they slow down to the 40's. They refuse to move to the right lane and force traffic to do really stupid things to break left and right around them.

It's become really prevalent in the last few years. Used to be that the big trucks stayed to the right, except when passing. Now it's a really rare thing to see them in the right lane. In fact you can see six or seven in a row, all under the speed limit and in the center lane.

Is this what it's like everywhere or are we just the unlucky ones?

Sheila

Smokyjoe · 11-07-2009, 02:13 PM

You must of been unlucky,I've never seen them do that, Now I'm talking about up hill. On level straight 3 lane roads I stay in the middle lane to,because of traffic getting on and off at every exit.

dieselclacker · 11-07-2009, 02:27 PM

I have noticed the 18 wheelers sort of own the #2 lane in the larger cities of the west and southwestern portion of the country also.

Dieselclacker

Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 11-07-2009, 02:29 PM

It seems that there is more center lane traffic these days. I agree that merging traffic is a problem, especially those who don't know how to accelerate and get up to speed.

BUT, I think the biggest problem, at least for me, is that the slow lanes are so rough and beat up its hard to stay in them. Sometimes I think my cabinets will fall off the wall. I'm sure an over the road driver has the same problem.

DandS · 11-07-2009, 03:09 PM

I agree there's more traffic, especially semis, in the ctr. lane these days but that's where I am too. To many drivers who don't know how to merge onto the freeway - I have had too many close calls staying in the right lane in metro areas especially. Maybe that's why the truckers are sticking to the middle. As long as they flow with traffic, I have no problem with it. To me, a bigger problem with trucks is when they pass on a two lane and then take forever to get back in their own lane. Usually they are doing about a mile per hour faster than who they are passing. Doesn't make sense to me!

paz · 11-07-2009, 03:31 PM

I'm with Dave. When driving around cities in the motorhome, I always follow the 18-wheelers and drive in the center lane. The reason is cars merging do NOT yield to traffic in the right lane, and they pull out right in front of you. They think you can slow an 18-wheeler - or a 24,000 to 30,000 lb motorhome - on a dime. Likewise, cars trying to exit will pass on the left, then cut right in front of traffic in the right lane and jam on their brakes to exit. I always drive in the right lane unless I'm passing - and unless I'm in a high traffic area around cities where there are 3 lanes and a lot of interchanges.

hardy1000 · 11-07-2009, 04:20 PM

I am in CA and still travel the freeways weekly and the trucks are mostly in the middle because of on ramp traffic which I understand. What upsets me is when they pull in the next to fast lane to pass a slow 18 wheeler and stay there. Then they have 3 out of 4 lanes.

Baby Bear · 11-07-2009, 06:52 PM

After my last trip, I too will be out there in the 2nd lane. To many idiots that have no idea how to merge onto an interstate highway out there now!
A little tip on Atlanta traffic when going through the downtown: Use the 3rd lane when entering the city and it's usually fairly safe when worrying about merging traffic.

Lindsay Richards · 11-07-2009, 07:53 PM

I also use the center lane in metro areas. We try to use the right lane unless there is poor vision for merging. I think motor homes usually have a second person looking for merging where the 18 wheelers are frequently alone.

RobRV · 11-07-2009, 08:37 PM

I'm also very wary of Traffic Merging. I have twice been accused of tagging merging Cars neither time was there contact but it certainly came too close for Comfort! From here on in, I will be hanging out in that second lane and driving safely!

Hooligan · 11-07-2009, 08:58 PM

More often now,in high traffic areas, "No trucks over 6 wheels in left lane or left 2 lanes". Doesn't give them (or me) much choice, the second lane or merge with the cell phone people.... In the open the trucks seem to stay with the right lane. I do the same...

desertrv · 11-07-2009, 09:22 PM

I-10 out west means that the big guys are running side by side for many miles. It makes for white knuckle driving, while driving the MH or motorcycle.

RV Wizard · 11-08-2009, 03:51 AM

People oblivious as to what is going on around them. People on cell phones or putting on make up in the rear view mirror with "MADD" stickers on the bumper.

BookIIRoadtrash · 11-08-2009, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hardy1000

I am in CA and still travel the freeways weekly and the trucks are mostly in the middle because of on ramp traffic which I understand. What upsets me is when they pull in the next to fast lane to pass a slow 18 wheeler and stay there. Then they have 3 out of 4 lanes.

Federal law is when ever an Interstate is four lanes, tractor trailers use the first two lanes. In a three lane system all lanes are open. A single axel truck with no trailer in Ca. can even use the express lane with a passenger along.