The Left Lane: Chances are, You Need to Get Out of It

Have you ever been driven (pun intended) to flash your brights at someone in front of you going too darn slow in the left lane? Ok, well, I only use it as a last resort, but….

The left lane is the passing lane. Meaning, in regular traffic circumstances, you go there to pass someone moving slower than you and then you move back out. Right? Riiiiight.

via GIPHY

There were an estimated 263.6 million registered vehicles in the United States in 2015, most of which were passenger vehicles.^

That means, in today’s world, rush hour traffic demands that all lanes are at near full capacity, including the left lane.

You know those “Slower Traffic Keep Right” signs? If you are moving slower than the flow of traffic in the left lane, if people are PASSING YOU on the right….move yoself on OUT of it!

This is not just about being courteous. There are major safety implications, too.

Research shows driving slow in the fast lane causes drivers to weave in and out of lanes to get around the offender, thus often leading to accidents.

This video by Vox does a great job of explaining further:

It’s pretty shocking how many people do this and, perhaps, think that so long as they are going the speed limit, they’re cool to be in the fast lane. NOT SO. So, hightail it on out of there.

This cracks me up: http://www.leftlanedrivers.org/. Left lane drivers unite!

This cracks me up more:

The Law: Nearly every state in the country has a slower traffic keep right law on the books. But, believe it or not, 13 states will actually issue tickets for driving too slow in the left/fast/passing lane. Amen! They are: