I like to think of myself as an “efficient” driver. I maneuver around other cars on the road – safely, of course – to keep moving toward my destination.
Often times, I find myself in the left, AKA fast, lane.
And there is little else that drives me quite as crazy – ok, who am I kidding? – than people who are in front of me and FAIL to mind the humongous, very large, often enormous gap between them and the car in front of them. [Yes, minding the gap is also a term used in Britain when you are stepping on and off the metro.]
Let me explain.
In driver’s ed, we’re taught to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of us, and the rule of thumb is one car length for every 10 miles per hour you are traveling. So, if you’re driving 60 mph, you should be six car lengths behind the car in front of you.
Now, I think it is safe to say that pretty much no one stays that far back on a regular basis. But, hopefully, you maintain a safe distance – one that allows you to come to a safe stop should the car in front of you stop abruptly and unexpectedly.
The driver’s manual suggests that you keep a 3 to 4 second distance. Wikipedia recommends the 2-second rule.
But here’s where I get irritated.
I’m traveling in the left lane (because there is so much traffic on the road, that the left lane must be used) and the car in front of me has NO ONE in front of them for oodles of car lengths.
It is at that point that they need to MOVE OUT OF THE LEFT LANE!
So, yes, this is a sequel to my “The Left Lane: Chance are you need to get out of it” post.
Minding the gap doesn’t have to be about speed either.
You leave a huge gap between you and the car in front of you during rush hour traffic and what happens? Other cars fill that gap. It encourages changing of lanes, which causes cars to slow down, which makes everyone behind you wait longer and longer to get to their destination. #truth
Look, it’s a free country. You are free to leave a ginormous gap. Just don’t do it in the left lane.
Special Note: I do recognize this is a first world problem.
Resources:
In Control is a non-profit organization that offers state certified crash prevention training to all drivers.
Wikipedia recommends the Two-Second Rule.
Whole-hearted agreement!! “Move over!l” I have cried out when victimized by this incredibly self-centered behavior. My shout of indignation, however, is always followed up with a more gentle-spirited thought: “Now, now. I don’t know who is driving. It could be someone who has no awareness that what they are doing is wrong. Surely, if they knew, they would move over! Maybe they’re sick, very old, scared, etc. Be patient. Then, I finally decide to pass the slow vehicle and get into the wide gap in front of him or her. As soon as I do, they speed up!! What??!!
Amen, sister. You may want to talk to your dad.
I believe that you are talking about a normal 3-4 lane highway and not including the HOV lane. My experience in that lane is not to move. I regularly do 75 mph (which is usually 10 mph over the speed limit) in that lane and cars will still come up behind you and expect you to get out of the way. They blink their lights or sometimes even blow their horn. I’m not moving.
Bob-Rob, get out of the left lane buddy.