Left Laners
 

Another few trips on the freeway today, and as usual, there are a few idiots who do not seem to know what the left lane is for. They will sit in the passing lane, and dawdle along paying no attention to traffic behind them. When they do notice the furious guy flashing his lights, riding his rear bumper, many times they still do not move over.
I am curious to know what some of you guys do when faced with this situation. There has been some posts before regarding this, but I wonder if anyone has a solution (other than a missile launcher, I already thought of that).
It seems that some people simply do not understand how a hwy/freeway works. No amount of left signal light, hi-beam flash, horn honking etc seems to clue them in.
If there is anyone who is this type of person (I would think that anyone in a MB is not of this type, as there is generally more intelligence behind the wheel of a Mercedes) and you could explain why it is necessary to sit in the left lane when you are not passing someone, I would be very interested in hearing the reason.
If someone has invented a way to get these morons out of the way, please share.
I have come up with a couple myself to get the ball rolling.
I have thought of mounting a blade, similar to a cowcatcher on the front of trains, or like a snowplow, that could be retracted under the front bumper when not in use. This would allow for the "sweeping aside" of the clown in front. This could also be used in conjunction with the missile launcher, as there would likely be some debris. Problem is lack of space on the front end of the CLK.
The other idea (far less dramatic and destructive)is a low power AM/FM transmitter that could broadcast over ALL radio channels, thereby allowing for instructions to be given through the offending vehicles' radio (if they have the radio on). This would also have the added benefit of letting all vehicles in the immediate vicinity to recieve the same instructions and perhaps prevent them from blocking the left lane in the future.
In order to educate, I am building a sign, one of the LED programmable type, to sit in the rear window area, with several messages. EG: "Left lane=passing lane" or "Slower traffic keep right" or "Keep right except to pass" just like the huge signs at the side of the road that they don't seem to be able to read.

And then of course, there is always the good 'ole missile launcher.

It's a lost cause. Left-lane hogs are one of my worst pet peeves (along with people that don't use turn signals, tailgaters, brake tap dancers, etc.)

I know at least one individual who fits in each of those categories (including a former girlfriend who was one of those offensive left-laners). I would argue exhaustively with each of them on different occasions, but they all stand firm on their tactics. So I just sigh and make adjustments to my own driving habits...

...and with the recent turn of events, you'll attract the wrong kind of attention if you equip your car with any type of offensive weaponry...

That's just what it is "Tactics"! They know full well what they are doing and are exercising their "right" to be in the left lane. The thinking is moronic, but gives the driver a sense of control over you from their car!!! And they ARE controlling your behavior by their driving.......and they KNOW it .......and LIKE it!!!! FLAMERS!:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

We have so many idiots in Texas that hog the left lane the legislature had to pass a law against it, put warning signs up, and fines. Still doesn't stop the jerks!!

Another pet peeve - idiots driving in the far right lane (on 3 lane or wider highways) with no intent of getting off at the next ramp (or even the second off ramp) that block off people trying to get on the highway despite warning signs to merge (usually at short on ramps that a top fuel dragster would have trouble getting up to speed to merge with traffic). Usually they are mindlessly coasting along at the min. speed or less instead of speeding up to at least the speed the rest of the traffic is moving at and moving over to the middle lane. Ties up traffic something fierce!

Tom

G-Benz,

What were some of the excuses, I mean tactics, you were given?

It's one on my biggist irratations, but its amazing how little of a problem it is on a motorcycle:D

Passing slow drivers in the left lane...
 

...that's what the shoulder is for!:) :D

Responses from the aforementioned offenders...

On left laners: "Hey, I'm driving within the posted speed limit, and it's within my right to choose to drive on whatever lane I'm on!" (that's EX girlfriend, by the way).

On the sans-turn-signal users: "You can see I'm turning, so why the hell do I need to use signals?" (aaaarrrrgh!!!)

On brake tappers: "I can't seem to keep my car from accelerating over the speed limit unless I tap the brakes periodically" (How about taking your foot off the gas, you moron?!). Must be a left foot braker (see other thread on this...)

Oh yeah, other pet peeve (my wife's asleep right now)...I shouldn't care about this, but people who feel the need to become "one with the steering wheel" when driving. I believe I can accuse my wife of this because of the seat settings that she leaves after she has been driving. I can't even get in!!! I have to move the seat pretty far back to get into a normal driving position. My theory is those people are the ones who file the most air bag injury claims. Well DUH!! It's amazing the horn logo isn't permanently imbedded on your forehead!!!

Another one is the lane changer on a multi-lane highway who drives like he is the only one who would consider attempting a lane change...I've seen many close calls with two or more of these clowns attempting to hop onto the same lane from different lanes.

And last but not least...anything that distracts a driver from driving. I actually watched a woman driving 65 mph on the highway while simultaneously using an eyelash curler!!!

G-Benz, great list of rationale's by stupid drivers!!

Probably the most dangerous are the multi-lane lane changers acting like "get the out of my way" while on the cell phone, eating, make-up application, etc., etc. - esp. from the far left lane to an off ramp. I saw someone cross over five lanes to an off ramp that looked like they made a 90 degree turn, you should have seen the smoke from the tires as people stomped on their brakes, so much smoke it looked like a fire, and one driver's car was actually sideways!! Fortunately, no accidents and no heart attacks!

One of the strangest things I've seen are people reading a book or magazine as they drive. I've seen this twice on the highway between cities and both drivers would go like 50 mph in a 70 mph zone, next thing you know they pass me at 90, then I'd pass them when there going 50, and a little later get passed at 90. After having this happen a few times, I decided to buy some gas and get something to eat.

Most bizarre was the woman reading a paperback propped in the steering wheel during rush hour with lots of traffic on a four lane un-divided road, a max speed limit of 45 (most trying to go 60+), lots of side streets, lots of businesses/strip malls, stop lights, etc. - you know a lot of traffic moving a lot. Most of the time she was not looking at the road, but reading and several close calls - I slowed a bit to see if she was going to kill herself or others. No accidents but . . .

Tom

So then the general consensus would be for the Missile Launcher......?

If I can go around i do. if not, I flash the high beams a couple of times.. if that doesn't work I get on their tail and then back off then get on it again and do this a couple of times...

If this doesn't get em, I wish i had my laser attached tot he hood star and aimable so I can take out some road rage on the one who has given me a hard time passing.

Though I find I don't have to do this, because people see me coming, and they usually move, otherwise if theres room, they wont have time to move, I'll be passed them by the time they realize it.

:)

Alon

Boy, this one really gets me going!

I lived in Germany two years when I was 20 to 22. I drove A LOT over there and by the time I left, I had probably driven five or ten times as many miles on the German Autobahns as I had driven in the US. Because of this, I have lived 30 years of H#(( on US freeways. It really drives me crazy.

The worst of it is that there was a traffic study done about ten years ago that indicated that these people are the most common cause of freeway accidents, they are usually not involved in the accidents, but this behavior leads to accidents.

I know of no cure. I have flashed lights, moved up on the bumper and a liitle to the left of their path to ensure that they see me in their mirror, honked, motion for them to move over when I see them looking in the mirror, flash lights some more...............................,.....................,............................,............. ..........,.........................,..............................,..........................,..... .....................,............................,................

As tcane mentioned, in Texas they finally resorted to signs in the median that read: "Left Lane is for Passing Only". When I go to San Antonio or Austin from Dallas, these signs are seen the whole way. It is really rare to see ANYONE pay any attention to them. It is VERY frustrating.

To make it worse for me, I got to drive several thousand kilometers lagain ast year on the German Autobahns. There, it is against the law for a truck to drive in the left lane. It is also against the law for anyone to impede traffic in any way while driving in the left lane. And, of course, in the rural areas there is NO SPEED LIMIT! This made it even more frustrating to come back here and get behind one of these Bozo's!

My $0.02,

It`s not there right to be in the left lane!!! The law states,"Stay right except to pass" and " Slower traffic keep right".
The problem is these laws are not inforced. Back in the `70`s when I`d drive to Florida, not only was this law abided , but at night if you passed a Trucker he would flash his lights when you were clear. When was the last time you saw that?
But heres the real point. Not only do they stack up traffic, It`s a leading contributor to Road Rage. Take it from someone who used to drive 100,000 miles a year in sales, Cross Drop `em.
But really talk to law enforcement people, explain to them that this is as much of a problem as reckless driving. In the mean time take the back roads, There more Fun!!!!
There`s a bumper sticker in Florida that reads:
"When I retire I`m going to move up North, and drive Slow in the Left Lane"
About says it all.
God Bless America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
John

BigPimpin said it just right! Pass em on the emergency lane! I know that when you do this you are proving to be as big of a dumb ass as they are! But if you get as hot as I do about this and your wife is not in the car AND if it is clear ahead do it.

I did it a few weeks ago in N ga. when a guy in a Saab refused to move. He stared at me the whole time I was on his tail in the rearview. When I passed him on the left shoulder(wide) and he caught a few gravel, tire and animal carcass he got over.

God, I know that is so stupid but it just pisses me off!


HAVE A GOOD DAY!!!

the angry one

In the mountain passes in Washington State, it seems like lots of self-righteous good-ol-boy owners of "Power Stroke" Ford or "Cummins 24 Valve Turbo Diesel" Dodge pickups never yield the left lane in uphill, "Slower Traffic Keep Right" passing zones.

I'll blow by them in the right lane (if empty) or, if the right lane is full and I have a clear stretch of road, I'll yank the car into "3", and drop the hammer.

Often, this surprises such owners. However, sometimes they will accelerate to try to prevent you from passing them. :mad: This has happened more than once to me, but I emphasize the word "try" in the previous sentance. They have torque, but not too much max HP. I've taken the parent's Volvo Turbo up to 95 going up Blewett Pass on Hwy. 97 in WA losing a brand-new F350 Super Duty, who tailgated me insanely all the way down the pass.

My question is, why do diesel pickup owners tend to have power trips? It's not like the bloody things are fast at all.

I've yet to pass on the left shoulder...W126 is just too big for what WA calls a left shoulder. Maybe if I had a 2.3-16.

-Sam

I relax, think calming thoughts. I try to find a good radio station.

I try mental telepathy "Read this, my good friend!"

I wonder if the driver's mother barked. :D

I refuse to lose my cool, though, because then they've successfully gotten me to do something I don't want to do! I won't give 'em the satisfaction.

I look for another lane to use. I hate to pass on the right, although it's legal in Michigan. Like Larry I long for the much more orderly, more correct European driving where most do what's expected of them.

It's less of a problem on a motorcycle. No, not the shoulder, have you seen the tire-munching debris that lives there? :eek" It's just that on a motocycle I need less room, and less time, for a safe pass on either side.

Sometimes, I daydream about a twin .50 cal on the hood. :D

BCingU, Jim