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

weapon
 

Oh, and my weapon of choice would be a pair of .50 caliber Browning machne guns, the likes of which were used on Supermarine Spitfires and P-51 mustangs. Mounted like in Bond's Aston DB5 in "Goldfinger" :D

-Sam

Lost cause for sure...

What I do is drive with my headlights on ALL THE TIME. Not high beams mind you, just low beams and maybe my fog lights. If I approach a left lane hanger, I approach from their left flank. If they don't see me coming, and I see no head motions that would indicate intelligent/attentive life residing in the subject vehicle, I simply wait for a safe opportunity, use my signal and blow by them on the right.

This ain't Germany, so lane discipline is non-existent. And for the record, in my 2k+ kilometers I drove recently on the autobahns of Germany, not once did I need to pass on the right, not once. Great drivers:D

I commute along a congested stretch of I-95 near Washington DC. All three lanes serve to move cars, so there's not much to speak of as a "passing" lane. I like to roll along with traffic in the left lane for most of the trip. First of all, its the "through" lane for most of my trip. Secondly, I have the left shoulder to escape to if the idiot(s) in front of me aren't watching traffic and have to stop suddenly.

This probably makes me a "left lane hugger". I think its the smartest place to be for the circumstances. I'm not holding anybody up - I'm rolling with the heavy traffic and there's cars in front of me.

I get a kick out of the prima donnas that think they have the right to flash their headlights and wobble in the lane behind me as if I should move over and let them by. They'll just do the same thing up the line. I'd have to find a slot to move over in heavy traffic, make a dangerous lane change, and figure out how to get back over in the left lane - just to let their candybutt gain 1/2 second.

So, here's what I do:

1) Wave as if they're a long lost friend.

2) Proceed with the brake light tapdance described above.

3) Slow down a bit to increase the safety zone in front of your car, proportional to how close they're tailgating. Remember, you're stopping for two now.

4) Make a slow, deliberate motion to flip the rearview mirror fully to the right.

5) Wire the backup lights to an auxiliary toggle switch. Throw the toggle switch a few times.

6) Diesel Fog-'em a few times.

7) Use specially modified windshield washers that are adjusted to spray over the top of the car.

8) I have secondhand knowledge of this solution: "Do you know what a .22 bullet will do to a radiator?"

9) Slow down a few times using the emergency brake.

10) Weave out onto the shoulder when you see a nice patch of gravel.

---------
If you don't hear from me in the future, I guess you'll know what happened to me. :)
---------

To give you an idea of how aggressive traffic is around here, just this morning there were heavy traffic-congestion conditions along with a military convoy headed up I-95 to the Pentagon. Approximately 50 military vehicles in a line in the right lane. Someone decided that they just had to take the exit right away to get off the interstate, and tried to cut in front of one of the convoy vehicles. (Maybe it was a 5-ton truck :) ) They missed. Closed down two lanes and stalled the convoy.

Might as well have been a terrorist attack.

--------

Ken300D

Folks,

Wow, this is quite a demonstration of pent up aggression. Driving is supposed to be a cooperative exercise. While I dislike those who block traffic as much as anyone, especially in the left or passing lane, note that a) passing someone recklessly is going to save you seconds or minutes at most to your destination, b) tail gating, flashing lights, sounding horns et cetera is an initial stage of road rage, c) if you drive faster than traffic you will encounter an obstacle again and again and again and again and again and again and again. This means that the problem is not them it is YOU. What do you gain but elevated blood pressure and anger on you part and on the part of folks that you attempt to harass into submitting to you so you can pass? d) passing on the right is inherently dangerous, even though just about everyone does it; and while not last, but perhaps most importantly remember that you are driving a MB. Most folks will get out of your way when it is convenient or safe from their perspective to do so. Show some class. Show some tolerance. Don’t drive as if you have less intelligence than those who you see as obstacles, even if they are jerks….

Be safe. A lot of people have a lot on their minds. Concern over aggressive behavior of others currently is high on all our lists, in case you haven’t noticed. There are those who will do what they do just to try to assert control over you. Think about it….

From Seattle, one of the most traffic congested cities anywhere…

I have completely given up trying to get these people out of the left lane. Its a no win cause!
I go buy them as fast as I can on the right lane, I say fast because if I don't go fast for some strange twisted reason they start to speed up:confused:. It is not enough that they are blocking the lane but when someone tries to go by on the right they speed up...what gives! :mad:
That tire saw on James Bond's DB7 in Goldfinger sure looks like something I could use.

Everytime someone actually moves out of the way (and its not often)...I give them a thumbs up! If you have a problem with tailgaters and flashing lights behind you while you are in that lane wouldn't it makes sense to let the so called ******* by instead of aggrevating them even more to the point where they aggresively do something stupid.......think about that!

Ok,whats going on here? We are not talking about heavy traffic. We are talking about the guy doing 55 to 60 in the left lane,pacing the guy in the right lane,and basicly holding up traffic.
I drive 75-80 when traffic flo permits and this guy is pi..ing everyone off!!
He Is Breaking The Law!!!! And causing accidents that he never see`s
John

The heavy traffic situation is different from the idiot who just sits in the left lane for no apparent reason.
Happened twice again today. I eventually passed on the left (emergency) lane. Unsafe, and stupid, but I have had it. Then, after I pass them, they move over to the middle lane !!
I have heard the excuse "I was doing the speed limit". That is great for you. Drive the limit or under if you want, but stay the hell out of the passing lane.
Then there are the ones that are passing, lets say a tractor trailer, and they are going maybe 1 mph faster then the truck. Aarrgghh !! They see the there is traffic building behind, but refuse to speed up. What are these people afraid of ??

I would love to be able to take the "scenic route" everywhere, but here, there is not practical way to do that most often. I will drive around the city to avoid traffic if I can.
I drive A LOT in the city everyday, and some of the things I see really make me wonder about people.
Had a guy today, who stopped for a yellowing light. That in itself I can understand. I was following at enough distance, and we were not going very fast. Then he decides to back up because HE HAD STOPPED DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. This was a major intersection. He motion for me to back up too. Screw that, there was traffic behind me. If I back into something, guess who is in the wrong. So he just sat there. People tried to let him get through, but he wouldn't move. He just sat and ate from a bag of potato chips. Tractor trailers were having to avoid this clown. If only one of them had made the left turn just a little too short.....
Anyway, back on topic, I think maybe it is time to get the authorities involved in the left lane blocking problem. Maybe a patrol and awareness campaign. Ya, good luck, but I will try anyway.
They campaign for everything else (lights out, trucks in disrepair etc. which is good) and even speeding and seatbelts of all things. Maybe left lane blocking could be a part of it.
There has been some talk of banning trucks from the left lane on the freeways, but it seems there are to many bleeding hearts afraid of hurting someone's feelings or something.
Until then, I continue to rage.....

well put LaBenz! If you read my post on page 1 you would say "this is what I am talking about!" When I stop to really think about it, you are exactly right when you say this type of behavior is dangerous. Especially just to gain a few seconds and to save your self from cancelling the cruise.

My wife thinks I need medication for this type of fury. I am a very excited, tense and emotional person. I bounce my leg when I sit and I can't hold a glass of wine in fear I might shake all the wine out. I am easily irritated. I work with the public. I will probably be dead of heart failure by age 40.

I will remember what you said the next time I try that stunt!

Thanks!

The crazy one

One thing I`ve started doing is; when someone does move over I wave thank you. This is how we drove in the `70`s. It`s called courtesy !! Something that`s sadly lacking not only on the road but society in general. Hell we would even stop to let people in or out of aside street !!!
If someone move over, Wave thank you, it won`t hurt and you never know it might start a trend.

John

Huge problems down here in Texas: drivers are extremely RUDE RUDE RUDE, freeways can't handle traffic flow (ex. I-35 between Austin & Dallas), too many pickup trucks, SUV's (they own the road don't you know) and has anybody noticed how many more commercial trucks are on the road. I could go on all day about LLB's. When I come up on 2 cars drag racing at 55 I use the onramp lane. Seems safe to me; safer than me ramming them off the road.
Let's add to the list. What about lawn service guys who blow leaves and grass out in the street right as you're driving by, what about the huge dump truck/gravel hauler/cement truck dropping rocks/earth/wet cement all over the road or sandblasting your car as you try to get around them, the person who pulls out in the first lane as you're coming by in the second and you have to ram on you brakes b/c you have no idea how wide he'll swing out, places that water the street right after you've washed your car, red light runners (huge problem in Texas), toll booth runners (huge problem in Dallas), people who cut sideways across parking lots at 30-40 MPH and aren't even looking as they come flying out from behind parked cars, people who pull out in front of you and cut you off - and then they barely accelerate (If you cut me off at least get out of my way as fast as you can, Ahole!!!), I could go on...

Randy - perfect driver!!
'94 E500

I've always been curious to know why gravel trucks like to use the left lane, regardless of traffic conditions. Here in Colorado it seems to be the norm. In fact, I'm inclined to think that there may be an actual reason that gravel trucks use the left lane (I'm not being sarcastic, really), but I just can't figure out what it is. Perhaps they position themselves relative to the crosswind so that their debris will blow off the road instead of into traffic. Or maybe they really like causing traffic jams. I just don't know.

Hey Randy.......I see you also have driven the roads in New Jersey, the arm pit of the Nation!:mad: :mad:

Tracy,

I like what you said.

I am not one to do it all the time, but when traffic is free flowing, and you want to open the benz up a bit, see what it can do, get the adrenaline flowing, and satisfy that ever brewing need for speed, that slow guy in the lane ruins your fun.

Now I am not one to take any rage out on someone, but I take it out on the accellerator or I vent with my mouth in the car.

Alon

Sorry, but I just HAD to breathe new life into this thread :mad:

Went out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday (Atlanta to Nashville) and enjoyed a 550-mile round trip. Traffic is ludicrous trying to get out of Atlanta on Wednesday evening, so I chose to get up at the crack of dawn on Thursday morning and drive up. Nobody on the roads....it was a very satisfying drive. Cruise control at 78 mph (limit is 70). No problems. No worries.

The drive home was another matter. The highways were clogged with people heading home from their family festivites (I left Saturday afternoon....Sunday would have been 10X worse). Most of the 'left laners' could be coaxed out of the way with one or two flashes. I didn't use the horn and I don't tailgate. It seems that most of them were just 'asleep' at the wheel and didn't know where they were :p . A flash or two was my gentle reminder and most moved over. However, there were some stubborn drivers as well. Minivans, Cadillacs and an occasional Suburban pulling a trailer....forget cruise control....never can travel more than a few miles without having to disengage it (and that's at only about 5-10mph over). I guess they just never bother to check their mirrors :confused:

I guess I have seen too many Bond movies.....I once thought I would install some 'no show' strobes in the headlight, turn signal and foglight areas, a horn from a fire engine and a few other stealthy items but then I imagine a discussion with a law enforcement officer about my 'toys' and I have not gone any further with the ideas.....but that DAMN left lane would be clear :D

That was then , this is now!
 

Back in the bad old days of the "Convoy" most CB radios had a PA audio amp that would feed a seperate horn speaker, it was pretty easy to get your point across. Such personalised service might be handy in these situations. Laying on the horn is by far the most effetive, not a beep or a honk, but start and don't stop until the other fool is embarassed and ashamed to get out of the way no one likes the spotlight on their foolishness.

The damn near foolproof method is to drive a "Plain Jane" Crown Victoria with a couple of non-descript antenni and bumper mount push bars! They're pretty much jumping out of your way then!

You've got to wonder if the leading cause of Road Rage is Motoring Moronics, which came first stupidity or rudeness? Unfortunatly like so much in our daily existence driving towards/at the level of the lowest common denominator is the future for us all.

Tank,

This happend a few times as well. It's like they 'woke up' and didn't want to be passed.....:rolleyes:

"I do 100 on the freeway so if you are in my way then get the F$%* out!"-Ludacris, "Get Out The Way"

-Sam

I use brights, horn and tailgating. Ever since I threw in teh 100W bulbs, people move at night if I flash my brights. on the 450, when you flash the brights you get the low & high beam filaments on the outside lights, and the high beams on the inside lights... pretty damn bright. even works in the day! I don't trust the shoulder enough to pass someone, because of all the stuff lying there. recently my bro passed some people on the shoulder while racing an IS300, and he has a slow leak out of the rear tires now as a result.

I hate it when people don't let you turn in to a lane. An example is where the left lane ends.. and you speed up and then try to change lanes with blinkers... only to have the a-hole behind move up and close out any changing lanes room.

HUGE problem with this in NJ. People doing 70-80 in the left lane when there is no cars in the right lane. Brights, extreme tailgating, waves, nothing works. I just floor the old diesel and swing around and cut them off real good.

Then there are the *******s who you try to go around and they don't let you pass. These people I just run off the road by slowly inching my car over, while I have about a 1/4 of a carlength on them. It's either slow down, or hit me. They always slow down and let me in.

There are signs all over the highways here "KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS". I think I'm going to get a sticker on my windsheild of that, written backwards like ambulances have.

Don’t do what I did :mad: . I tailgated the guy in front of me driving slowly in the fast lane (at the same rate of speed of the second to the far left lane). Although I am a patient guy, the person in front of me got me livid. I was on his tail, he eventually got out of the lane and I was upset and drove off spiritedly. Moments later, I was pulled over on the side of the road highway by the CHP. I did not get ticketed for speeding (I was very polite to the CHP officer). I ended up with a “following to close” ticket and a ticket for having the lightest tint ever made for my front two windows. Not fun. Cost me quite a few $$ to take care off.
-Tony

Hasn't happened yet. I'll keep you posted.

I tend to flash the left laners a few times while I appoach, and if they do not move in a reasonable amount of time, i go around. There are occasions where an idiot is sitting in the left lane with noone around, where I will ride them slightly to the left, and put on my left indicator, so they can see in there side mirror. Learned this one is Spain a few years back. If they do not move and I feel like playing, I will get in front of them and SLOW WAY down to say 45mph, until they get the picture, then i gun it.

-Frank,
Be careful when you "gun it"--you never know when the CHP are looking ;) ...can be costly and a pain in the @$$ to go through, as I learned. :rolleyes:
-Tony :D

I try to be patient... up to a point.

In the UK you're taught lane discipline and it's normally illegal to pass on the left. In general people are polite on the motorway -they'll usually move over once they clock you in their mirror and let you in on the exit/enrty ramps.

I've tried to apply that here but it just doesn't seem to work, so in consequence I end up driving very aggressively. There doesn't seem to be much solution to these hoggers, though a mean looking benz with it's headlights on pulling up to their behind seems to work better than when I'm in my wife's dodge:)

I try to stop myself when I find myself driving in what could be a dangerous way, but sometimes you just can't help yourself. I usually look for a gap in another lane and dive through when I can.

At what's up with people who, after you've passed them, pull up beside you in the next lane at the same speed?! As if they can't believe that anyone could over-take them. Saddos.

It would be nice to be able to say 'thank you' to the people who actually do move over, without it looking like you're flipping them off or mouthing a rude word.

We've got some crazy drivers down here in Houston. Today, I was going down 288, and some guy in a minivan was going about 35 with the blinkers on. He was in the far right lane, so passing was no problem. He was on his cell phone too. But, if your car is breaking down, I believe the best thing to do is to pull over and call for help from there. And, if you have raggedy car that can't go above a certain speed, than stay on the streets and avoid the freeways. Then, you have the people who get over and cut you off. My father was getting off of the SW Fwy in the far right lane to get on 288 South, and this guy in a minivan just pulls out in front of him doing about 45 or 50. We were doing about 60 or 65, so my father has to hit the brakes and swerve into the lane to the left of him to avoid an accident. Here are some more. I'm on the Katy Freeway in the middle lane, when traffic starts slowing down, and I can't go any faster than the guy in front of me, so the jerk in the pickup behind me thinks staying a centimeter off of my rear bumper will make all the cars in front of me go faster. And here's the one that always gets on my nerves. My driveway is on a busy throughfare, so in order to get into my driveway, I have to slow down far in advance to let other drivers slow down to give me enough room to turn into the driveway slow enough so that I won't drive in the grass. It works most of the time, but there are these fools will stay on my bumper all the way until I slow down to 10mph, and have the nerve to honk sometimes after I turn into my driveway.
Well, got that out of the way.
-Joe

Howitzer.

Nuf said!

MapleLeaf, I've noticed that people usually move when I'm in the SDL. Of course, I'm comparing that to a minivan.

I try not to be aggressive, but I'm definitely assertive. If there's an opportunity to safely advance in traffic, I take it.

Someone mentioned DC traffic earlier, and how all lanes are used to move cars. This is 100% true during rush hour (actually 3 hours in most areas), but during non-peak times, you'll find people hanging out in the left and center lanes, and nobody in the far right lane. :confused:

I couple of flashes of the high beams usually does the trick. If not, I pass on the right. Sometimes the only way to get by is to stay in the empty right lane, thereby passing everyone on the right. It's sad and unfortunate.

This is very common in Utah. People will clog up the left lane and if you try to pass, they will speed up not allowing you to get around. Very frustrating, I don't understand why they won't move. I flashed (just one flash-nice and easy) a guy once to get over and he slammed on his brakes and got behind me and started to flash his like crazy. :rolleyes:

I remember in Fla, people would move over most times. Of course there was always somebody who was in the left lane and not moving. But here in SLC, it's like half the population won't get over.

Wow, interesting to see this thread that begun 3 years ago! My view of road hogs hasn’t changed.....they are not worth getting upset over or dueling with.

But! I wanted to add that I recently removed the over-sized driving lights from the ML due to a failure in the frame supporting them, and was amazed to find that their lack of presence changed drivers view of the mighty ML. The first 3 days with the driving lights removed and I was cut off more times than in memory. Gasp!

I cant wait to get the driving lights re-mounted. Where does someone go to have a frame for a brush guard removed and re-welded, or to have a steel plate fabricated to bolt on said brushguard? This change has provided a refreshing view of traffic, indeed. The implied lesson is to drive non-aggressively in a SUV but definitely have some BIG intimidating driving lights hangin’ out there for all to see. ;)

Wow is right!! :eek: Reading this thread made me feel a bit better as this is a HUGE pet peeve of mine. It drives me utterly insane. I'm a happy, cheerful, easy-going guy but I LOSE IT when I'm stuck behind some moron holding up the left lane.

It is dangerous and self-centered behaviour, plain and simple. I'm not referring to heavy traffic when someone is trying to car hop ahead. That's also stupid behaviour.

I'm talking about the all too-familiar scenario of an average day on the highway. Here in Canada, it doesn't seem to be as bad as some of the places in the US you guys are talking about (Texas sounds particularily bad). Most people do get out of the way when you come up behind them. But there's always a few idiots.

Say the limit is 100 Km/h. The traffic will generally flow along at 120-130 Km/h on a nice day. But you always get some idiot who will sit in the left lane doing exactly 100 km/h. Add another person doing 100 Km/h in the right lane beside them and you create a dangerous traffic dam. They say it is their "right" and they are "doing the limit".

Bull*****. Anyone who subscribes to this point of view is an idiot. It is completely selfish thinking and that's what causes most problems on the road - people don't respect and consider other drivers.

You are not an individual on the highway - you are part of a moving collective of vehicles and it is your duty to be aware of the other vehicles and to respect each other and to avoid situations where you could create dangerous situations through bad judgement.

Is this so hard to comprehend?

It seems like this behaviour is worse in places where people hold individual rights very high. I suppose Texas is a bastion of independance and individual "don't mess with me, I'm a Texan" attitudes. A more social type of thinking - e.g. Germany - produces people who tend to think of the whole and not just themselves.

Personally, to try and bypass these drivers, I use the headlights, left blinker, etc. for a few Kms and then I see if they move. If not, I'll back off and look for an opportunity to pass.

If I can't, I force myself to back off and chill out, although I'm usually fuming at this point. I usually sing the song "I'm an *********" by Denis Leary out loud and imagine myself singing it to the other driver's face. Usually calms me down.

I think one of the reasons it drives me so nuts is that I consider myself a very aware and respectful driver. I always pass quickly and I never block the left lane if someone wants to pass me. I will get out of the way and let them by everytime. I'm also the kind of guy who moves out of the right hand lane when approaching highway on-ramps to allow incoming vehicles to merge onto the highway safely. I'll actively scan ahead to notice these things. I consider it prudent driving. I figure that if I can help make the environment around me safer by my driving decisions and actions, I am in effect helping myself.

Too bad more people don't understand this.

Wow, a good rant, thanks! Happy motoring!

Texans are the absolute worst drivers when it comes to the left hand lane issue. I drive on the interstate every day and I pretty much always have to pass the Texans in the right lane because they won't move their SUV's and trucks out of the way. There is literally not a day that goes by that I don't curse the Texans and their driving habits.

The bad part is that I live in Florida. I can't imagine living in Texas with these inconsiderate fools! I always regretted the times that I had to drive across Texas. I could be up on HWY 287 in the middle of no where and come across some Texas farm truck in the left hand lane going 40 miles an hour in a 65 MPH zone on a four lane HWY. NOT A FREAKIN CLUE THESE TEXAS DRIVERS!!!!!!!!

I apologize to those considerate Texas drivers who don't clog the left lane. However, the considerate ones are few and far between.

Ok it's Friday lets have some fun, what is the most crazy way you can think of to make these idiots move? What about putting flame throwers on your bumper and pulling up to about 6in from theirs and lighting them up.:D What I do when their is an idiot in the left lane is to ride their bumper as close as you can with your highbeams on then, honk your horn and flip them off.:D Once you pass them slaming on your brakes is a must.:D

howdy all,
well with me depends on time of day, an what I'm driving. with me truck, I just turn on the off-road lights... K.C. daylighters #3, it lights up the inside of there car sooooo brite ;) I can usually tell if a guy shaved that morning/ladies if they just put there make up on.
The one that seems to work the best over all is a very nice set of air horns like the truckers have.... an when they looky into there mirrior all they see is grill and bumber...:D still might get a set for the mb. :)

In our case, just get around them as quick as possible, and blow a big diesel stink cloud on their windshield.

Hopefully, this will hinder their visibility enough for them to wipe out by hitting the left lane guard rail, spinning 8 times at 60 - 65 mph and come smashing into a ravine on the other side.

Oh, yeah. I do that all the time.