Another thing, what about those folks who like to do the speed limit? Everyone knows the cops will give you 10MPH over the limit, yet there are those who like to do 55 in the middle lane - during rush hour, no less. Pi$$es me off to no end!
AMEN!
and AMEN again!!
About the only thing that irritates me more is someone doing 45-55 mph in the middle or left land during rush hour -- and using one hand (and a portion of hir or her brain) to speak on their stupid cell phone!
I typically drive about 9 mph over the speed limit. One day, I was doing my usual 64 mph in a 55 zone. It was very early on a Saturday morning -- practically no traffic on the road. I was in the second lane (from the right) of a 4-lane highway, so that I could avoid the occasional merge-ins. I thought I had made a reasonable lane choice for my speed. Apparently not. Some guy doing at least 75 mph comes roaring up on my tail, then starts flashing me with his high beams to get out of his way. Never mind that he had two lanes to pass me on the left, with absolutely no traffic to impede him. But I guess he couldn't be bothered to change lanes. I didn't like his attitude so I stayed right where I was. He quickly passed me, while flipping me off.
In your opinion, was his anger at me justified? Should I have moved over into the far right-hand lane. Or should he have moved into the 3rd or 4th lanes to pass me (without needing to bright me or give me the finger in the process)?
If 55 is legal, and the right lane is occupied, what exactly is the violation? Interfering with your right to speed? Many of our local expressways are 65 MPH zones, but no leeway is (supposed to be) given; signs state that violations are subject to double fines.
I do much of my highway driving on cruise control. I keep within a few MPH of the posted limit as a license suspension would put me out of business. I'll stay in the right lane when I can, and pull out when overtaking slower traffic or approaching an access ramp merge. But that does not mean I'll goose it up to 75 to accommodate your sprint down the middle lane.
Drive a half mile ahead. If you are overtaking traffic rapidly, set up your pass well ahead instead of trying to make a point by screaming up onto my bumper and suddenly changing lanes. We'll both live longer.