“Yep...should be against the law to drive slow in the left lane. When I was in France and Belgium I noticed the drivers always got into the right lane and never used the left lane for cruising and someone told me it was against the law there to cruise in the left hand lane. I believe that is largely responsible for the lower number of fatalities on the highways there.”
I obtained an international driver’s license in Germany, 1970. This practice for driving was one of the keys to the rhythm of the German roads and autobahns.
It is the rule in many parts of the US, but apparently little enforcement.
I think some drivers who camp in the fast lane believe they are fine if they go the speed limit.
But in California if you just go the speed limit on major highways, you are holding up traffic.
And unless it is widely followed, it gets worse not better.
Rather than camp on somebody’s tail to assert my right to the fast lane, I back off, go into the right, slower lane to pass, or not pass at all.
At that time I felt German drivers were more skilled at high speed, than American drivers.
And I’m certain the autobahn and other national highways in Europe were designed for higher speeds. Curves, banking etc.
https://www.txdot.gov/driver/share-road/highway-driving.html
Keep Right
Watch for signs on Texas multi-lane highways that read “Left Lane For Passing Only.” These signs let you know that the left lane on a divided highway is not a “fast” lane; it is a passing lane.
After you pass someone, move into the right lane once you’ve safely cleared the vehicle. Impeding the flow of traffic by continuing to drive in the left lane is punishable by a fine of up to $200.
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Coming Soon to a Highway Near You - “Left Lane for Passing Only” Signs
http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/statewide-news/2012-archive/050-2012.html
The Texas Department of Transportation is installing additional “Left Lane for Passing Only” signs on all highways with a speed limit of 75 mph or higher. State law requires TxDOT to post these signs on highways where slower traffic is asked to stay in another lane.
“And I’m certain the autobahn and other national highways in Europe were designed for higher speeds. Curves, banking etc.”
Yes they are.
If you can find it, there is an episode of Modern Marvels that cover’s the Autobahn.
A lot of the lower fatalities over there is due to better enforcement of driving laws, better drivers ed, better car design, better road design, and dilligence in maintaining the roads.
The highways in France and Belgium are not full of big rig trucks stacked up in the right lane like they are here.