Hah! I was just thinking of that! There's absolutely no reason to be in the left lane if the right/middle lane is empty or going the same speed as you are.
Here's a reason: the left lane is usually smoother.
"There's absolutely no reason to be in the left lane if the right/middle lane is empty or going the same speed as you are.
"
Assuming only two lanes in each direction, you're correct. However, the right lane is rarely going as fast as many drivers wish to drive. Having just driven a large moving truck across the country, I can attest to that. I was essentially limited to 60 mph in that truck, due to a low gear ratio and a wish to preseve the engine (180K+ miles) for the entire trip.
So...I have no doubt that I annoyed a lot of folks who might have driven in the right lane. They had to pass me. I believe I passed three vehicles on the whole 2400 mile trip.
Often, I found myself behind a line of other drivers traveling at my speed or slightly less. Faster drivers needed to pass this line, and some folks just don't like driving much over the speed limit.
My point is that not every driver going slower than you in the left lane is doing so to annoy you. Sometimes, they are using the left lane for exactly what it is for...passing slower vehicles in the right lane.
Sometimes those who exceed the speed limit are going to have to slow down a little. Getting ticked does no good.
Absolutely right.
State highway enforcement should randomly have days to enforce one specific law on that day. Obstructing traffic being one of them.
Here in california, if you stack more than 5 cars behind you and the road in front is clear, you are obstructing traffic.
"No Reason" ~ a left-hand exit is a very good reason to be in the leftlane, and slowing down to boot. Obviously you've never really gotten out and seen the many varieties of Interstate highways in this country.