One problem I have seen many times is that, as soon as the first sign appears announcing a exit (around here its typically 2 miles ahead), drivers merge into the right lane and slow down to well below the prevailing speed and often well below the speed limit. This is dangerous and unnecessary and it causes a traffic jam in the right lane that can lead to the problem you describe.
If I’m exiting the highway, I don’t slow down until I am off the highway.
On another note - the driver is disappointed that more drivers don’t merge left when passing an emergency vehicle in the right shoulder. Two things I’ve noticed in my driving in 43 of our 50 states:
1. It is a legal requirement in some states, but not others.
2. People doing it often create a dangerous situation, whether they pull over or slow down. Both create changes in the traffic flow that can cause accidents, especially with people texting and other distractions. The safe thing to do is not change what you are doing but just be more aware while you pass them, regardless of what the short sighted laws say.
Yea, your advice on passing emergency vehicles is great until you are passing a Maryland state trooper on a road with a 50 mph speed limit, have a car next to you and are slowing for a red light and driving about 20 mph.
Apparently he thinks that you didn’t respect him enough and he pulls you over.
Had that not been just a warning, I would have enjoyed taking that thug to court