Free Republic

In the Grand Canyon state, it's illegal to slow traffic down by traveling below the speed limit. However, it's also illegal to "camp," or use the left (or passing lane) as a travel lane. In most states, the law mandates drivers to travel in the right lane and use the left lane strictly as a passing lane. If you travel in the left lane and slow other drivers down, Republican Rep. Teresa Martinez is coming after you with a new bill. She became inspired to propose the bill when she found herself caught in traffic caused by a bad driver....

You're on a highway or an expressway, adhering to the maximum permitted speed (that's why you chose this route), then you encounter a noticeably slow vehicle that obstinately occupies the left lane. No indication suggests that the driver is attempting to overtake - they might be satisfying a selfish whim, lacking driving experience, or any other obscure reason. A driver like this forces others to brake, reducing traffic fluidity. In these instances, impatient and discourteous drivers might flash their lights or even honk their horns, which is inappropriate. A desire to travel at the maximum permissible speed does not justify...

One of my biggest pet peeves on the road is the left-lane highway cruiser. If you’re a compulsive reader of my articles (Why would you do that to yourself?), you may remember that I have written on this very issue before.I don’t care how fast you are going. The leftmost lane on the highway is for passing. That is basic road etiquette, but, not surprisingly, few people here in Georgia follow it. And it is frustrating.Well the Georgia State legislature is here to save the day. They are currently enacting a bill (dubbed the Slowpoke Bill) that would make lollygagging...

There aren’t more, because some people just don’t like to pay tolls, and others haven’t figured how they can take advantage of the lanes. Transurban is happy to have anybody’s toll money, whether they are locals or long-distance travelers, but the lanes are designed largely for the benefit of local travelers. The entrance and exit system reflects that. The Tysons area business and civic leaders with whom I’ve talked express optimism about the lanes and seem hopeful about the two new access points at Westpark Drive and Jones Branch Drive. At this early stage, the most vexing thing about the...

Updated March 7, 2003 This Week's PollCheck back next Friday to see the results. The House of Delegates recently passed a bill requiring slow drivers who stay in the left lane of multilane highways to move aside for faster traffic; failure to do so could be punishable by a point on their driver's license and a fine of up to $500. What do you think of this? Good idea - this will reduce accidents Bad idea - it rewards speeders Neither - I'll email my thoughts