Drivers in the United States are constantly asking questions to ensure that they drive safely. A common question is whether or not driving slowly in the left lane is safe. Driving in the left lane can be potentially dangerous for you and those around you. Driving slow in the fast lane not only interrupts the flow of traffic, you may also cause a few tempers to flare. In the perfect world, the left lane should only be used for passing, however not many drivers are aware of this.
Each state has their own rules about the use of the left lane:
- In 29 states, you must move over if you are driving slower than normal traffic.
- In 11 states, the left lane is for turning or passing only.
- In 6 states, you must move if you are blocking traffic.
- In 5 states, there are no laws regarding this.
Problem
When drivers spend too much time in the left lane it tends to make traffic worse than it already is and it can become dangerous for everyone. If you are a slow driver in the left lane, other drivers who are moving faster are forced to constantly bob-and-weave through multiple vehicles to get ahead of you. Slowing down and changing lanes is more dangerous than speeding. The strongest predictor of an accident is variance from the average speed of traffic. This is why states like Georgia and Michigan have passed bills making it illegal to drive below the speed limit in the left lane.
Solutions
To promote better traffic flow, it would be beneficial to all if we only used the left lane for passing. If all the slower drivers are in the right lane then the faster drivers could use the left lane for passing several cars at once. This cuts down on the total number of lane changes and results in fewer accidents. If you are comfortable driving at a slower pace, try to remain in the right lane, but only use the left lane for passing. By following this rule, we can all help in reducing the number of traffic jams and make the highways safer for everyone.
If you have been involved in a highway accident and have suffered injuries, finding the right attorney can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Connect with the Michigan Legal Center online or give us a call at (800)-961-8477 for a free case evaluation today.