Quote:
Originally posted by RichMason
I have to agree with the fine wisdom here about the herd mentality. If someone in the left lane is going to slowly, we all have a natural instinct to move to the right into slower traffic where danger lurks. Of course, we are (most of us) also blessed with the ability to think rationally and this makes us responsible as individuals for our actions on the highway. While I curse the slower traffic in the left lane as much as the rest of you, this does not absolve me from responsibility when I pass on the right (illegal in many states as well, certainly in enlightened Europe where it is a serious crime) and t-bone someone. Although, if slower drivers in the left lanes directly increase the risk of fatal traffic accidents, I guess we could just shoot them...
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I think there is an instrument that creates a great deal of these problems; cruise control. It has single handedly become more responsible for the passing of a single vehicle to now become a feat that requires over 5 miles of road to accomplish at times. I personally don't care to ride beside a vehicle that has 4 inches of lane on either side of it for any more time than necessary.
I also recognize that passing on the right hand lane is illegal in most states still but I would consider it at times to be a necessary evil. Lest we not forget that the law breaking began with someone not heeding the "Passing Lane Only" designation that the left lane carries with it. The enforcement of this law would alleviate a great deal of law breaking right lane passes. "Enlightened" Europe also is much more responsible with respect to left hand cruising and enforcement of that law.