There is nothing more annoying as you are on the freeway than someone driving slow in the far left lane. Now, most of us in California refer to the far left lane as the “fast lane.” Which, makes perfect sense to me. However, the far left lane is usually reserved for passing. and working for an accident attorney, I have learned that blocking the left lane is actually illegal. Furthermore, those who block the left lanes by driving too slow can cause accidents. If you are suffering from injuries due to the negligence of another driver, please do not hesitate to contact a car accident attorney in our office.
Car Accident Attorney | Slow Drivers in the Fast Lane
There are reasons why it is customary to keep slower drivers out of the left passing lane. Keeping the left lane open for passing causes fewer accidents because traffic flows more smoothly. However, if you are constantly blocking the left lane, it prevents people from passing. Therefore there is more tailgating and weaving in and out of traffic. in the state of California, the law states that any car that is going slower than the speed of traffic should be in the right lanes. Even if you are driving the speed limit. Also, in California, if you are driving slower than normal traffic, you are required, by law, to move.
Why Slow Pokes Drive in the Fast Lane
In my opinion, unless there has been a major accident in the right lanes or there is heavy traffic or weather conditions, there is no reason for slow drivers to be in the fast lane. Some speculate that some slow drivers prefer to drive in the left lane because it is usually the least crowded. However, just because it is not as crowded, that can be dangerous for slow drivers and those around them.
California requires drivers in the left lane going slower than the speed limit and slower than other traffic to move over. However, interestingly enough, if someone is going the speed limit in the left lane, it is legal for them to remain in the left lane. Which makes sense, however, it can also be very frustrating. Furthermore, the idea that you can drive faster than the speed limit if the flow of traffic is higher than the posted speed limit, is actually incorrect. Even if the left-lane driver is impeding traffic by driving the speed limit.
Left-Lane Drivers Can Cause Accidents
Driving in the left lane for anything other than passing can cause a traffic back up. for instance, a few slow cars can not only create traffic jams, it can cause accidents. Slow drivers in fast lanes can cause faster drivers to have to slow down and weave back-and-forth to change lanes. Which, in turn, increases the possibility of accidents. the National Motorist Association has recommended that the speed limits be set at the 85th percentile of free-flowing traffic. in other words, the speed that 85% of drivers travel at or below.
It is not uncommon for those who drive slower in faster lanes cause accidents. Moving over and driving in the right lanes will help to prevent accidents, road rage from other drivers, etc.
Suffering from Injuries? Contact an Accident Attorney Today!
Most travel speeds tend to be independent of the speed that is posted. Which means that most people drive at a speed they feel is safe and comfortable. Which, as it turns out, is actually the safest speed to set the speed limit at. That is why the speed limit in California is 65mph. It is a comfortable and safe speed for those on the highways.
Working for a car accident attorney, we see it all. So we know that people who drive slowly in the left lane have been known to cause an accident or two.
Remember, if you are suffering from injuries due to the negligent actions of another, you have rights. and an accident attorney in our office is here to make sure your rights are protected. We want to make sure you and your family are taken care of while you heal from your injuries.
If you are suffering from injuries, please do not hesitate to contact us. Consultations with a car accident attorney in our office are free!
