A slow driver in the fast lane impedes traffic . This causes cars to drive closer together and increases the likelihood of tailgating, which in turn increases the likelihood of an accident. In essence, one driver going too slowly in the fast lane creates a domino effect that reduces the safety of everyone behind him.
Is it against the law to drive slow in the fast lane?
Brian Pennings with the California Highway Patrol. “ It is illegal for you to be traveling on the freeway at a slower speed than which impedes the traffic behind you .”
What is the fast and slow lane on a highway?
Caltrans numbers each freeway lane from left to right. The “fast” lane is the number 1 lane . The “slow” lane (closest to freeway entrance/exits) is numbered according to the total number of lanes (anywhere from 2 to 6 in Los Angeles County).
Which lane should you use if you are driving faster than other traffic on a freeway?
If you can choose among three lanes on your side of the road, pick the middle lane for the smoothest driving. Use the left lane to go faster, pass, or turn left. Use the right lane to drive slowly, enter, or turn off the road. Position your vehicle to keep up with the traffic flow.
Can you drive faster in the fast lane?
The speed limit on most California freeways is 65, but plenty of drivers in the fast lane go 75 mph . They’ve learned they generally can go that fast without being ticketed. (Watch out, though, CHP sometimes does speed limit enforcement blitzes.) ... CHP spokesman Chad Hertzell says McAdam is doing it right.
Why you shouldn’t drive slowly in the left lane?
When drivers travel in the left lane, it makes the road more congested and probably more dangerous for all parties involved . ... If relatively slow drivers are scattered among the right and left lanes, faster drivers have to repeatedly slow down and weave back and forth, changing lanes many times to pass all of them.
Is it OK to drive in the left lane?
“It’s a best practice to move to the left if it’s safe when you’re approaching an on-ramp and there is a vehicle entering the highway – not a requirement but a best practice. If the right lane has some sort of hazard, it’s reasonable to drive in the left lane until you’ve passed the hazard .”
Which lane is for slow drivers?
Many roads have two or more lanes going in your direction. On these roads, drivers traveling at slower speeds should use the right lane , as the speed of traffic increases as you move to the left.
How much faster can you go in the fast lane?
Some states allow drivers to speed when passing slow vehicles. But, how fast can you go over the speed limit? It varies, but sometimes, when overtaking another car, you are allowed to exceed the speed limit by 10-15 mph . Typically, this applies to two-lane highways where the posted speed limit is 55 mph or higher.
When driving on a freeway with three lanes which lane is considered the safest to travel in?
If you can choose among three lanes, pick the middle lane for the smoothest driving. To drive faster, pass, or turn left, use the left lane. When you choose to drive slowly, enter or exit traffic on the right, turn right, park, or move off the road, use the right lane.
What is the best lane to drive in on Highway?
Drive in the lane that is best suited to the traffic conditions. On a two-lane freeway, use the right lane for cruising and the left lane for passing. When there are three or more lanes, use the right lane if you are traveling at a slower speed than traffic, the left lane for passing, and the center lane for cruising.
What is a good rule about merging onto the freeway?
Space to Merge
Enter the freeway at or near the speed of traffic. Do not stop before merging into freeway traffic, unless it is absolutely necessary. Freeway traffic has the right-of-way. When it is safe, follow the “ 3-second rule ” (refer to the “Do not be a tailgater!” section).
What is the safest speed to use when you are merging onto the freeway?
C. The posted speed limit for freeway traffic. When merging onto a freeway, you should enter at or near the speed of traffic .
Can you stay in the fast lane?
In California, at least, there is no prohibition against cruising in the left lane . However, similar to the states below, slow traffic must stay right. ... A driver hoping to pass a slow motorist in the “fast lane” can be stuck in an awkward situation. One strategy is to signal a lane change toward the center median.
Why is the fast lane the slow lane in traffic?
That’s because the right lane may slow down as traffic enters or because slow-moving trucks are in it, while the fast lane is home to the more daring drivers who disrupt traffic flow , he explained.
What is a slow vehicle pull out?
Although one may also use them to rest, view scenery, etc., the pullouts referred to are where the slow-moving vehicles are supposed to pull out (move out of the roadway) and let other cars go past them. This is a courtesy until you have 5 cars behind you.
