Hazards of Slow Left Lane Driving
In general, left lanes are supposed to be used for passing and turning only; vehicles should not be lingering in this lane. Right lanes are for slower moving vehicles. Drivers in the left lane can become frustrated when a slower vehicle is impeding traffic. Frustrated drivers may be tempted to tailgate or aggressively pass on the right. If the driver is being reckless, it can be very dangerous.
Every state has laws that are meant to deter drivers from being in the left lane. Motorists who practice driving in the left lane could be breaking one of these laws. These rules are also in place to prevent road rage, decrease traffic, and allow other drivers to arrive at their destinations at a faster pace.
Dangers of Passing on the Right
Driver’s education courses teach students never to pass on the right. It is especially dangerous when on-ramps and off-ramps are located on the right side. Vehicles are more likely to be entering and exiting this area, so it is not ideal to be changing lanes. Also, when more cars pass are passing on the right, it forces higher-speed traffic to drive into slower moving lanes. This causes an increase for a car accident.
Passing on the right is also hazardous because drivers that are being passed are less likely to see other vehicles, especially if surrounding cars are in a blind spot. It also makes it harder for slower vehicles to allow drivers to pass them; passing drivers can become angry and dangerous road rage can ensue.
Left Lane Laws
All states allow drivers to use left lanes for passing if more than one vehicle is driving in the same direction. Some states designate this lane to be used only for turning left or passing. Other states mandate that motorists move to the right if they are blocking traffic in the left lane.
Delaware Code Title 21 states that vehicles must drive on the right half of the road. Exceptions to this code includes when a vehicles passes another driver going in the same direction, if there is an obstruction in the road, if there is three marked lanes, or if there is a sign indicating one-way traffic. The title also states that all slower moving vehicles must stay in the right-hand lane.
Getting Pulled Over
Research shows that lane changes account for 10 percent of all highway accidents. Slow left lane drivers can cause irritation to other drivers. Drivers will be more temped to pass these slow drivers and this behavior can cause a car accident. In some states, law enforcement has increased efforts to prevent slow left lane driving and right lane passers by handing out tickets. It is important to consider left lane driving rules while driving and avoid dangerous behaviors so that roads can be safer for all motorists.
Delaware County Personal Injury Lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. Advocate for Car Accident Victims
If you or someone you know was injured in a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Our experienced Delaware County personal injury lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. will give you legal guidance and will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call us at 610-565-3701 for a free consultation regarding your case. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we also serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.