Left Lane Hogs
01-03-2003, 11:59 AM
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Left Lane Hogs
[quote] Ron_H
User # 9680
posted 01-03-2003 01:12
Here I am again making a constructive suggestion:
flash your lights at a left lane hog rather than crowding up behind him. When someone crowds my tail, I immediately lift and slow until he goes around me. Once past me both of us are in the clear and without risk to either. I confess that I got this at traffic school and it changed my behavior from road rage at tailgaters. I believe it was the right advice. Think about it and see if it doesn't create a win-win result. I also agree that alertness and paying attention to what is going on around you when driving is the proper attitude, but sometimes someone seems to come out of nowhere and is just pushy. Try it, you'll like it. And if he flips you off so what?!? You are both still alive and unscathed.<hr></blockquote>
This topic is sure to create pandemonium on the board & deserves its own thread
I'm not sure if I agree with lifting the foot; it is unexpected and can create a chain reaction. At very least, it closes the gap between the cars to an even less safe distance (and may further highten tensions).
If I am in front (the "lane hog"), I will *always* signal & show my intention to yield. When that is possible, I do. Hey; it's only what I expect of someone driving in front of me.
If I am behind, I'll never flash my headlights; it's considered rude & pushy around here. If the traffic permits, I'll always politely pass on the right. If there is traffic to our right, but not ahead of the "lane hog", I usually use the method learned from the NMA:
Follow at a safe distance, stay to the left side of the lane & put your left turn signal on.
If they yield, I usually follow up with a friendly nod or wave if it seems appropriate. If they do not yield, I shut the signal off after 20 seconds or so, wait 20 seconds & repeat. If they do not respond after a few cycles, I just quit & continue following at a safe distance until I can excercise another option.
Just my $0.02
User # 9680
posted 01-03-2003 01:12
Here I am again making a constructive suggestion:
flash your lights at a left lane hog rather than crowding up behind him. When someone crowds my tail, I immediately lift and slow until he goes around me. Once past me both of us are in the clear and without risk to either. I confess that I got this at traffic school and it changed my behavior from road rage at tailgaters. I believe it was the right advice. Think about it and see if it doesn't create a win-win result. I also agree that alertness and paying attention to what is going on around you when driving is the proper attitude, but sometimes someone seems to come out of nowhere and is just pushy. Try it, you'll like it. And if he flips you off so what?!? You are both still alive and unscathed.<hr></blockquote>
This topic is sure to create pandemonium on the board & deserves its own thread
I'm not sure if I agree with lifting the foot; it is unexpected and can create a chain reaction. At very least, it closes the gap between the cars to an even less safe distance (and may further highten tensions).
If I am in front (the "lane hog"), I will *always* signal & show my intention to yield. When that is possible, I do. Hey; it's only what I expect of someone driving in front of me.
If I am behind, I'll never flash my headlights; it's considered rude & pushy around here. If the traffic permits, I'll always politely pass on the right. If there is traffic to our right, but not ahead of the "lane hog", I usually use the method learned from the NMA:
Follow at a safe distance, stay to the left side of the lane & put your left turn signal on.
If they yield, I usually follow up with a friendly nod or wave if it seems appropriate. If they do not yield, I shut the signal off after 20 seconds or so, wait 20 seconds & repeat. If they do not respond after a few cycles, I just quit & continue following at a safe distance until I can excercise another option.
Just my $0.02
01-03-2003, 12:13 PM
#2
Range Master
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After many years of personal research on this subject I have found that the most effective behavior is to pull up behind the lane hog, but remail at a respectable distance. If they are going to move over, they are most likely to do it then. f they are not going to move, anything else you do will just result in increased blood preasure.
Flashing lights is just obnoxious and usually gets the F%^& Y$# reaction, same with tailgating, even from an otherwise reasonable driver.
Using your blinker makes you appear to be a forgetful geriatric....
Flashing lights is just obnoxious and usually gets the F%^& Y$# reaction, same with tailgating, even from an otherwise reasonable driver.
Using your blinker makes you appear to be a forgetful geriatric....
01-03-2003, 12:49 PM
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Hence the on/off cycles 
And I do tend to agree with you on this - "If they are going to move over, they are most likely to do it (as soon as you pull up behind them)."
And I do tend to agree with you on this - "If they are going to move over, they are most likely to do it (as soon as you pull up behind them)."
01-03-2003, 01:06 PM
#4
Nordschleife Master
If you live in a High Speed State like Cal & AZ ,being the nice guy usually doesn't work.
With the ever increasing road rage issue, you cannot be safe even in your car. All I can say is follow the 2 second rule, pass when clear and wait for an opening. It sucks I know, but it's better to be alive and well than shot and dead.
This comment stemms from a personal exp.. I approached a car in the left lane, I flashed my brights - no reaction. I did again a second time - no reaction. When an opening came, I took it. When I passed the lane hog, the rear window rolled down, a kid yes a kid"literally" hung out the window and proceeded to flash an automatic rifle (Uzi or something like that) towards me.
Thank God my 5.0 wasn't stock.
Since that day - I follow the rules mentioned above. All it takes is one incident to change your life. This was mine.
Be Safe and Take Care -
PS - If DPS/HW Patrol is behind you (and not pulling you over ), move to the right and let them pass. Ive been told it's the courteous thing to do.
Kudos
With the ever increasing road rage issue, you cannot be safe even in your car. All I can say is follow the 2 second rule, pass when clear and wait for an opening. It sucks I know, but it's better to be alive and well than shot and dead.
This comment stemms from a personal exp.. I approached a car in the left lane, I flashed my brights - no reaction. I did again a second time - no reaction. When an opening came, I took it. When I passed the lane hog, the rear window rolled down, a kid yes a kid"literally" hung out the window and proceeded to flash an automatic rifle (Uzi or something like that) towards me.
Thank God my 5.0 wasn't stock.
Since that day - I follow the rules mentioned above. All it takes is one incident to change your life. This was mine.
Be Safe and Take Care -
PS - If DPS/HW Patrol is behind you (and not pulling you over
), move to the right and let them pass. Ive been told it's the courteous thing to do. Kudos
01-03-2003, 03:03 PM
#5
Burning Brakes
FYI: Here in the wonderful Commonwealth of Virginia it is ILLEGAL to flash your headlights or honk your horn at slower moving traffic. If caught doing either or both, you could get a ticket for "Aggressive Driving".
Moreover, according to State law, so long as you are traveling at or above the minimum speed limit (45 MPH on the Interstate) you can use any lane available, including the extreme left (or passing) lane. BTW, passing on the right is acceptable. Go figure.
The way I deal with left lane hogs is; as I approach them - I turn on my left turn signal (which is not illegal). If they move - great. If not, then I pass them on the right when it's clear to do so. YMMV.
Moreover, according to State law, so long as you are traveling at or above the minimum speed limit (45 MPH on the Interstate) you can use any lane available, including the extreme left (or passing) lane. BTW, passing on the right is acceptable. Go figure.
The way I deal with left lane hogs is; as I approach them - I turn on my left turn signal (which is not illegal). If they move - great. If not, then I pass them on the right when it's clear to do so. YMMV.
01-03-2003, 03:03 PM
#6
928 Barrister
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The purpose of lifting (not braking) is to accomplish: a) lessen the speed at which you are traveling in case you must stop or slow unexpectedly, thereby lessening the chance a rear end collision will occur - this is particularly true if the guy behind you is crowding your rear bumper and making a rear ender more likely; and
b) to entice the aggressive tailgater to pass you and go on with his aggressiveness somewhere out of range of your vehicle. Once a person is tailgating,(on a public highway) he has put both of you at risk and has demonstrated imprudent behavior. That risk may be lessened by decreasing speeds, and even further reduced by not making any abrupt changes like changing lanes.
If you saw him coming up behind you well in advance and saw his closing speed was vastly different than your cruising speed, you probably would have moved over in advance of his approach. You should have been in the right lane anyway unless you knew you were traveling faster than other traffic or traffic approaching from the rear, or needed to pass other slower moving traffic. If you failed to notice his approach, and that sometimes happens dispite your best efforts to stay alert to surrounding conditions, he can easily notify you of his presence by flashing his headlights; that's why your Porsche has flashers. And he can do it well in advance of his presence "on your bumper" so as to avoid creating a risky situation (following too closely)
and also to prevent him from needing to slow for you and then resume speed. That is precisely why emergency vehicles have flashing lights...so you will see them coming before they are upon you and must wait for you to make up your mind to "tolerate" their need to pass. If flashing is considered "pushy" so what? Maybe it's time to redefine what flashing is considered (in the USA). You should be out of the fast lane except for the situations listed above, unless of course your purpose in life is to be obstinate in the presence of others who are able and willing to exert more prowess than you at the particular time, or are even being foolish by traveling at an unsafe speed for conditions. Both situations identify you as a "road block" and thus a hazard.
Either way, you said it...a left lane HOG !!! Passing on the right is not as safe as passing on the right (in this country), and that is why signs are posted directing "slower traffic to keep right".
After experiencing situations involving road rage similar to those already described, I was fortunate to have the above explained to me, though in a more succint manner, and, in time,its wisdom sank in.(just like the driving instructors who taught me where to place my hands on the steering wheel, despite my know it all attitude at the time) The object is to prevent road rage, and to lessen the period of time that exposure to unnecessary risk takes place. And if the tailgater won't pass you on the right and proceed on as you are slowing, then by the time you have slowed considerably you can choose to drive to the right at a safer speed in case he impetuously swerves right as well.
Spend some time thinking about it while you are driving. Our habits in the USA are not the same as some of the countries that have produced the machines that are the most competent for the speeds they can attain. Isn't it just possible that we might conform those habits as well and then the operators will match the level of performance of the machines. That includes keeping a handle on our emotions in such situations (difficult to do I admit), and even "losing" the ego battle once in awhile of HOGGING the left lane at all costs. If I noticed a RUF approaching, I would get myself over pronto and not be ashamed about it. And if I were operating the RUF I would expect the same.
b) to entice the aggressive tailgater to pass you and go on with his aggressiveness somewhere out of range of your vehicle. Once a person is tailgating,(on a public highway) he has put both of you at risk and has demonstrated imprudent behavior. That risk may be lessened by decreasing speeds, and even further reduced by not making any abrupt changes like changing lanes.
If you saw him coming up behind you well in advance and saw his closing speed was vastly different than your cruising speed, you probably would have moved over in advance of his approach. You should have been in the right lane anyway unless you knew you were traveling faster than other traffic or traffic approaching from the rear, or needed to pass other slower moving traffic. If you failed to notice his approach, and that sometimes happens dispite your best efforts to stay alert to surrounding conditions, he can easily notify you of his presence by flashing his headlights; that's why your Porsche has flashers. And he can do it well in advance of his presence "on your bumper" so as to avoid creating a risky situation (following too closely)
and also to prevent him from needing to slow for you and then resume speed. That is precisely why emergency vehicles have flashing lights...so you will see them coming before they are upon you and must wait for you to make up your mind to "tolerate" their need to pass. If flashing is considered "pushy" so what? Maybe it's time to redefine what flashing is considered (in the USA). You should be out of the fast lane except for the situations listed above, unless of course your purpose in life is to be obstinate in the presence of others who are able and willing to exert more prowess than you at the particular time, or are even being foolish by traveling at an unsafe speed for conditions. Both situations identify you as a "road block" and thus a hazard.
Either way, you said it...a left lane HOG !!! Passing on the right is not as safe as passing on the right (in this country), and that is why signs are posted directing "slower traffic to keep right".
After experiencing situations involving road rage similar to those already described, I was fortunate to have the above explained to me, though in a more succint manner, and, in time,its wisdom sank in.(just like the driving instructors who taught me where to place my hands on the steering wheel, despite my know it all attitude at the time) The object is to prevent road rage, and to lessen the period of time that exposure to unnecessary risk takes place. And if the tailgater won't pass you on the right and proceed on as you are slowing, then by the time you have slowed considerably you can choose to drive to the right at a safer speed in case he impetuously swerves right as well.
Spend some time thinking about it while you are driving. Our habits in the USA are not the same as some of the countries that have produced the machines that are the most competent for the speeds they can attain. Isn't it just possible that we might conform those habits as well and then the operators will match the level of performance of the machines. That includes keeping a handle on our emotions in such situations (difficult to do I admit), and even "losing" the ego battle once in awhile of HOGGING the left lane at all costs. If I noticed a RUF approaching, I would get myself over pronto and not be ashamed about it. And if I were operating the RUF I would expect the same.
01-03-2003, 03:30 PM
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That's quite a mouthful there, Ron; I'm not quite sure I agree with much of it, but it's a good example of how different driving habits cause a lot of the problems on the road.
"Now that you mention it, I do tend to back off on the gas when there is a car behind me flashing his lights!"
"Now that you mention it, I do tend to back off on the gas when there is a car behind me flashing his lights!"
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01-03-2003, 03:31 PM
#8
Burning Brakes
Ron:
What you wrote is all well and good, except in VA.
If you flash or honk and get caught, you're gonna get a ticket. <img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[nono]" /> Moreover, there isn't a requirement for the slower car to move over. <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" /> YMMV.
What you wrote is all well and good, except in VA.
If you flash or honk and get caught, you're gonna get a ticket. <img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[nono]" /> Moreover, there isn't a requirement for the slower car to move over. <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" /> YMMV.
01-03-2003, 06:14 PM
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I use the left directional as a sign that I want to pass, then a quick double flash of the high beams...always staying back at least 4 or 5 car lengths...it usually works, but sometimes I still get the finger.
01-03-2003, 06:56 PM
#10
Nordschleife Master
Funny things about our freeways -
If all lanes are required to travel at the max designated speed limit, which ones the fast lane?.
What is the slowest a person can drive on the freeway without risking their lives and the lives of others?. Is it 45 mph or 55mph if the posted limit is 65?.
Also off topic a little bit and it's just fodd for thought.
Why do we .....
Park in our Driveways yet drive in the ParkWay?.
Just curious?.
If all lanes are required to travel at the max designated speed limit, which ones the fast lane?.
What is the slowest a person can drive on the freeway without risking their lives and the lives of others?. Is it 45 mph or 55mph if the posted limit is 65?.
Also off topic a little bit and it's just fodd for thought.
Why do we .....
Park in our Driveways yet drive in the ParkWay?.
Just curious?.
01-03-2003, 06:56 PM
#11
Nordschleife Master
Funny things about our freeways -
If all lanes are required to travel at the max designated speed limit, which ones the fast lane?.
What is the slowest a person can drive on the freeway without risking their lives and the lives of others?. Is it 45 mph or 55mph if the posted limit is 65?.
Also off topic a little bit and it's just food for thought.
Why do we .....
Park in our Driveways yet drive in the ParkWay?.
Just curious?.
If all lanes are required to travel at the max designated speed limit, which ones the fast lane?.
What is the slowest a person can drive on the freeway without risking their lives and the lives of others?. Is it 45 mph or 55mph if the posted limit is 65?.
Also off topic a little bit and it's just food for thought.
Why do we .....
Park in our Driveways yet drive in the ParkWay?.
Just curious?.
01-03-2003, 07:13 PM
#12
Three Wheelin'
I assess the overall road conditions. If traffic is heavy, there's no where to go anyway, lay back. Heavy traffic requires the use of both lanes and there should be no assumtion that someone is hogging the left lane if they are 5-10mph over the limit in heavy traffic. Passing on the right is not really a good idea in heavy traffic.
The most dangerous move, in my opinion, is the darting in and out of both lanes in order to try and "get through" the cars when there is heavy traffic. Following distance is compromised, many times, once someone commits to the right lane to pass, they cut off the car in the left lane when trying to get back over.
Scenario- I am in the left lane and want to go fast. The left lane is moving faster than the right lane. Traffic is heavy in both lanes. There are a number of people in front of me in the left lane, slowing me down, but I can see that there is no way around, so I hold steady. Patience is key.
Some A#S#hole rides up on me and assumes I'm the problem and tailgates/flashes, etc. There's no where to go. Both lanes are congested. I would go faster if I could, but traffic does not allow it.
You can usually tell who has respect for the dangers of speed and often times, who doesn't, either because they are immature, stupid, or have not been hurt bad in a car before.
There is although, little reason for someone to ride the left lane in moderate traffic, hovering the speed limit. That's what the right lane is better for.
<img src="graemlins/soapbox.gif" border="0" alt="[soapbox]" />
The most dangerous move, in my opinion, is the darting in and out of both lanes in order to try and "get through" the cars when there is heavy traffic. Following distance is compromised, many times, once someone commits to the right lane to pass, they cut off the car in the left lane when trying to get back over.
Scenario- I am in the left lane and want to go fast. The left lane is moving faster than the right lane. Traffic is heavy in both lanes. There are a number of people in front of me in the left lane, slowing me down, but I can see that there is no way around, so I hold steady. Patience is key.
Some A#S#hole rides up on me and assumes I'm the problem and tailgates/flashes, etc. There's no where to go. Both lanes are congested. I would go faster if I could, but traffic does not allow it.
You can usually tell who has respect for the dangers of speed and often times, who doesn't, either because they are immature, stupid, or have not been hurt bad in a car before.
There is although, little reason for someone to ride the left lane in moderate traffic, hovering the speed limit. That's what the right lane is better for.
<img src="graemlins/soapbox.gif" border="0" alt="[soapbox]" />
01-03-2003, 07:54 PM
#13
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I consider my self to be an "ugly American". That is to say that I envy Europe in only one way, driving. The majority of Americans who "sit" in the left lane do so because (1) they do not want to be bothered/challenged with having to change lanes in order to pass another car and/or (2) never use their mirror to notice that they are leading a parade. I have concluded that if I do not violate the 2 second rule, they will never know I am there. Many drivers do not pay attention. (I am amazed at the number of drivers who proceed with driving in the fog/rain with their headlights off despite the fact that I have flashed my headlights directly at them. Or how many people don't get up to traffic speed before attempting to merge.) Anyway, so I carefully give them an opportunity to correct their mistake before giving up and passing on the right.
01-03-2003, 08:03 PM
#14
Rennlist Member
Ed,et al, here in S.C they (the HP)just instituted the "policy" (no law yet that I know of)that flashing your brights to signal the car ahead to move over is now considered "aggressive driving", similar to VA. The big difference here though is that there are still plenty of signs posted that slower traffic keep right. Most can't seem to comprehend proper lane discipline. It would seem to me that it would improve overall highway safety if the authorities would do a better job of teaching our younger drivers that during their initial training.
I was actually seeing a therapist a few years back (after my divorce)for anger issues. One of the biggest problems I had was road rage. She never was able to help, but I did find a method that worked for me. I changed the music I was listening to in the car. Went from Van Halen (rock)to FatBurger (jazz) and boy did the blood pressure drop. I hardly ever use the "you're #1" signal anymore.
Now to praise an area that seems to have their act together, Western Kentucky and Southern Illinois were a dream to drive through a few months back. Headed up 24 and 57 through both states, and EVERYONE kept right unless passing.(plenty of signs posted with that notice on them) This was the most pleasant trip I've ever taken!!!! Kudos to them. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
I was actually seeing a therapist a few years back (after my divorce)for anger issues. One of the biggest problems I had was road rage. She never was able to help, but I did find a method that worked for me. I changed the music I was listening to in the car. Went from Van Halen (rock)to FatBurger (jazz) and boy did the blood pressure drop. I hardly ever use the "you're #1" signal anymore.
Now to praise an area that seems to have their act together, Western Kentucky and Southern Illinois were a dream to drive through a few months back. Headed up 24 and 57 through both states, and EVERYONE kept right unless passing.(plenty of signs posted with that notice on them) This was the most pleasant trip I've ever taken!!!! Kudos to them. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
01-03-2003, 09:41 PM
#15
Nordschleife Master
I've never heard of flashing the head lights to be agressive driveing.
I've used 'em from everything to saying "go ahead 18 wheeler, merge now" to "I'm comeing, move right" to "your got your brights on" to "you need to turn your head lights on". I also use it for the "no I'm not going to pass you, move back on the lane." I also use the hazard flashers as a "thank you" to the people that do move over.
I don't know why, but I always feel sorry for semis. I mean, they have a long length, and not much in the way of acceleration. Most of the time, it seems like people never see their blinkers. I've also seen people cut right in frount of a truck, have just enough room to fit their car, and expect the truck to not only see them, but slow down, even though their tucked right under the nose. Or even better, when the truck in taken up most of two lane on a turn at a stop light, with the flashers on, they pull the narrow compact car into the right lane. I mean it's not like the reason the truck is takein up two lanes is that thats the only way to make the turn. If thats the only way to get where he needs to go, why not let him? Or even better yet, sometimes oversized loads need two lanes, and yet idoits will try to slid in UNDER the overhanding part of the load. Realy smart!!! No I don't drive a tractor-trailer, but gee wiz I've seen some realy stupid things. OK, enough of my rank about stupid people around large vehicals.
I've used 'em from everything to saying "go ahead 18 wheeler, merge now" to "I'm comeing, move right" to "your got your brights on" to "you need to turn your head lights on". I also use it for the "no I'm not going to pass you, move back on the lane." I also use the hazard flashers as a "thank you" to the people that do move over.
I don't know why, but I always feel sorry for semis. I mean, they have a long length, and not much in the way of acceleration. Most of the time, it seems like people never see their blinkers. I've also seen people cut right in frount of a truck, have just enough room to fit their car, and expect the truck to not only see them, but slow down, even though their tucked right under the nose. Or even better, when the truck in taken up most of two lane on a turn at a stop light, with the flashers on, they pull the narrow compact car into the right lane. I mean it's not like the reason the truck is takein up two lanes is that thats the only way to make the turn. If thats the only way to get where he needs to go, why not let him? Or even better yet, sometimes oversized loads need two lanes, and yet idoits will try to slid in UNDER the overhanding part of the load. Realy smart!!! No I don't drive a tractor-trailer, but gee wiz I've seen some realy stupid things. OK, enough of my rank about stupid people around large vehicals.