I could talk about driving pet peeves for days but one that frustrates more drivers than any other has to be those that ignore the age-old rule, “keep right except to pass.” Another simple way to describe this as those SOB’s who refuse to vacate the left lane and frustrate the heck out of the rest of us. 

Those of you who commute daily on the Garden State Parkway clearly know what I mean because that’s the road where you find more of this than anywhere else.  Here you are trying to get to work on time and it seems like on a regular basis you’ll be confronted with those who tie-up the left lane which should be used for passing only.  Even if the driver is doing the speed limit or above they should move over for two reasons: common courtesy and it’s the law.

In New Jersey you could be fined anywhere from $100 to $300 for failing to keep right.  In addition to that there is the reality that drivers often get frustrated with left lane tortoises which while wrong leads to aggressive driving as they end up passing on the right or swerve in and out of lanes to pass the car or cars holding traffic up. 

Like many of you I’ve traveled in the left lane and yes been above the speed limit when I’ll see a car racing behind me. Regardless of the fact they are driving way too fast I will usually move right over and let them go because that’s what we are supposed to do…plus to be honest I want to be away from them.

What we’ve all probably done and clearly should not is get too close to the left lane road hog in front of us which especially when driving on a highway is dangerous.  We’re doing it to show our frustration and hope the driver in front will move over and let us pass. We might even flash our high-beams or worse hit the horn.  Truth is we’re no better than them and could be the cause of an accident so that’s a case when patience does become a virtue.  Eventually that left lane abuser will move over and you can pass and wave “hello” or something else.

 For those of you who stay within the speed limit, good for you.  Just do everyone a favor and leave the left lane open because it’s the right thing to do.

The Hometown View returns on Thursday, April 28.

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