Drewthetexan wrote:
If you are ok with speeding, why not just pass on the right? You would end up in the right lane either way. Flashing your lights is inflammatory, even if appropriate. I can think of a few reasons why I'd be in the left lane rather than the right - usually the fault of poor highway design and the need to be in the left lane soon - and I have been burned because I've tried being a courteous driver. But this is different than lingering, which I generally do not do. When I do linger, it is because I am feeling obstinate or because I know that the left lane turns into the center lane a mile or two down the road.
I will pass on the right if not left any other recourse, however, passing on the right sometimes results in you running into the rear end of another, slower moving car, a few hundred feet in front of the left lane driver, so you end up having to zig-zag. Right->left->back Right. Whereas if they just moved over, I would be past them in a few seconds. I don't do Roadblocks, or 1mph passes. If I want to pass you, I will be able to do it in 10 seconds or less.
It's hard to imagine, because it's not done here, but highways where everyone follows the 'move right when not passing' rule, are actually Very pleasant, and easy to drive on, with minimal lane changing required by all parties. You don't have to worry about people zooming up on your right, or people cutting you off, you know that all passing is done on the left, and no-one rides on your rear as you're passing, because they know you're going to move over as soon as you can after the pass. They don't feel any need to TELL you to move over, because it's second nature on these roads.
While I'm on the subject of roadblocks and passing
I know not everyone has cruise control, but at least try keep a constantish speed, especially if you just passed me doing 80, and then pull in front of me. If you slow down below what my cruise control is set at (generally 72 in 65's, 77 in 70's), I will move to the left lane, and pass you. This is nothing personal, it is just the speed at which I desire to keep driving. It's more just annoying then an actual problem, but I fear that some day someone's going to take it personal that I keep passing them, even though my speed doesn't change.
I once had one of these on a trip to Dallas... I think they passed me over 10 times, got in front of me, and then, over a period of 5-20 miles, slowed down a few miles per hour, so that I had to pass them. Wait 10-20 more miles, and they're passing me again. All the while, my cruise control has not moved
Turn signals are not requests, it is an indicator of your intent. Although I agree it is used incorrectly, if at all.
Otherwise, as a general guideline, this is good and I try to follow it myself.
I did not mean it as a request, I meant it as a polite statement. Similar to "I would like a double quarter pounder meal". Not Asking, but rather telling them what you desire to do, and that you will do so, when it is safe to do so.
It makes more sense to pass on the right in that situation. Passing on the right is legal on Texas highways and it's quicker and more mature than getting in a dispute with someone hogging the left lane.
