Why do drivers in Houston Texas use the passing lane as the slow lane?

Question

Drivers zip straight to the far left lane and drive slow, holding up traffic. You see this alot with drivers from other counrties, especiallu the country in the south .

Answer 1

Same thing in Florida.  I amazes me these people are quick to point out the posted speed limit and ignore the sign that says 'slower traffic keep right'.  I commute an hour each day on the Interstate and my observations have lead me to conclude these type of drivers encourage road rage.  When I am in the fast lane I constantly check my mirrors, if I see a car coming up fast (even above the posted speed limit), I will speed up and move over to let him/her pass.

Answer 2

have you followed one when they do that, you'd be surprised to find out most are doing the speed limit.

Answer 3

When I moved to Houston, I was amazed by the same thing.  People just pull straight over to the left lane and keep pace with traffic, creating huge gaps in traffic and people land up having to pass on the right, which makes those lanes a mess.  I used to commute on 290 and got tired of the BS, switched to riding the bus.

I always felt like the drivers have some sense of privilege, like that lane is reserved for them, no matter how fast they want to go.  I have to admit, I found it applied to all nationalities, though.  40% of the city's population is from the south, so you're bound to find a few in the left lane.  And to answer a previous poster, all too often, they are going slower than the right lane, never mind the middle lanes.

Answer 4

With drivers zipping into the fast lane then drive slowly forces the faster drivers to move over to the other lanes in order to drive faster. This causes more accidents and further confusion about what to expect from other drivers on the road. This is a trend I see everywhere nowadays so don't feel alone. Maybe new drivers tests should include extensive driving on the freeways to teach these new drivers the rules of the road.