Question:

Why do many American drivers drive on the left freeway lane even when they are not passing?

by  |  earlier

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So many drivers stick to the left lanes here on California freeways, whether they are fast or slow, causing the left lane to often be the crowded & slow lane. Now, I usually find myself passing on the right! In Germany, you only stay on the left lane if you are passing (even if you are going 100mph, someone behind may be going even faster -- so you get to the right no matter your speed after you finish your pass). Now here in America, do most people bunch in the left because they think they are the fastest car on the road (even though you NEVER are), they just don't care about other drivers, or they simply don't know the rules of the road?

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  1. you sure about germany? becuase i was there recently and i saw alot of cars in that second lane. none of which had much intention of passing the right lane.


  2. American drivers don't give a d**n about anyone but themselves on the road.  Also they are too fat to turn their heads to shoulder check before changing lanes.

  3. That is my favorite thing about Germany, you can flash your lights, and honk... just to let them know you are behind them and they need to let you pass. I love the no-right-lane passing law... but you get SOMEONE who doesnt respect other drivers, or like you said they think they are the fastest on the road...

    I love the left lane personally, but im usually the "jackass" who is doing 95 in a 65 trying to get in front of all the other idiots

  4. Well, there are two possibilities.  Either the freeway is congested or it isn't.  If it is, then you need to utilize all the lanes in order to keep traffic moving, and reserving a lane for passing would just create more congestion.  And if it isn't, then the left lane is most likely moving at or higher than the speed limit, so you can't go any faster anyway.

  5. In Germany you would be ticketed for driving in the left lane of a freeway (Autobahn).  Left late is for passing only.  Drivers get much better training and it's not as simple to get a license there.

  6. THe U.S. needs to develop and enforce a law to not drive in the left lane other than during the passing of a slower moving vehicle. If in the left lane for no d**n reason... TICKET

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