Tag: RoadSafety

Why Left Lane Is Not for Slow Drivers

I recenThe Left Lane Is for Passing, Not Parking

I recently read a post from a frustrated driver complaining about someone tailgating them on the highway while they were driving in the left lane. It’s a common scenario—one driver feeling rushed and another feeling entitled to the lane. It’s also an unnecessary source of road rage that can quickly escalate into dangerous territory.

Let’s get something straight: the left lane is not the fast lane—it’s the passing lane. There’s a critical difference. The left lane exists for overtaking slower traffic, not for camping out indefinitely. Yet, too often, I see drivers jump straight into the left lane as if it’s their personal expressway, moving at their own pace and ignoring the flow of traffic. Whether it’s because they think they’re the best drivers on the road or simply believe they have the right to cruise there, they’re missing the point.

The rule is simple: Move over to pass, then return to the right. Sticking to this philosophy not only keeps traffic flowing but also minimizes frustration and reduces the likelihood of aggressive driving behavior like tailgating.

Now, tailgating itself is another issue—no one likes a driver riding their bumper, and it’s a reckless way to express impatience. But much of this frustration could be avoided if we all respected the basic principle of highway driving: Keep right except to pass.

It’s not about ego, and it’s not about who’s in more of a hurry. It’s about efficiency, safety, and respect for the rules of the road. If more drivers adopted this mindset, our highways would be far less stressful—and much safer—for everyone.

So, next time you find yourself in the left lane, ask yourself: Am I passing, or am I just holding up traffic? If it’s the latter, do everyone a favor—move over and let the road breathe.

# Just Be Better

#Stay Healthy, Stay Strong

#IOwnTheMorning

#WWKDD

Driving Lessons from a Commute: Stay Safe and Sane

My wife and I had the rare opportunity to drive to work together. I am glad we did. We kept each other calm as one driver decided to use the morning commute as a tryout for a live Frogger event. She weaved in and out of traffic. Each time she would reenter a lane, she cut off another driver. At one point, she was so frustrated with the speed in the left “passing” lane that she darted into the right lane without looking, forcing the driver in the right lane to veer off the road.

There is no excuse for this. 

Driving recklessly in an emergency will not improve your chances of reaching your destination. The priority should be arriving safely, not on time.

If the person was driving recklessly because they were late, they should have front-loaded their day better not to endanger the lives of those around them.

#JustBeBetter

#StayStrong, StayHealthy

#iownthemorning

Know Where You are Going

Few things are worse than getting stuck behind a driver who does not know where they are going. They break at every intersection, trying to figure out if this is the one they need to turn. They are in the wrong lane when making the turn. They are dangerous to everyone else on the road, including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. They are frustrating and challenging to contend with.

This problem can be solved if people are willing to take the time to prepare themselves for where they are going. It is pretty easy to do. Any search engine can provide you with directions and a map. Review them beforehand and be safer on the road.

#Just Be Better

#Stay Healthy, Stay Strong

#Be Prepared

#iownthemorning

PSA: Snow Does Not Belong on your Car

We had our first significant snowfall last week. I was disappointed to see the number of drivers on the road with their cars coated in inches of snow. We need to take more time to educate the general populace, as this is a rampant problem. Over and over again, I would see chunks of snow from these cars fly off toward the vehicles behind them. It is a hazardous situation. Snow does not belong on your car.

Several industry leaders have made it a point to spread the message. According to Continental Tires’ website, “Driving with snow on your car is dangerous and potentially a violation of the law.” Car and Driver cites several examples where drivers have gotten injured or died because snow from a car in front of them went hurtling toward their vehicle. Snow does not belong on your car.

Snow does not belong on your car. Don’t wait for the air resistance to force the snow onto an unsuspecting driver behind you. Be proactive and get the job done. Owning a broom or an ice scraper to clear snow should be as essential as affording a car, gas, and insurance. Of course, this is meaningless if you do not use the broom you own to remove the snow. 

If you get behind a car with snow, give the car more room than you usually would. You must have time to react to any snow that is sent hurtling toward you and your vehicle. When stuck behind a car or truck with unremoved snow, you want to pay more attention to your three mirrors to know where to get out of the hurtling snow’s path. If you get a chance, record the license plate and send in a complaint in the hopes someone can take the action needed to make the roads safer before it is too late.

Just Be Better (and get rid of the snow on your car)

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy.

Resources

Continental Tires. 

Car & Driver