Want to Save Gas? Yield the Left Lane!
With all the talk of hypermiling and fuel-efficient vehicles, something else is being overlooked: Left lane road hogs. You know, the innattentive idiots that go too slowly in the left lane, forcing everyone to brake, change lanes, and pass them on the right? All that unnecessary acceleration means wasted gas! Not too mention the traffic jams it causes...
One lousy driver can be responsible for decreasing the gas mileage of many other vehicles.
June has been deemed Lane Courtesy Month by the National Motorists Association Foundation, established in 1999 as a non-profit affiliate of the National Motorists Association. The Foundation urges people to lead by example and encourages state "lane courtesy laws." I didn't know state courtesy laws existed, but here are states' "keep right" laws.
The bottom line: Try to "Drive Right, Pass Left." And if you are a left-lane driver by habit (as I am), at least pay attention to what's in your rear-view mirror -- you could be blocking the road.
- Posted by
- Joanne Helperin June 23, 2008, 5:06 PM
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- Categories:
- Hybrid Cars and Better Gas Mileage, Rants and Raves
Thank God someone finally pointed that out. This sort of thing is impossible in Europe. Don't want to go fast - scoot over to the right. If I could get a penny each time I flashed my headlights at slow drivers in the left lane driving on the 5 to San Francisco and back I would have been as rich as Donald Trump by now.
LOL. I am always amazed at how people can be SO oblivious.... even the ones that AREN'T talking on the cell phone.
I recently took a road trip from LA to Vegas and back and drove the entire way, both ways. Why? My husband drives too slowly for me and I'm always telling him he's slowing down traffic!
But wait, are you saying that drivers can affect a car's safety and fuel economy, as well as traffic back-ups?!?! How dare you place any personal responsibility on Americans!
Just kidding, but that is the attitude of lawmakers. Seriously, better drivers education would greatly improve the traffic flow and reduce the # of accidents and road rage on US roads. But Washington just keeps putting the onus on automakers instead, requiring THEM to make more efficient and safe cars while ignoring the human factor that really can create the biggest impact. It is so sad :( Now tell that a-hole doing 70mph in the fast lane to get the F out of my way!! :)
PS - check out http://www.leftlanedrivers.org/
OMG, I love that! Decals that tell the people in front of you to move over if they're going slower? I WISH I had the nerve!
And yes, driver education is critical, which is why organizations like the National Motorists Association Foundation exists. If you like what they stand for, consider contributing!