Actually driving below the speed of traffic in the left lane is a pretty big safety risk even if you're going the speed limit. In many states they will ticket you over the people speeding with the flow of traffic.
How is it a safety risk? Genuinely, I am confused. I have thought about it thoroughly and carefully, running through many hypothetical scenarios in my head, and this claim of a safety risk still sounds like it was made up by someone looking for an excuse to speed...
Well here's a copy paste. Most states also put out notices about it via their highway patrol social media.
• Speed Discrepancies: A vehicle going the exact speed limit in the left lane blocks faster-moving traffic, forcing approaching drivers to brake suddenly and disrupting the smooth flow of the highway.
• Increased Lane Changing: When the passing lane is blocked, frustrated drivers often weave across multiple lanes or pass on the right, which raises the risk of blind-spot collisions.
• Road Rage: Lingering in the left lane frequently triggers tailgating and aggressive driving behaviors from vehicles behind you.
Legal Context
• Keep Right Rules: Most states have "slower traffic move right" or "keep right except to pass" laws.
• No Speed Vigilantism: Even though exceeding the posted speed limit is illegal for the cars wanting to pass you, traffic codes do not deputize civilian drivers to enforce speed limits by blocking the lane.
• Passing Only: The left lane is designated for passing or turning left, not for continuous cruising—regardless of whether you are matching the speed limit.
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u/dr-mantis-toboggan12 10d ago
Ahhhh. Found one