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Saturday, March 11, 2017

Slowpoke bill would pave the way for speedier left lanes

ANNAPOLIS — Speed demons, unite.

Well, briefly, then get back to the right.

That was the message during a breezy hearing Thursday in Annapolis. Lawmakers considered a bill from Delegate William Folden, R-District 3B, that would require slowpoke drivers to stay out of the left lane.

The bill seemed popular with the quick-paced House Environment and Transportation Committee. Chairman Kumar Barve, D-Montgomery, reminded committee members that they supported similar bills in years past. In those years, the legislation hit a roadblock in the Senate and ultimately didn’t pass.

Folden’s bill restricts the use of the far left lane of a road, reserving it only for drivers to overtake and pass another vehicle. It would apply to roads in the state with a speed limit of 55 mph or higher, in spans when at least three lanes of traffic are moving in the same direction.

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11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank God!!! One of the best Bills ever!

Anonymous said...

It doesn't matter, the speed limit is the same in both lanes.

Anonymous said...

MOVE OVER!

Anonymous said...

That just gives the aggressive drivers and speed demons encouragement to go faster. They have still not figured out that they need to drive the speed limit like everyone else.

Anonymous said...

Who would enforce it, look at all the people who obey the no texting or talking on cell phone while driving.

Anonymous said...

Says the guy who crys like a little BIOTCH when the Troopers pull him over and hold him accountable for his willful violation of the posted speed limit. Typical victim mentality.

LastMohican said...

At least one state, Ohio I think, already has a law like this, or at least tried to pass one like this. I cannot remember right now but I'm sure someone will let me know.

It may only apply to semi's but regardless, left lane is for overtaking another vehicle. If you are not ACTIVELY overtaking someone you shall not be in the left lane. If you are you get a driving award, a ticket. If you are overtaking someone, you shall immediately move back to the right lane when it is safe to do so, or you get a driving award, a ticket.

Anonymous Anonymous said...
It doesn't matter, the speed limit is the same in both lanes.

March 11, 2017 at 5:41 PM

Yes, that may be the case but there are already laws on the books that state you are to travel in the right lane and pass in the left. They rarely enforce these laws but it looks like that may be changing. Hopefully.

Pass, get over. Pass, get over. If you don't have to pass or cannot pass, stay to the right. It's really rather simple and makes travelling much better for all concerned on the roadways.

P.S. Just because you are travelling at the legal limit of speed, it is illegal to stay in the left lane, it is illegal to impede the flow of traffic.

It is no one's duty or right to try to control or attempt to control anyone else's speed, other that a traffic cop. That is not only illegal it can also be dangerous.

So when you, and everyone else, gets behind the wheel leave your egos at home and drive. Drive responsibly, safely, courteously and legally. I for one would appreciate it immensely.

LastMohican said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
Says the guy who crys like a little BIOTCH when the Troopers pull him over and hold him accountable for his willful violation of the posted speed limit. Typical victim mentality.

March 11, 2017 at 7:41 PM

Regardless if this is true or not, it is none of your concern unless it affects your safety. You cannot control traffic or what some other driver may or may not do.

If everyone could get on the same page, as everyone else, driving in general would be a much more pleasant experience.

Anonymous said...

They have got to get to Ocean City.

Anonymous said...

This is why idiots die at sixty foot road and white lowe road. Everyone is in a hurry and distracted. What you fail to realize is that this law just gives cops another reason to initiate a traffic stop for either speeding in the left lane or failure to move over. Either way they collect a fine and have an opportunity to do a K9 scan of the vehicle.

Anonymous said...

I can't believe no one commented on this