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Suppose the speed limit is 60, but due to heavy congestion the left lane is moving along at 50, and the right at 40-45 mph. People in the left lane are generally following the vehicle in front of them per the 2 second rule, and thus unable to go any faster than 50.
Every so often a gap will open up in the right lane, perhaps because someone took an exit. Some drivers will see that gap, move over to the right lane, pass as many cars on the right as they can, and then try to jump back over to the left lane thus gaining a few 'places in line' so to speak. I view this as queue-jumping and a word I'm not allowed to say here on CD. I will speed up just a little to make it difficult for them to get back over in the left lane.
The other day I was on my way home in just this situation--left lane going about 50, and right lane doing 40-45. There was this one car, one of those boxy looking crosses between SUV and compact sedan. It was a model I don't think I've ever seen before, and I'm sure it was an almost-new car. No less than 3 times he jumped to the right lane, passed me on the right, spurting ahead, and wound up boxed in because no one would let him over. We had created a left lane 'curtain' that he could not penetrate.
He would have to fall back and wait for some slower driver in the left lane to let him back over, maybe even ending up further back than he had been. THREE times he did this. The last time he had success and I didn't see him again.
Suppose the speed limit is 60, but due to heavy congestion the left lane is moving along at 50, and the right at 40-45 mph. People in the left lane are generally following the vehicle in front of them per the 2 second rule, and thus unable to go any faster than 50.
Every so often a gap will open up in the right lane, perhaps because someone took an exit. Some drivers will see that gap, move over to the right lane, pass as many cars on the right as they can, and then try to jump back over to the left lane thus gaining a few 'places in line' so to speak. I view this as queue-jumping and a word I'm not allowed to say here on CD. I will speed up just a little to make it difficult for them to get back over in the left lane.
The other day I was on my way home in just this situation--left lane going about 50, and right lane doing 40-45. There was this one car, one of those boxy looking crosses between SUV and compact sedan. It was a model I don't think I've ever seen before, and I'm sure it was an almost-new car. No less than 3 times he jumped to the right lane, passed me on the right, spurting ahead, and wound up boxed in because no one would let him over. We had created a left lane 'curtain' that he could not penetrate.
He would have to fall back and wait for some slower driver in the left lane to let him back over, maybe even ending up further back than he had been. THREE times he did this. The last time he had success and I didn't see him again.
Opinions?
I've seen similar things happen to folks who were continually jumping from lane to lane. They force everyone on the brakes when they cut over, and eventually, folks get tired of it, so they close the gap and box them in. It's actually quite entertaining to watch from a distance, although I prefer not to raise the ire of fools myself; they might just crash into you.
I initially thought you were referring to something (e.g. an actual curtain) to keep rubberneckers from slowing down traffic. Especially when the accident is on the other side.
It's really frustrating to be stuck in traffic, then to find out that it had nothing to do with your side of the road.
It's an art form to make sure there is plenty of room available to pass without tipping off the enemy as to your intentions. I generally don't do it very often, but if I can see there is one car holding up the left lane, I'll move around others if I can in order to get in front that jerk.
So you think it's a good idea to be a highway vigilante?
I can't agree. You could cause an accident, and if traffic is that close together it could be a big one.
Just drive, make sure what you're doing is safe, an don't try to police the other drivers.
Agreed. Nothing on the road is worth dying for. I've seen this situation before, and fortunately, the person who got boxed in had brains enough not to try for a wreck. While his being boxed in certainly seemed to cut down on the brake light waves, it could just as easily have resulted in a major wreck or death had he been a real road rage type.
As for me, in heavy traffic or light, I am quite content to leave enough room for someone to change lanes safely in front of me. I really don't get the hang-up some people have about it.
The left lane curtain increases traffic flow because all the drivers are driving as a pack. This is the same theory used for automating cars. The pack is safe as long as they travel at the same speed.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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That's called road rage, and is illegal. When in the presence of an idiot like that, just let him get past you and relax. Your brief moment of satisfaction is not worth an expensive ticket, accident, or getting shot. OK, in Bellevue the last is not likely, but I have seen it happen in CA.
Every so often a gap will open up in the right lane, perhaps because someone took an exit. Some drivers will see that gap, move over to the right lane, pass as many cars on the right as they can, and then try to jump back over to the left lane thus gaining a few 'places in line' so to speak. I view this as queue-jumping and a word I'm not allowed to say here on CD. I will speed up just a little to make it difficult for them to get back over in the left lane.
Why? What makes it any of your business? Just drive your own damned car and mind your own damned business.
Why? What makes it any of your business? Just drive your own damned car and mind your own damned business.
Why? Is that a serious question?
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