Trucks driving in left lane on 35E? (calculation, law)

[el_greco]

Has anybody else noticed the unusual number of trucks(18 wheelers) that just stay driving in the left lane up and down 35E? Is there any reason for this? Usually truckers are good about the keep right unless passing rule but on this road everyday I see numerous trucks just driving in the left most lane not passing anybody. Many times I've seen one driving there and there is nobody even around them in the right lanes, so its not like they are having trouble passing or taking time to get speed up. They're just driving there which is really weird. By my calculations traffic could be decreased about 30% if the trucks were keeping right.

[LeagleEagleDFW]

Most truckers I see are jerks on 35.

[move4ward]

Whether they are in the middle, left, or right, I find it always hard to pass them anyway. Even if the truck is perfectly centered in their lane, they nearly side swipe you around the curves with their trailer. There are accidents every day.

Thank goodness, I don't commute through that area.

[2URGSE]

I notice this on 75 too. My theory is that staying in the left lane allows them to maintain a more constant speed and due to less cars trying to switch into/out of left lanes. I think another reason is that there are many cars that for some reason travel way below the speed limit (e.g. 55 mph) on the right lanes. The truckers would need to be frequently changing lanes and adjusting speeds dues to these cars that travel slower than the flow of the traffic.

That being said, I think there should be a clear law that forbids 18 wheelers from being in the left lane, and that lane should be reserved for passing and faster traffic.

[Telegan]

Originally Posted by 2URGSE

That being said, I think there should be a clear law that forbids 18 wheelers from being in the left lane, and that lane should be reserved for passing and faster traffic.

There are already laws and signs that specifically forbid trucks from entering the left lane except for passing, but they're only for certain stretches of I35, I20, etc.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

There are a ton of potholes on I-35 in the right lane. The left is much smoother by comparison ( but not really smooth). I also agree with 2URGSE.

[1908WAGY]

I hate driving on the 35E every morning. I just starting driving on Harry Hines local.

[LeagleEagleDFW]

Originally Posted by 2URGSE

That being said, I think there should be a clear law that forbids 18 wheelers from being in the left lane, and that lane should be reserved for passing and faster traffic.

There is. Cruising in the left hand lane is specifically forbidden in the Texas Transportation Code.

[GiantCow]

I think with 35 there are times where the exits are on the left lane so I don't know if that has anything to do with it, unlike most other highways where all the exits are on the right.

35 is a mess though. I'm glad I only have to drive on it a little bit before getting on 183.