What gives with traffic on I-5 between Seattle and Tacoma?

[trysometh]

Originally Posted by tobester

FYI - maximum speed allowed is 60 mph, so what's the problem?

people like u cause road rage and accidents, u dont drive 60 in the left lane

[pnwguy2]

True. The fast lane, (excepting car pool lanes), is meant for passing, but this definition has become more of a "if you like to speed, this is your lane". Probably more importantly, the WSP seems to to allow this as well, as they do in CA and other big states. Bottom line, if you want to drive at the speed limit, stay out of the left lane. And trying to prove a point by slowing the fast lane down should be a traffic offense. This creates even more road rage and unfortunately, some enjoy creating this. Sad, and ILLEAGAL! some WA drivers should get a clue about this and should be ticketed for this purely selfish illegal offense.

[elkotronics]

And just ta add ta the "oops - I didn't know that" driving omission - you're supposed ta signal your intention ta change lanes. That means the smaller 35mph speed limit connecting roads and on the freeway. If it's a smaller 2-way road with oncoming traffic, you would signal your intention to turn left or right off of the road.

If it's 2 or 3 lanes going each way on the freeway, if you're changing lanes, you don't just slowly fade in front of somebody without signaling your intention to change lanes! When did Americans decide that they could be as lazy on the road as they are at home or work?

I noticed this sort of thing get much worse as the 1990's progressed along. By 2005-10 it was in full swing. Now it's all over, everywhere. But it's illegal. I wish small town cops, big town police and Sheriff Longmire out in the boonies of Wyoming all pulled people over and ticketed them for doing this.

Is it sort of a ^&** you! to everyone else on the road type of thing? Or, like I mentioned, are Americans getting lazier by the year? Or, just one more sign that we're truly living in the time of the end of this system of things? Think deep about the last reason before puffawing it out your car window as mindless junk. I'm not the one leaving signaling your intention ta change lanes out of the picture here.

[homesinseattle]

We are blessed and cursed by hills and water, only so many places roads could be built.

[CrazyDonkey]

Originally Posted by elkotronics

And just ta add ta the "oops - I didn't know that" driving omission - you're supposed ta signal your intention ta change lanes. That means the smaller 35mph speed limit connecting roads and on the freeway. If it's a smaller 2-way road with oncoming traffic, you would signal your intention to turn left or right off of the road.

If it's 2 or 3 lanes going each way on the freeway, if you're changing lanes, you don't just slowly fade in front of somebody without signaling your intention to change lanes! When did Americans decide that they could be as lazy on the road as they are at home or work?

Aggressive drivers seldom signal - they're too busy weaving between cars (forcing others to hit the brakes and slowing down the overall traffic flow). The slow drifting lane change, sans signal, is more passive-aggressive. Signalling to me is simple road etiquette - to too many others, however, it is a sign to speed up and close the gap.

[pnwguy2]

Originally Posted by CrazyDonkey

Aggressive drivers seldom signal - they're too busy weaving between cars (forcing others to hit the brakes and slowing down the overall traffic flow). The slow drifting lane change, sans signal, is more passive-aggressive. Signalling to me is simple road etiquette - to too many others, however, it is a sign to speed up and close the gap.

Good post, Crazy, however what I was trying to get at was those who deliberately slow down the fast lane, driving the posted limit, or even below just to prove a point. My gawd, these folks would be mowed over (and I mean that in the best sense of the word), in LA, Phoenix, Houston, Miami, or Boston. If not "mowed over, atleast 2 feet between vehicles, flashing headlights, horn honking, etc.

Yes, these things happen rarely in Seattle, but (IMO), should!

Sometimes Seattle is described as "passive/aggressve". But my experience is they are both, and not always at the same time. Occasionally, one driver starts out as passive, but become aggressive. Mostly, creating even more problems with road rage.

So the answer is simple. One, follow the rules of the road. Move over if you are driving under the prevailing
speed limit. Also move over if someone chooses to speed. As a citizen you are not a speed enforcement officer. So let them by and your blood pressure will decrease.

Seattle drivers in general seem to be lost in 1960. Understand it is not your job to enforce speeding. It IS your job to move over to allow faster drivers to pass you, unless you think this is an insult to your manhood or womanhood, in which case, then I can't help you.

[Blast'Em]

Originally Posted by pnwguy2

Good post, Crazy, however what I was trying to get at was those who deliberately slow down the fast lane, driving the posted limit, or even below just to prove a point. My gawd, these folks would be mowed over (and I mean that in the best sense of the word), in LA, Phoenix, Houston, Miami, or Boston. If not "mowed over, atleast 2 feet between vehicles, flashing headlights, horn honking, etc.

Yes, these things happen rarely in Seattle, but (IMO), should!

Sometimes Seattle is described as "passive/aggressve". But my experience is they are both, and not always at the same time. Occasionally, one driver starts out as passive, but become aggressive. Mostly, creating even more problems with road rage.

So the answer is simple. One, follow the rules of the road. Move over if you are driving under the prevailing
speed limit. Also move over if someone chooses to speed. As a citizen you are not a speed enforcement officer. So let them by and your blood pressure will decrease.

Seattle drivers in general seem to be lost in 1960. Understand it is not your job to enforce speeding. It IS your job to move over to allow faster drivers to pass you, unless you think this is an insult to your manhood or womanhood, in which case, then I can't help you.

yea i noticed people are annoying here like that