Life in the Fast Lane
The NMA has long been a vocal proponent of lane courtesy. In fact, we continually promote the safety practice of moving to the right to allow faster traffic to pass, putting a special emphasis on educating the public by designating every June as Lane Courtesy Month.
The pleasure and freedom of motoring around on our nation’s highways can be ruined by just one slow driver hogging the left-hand lane. Traffic ceases to be free-flowing, and the resulting congestion causes sudden braking, rapid lane changes and irritation to even the most mild-mannered of motorists. Unsettled drivers and constricted driving conditions are a terrible combination for safe traveling.
Most states have “slower traffic keep right” laws, but seldom are those laws enforced. Georgia State Representative Mark Butler has had enough and, as any good Bulldog fan would do, wants to put more teeth into the penalties for left lane blockers. His bill, HB 1047, was introduced a few weeks ago and would charge violators a minimum $75 fine.
Motorists are subjected to too many fines, fees and surcharges, and the NMA speaks out regularly against such penalties. It may seem paradoxical that we would support Rep. Butler’s bill, which has since reported out of the House Committee favorably, but it has two things going for it:
- It may actually lower the current misdemeanor penalty for lane hogging which carries a maximum fine of $1000.
- Additional exposure of this underreported topic is always welcome.
Moving right to clear the left lane for faster moving traffic is a very important concept for traffic safety, and for the continued enjoyment of the roadways by the motoring public. We’ll see if Georgia has found a way to drive this point home.
Newsletter Archives:
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Want to find the speed traps in your neighborhood?
Check out the NMA’s speed trap registry at www.speedtrap.org.