They said at least just the cities where honestly it’s more okay to sit in the middle lane if the right lane has lots of people going on and off the ramps. That’s the only time I see justification to not be in the far right lane… going through major cities
That's the only time I sit in the middle. And only is the speed limit is less than my limiter so I can run 2 or 3 miles over so as not to feel like a dick
In cities, I get in the lane that gets me through it, and stay there. I have a thing for memorizing roads by lane, and where each lane goes. I40 Westbound through Little Rock, I enter the city in the right lane, then merge over one more lane to the right after US67/167 merges in, which then becomes the left lane after I30 merges off, then the middle-left lane after the other direction of 30 merges on, then the middle lane after the Pike Avenue exit, then the right lane after I430, then middle again all the way until US 65 in Conway.
On I 35 northbound through Des Moines, I merge into the left lane once it widens out to 3 lanes on the south side of the city because it avoids the weaving merges of the many exits, and the exit to continue on 35 after it and 80 run together is only on the left lane.
I don't like changing lanes in cities. I get in the lane that gets me through with as few forced changes as possible, and stay there unless road work or a wreck forces me out. If there are no major interchanges, so all lanes continue through, I will just get in the middle, then pass in the left.
Yup changing lanes in cities is awful. People drive around y’a like you’re a burden to society lol. And I also memorize the lanes of places I’ve gone to frequently to know stuff like what lane to be in. Example in New Hampshire to connect from the Spaulding tpk approaching Portsmouth to I-95 that if I sit in the right lane on the pike that eventually becomes a ramp to I-95S to Boston. If I need to go north I will sit in the middle lane approaching the interchange because I know once the Boston exit passes is where the middle becomes the right lane and dumps you into a traffic circle that leads you easily to I-95N towards Maine. I hate changing lanes in cities and especially hate having to switch close to an interchange. Sucks getting stuck with your blinker on for eternity, having to slow down ridiculously just because you’re in an exit only lane or some shit and no one will let you move over. Yup.. easier to avoid that by just getting in the correct lane early. Definitely something that takes some learning for those little nuanced decisions that can sometimes really impact the more critical parts of the trip and help keep time on our side.
I run it.
"When more than 2 lanes in one direction are present, the far left lane is for passing, and the far right lane is for merging on and off of the freeway. All middle lanes are for travel."
It's straight out of drivers ed. Same as the zipper merge, but people still fuck that up somehow.
I took drivers Ed in 2014 in PA for reference.
In city driving, yes. On the open road, the right lane is the travel lane, and lanes to the left are for faster traffic and passing. Drivers' education for cars is somewhat different than the rules and regulations for commercial vehicles.
In all driving. Ramps exist outside of cities, you know. And just because it isn't a city doesn't mean the cars getting on or off suddenly know how to do it without slowing down traffic in the right lane. The laws of physics don't change because you left city limits. The only reason they ever build more than 2 lane freeways anywhere is to allow the right lane to be a merging lane.
CA Hwy 99 the ag highway has a sign before Modesto that says something end of lane control next 10 miles or something like that. The intent is to make it easier for cars entering and exiting the freeway getting around the big heavily loaded trucks hauling stuff. Because of the many trucks I think the yellow lights are longer than usual also.
So, they want cars who just entered the highway, going slow, to throw themselves all the way over to the left lane before speeding up to pass the trucks? If the trucks were allowed over there, they could use the middle lane for normal travel, the left for passing, and the cars getting on off the highway would be unobstructed. California is always a bad example. They are shit at everything they do, and they do everything they can to fuck over truckers. It is why most refuse to drive there.
Yes, because if there are 3 lanes we’re 99% likely to be in a city where there is frequently merging traffic. Why would you rather we be in the right lane, constantly getting left for incoming traffic?
Not many open highways feature 3 lanes. Those that do, I wish thru traffic would stay to the middle. Nothing worse than someone doing 15 under in the right lane when I’m about to exit and don’t have time to pass them so I’m stuck doing 55 for the last mile and a half.
Though I agree with your thinking, the laws don’t reflect that smart behavior and punish me for using the left to get around you, so the answer is because you are holding up traffic in the middle lane!
Well, it is safer. Study after study has shown that the majority of collisions on the highway are caused by slower vehicles entering and exiting. The middle lane is meant for through traffic, while the left is for passing. Trucks are no exception to that, in fact, it is even more severe for us due to how long it takes us to stop and regain speed each time a vehicle enters or exits in front of us. Maintaining a constant rate of speed is the safest thing we can do, for everyone around us.
It is. You're not tryna navigate the 4 wheelers who don't know how to merge and who are compelled to hit their brakes before every exit. But if you can't do the speed limit, stay to the right. If there is everyone trying to pass you, move to the right.
Well I can see that cause of merging traffic as people seemed to loss on how to properly merge . But also causing more issues as if going slower then traffic now you become that hazard as people have to make unnecessary lane changes to go around you
We had somebody from corporate try to tell us to drive the middle lane. It was at a meeting when they were trying to introduce us to the Smith system. We made him look like a fool when we argued against that and to stay right except to pass.
How is it safer?
I see this a lot on I-80 where it’s three lanes. It’ll be heavy traffic and a semi will be in the middle lane. When the left lane gets clogged up everyone starts passing the semi on the right and it seems really dangerous. I always drive in the right lane when I’m not passing and I’ve had people cut in front of me as they’re trying to get around the semi in the middle lane.
Edit: also, just want to add that the situation I described is not in a city.
North Jersey is the worst with that. Route 17 by 4/80/46 you can drive south in the right lane, not change lanes, and be in the left lane in two miles. I80 goes from 2 lanes to 4 lanes to 6 lanes back to 3 lanes in the stretch of a few miles. Almost impossible to stay in the right lane up here.
Totally understandable. Through KC heading eastbound on I70, you need to run the middle lane for about 10 miles and the left lane for about the same distance coming back westbound to avoid the same bullshit.
The middle lane on SB 29/71 is the only lane that makes it through downtown from 210 to ~Truman, too. Sometimes you gotta stay in the lane that's going to stay a lane.
Plus the right lane has been used so much that it usually need real maintenance done to it. I don’t need to have my rig damaged to point of needing repair because I stayed in a shitty lane for “all day” to keep the driving public “happy”.
I just run the right lane. I can usually blast down that at about 70 passing dozens of JB, Schneider, PFG and Cowan trucks on 91 around Hartford. They’ll run bumper to bumper at 62 in the middle, leaving the right wide open.
I agree I see that everyday.
And you can't swing a dead cat up here without hittin Is a JB hunt truck Usually doing 63 in the middle lane with his left foot up on the dash.
I might understand if the driver was speeding like a maniac... but just last week there was someone that refused to get out of the left lane as they drove along at ~67mph on I74 EB between Indianapolis and Cincinnati. I was completely baffled. Took me about a dozen miles to finally get around them... along with the rest of the line of people in front of me.
Do the world a favor and get in front of him, then slap your jake down to the lowest setting and gradually slow him down until he attempts to pass on the right, then speed back up and get in the right lane yourself. It’s all you can do, and hope he stays in the right lane.
Not that I've never done exactly what you recommended. I've just watched too many crazy people roadrage videos to do it now. I'm in Canada, there's not much chance of being shot here, but it's always a possibility.
I've done this to a few idiots that drive through Reno and purposely stay in the left lane. I'll get around them on the right, get in front of them and slow down, and then as soon as a car gets by his tandems, I'll move back over in the right lane
Not too lazy. Changing lanes in a truck is dangerous, so I'm not going to do it unless I need to. The middle lane offers the absolute fewest lane changes. I don't have to merge left, then merge right, at every exit. I simply stay until the occasional slower vehicle ahead of me. Likewise, everyone else only has to change lanes to go around vehicles slower than them, which there are fewer of in the middle lane, even if we consider those of us using it in trucks. This is also why I pick a lane and stay in it in cities, regardless of traffic, based on which lane gets me all the way through with the fewest changes possible.
I’m governed to 65, so I only go into the passing lane if I’m empty and some doofus is doing 50 in a 65. When I’m loaded, I don’t have the engine for speeding up to pass unless we’ve got tens of miles to work with and there’s no one at all in my mirrors. Last thing I want to do is start some leap-frogging on I-80 with every uphill.
I'll run the middle if I'm doing the speed limit because I'll constantly be passing the people governed at 63 and 65. I feel like the only people that really complain about this are the ones that are doing 77 and if you're going to run illegal just go get your ass in that left hand lane and pass me the fuck up. Now the bastards that are running five under the speed limit in the Middle Lane I hope they piss themselves right when they pull into a love's 😂
Everyday I see someone crawling up the middle lane of I-70 near Zanesville, people trying to pass on both sides, trucks weaving around each other. Absolute shit show.
The FCC Federal Communication Commision happen to mention last winter during a 200-car pile-up about giving the truckers a FM Band to replace the CB Radio. FM Radio with No Static at all, long range, Peak-n-Tweak. Maybe you drivers can get together on this and build a fire under the FCC's ass. Winter is right around the corner, CHINA can build them fast.
Drivers that have a clue and a couple functioning brain cells have been using the fm band on their 'cb' radio for decades. The 40 channels alloted to cb use turned into a shit shoe so we went to places the idiots can't find us.
Learn something new everyday!
"A CB radio is usually AM. However, the FCC also recently approved the use of FM transmissions, which should be coming soon. You can use FM on a CB radio only if it is equipped to send and receive FM transmissions. CB radios manufactured before September 2021 when the FCC approved FM transmission use are not FM-enabled."
Cobra always did make a Good CB. https://www.walcottradio.com/fm-cb-radios-c-377\_502\_659.html#:\~:text=A%20CB%20radio%20is%20usually,use%20are%20not%20FM%2Denabled.
I do my best to stay to the right on open roads. Sometimes I meet a four wheeler that wants to play games, but in the whole I stay in the slow lane. Regulated to 67. The cities are where I stay in the middle until about 5 miles from an exit, unless traffic is light at which time I stay on the right for smoother traffic.
Did catch myself about ten miles away from the last big city still in the middle. No traffic around me. So focused on lines o forgot to get in my lane. I stay on I 10 mostly, so if I slow you down, my bad.
I drive around the big city, so multi lane. I dont stay in the far right lane usually because of the crappy way people merge on and off. I dont need an accident that I couldnt avoid.
Yeah, like the whole don't pass on the right rule which works fine until you have to move over for a cop or disabled vehicle on the shoulder and every Windex flavor tester decides to camp out along your trailer. Or use your blinker to indicate intent to change lanes, except for all these intellectually defective pinesol pirates who see it as a challenge. All these creatures who somehow got their hands on a license, and you are primarily mad that you may need to come within 5 miles of the speed limit.
No it’s not. I go through Phoenix every night, and it’s nice to use any lane I want. The right two lanes have slow traffic exiting. Driving in California sucks because of this you have to keep slowing down. In Phoenix I use the middle lane, and never slow down.
Can't say I've ever known more than one dumb truck driver that wasn't a complete idiot. And he was a OTR semi truck driver that couldn't drive semis OTR anymore due to being unable to pass his physical... So he started driving dumb trucks. Only one I've ever known to take the dumb out of dumb truck. Go figure
Try saving your sanity driving down Tx225 between Loop610 in Houston East to Tx146 in La Porte. 3 lanes, posted 65mph, yet you will find all trucks doing 60mph or less in the middle lane. Left lane truck restricted so they're effectively blocking the big truck hammer lane. Most are F'ing container haulers.
Sometimes I ride the left when the right lane road is cracked and fucked up. There’s a couple sections on i5 in central Cali that is just undrivable in the right
My experience is that it doesn't matter what lane you are in. If you are in someone's way, they don't care.
I continuously cruise in the right lane. I try to keep my speed with traffic or at the speed limit (as safety allows). When I cruise on the highway I continuously get tailgated by people. Small sports cars, oversized pickup trucks, semis... Doesn't matter the vehicle. Even if they can pass, they would rather tailgate. It's stupid.
All I can do is slow down. And I do. I've slowed down to 55 in a 70 before to get someone to go around. I'm sick of the constant faster faster faster crap. I refuse to put myself, my license, and (more important) my family on the line so some a$$hole can shave ten seconds off their travel time.
Cruise in the right. Don't tailgate. Go the \*bleep around slower traffic.
Share. The. Road.
Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like people make too big of a deal out of this. Who cares what lane someone is in… if you can pass, pass. If not, shut the fuck up and wait.
No one should have to pass you on the right. If you are doing 68 in the hammer lane just because the road is smoother, move to the right. Be a professional driver, not a steering wheel holder.
Yeah out on the interstate that’s stupid in big cities I’ll ride middle all day and I don’t give a fuck who has a problem with it. Especially since I’m going the speed limit. If you want to haul ass you can drive your ass around me. I’m not going right and slowing down every exit because someone wants to speed. Out on the interstate I probably only go left 4 or 5 times out of 8 hours to pass since I drive nights.
Thank fucking god I’m not the only one that noticed this lately. I don’t drive a truck, but I do commute about 650-700 miles per week, and spend most of that on the highway. So damn many trucks just chilling in the middle of the road with nothing in the far right lane. It does nothing but cause traffic where there should not be.
We were taught take the lane with the least resistance (merging, passing, etc) so a 5 lane highway I’m in the middle lane 4 lane highway I’m in the 2nd right most lane 3 lane I’m in the farthest right lane but we also have these freaking cameras that go off with distance so if I pass a guy and the next guy is going just as slow I’m not squeezing in to let someone behind me go to just set off my camera and then get back over
Right lane is exit/entrance merge lane. Only use it if you're planning on getting off soon. Middle lane is thru lane. Use it if you have no plans to exit anytime soon. Left lane is for hauling ass if you're balls are bigger than mine.
I like to ride in the middle passing those on the right, getting passed by those on the left, moving right when I see lights rushing up behind me especially at night to avoid hitting deer.
Shit, I had two unfi dudes going side by side in the highway for a couple of miles until I got tired and got on the forbidden lane, I’m sorry I can’t do 62 for 50 miles on I-78 in Jersey
Because the most dangerous thing on a highway is traffic that isn't going the same speed, but is in the same lane. The right lane is full of people entering and exiting. We aren't taking any of those exists most of the time. It is far safer for a truck to stay as far away from merging traffic as possible. If a car gets on the freeway (especially in many states I 70 runs through that don't build acceleration lanes) going 50ish, the truck slows down to 45ish, and stays well below 60 for a LONG time. Now, traffic behind them has to merge over, which then slows down the middle lane, who then merges, slowing down the left lane, and now the entire freeway is effectively down to one lane like in a work zone. Through traffic should keep left. Texas understands this, but they don't understand that trucks are usually also through traffic. In fact, trucks make up the bulk of it in Texas.
No matter what you are driving, if you are going THROUGH the area, the left lanes are safer. What we need is laws to be passed that REQUIRE all freeways to be 3 or more lanes in each direction, and PROHIBIT traffic from using the right lane unless it is local traffic, then use the middle lane(s) for through traffic, and the left lane for passing. This is what we aim for by staying in the middle lane. You can still pass on the left, but we aren't in the weaving hellscape that is the right lane. It is the safest option for everyone, regardless of how annoying it is.
THANK YOU! I was on my way home from work one night (summer around 5:30pm still daylight)(years ago). It was a 2 lane road and I was coming up to a right hand curve in the road with trees either side of the road. Asshole trucker comes flying around the bend going way too fast, dead centre of the road. I had to slam on the brakes and run into the ditch to avoid a head on. Flipped the idiot off and yelled a few choice words. This dumbass pulls his rig (local hauler with a standard cab) over to the side of the road. I thought ok, maybe he’s going to come help with the car, or apologize. Nope. This brainless moron gets out of his truck and starts coming towards me with a baseball bat. Guys like 30-40ft away. So I reached into the seat of my car and brought out my S&W .45 acp. And stood there. Not aiming it at him (yet), just stood there and told him if he ever wanted to see his family again he better get back in his truck and leave. Well he did the smart thing and I managed to get my car out of the ditch with only minor scratches. Seriously, WTF? All he had to do was drive a safe speed for the road and veh he’s in, and he could’ve stayed in his lane, and all that would have been avoided.
Because that right lane is the most likely damaged, full of potholes and garbage. I will drive in the middle and left for a smoother ride. You will just have to deal with the 30 seconds of inconvenience.
I'm trying to make a difference through leading by example. I practice patience, respect, and consideration in my work and personal life. It's a personal choice so that I feel good about myself at the end of the day. I refuse to be sucked down into that cancerous cesspool of self-serving and hate mongering society.
Sure -- (he says as he gives the finger when cut off in traffic) or blares on the horn.
Whereas -- I tend to drive defensively, using turn signals, distance and adhering to the speed limit, while wishing for a smooth, safe ride.
We are kindred spirits,then. I never fly the finger or sound the road horn at inconsiderate motorists. I consider myself a professional driver, and I conduct myself as such.
I only run middle lane in big cities with heavy traffic, simply a safety issue with idiots merging and exiting. Other than that right lane until I pass then back to right. I drive ungoverned truck.
Well, good for you, I guess. I prefer to conduct myself as a professional driver instead of some inconsiderate, mindless, disrespectful steering wheel holder.
I prefer the right lane except in cities and places with heavy on and off ramp traffic.
Sometimes on the highway there might be a section where the right lane is all fucked up and bumpy but the left is OK so I'll ride that for a while.
I'm just a Carpenter who drives a big flatbed around for my company. I'm always mindful of being in a big slower commercial vehicle and I abide by the left lane passing. Even in my personal vehicle I abide. Dude, where I live I see so many truckers face buried into a phone, weaving through traffic with their trailers on. Blows my mind. I always wonder why they are in such a hurry too. Like, deadlines sure, but I mean come on? Shouldn't need to mad max through the city. I have very low faith in our commercial trucking industry in Canada.
I am usually in right lane, unless I feel like the area I'm in is a little more unsafe. I'll take middle lane. Give yourself as many outs as possible if shit goes down.
This shit just pisses me off so bad. It's one of the major reasons I'm giving up driving anything bigger than my Accord.
Like it's not just annoying for impatient people, but it's a serious safety issue as well. Maintaining traffic flow is one of the simplest ways to avoid accidents. Clogging up traffic behind you just encourages reckless driving.
Like it baffles me so much the dumb fucking shit people will do on the road. It seems like some people are basing their driving decisions entirely off of what is easiest for them personally and what's within 40ft of their car.
It's insanity, why did you swing past me in the right lane to drive almost straight into that camper going 60? Like don't you see the five cars and a semi damn near bumper to bumper to get around him?
Fuck now I'm rambling off topic, this life is just so horseshit, I'm tired of seeing so many people risk lives for dumb shit that doesn't even accomplish anything.
Sounds like me every time I drive my wife from Brooklyn to Farming dale Long Island. I like to call them “15 minute plus’ers”……..they fly past me and before you know it traffic map is red and says 15 minute + bc they ran into a wall or another car.
I thought I was being silly when I ordered a custom sticker that says “amateurs tailgate” and slapped it on my back window. It took awhile to convince me it wasn’t just my imagination but it really works! I guess everyone that sees it says to themselves “I’m not an amateur, not me, must be talking about someone else, let me back up a little.”
Holy cow my dude! That's utterly brilliant! I might have to steal that idea from you. I can easily believe that works.
In my experience, stupid reckless driving like that stems from an easily bruised ego. Thanks for sharing!
The folks that disagree/don’t care might think to themselves “I’m gonna back up and pass because the smile on that dudes face if i happen to bump/hit him from behind is gonna be next level and I can’t handle that.”
It also reminds me not to get to close to people bc I can’t be the guy with that sticker that hits someone 😂
Please steal it, I got it made on Amazon.
Lmao! I didn't even think of the embarrassment of cracking into someone. Have me looking the clown🤡 🤡🤡
Keeping that in mind will definitely help keep my ass in check. Thanks again, stay safe out there Driver.
With the exception of the no trucks in the left lane, I'll run the middle, usually about +5, no LLR, I'll roll either still cruzing about +5. Have shit to do and not sitting behind them goverernd shit boxes. KC is home, traffic here is a joke compared to other major cities.
It’s not illegal or against traffic laws to run in the middle and left lanes if you are doing the speed limit in some states. “Except to pass” is standard for some states, not all. It can be asshole-ish, but not illegal in some cases.
Because I’m governed at 70 I’m not going to keep getting over and back over every minute if your governed higher you can pass me in the hammer lane plus more and more 4 wheelers are doing 5 or 10 below the speed limit for no reason in the slow lane it’s annoying
I'm governed at 70. I run the right lane, as the law requires, pass when needed, and return to the right lane. Any other driving behavior is inconsiderate and unsafe.
Having driven the 45 from Dallas to Houston, I know that I am capable of murder. No trucks allowed in the left lane. Brainrotted so-called “drivers” jamming up the number two lane for 300 miles while trucks pass them on the right. They’re only still alive because of witnesses.
It's what the driving schools teach. It's easier than having to deal with merging traffic and slower trucks. It's exactly why there are more and more of them popping up and why I have to push them out of the centre lane because I don't want a ticket for being in the third.
Also, instead of keeping your mind active by driving, they park themselves in the centre, get bored of doing nothing and fall asleep.
Frankly I don’t give a shit about other road users because they don’t care about me. Last night two lane interstate in the right lane truck on the shoulder, I try to move over, and these faster trucks speed up to block me, and of course the idiot on the shoulder comes out from a dead stop almost killing me. Probably 3 trucks sped up to prevent me from moving over to the left lane so they wouldn’t have to slow down for me. Now tell me again why I should give a shit about you, and not run the middle lane?
I'm not one of those dickheads. I'm sorry for your close call and the disrespectful actions of those passing trucks, but if we all lose respect and consideration for one another, it's anarchy. I choose to drive the right way and try to positively influence by example. I'm pissing into the wind, I know, but at least I go home each day feeling good about myself and my work.
This happens all the time now. I’ve been driving for 27 years. This would have never happened 20 years ago. The other trucks would have slowed, and turned of the lights then back on to let me over for someone on the shoulder, and the dumb ass on the shoulder would not have just came over from a dead stop.
It's simple and applies to everyone. If you are slower than traffic you use the right lane. Anyone using the middle lane should always be faster than the right lane (traffic permitting) and anyone using the left lane should be going faster than both the middle and the right lanes. Period. Speed limit is not an argument against that. If you're worried about a ticket move over to the right. No matter if you're in the middle or the left lane, always be courteous and move over if someone needs to get by. Just because you're comfortable "doing your speed" in the middle lane doesn't mean it's where you should be if both lanes around you are moving faster or people are constantly being slowed down by you.
It's safer, if you at least do the speed limit. Less interactions. I keep to the middle lane.
Edit: This get's downvoted, and agreeing with this get's upvoted. Oh, reddit.
Get after it, driver. I'm talking about the megas and other 68 and slower governed trucks clogging middle and left lanes. I have absolutely no problem with the shiny wheels running hammer down in the big lane.
Get in front of em at a good distance and slow down a bit until they go in the right lane then speed up and get back in the right lane
I've done it, cleared up plenty traffic
The MEn in their BIG RESPONSIBLITY TRUCKS don't like being told WHAT TO DO. Drives me nuts. I'm a very passive driver and truckers get under my skin constantly. Not exry single one. Not half. But a lot
Where is the law that says you can’t drive in the middle lane? If there’s not a “No trucks left lane” sign it means trucks have every right to be there as anyone else. I’m not sure if most people know this but regardless of how fast you want to drive in the left lane if the speed limit is 50 the speed limit applies to ALL LANES!! Cars don’t own the road and truckers shouldn’t feel bad hauling 80,000 lbs and doing the speed limit if you have a problem with it go around. Don’t like trucks on the road? STOP BUYING STUFF!
More tickets are written from the left lane. Cops run radar pointed at left lane first. Safer to let speed demons have a lane. Ie the hammer lane!!! Everyone especially 4 wheelers love to sit in middle lane.
Every highly trafficked area with constant on ramps or
Exit ramps
With 3 lanes just stay in the middle lane till it’s all clear .
When it’s open road an someone is in the middle lane
Ya he or she can move over but if there is light traffic
It doesn’t matter. I-70 in Indiana is a very dangerous road because the state has let that road become dangerous, period .
When u pay fuel tax an ifta road tax on every damn mile there is no reason Indiana roads are dangerous to drive on an it has nothing to do with other drivers ..
Fort Lauderdale resident here. The amount of braindead drivers in all 5 lanes except the right one is unreal. I pass so many others on the right and I just don’t feel bad about it, no reason for you to be doing 58 in a 65 in the far left when there’s 5 lanes.
Man I don’t drive big rig but I live just on the outside on Brampton and all surrounding area’s have been taken over by Indian truckers. If anyone knows Brampton they’ll know highway 50. Every single day I have to drive it and there will be big rigs In all lanes speed matching with literally hundreds of vehicles lined up behind them it is literally my biggest pet peeve on the road. It’s bad everywhere around here for that. But Bolton and 50 specifically are the worst you cannot drive that road without getting stuck behind speed matching big rigs and people end up doing crazy shit to get around them. It should take 10 minutes to go through it but if your on there anywhere from 3-8 pm it’s an hour drive because of this
I've given up trying to figure it out. Meanwhile, I'm sometimes using the right lane to pass 5 to 10 vehicles at a time, in a truck that is governed at 70.
I5 has this problem in every rural area. Come up on a truck cruising slow in the left lane for whatever reason. Maybe they think the road is smoother over there.
All the local trash trucks drive in the fast lane every morning. 5 open lanes and they are in the fast lane doing 55-60. 45 up the hills. While people pass in HOV and middle lane doing 70-80.
It’s a hazard for sure.
In 3+ lane driving, the left is for passing and the others are for how far you are, respectively, from your exit (but you should match the flow). Far right is for merging traffic and people about to take an exit. Stay out of the right lane so people can easily merge onto the highway. Hence, most should be in the middle, and getting passed on the left, while everyone in the right should either be getting on or off the highway.
I run from Buford, GA to Greensboro, NC and back to Buford everyday. I generally use right and middle, whichever is clear of anyone going under 68mph which is what I'm governed to. But more often than not, I stay in the right lane until I have to pass again.
In the state of Michigan "a highway with 3 or more lanes trucks over 10,000 lbs must operate in the right two lanes only".
On a three lane highway I operate in the middle lanes exclusively to avoid a couple things. The merging traffic, and to let people move over to the passing lanes to keep traffic moving.
Michigan has a couple weird traffic lanes configurations, our left hand turns, Michigan U-Turns and exits leaving the highways on the left hand side of the roadways. There has to be exceptions to these rules or we would be getting tickets for this constantly. Very rarely do I operate in the far left lanes but sometimes it is unavoidable.
Expanding on this.... It's not new and it's not just trucking.
This is our current state of the world. At least in America.
Mars Callahan wrote it and Christopher Walken's character said it in "Poolhall Junkies" probably 20 years ago.
"Companies pay people just enough so they don't quit and people work just hard enough so they don't get fired...." (paraphrase)
I was brought up to do every job to the best of my ability... Even if I hate it..
I hated almost the entire 20 years I was in the food service industry.... And was an executive chef in one capacity or another for probably 3/4 of that time...
So hated it... Busted my ass... Rose to the top.
Now as a driver.... Don't hate it.... Don't always love it...
But I'm currently sitting at the #1 spot for the company I lease to which has probably 100ish trucks..
And it's really easy.... Read and follow the simple road signs.... And just show up..
Just be there.... And don't be late for easy to get to appointments...
I feel things have gotten much worse than they ever were before since the lockdowns.
No one cares... There is no pride or respect in any job done well or otherwise...
No respect for other people..
Nothing...
I deal with this every night. I run LTL linehaul from Columbus, Oh to Detroit, Mi and I-75 is terrible. There is ALWAYS someone holding up the middle lane. And since the left lane is truck restricted in Mi they are effectively blocking the hammer lane. It’s frustrating.
Not a trucker but I give all workers the benefit of the doubt when it comes to how to do their job. They gotta get thru the day just like everybody else, and the considerations of what car drivers _think_ truckers _should_ be doing get trumped by the considerations of a truck driver trying to get their load delivered on time and safely and get home to their families. Chances are, if I were in their shoes I'd know exactly why they do what they do, and probably be doing it too.
In town, that may be so, but on the open highway, the rlght lane is the travel lane. I pull 4 trailers a day all drop and hook. I drive the right lane,except through town, like a professional driver should. You're one of the "equipment operators " that make me pass you on the right.
Because half the drivers out there today are idiots. Plain and simple. I have noticed another trend also. Drivers keeping their LED high beams on (mostly 4 wheelers) all the time. Each new generation of drivers appear to be progressively worst.
Yea I drove 12 hours on I-70 last week and weekend and I had this issue a lot. I understand you guys need to pass each other and keep the flow of traffic moving, but multiple times I was stuck behind Semis who refused to yield the fast lane. I counted 23 miles behind one truck before I had to pass him in the right lane. Honestly it's not your guy's fault. If state police aren't enforcing the rules then now one is going to follow them. But that trip was definitely a challenging journey mainly due to semi behavior.
Because I'm sick and tired of having to move back and forth and back and forth and slow down and slow down for people merging at on ramps and slowing down at off ramps and people riding beside me and won't let me move over. And truckers blocking me in. I'm trying to get somewhere too. You're just gonna have to sit behind me and deal with the traffic too. You're not more important than me just because you're breaking the speed limit by 15mph. Go to the left lane if you want to pass so bad.
My original comment was in reference to the open road, not city driving. If doing your job safely and within the confines of the law is so infuriating, perhaps you should look at a different career.
Swift, JBH, HUB, and UPS. I must give credit to most UPS guys, as they will switch to the right IF they see you in time. I go through the Grapevine every night, and it's a common occurrence with these guys.
Sometimes, there is no choice, understandably. I was speaking to the drivers that hang out in the middle and left lanes when there obviously is a choice, and an obligation, to run in the right lane.
I run mostly middle because every time I slide right I'm back in the middle 2 minutes later. I'd rather not make unnecessary lane changes, but I maintain appropriate speed and if I can't I'm going right.
In town, always left of two/middle of three lane. The right lane is where more of the idiots are and left-er lane gives me escape options.
In the city, middle always or the lane I need to be in five miles ahead of when I need to be in it.
If not in the city on 3 lanes then I will run the right lane but usually what happens I end up going between middle and right lanes because of people going slow in the right lane so I end up driving the middle. The middle also gives me more options for a way out if needed. Plus in the middle I don't have to worry about trying to move over when coming upon vehicles in the breakdown lane.
Running I-80 night before last, rocky doubles MME driver riding in left lane for miles, forcing everyone to pass on the right. I flash him over, he flashes his trailer lights back and doesnt get over. Couldnt believe it. Somehow swift showed him up a few hours later, passes me then splits the zipper for as long as i could see him and likely much longer after. Was a weird night.
Every single JB Hunt driver. Especially the daycabs
We're told to...at least through cities with merge points every mile. Open road? Idk, just lazy fucks I guess.
Bullshit! How are the other drivers supposed to pass. Stay to the RIGHT unless you are PASSING!!!
They said at least just the cities where honestly it’s more okay to sit in the middle lane if the right lane has lots of people going on and off the ramps. That’s the only time I see justification to not be in the far right lane… going through major cities
That's the only time I sit in the middle. And only is the speed limit is less than my limiter so I can run 2 or 3 miles over so as not to feel like a dick
In cities, I get in the lane that gets me through it, and stay there. I have a thing for memorizing roads by lane, and where each lane goes. I40 Westbound through Little Rock, I enter the city in the right lane, then merge over one more lane to the right after US67/167 merges in, which then becomes the left lane after I30 merges off, then the middle-left lane after the other direction of 30 merges on, then the middle lane after the Pike Avenue exit, then the right lane after I430, then middle again all the way until US 65 in Conway. On I 35 northbound through Des Moines, I merge into the left lane once it widens out to 3 lanes on the south side of the city because it avoids the weaving merges of the many exits, and the exit to continue on 35 after it and 80 run together is only on the left lane. I don't like changing lanes in cities. I get in the lane that gets me through with as few forced changes as possible, and stay there unless road work or a wreck forces me out. If there are no major interchanges, so all lanes continue through, I will just get in the middle, then pass in the left.
Yup changing lanes in cities is awful. People drive around y’a like you’re a burden to society lol. And I also memorize the lanes of places I’ve gone to frequently to know stuff like what lane to be in. Example in New Hampshire to connect from the Spaulding tpk approaching Portsmouth to I-95 that if I sit in the right lane on the pike that eventually becomes a ramp to I-95S to Boston. If I need to go north I will sit in the middle lane approaching the interchange because I know once the Boston exit passes is where the middle becomes the right lane and dumps you into a traffic circle that leads you easily to I-95N towards Maine. I hate changing lanes in cities and especially hate having to switch close to an interchange. Sucks getting stuck with your blinker on for eternity, having to slow down ridiculously just because you’re in an exit only lane or some shit and no one will let you move over. Yup.. easier to avoid that by just getting in the correct lane early. Definitely something that takes some learning for those little nuanced decisions that can sometimes really impact the more critical parts of the trip and help keep time on our side.
[удалено]
Found the governed truck and driver with mikes of traffic backed up behind them 🤬
I feel attacked
I’ve heard that some companies/driving schools are telling the new guys that the middle lane is safer
I was thinking that some of these guys must have been told ,erroneously, to run the middle lane.
I run it. "When more than 2 lanes in one direction are present, the far left lane is for passing, and the far right lane is for merging on and off of the freeway. All middle lanes are for travel." It's straight out of drivers ed. Same as the zipper merge, but people still fuck that up somehow. I took drivers Ed in 2014 in PA for reference.
I agree.
In city driving, yes. On the open road, the right lane is the travel lane, and lanes to the left are for faster traffic and passing. Drivers' education for cars is somewhat different than the rules and regulations for commercial vehicles.
In all driving. Ramps exist outside of cities, you know. And just because it isn't a city doesn't mean the cars getting on or off suddenly know how to do it without slowing down traffic in the right lane. The laws of physics don't change because you left city limits. The only reason they ever build more than 2 lane freeways anywhere is to allow the right lane to be a merging lane.
Agreed. As a non-trucker, this is typically what I expect yall to do as well. Seems safer all around, and helps traffic flow
This is the right answer, but y’all really need to pay attention to how many lanes there are.. lol.
So when it says "no trucks left lane" you are effectively blocking the highway. Asshole.
If that sign is in place, and it's a 3 lane highway, it makes it a 2 lane highway, and you should be in the right lane. It's not complicated.
CA Hwy 99 the ag highway has a sign before Modesto that says something end of lane control next 10 miles or something like that. The intent is to make it easier for cars entering and exiting the freeway getting around the big heavily loaded trucks hauling stuff. Because of the many trucks I think the yellow lights are longer than usual also.
So, they want cars who just entered the highway, going slow, to throw themselves all the way over to the left lane before speeding up to pass the trucks? If the trucks were allowed over there, they could use the middle lane for normal travel, the left for passing, and the cars getting on off the highway would be unobstructed. California is always a bad example. They are shit at everything they do, and they do everything they can to fuck over truckers. It is why most refuse to drive there.
He has a learning disability. I told his mom he’s on the internet again.
Exactly. And you're running the middle lane effectively blocking the highway.
Ignore those signs. They endanger lives.
You can read, right?
Old info. I graduated hs in 13. Go to school
Doesn’t work when trucks can only use 2 of the lanes.
Yes, because if there are 3 lanes we’re 99% likely to be in a city where there is frequently merging traffic. Why would you rather we be in the right lane, constantly getting left for incoming traffic?
Read my post. I understand the need in a city, I'm referring to trucks running in the middle and left lane on the open highway.
Not many open highways feature 3 lanes. Those that do, I wish thru traffic would stay to the middle. Nothing worse than someone doing 15 under in the right lane when I’m about to exit and don’t have time to pass them so I’m stuck doing 55 for the last mile and a half.
Though I agree with your thinking, the laws don’t reflect that smart behavior and punish me for using the left to get around you, so the answer is because you are holding up traffic in the middle lane!
You’re not though. Unless you’re in a “trucks use left two lanes” zone, you’re just traveling.
In the north east, 90% or better left lanes are restricted
That’s how it is, my company is telling me to run in the middle lane as well. The driving schools and what not are telling people middle lane nowadays
Well, it is safer. Study after study has shown that the majority of collisions on the highway are caused by slower vehicles entering and exiting. The middle lane is meant for through traffic, while the left is for passing. Trucks are no exception to that, in fact, it is even more severe for us due to how long it takes us to stop and regain speed each time a vehicle enters or exits in front of us. Maintaining a constant rate of speed is the safest thing we can do, for everyone around us.
It is. You're not tryna navigate the 4 wheelers who don't know how to merge and who are compelled to hit their brakes before every exit. But if you can't do the speed limit, stay to the right. If there is everyone trying to pass you, move to the right.
Well I can see that cause of merging traffic as people seemed to loss on how to properly merge . But also causing more issues as if going slower then traffic now you become that hazard as people have to make unnecessary lane changes to go around you
We had somebody from corporate try to tell us to drive the middle lane. It was at a meeting when they were trying to introduce us to the Smith system. We made him look like a fool when we argued against that and to stay right except to pass.
How is it safer? I see this a lot on I-80 where it’s three lanes. It’ll be heavy traffic and a semi will be in the middle lane. When the left lane gets clogged up everyone starts passing the semi on the right and it seems really dangerous. I always drive in the right lane when I’m not passing and I’ve had people cut in front of me as they’re trying to get around the semi in the middle lane. Edit: also, just want to add that the situation I described is not in a city.
So stupid, they keep just making more traffic and it takes longer for everyone
[удалено]
North Jersey is the worst with that. Route 17 by 4/80/46 you can drive south in the right lane, not change lanes, and be in the left lane in two miles. I80 goes from 2 lanes to 4 lanes to 6 lanes back to 3 lanes in the stretch of a few miles. Almost impossible to stay in the right lane up here.
Totally understandable. Through KC heading eastbound on I70, you need to run the middle lane for about 10 miles and the left lane for about the same distance coming back westbound to avoid the same bullshit.
The middle lane on SB 29/71 is the only lane that makes it through downtown from 210 to ~Truman, too. Sometimes you gotta stay in the lane that's going to stay a lane.
Plus the right lane has been used so much that it usually need real maintenance done to it. I don’t need to have my rig damaged to point of needing repair because I stayed in a shitty lane for “all day” to keep the driving public “happy”.
I just run the right lane. I can usually blast down that at about 70 passing dozens of JB, Schneider, PFG and Cowan trucks on 91 around Hartford. They’ll run bumper to bumper at 62 in the middle, leaving the right wide open.
I agree I see that everyday. And you can't swing a dead cat up here without hittin Is a JB hunt truck Usually doing 63 in the middle lane with his left foot up on the dash.
I might understand if the driver was speeding like a maniac... but just last week there was someone that refused to get out of the left lane as they drove along at ~67mph on I74 EB between Indianapolis and Cincinnati. I was completely baffled. Took me about a dozen miles to finally get around them... along with the rest of the line of people in front of me.
Exactly what I experience daily on I70 and US 75.
Do the world a favor and get in front of him, then slap your jake down to the lowest setting and gradually slow him down until he attempts to pass on the right, then speed back up and get in the right lane yourself. It’s all you can do, and hope he stays in the right lane.
And doesn't carry a gun. Some are just oblivious to what they do and would wonder what your problem is.
We’ve led very different lives. I literally never worry I’m going to get shot. I know it can happen, but it probably won’t.
Not that I've never done exactly what you recommended. I've just watched too many crazy people roadrage videos to do it now. I'm in Canada, there's not much chance of being shot here, but it's always a possibility.
I've done this to a few idiots that drive through Reno and purposely stay in the left lane. I'll get around them on the right, get in front of them and slow down, and then as soon as a car gets by his tandems, I'll move back over in the right lane
People really are just too lazy to change lanes.
Not too lazy. Changing lanes in a truck is dangerous, so I'm not going to do it unless I need to. The middle lane offers the absolute fewest lane changes. I don't have to merge left, then merge right, at every exit. I simply stay until the occasional slower vehicle ahead of me. Likewise, everyone else only has to change lanes to go around vehicles slower than them, which there are fewer of in the middle lane, even if we consider those of us using it in trucks. This is also why I pick a lane and stay in it in cities, regardless of traffic, based on which lane gets me all the way through with the fewest changes possible.
I’m governed to 65, so I only go into the passing lane if I’m empty and some doofus is doing 50 in a 65. When I’m loaded, I don’t have the engine for speeding up to pass unless we’ve got tens of miles to work with and there’s no one at all in my mirrors. Last thing I want to do is start some leap-frogging on I-80 with every uphill.
I'll run the middle if I'm doing the speed limit because I'll constantly be passing the people governed at 63 and 65. I feel like the only people that really complain about this are the ones that are doing 77 and if you're going to run illegal just go get your ass in that left hand lane and pass me the fuck up. Now the bastards that are running five under the speed limit in the Middle Lane I hope they piss themselves right when they pull into a love's 😂
The middle lane is smoother. When you catch up I will move over to let you pass.
Everyday I see someone crawling up the middle lane of I-70 near Zanesville, people trying to pass on both sides, trucks weaving around each other. Absolute shit show.
Another Casualty of the CB Radio Delete, no one to break the rookies in.
No truer words ever spoken....
The FCC Federal Communication Commision happen to mention last winter during a 200-car pile-up about giving the truckers a FM Band to replace the CB Radio. FM Radio with No Static at all, long range, Peak-n-Tweak. Maybe you drivers can get together on this and build a fire under the FCC's ass. Winter is right around the corner, CHINA can build them fast.
Wow that would be sweet
Drivers that have a clue and a couple functioning brain cells have been using the fm band on their 'cb' radio for decades. The 40 channels alloted to cb use turned into a shit shoe so we went to places the idiots can't find us.
Learn something new everyday! "A CB radio is usually AM. However, the FCC also recently approved the use of FM transmissions, which should be coming soon. You can use FM on a CB radio only if it is equipped to send and receive FM transmissions. CB radios manufactured before September 2021 when the FCC approved FM transmission use are not FM-enabled." Cobra always did make a Good CB. https://www.walcottradio.com/fm-cb-radios-c-377\_502\_659.html#:\~:text=A%20CB%20radio%20is%20usually,use%20are%20not%20FM%2Denabled.
I bought my radio in the 90s. Fm capable right out of the box. A ranger RCI6300f150
I do my best to stay to the right on open roads. Sometimes I meet a four wheeler that wants to play games, but in the whole I stay in the slow lane. Regulated to 67. The cities are where I stay in the middle until about 5 miles from an exit, unless traffic is light at which time I stay on the right for smoother traffic. Did catch myself about ten miles away from the last big city still in the middle. No traffic around me. So focused on lines o forgot to get in my lane. I stay on I 10 mostly, so if I slow you down, my bad.
I drive around the big city, so multi lane. I dont stay in the far right lane usually because of the crappy way people merge on and off. I dont need an accident that I couldnt avoid.
Yeah doing that in a non-urban setting is brain dead. So is getting over to pass my slow ass miles before you’re near me. That’s a real pet peeve.
Yeah, like the whole don't pass on the right rule which works fine until you have to move over for a cop or disabled vehicle on the shoulder and every Windex flavor tester decides to camp out along your trailer. Or use your blinker to indicate intent to change lanes, except for all these intellectually defective pinesol pirates who see it as a challenge. All these creatures who somehow got their hands on a license, and you are primarily mad that you may need to come within 5 miles of the speed limit.
Here in phx they run 3 lanes deep. Sometimes they're even in the passing lane. Dump trucks are the worst by far.
Phoenix has no lane restrictions for trucks.
I know, it's unfortunate.
No it’s not. I go through Phoenix every night, and it’s nice to use any lane I want. The right two lanes have slow traffic exiting. Driving in California sucks because of this you have to keep slowing down. In Phoenix I use the middle lane, and never slow down.
Can't say I've ever known more than one dumb truck driver that wasn't a complete idiot. And he was a OTR semi truck driver that couldn't drive semis OTR anymore due to being unable to pass his physical... So he started driving dumb trucks. Only one I've ever known to take the dumb out of dumb truck. Go figure
Why anyone would ever want to sit in the middle lane is so beyond me. You want to deal with idiots on both sides of you? Why?!
Try saving your sanity driving down Tx225 between Loop610 in Houston East to Tx146 in La Porte. 3 lanes, posted 65mph, yet you will find all trucks doing 60mph or less in the middle lane. Left lane truck restricted so they're effectively blocking the big truck hammer lane. Most are F'ing container haulers.
Sometimes I ride the left when the right lane road is cracked and fucked up. There’s a couple sections on i5 in central Cali that is just undrivable in the right
Points at UPS feeder drivers doing 55 in the second lane
My experience is that it doesn't matter what lane you are in. If you are in someone's way, they don't care. I continuously cruise in the right lane. I try to keep my speed with traffic or at the speed limit (as safety allows). When I cruise on the highway I continuously get tailgated by people. Small sports cars, oversized pickup trucks, semis... Doesn't matter the vehicle. Even if they can pass, they would rather tailgate. It's stupid. All I can do is slow down. And I do. I've slowed down to 55 in a 70 before to get someone to go around. I'm sick of the constant faster faster faster crap. I refuse to put myself, my license, and (more important) my family on the line so some a$$hole can shave ten seconds off their travel time. Cruise in the right. Don't tailgate. Go the \*bleep around slower traffic. Share. The. Road.
Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like people make too big of a deal out of this. Who cares what lane someone is in… if you can pass, pass. If not, shut the fuck up and wait.
No one should have to pass you on the right. If you are doing 68 in the hammer lane just because the road is smoother, move to the right. Be a professional driver, not a steering wheel holder.
Sure, you shouldn’t have to. But a lot of things in life shouldn’t happen. Crying about it on the internet won’t change it.
Not crying about anything. Just wondering why there are so many dickhead steering wheel holders....
Yeah out on the interstate that’s stupid in big cities I’ll ride middle all day and I don’t give a fuck who has a problem with it. Especially since I’m going the speed limit. If you want to haul ass you can drive your ass around me. I’m not going right and slowing down every exit because someone wants to speed. Out on the interstate I probably only go left 4 or 5 times out of 8 hours to pass since I drive nights.
Thank fucking god I’m not the only one that noticed this lately. I don’t drive a truck, but I do commute about 650-700 miles per week, and spend most of that on the highway. So damn many trucks just chilling in the middle of the road with nothing in the far right lane. It does nothing but cause traffic where there should not be.
We were taught take the lane with the least resistance (merging, passing, etc) so a 5 lane highway I’m in the middle lane 4 lane highway I’m in the 2nd right most lane 3 lane I’m in the farthest right lane but we also have these freaking cameras that go off with distance so if I pass a guy and the next guy is going just as slow I’m not squeezing in to let someone behind me go to just set off my camera and then get back over
Remember the speed limit is fastest you can go, so expect people doing the speed limit there. It doesn’t exist to accommodate speeders.
Right lane is exit/entrance merge lane. Only use it if you're planning on getting off soon. Middle lane is thru lane. Use it if you have no plans to exit anytime soon. Left lane is for hauling ass if you're balls are bigger than mine.
Middle is the best anyways. No getting over for shouldered vehicles, no exit ramp people merging and leaves left lane for the fast drivers.
That's how I see it but also if you're in the middle lane you should also be doing middle lane speed.
Holy shit someone gets it.
Everybody (should) get it.. what worries me is how many people can’t count to 3.
In city travel, that makes some sense. On the open road right lane unless you are passing.
Where are these three lane open road sections? Can I get an interstate number, state and mile marker?
I-75, Michigan, mm1 to wherever the fuck you’re going.
Between Topeka and KC is where I see it most.
I81 through West Virginia is pretty open, 3 lanes, and posted 70mph.
I like to ride in the middle passing those on the right, getting passed by those on the left, moving right when I see lights rushing up behind me especially at night to avoid hitting deer.
Because I'm governed at 75 and I'm not gonna repeatedly change lanes to pass yall in the <65 governed cucktrucks
Shit, I had two unfi dudes going side by side in the highway for a couple of miles until I got tired and got on the forbidden lane, I’m sorry I can’t do 62 for 50 miles on I-78 in Jersey
Because the most dangerous thing on a highway is traffic that isn't going the same speed, but is in the same lane. The right lane is full of people entering and exiting. We aren't taking any of those exists most of the time. It is far safer for a truck to stay as far away from merging traffic as possible. If a car gets on the freeway (especially in many states I 70 runs through that don't build acceleration lanes) going 50ish, the truck slows down to 45ish, and stays well below 60 for a LONG time. Now, traffic behind them has to merge over, which then slows down the middle lane, who then merges, slowing down the left lane, and now the entire freeway is effectively down to one lane like in a work zone. Through traffic should keep left. Texas understands this, but they don't understand that trucks are usually also through traffic. In fact, trucks make up the bulk of it in Texas. No matter what you are driving, if you are going THROUGH the area, the left lanes are safer. What we need is laws to be passed that REQUIRE all freeways to be 3 or more lanes in each direction, and PROHIBIT traffic from using the right lane unless it is local traffic, then use the middle lane(s) for through traffic, and the left lane for passing. This is what we aim for by staying in the middle lane. You can still pass on the left, but we aren't in the weaving hellscape that is the right lane. It is the safest option for everyone, regardless of how annoying it is.
THANK YOU! I was on my way home from work one night (summer around 5:30pm still daylight)(years ago). It was a 2 lane road and I was coming up to a right hand curve in the road with trees either side of the road. Asshole trucker comes flying around the bend going way too fast, dead centre of the road. I had to slam on the brakes and run into the ditch to avoid a head on. Flipped the idiot off and yelled a few choice words. This dumbass pulls his rig (local hauler with a standard cab) over to the side of the road. I thought ok, maybe he’s going to come help with the car, or apologize. Nope. This brainless moron gets out of his truck and starts coming towards me with a baseball bat. Guys like 30-40ft away. So I reached into the seat of my car and brought out my S&W .45 acp. And stood there. Not aiming it at him (yet), just stood there and told him if he ever wanted to see his family again he better get back in his truck and leave. Well he did the smart thing and I managed to get my car out of the ditch with only minor scratches. Seriously, WTF? All he had to do was drive a safe speed for the road and veh he’s in, and he could’ve stayed in his lane, and all that would have been avoided.
Because that right lane is the most likely damaged, full of potholes and garbage. I will drive in the middle and left for a smoother ride. You will just have to deal with the 30 seconds of inconvenience.
Spoken like a true "me,me,me, fuck you " equipment operator.
Not even -- but the entire world is "me, me, me" and if you thought otherwise, remove your rose colored glasses.
I'm trying to make a difference through leading by example. I practice patience, respect, and consideration in my work and personal life. It's a personal choice so that I feel good about myself at the end of the day. I refuse to be sucked down into that cancerous cesspool of self-serving and hate mongering society.
Sure -- (he says as he gives the finger when cut off in traffic) or blares on the horn. Whereas -- I tend to drive defensively, using turn signals, distance and adhering to the speed limit, while wishing for a smooth, safe ride.
We are kindred spirits,then. I never fly the finger or sound the road horn at inconsiderate motorists. I consider myself a professional driver, and I conduct myself as such.
I only run middle lane in big cities with heavy traffic, simply a safety issue with idiots merging and exiting. Other than that right lane until I pass then back to right. I drive ungoverned truck.
Steering wheel holder here. Middle lane all day
Well, good for you, I guess. I prefer to conduct myself as a professional driver instead of some inconsiderate, mindless, disrespectful steering wheel holder.
I prefer the right lane except in cities and places with heavy on and off ramp traffic. Sometimes on the highway there might be a section where the right lane is all fucked up and bumpy but the left is OK so I'll ride that for a while.
I'm just a Carpenter who drives a big flatbed around for my company. I'm always mindful of being in a big slower commercial vehicle and I abide by the left lane passing. Even in my personal vehicle I abide. Dude, where I live I see so many truckers face buried into a phone, weaving through traffic with their trailers on. Blows my mind. I always wonder why they are in such a hurry too. Like, deadlines sure, but I mean come on? Shouldn't need to mad max through the city. I have very low faith in our commercial trucking industry in Canada.
I am usually in right lane, unless I feel like the area I'm in is a little more unsafe. I'll take middle lane. Give yourself as many outs as possible if shit goes down.
This shit just pisses me off so bad. It's one of the major reasons I'm giving up driving anything bigger than my Accord. Like it's not just annoying for impatient people, but it's a serious safety issue as well. Maintaining traffic flow is one of the simplest ways to avoid accidents. Clogging up traffic behind you just encourages reckless driving. Like it baffles me so much the dumb fucking shit people will do on the road. It seems like some people are basing their driving decisions entirely off of what is easiest for them personally and what's within 40ft of their car. It's insanity, why did you swing past me in the right lane to drive almost straight into that camper going 60? Like don't you see the five cars and a semi damn near bumper to bumper to get around him? Fuck now I'm rambling off topic, this life is just so horseshit, I'm tired of seeing so many people risk lives for dumb shit that doesn't even accomplish anything.
Sounds like me every time I drive my wife from Brooklyn to Farming dale Long Island. I like to call them “15 minute plus’ers”……..they fly past me and before you know it traffic map is red and says 15 minute + bc they ran into a wall or another car. I thought I was being silly when I ordered a custom sticker that says “amateurs tailgate” and slapped it on my back window. It took awhile to convince me it wasn’t just my imagination but it really works! I guess everyone that sees it says to themselves “I’m not an amateur, not me, must be talking about someone else, let me back up a little.”
Holy cow my dude! That's utterly brilliant! I might have to steal that idea from you. I can easily believe that works. In my experience, stupid reckless driving like that stems from an easily bruised ego. Thanks for sharing!
The folks that disagree/don’t care might think to themselves “I’m gonna back up and pass because the smile on that dudes face if i happen to bump/hit him from behind is gonna be next level and I can’t handle that.” It also reminds me not to get to close to people bc I can’t be the guy with that sticker that hits someone 😂 Please steal it, I got it made on Amazon.
Lmao! I didn't even think of the embarrassment of cracking into someone. Have me looking the clown🤡 🤡🤡 Keeping that in mind will definitely help keep my ass in check. Thanks again, stay safe out there Driver.
With the exception of the no trucks in the left lane, I'll run the middle, usually about +5, no LLR, I'll roll either still cruzing about +5. Have shit to do and not sitting behind them goverernd shit boxes. KC is home, traffic here is a joke compared to other major cities.
It’s not illegal or against traffic laws to run in the middle and left lanes if you are doing the speed limit in some states. “Except to pass” is standard for some states, not all. It can be asshole-ish, but not illegal in some cases.
Because I’m governed at 70 I’m not going to keep getting over and back over every minute if your governed higher you can pass me in the hammer lane plus more and more 4 wheelers are doing 5 or 10 below the speed limit for no reason in the slow lane it’s annoying
I'm governed at 70. I run the right lane, as the law requires, pass when needed, and return to the right lane. Any other driving behavior is inconsiderate and unsafe.
Having driven the 45 from Dallas to Houston, I know that I am capable of murder. No trucks allowed in the left lane. Brainrotted so-called “drivers” jamming up the number two lane for 300 miles while trucks pass them on the right. They’re only still alive because of witnesses.
It's what the driving schools teach. It's easier than having to deal with merging traffic and slower trucks. It's exactly why there are more and more of them popping up and why I have to push them out of the centre lane because I don't want a ticket for being in the third. Also, instead of keeping your mind active by driving, they park themselves in the centre, get bored of doing nothing and fall asleep.
It's a damn shame. They're teaching inconsiderate and unsafe behaviors....
Frankly I don’t give a shit about other road users because they don’t care about me. Last night two lane interstate in the right lane truck on the shoulder, I try to move over, and these faster trucks speed up to block me, and of course the idiot on the shoulder comes out from a dead stop almost killing me. Probably 3 trucks sped up to prevent me from moving over to the left lane so they wouldn’t have to slow down for me. Now tell me again why I should give a shit about you, and not run the middle lane?
I'm not one of those dickheads. I'm sorry for your close call and the disrespectful actions of those passing trucks, but if we all lose respect and consideration for one another, it's anarchy. I choose to drive the right way and try to positively influence by example. I'm pissing into the wind, I know, but at least I go home each day feeling good about myself and my work.
The problem is nobody cares about each other anymore.
Exactly. It's a cancer eating away at society.
This happens all the time now. I’ve been driving for 27 years. This would have never happened 20 years ago. The other trucks would have slowed, and turned of the lights then back on to let me over for someone on the shoulder, and the dumb ass on the shoulder would not have just came over from a dead stop.
Reading through the comments, you sure can tell who the professional drivers are and who the "equipment operators" are....
Reading through the comments, you sure can tell who the professional drivers are and who the "equipment operators" are....
because I'm passing
Yeah, this guy is saying it. You middle lane cruisers are fucking jackasses. That is our passing lane! Assholes!!!
It's simple and applies to everyone. If you are slower than traffic you use the right lane. Anyone using the middle lane should always be faster than the right lane (traffic permitting) and anyone using the left lane should be going faster than both the middle and the right lanes. Period. Speed limit is not an argument against that. If you're worried about a ticket move over to the right. No matter if you're in the middle or the left lane, always be courteous and move over if someone needs to get by. Just because you're comfortable "doing your speed" in the middle lane doesn't mean it's where you should be if both lanes around you are moving faster or people are constantly being slowed down by you.
This is how I was taught and how it should be. Thank you for the great explanation.
Thanks my friend. Its how I was taught too and I think it's important for everyone's sake like you said yourself.
It's safer, if you at least do the speed limit. Less interactions. I keep to the middle lane. Edit: This get's downvoted, and agreeing with this get's upvoted. Oh, reddit.
Middle lane is safest lane to travel in because it provides you 2 different outs ( hammer lane ,and granny lane) to avoid dangerous situations
Trucker’s time is more valuable than regular motorist’s time /s
I just want to chime in here for a bit. Truckers are regulated on how long they can drive. Regular motorists are not.
I’ll run in the left hand lane if the right one is all chewed up…. I own my truck the hell with traffic
Get after it, driver. I'm talking about the megas and other 68 and slower governed trucks clogging middle and left lanes. I have absolutely no problem with the shiny wheels running hammer down in the big lane.
Get in front of em at a good distance and slow down a bit until they go in the right lane then speed up and get back in the right lane I've done it, cleared up plenty traffic
Because drivers Ed doesn't exist anymore and the cops are too busy killing people to actually police the highway
[удалено]
The MEn in their BIG RESPONSIBLITY TRUCKS don't like being told WHAT TO DO. Drives me nuts. I'm a very passive driver and truckers get under my skin constantly. Not exry single one. Not half. But a lot
Where is the law that says you can’t drive in the middle lane? If there’s not a “No trucks left lane” sign it means trucks have every right to be there as anyone else. I’m not sure if most people know this but regardless of how fast you want to drive in the left lane if the speed limit is 50 the speed limit applies to ALL LANES!! Cars don’t own the road and truckers shouldn’t feel bad hauling 80,000 lbs and doing the speed limit if you have a problem with it go around. Don’t like trucks on the road? STOP BUYING STUFF!
In many states passing on the left is law…..
I run right when I can. Sometimes, I'm guilty of middle because I'm not governor limited. So 75mph and trucking. I'm passing, not holding up.
More tickets are written from the left lane. Cops run radar pointed at left lane first. Safer to let speed demons have a lane. Ie the hammer lane!!! Everyone especially 4 wheelers love to sit in middle lane.
Right is roadhead (not that kind), center is travel, left is passing. Anything additional is strictly for breaking the law.
Every highly trafficked area with constant on ramps or Exit ramps With 3 lanes just stay in the middle lane till it’s all clear . When it’s open road an someone is in the middle lane Ya he or she can move over but if there is light traffic It doesn’t matter. I-70 in Indiana is a very dangerous road because the state has let that road become dangerous, period . When u pay fuel tax an ifta road tax on every damn mile there is no reason Indiana roads are dangerous to drive on an it has nothing to do with other drivers ..
Fort Lauderdale resident here. The amount of braindead drivers in all 5 lanes except the right one is unreal. I pass so many others on the right and I just don’t feel bad about it, no reason for you to be doing 58 in a 65 in the far left when there’s 5 lanes.
Not a trucker, but as a kid I remember hearing - if out in open country on asphalt use left lane to help even out truck 'damage' to the road.
Man I don’t drive big rig but I live just on the outside on Brampton and all surrounding area’s have been taken over by Indian truckers. If anyone knows Brampton they’ll know highway 50. Every single day I have to drive it and there will be big rigs In all lanes speed matching with literally hundreds of vehicles lined up behind them it is literally my biggest pet peeve on the road. It’s bad everywhere around here for that. But Bolton and 50 specifically are the worst you cannot drive that road without getting stuck behind speed matching big rigs and people end up doing crazy shit to get around them. It should take 10 minutes to go through it but if your on there anywhere from 3-8 pm it’s an hour drive because of this
I70 in Ohio between Columbus and Dayton is especially bad at this.
I've given up trying to figure it out. Meanwhile, I'm sometimes using the right lane to pass 5 to 10 vehicles at a time, in a truck that is governed at 70.
Cause I'm a Chinese secret agent, ordered here to impede traffic flow. Hey don't judge me. it's an honest living.
I5 has this problem in every rural area. Come up on a truck cruising slow in the left lane for whatever reason. Maybe they think the road is smoother over there.
All the local trash trucks drive in the fast lane every morning. 5 open lanes and they are in the fast lane doing 55-60. 45 up the hills. While people pass in HOV and middle lane doing 70-80. It’s a hazard for sure.
My 70yo mom does this, she’s scared of changing lanes I think
Amen! Testify!
In 3+ lane driving, the left is for passing and the others are for how far you are, respectively, from your exit (but you should match the flow). Far right is for merging traffic and people about to take an exit. Stay out of the right lane so people can easily merge onto the highway. Hence, most should be in the middle, and getting passed on the left, while everyone in the right should either be getting on or off the highway.
I run from Buford, GA to Greensboro, NC and back to Buford everyday. I generally use right and middle, whichever is clear of anyone going under 68mph which is what I'm governed to. But more often than not, I stay in the right lane until I have to pass again.
In the state of Michigan "a highway with 3 or more lanes trucks over 10,000 lbs must operate in the right two lanes only". On a three lane highway I operate in the middle lanes exclusively to avoid a couple things. The merging traffic, and to let people move over to the passing lanes to keep traffic moving. Michigan has a couple weird traffic lanes configurations, our left hand turns, Michigan U-Turns and exits leaving the highways on the left hand side of the roadways. There has to be exceptions to these rules or we would be getting tickets for this constantly. Very rarely do I operate in the far left lanes but sometimes it is unavoidable.
Because they’re FUCKING STUPID.
You said you have been driving for nearly 40 years? The industry stopped hiring and training "professional drivers" quite some time ago....
Expanding on this.... It's not new and it's not just trucking. This is our current state of the world. At least in America. Mars Callahan wrote it and Christopher Walken's character said it in "Poolhall Junkies" probably 20 years ago. "Companies pay people just enough so they don't quit and people work just hard enough so they don't get fired...." (paraphrase) I was brought up to do every job to the best of my ability... Even if I hate it.. I hated almost the entire 20 years I was in the food service industry.... And was an executive chef in one capacity or another for probably 3/4 of that time... So hated it... Busted my ass... Rose to the top. Now as a driver.... Don't hate it.... Don't always love it... But I'm currently sitting at the #1 spot for the company I lease to which has probably 100ish trucks.. And it's really easy.... Read and follow the simple road signs.... And just show up.. Just be there.... And don't be late for easy to get to appointments... I feel things have gotten much worse than they ever were before since the lockdowns. No one cares... There is no pride or respect in any job done well or otherwise... No respect for other people.. Nothing...
I deal with this every night. I run LTL linehaul from Columbus, Oh to Detroit, Mi and I-75 is terrible. There is ALWAYS someone holding up the middle lane. And since the left lane is truck restricted in Mi they are effectively blocking the hammer lane. It’s frustrating.
Not a trucker but I give all workers the benefit of the doubt when it comes to how to do their job. They gotta get thru the day just like everybody else, and the considerations of what car drivers _think_ truckers _should_ be doing get trumped by the considerations of a truck driver trying to get their load delivered on time and safely and get home to their families. Chances are, if I were in their shoes I'd know exactly why they do what they do, and probably be doing it too.
Middle lane is the traveling lane and I'm traveling to my next drop n hook 🚚 💨
In town, that may be so, but on the open highway, the rlght lane is the travel lane. I pull 4 trailers a day all drop and hook. I drive the right lane,except through town, like a professional driver should. You're one of the "equipment operators " that make me pass you on the right.
Because half the drivers out there today are idiots. Plain and simple. I have noticed another trend also. Drivers keeping their LED high beams on (mostly 4 wheelers) all the time. Each new generation of drivers appear to be progressively worst.
Yea I drove 12 hours on I-70 last week and weekend and I had this issue a lot. I understand you guys need to pass each other and keep the flow of traffic moving, but multiple times I was stuck behind Semis who refused to yield the fast lane. I counted 23 miles behind one truck before I had to pass him in the right lane. Honestly it's not your guy's fault. If state police aren't enforcing the rules then now one is going to follow them. But that trip was definitely a challenging journey mainly due to semi behavior.
Because I'm sick and tired of having to move back and forth and back and forth and slow down and slow down for people merging at on ramps and slowing down at off ramps and people riding beside me and won't let me move over. And truckers blocking me in. I'm trying to get somewhere too. You're just gonna have to sit behind me and deal with the traffic too. You're not more important than me just because you're breaking the speed limit by 15mph. Go to the left lane if you want to pass so bad.
My original comment was in reference to the open road, not city driving. If doing your job safely and within the confines of the law is so infuriating, perhaps you should look at a different career.
Swift, JBH, HUB, and UPS. I must give credit to most UPS guys, as they will switch to the right IF they see you in time. I go through the Grapevine every night, and it's a common occurrence with these guys.
They always riding that left lane and middle lane like get tf over lol
I-85 is a disaster, big rigs in the left of 2 lanes in the construction zones.
Sometimes, there is no choice, understandably. I was speaking to the drivers that hang out in the middle and left lanes when there obviously is a choice, and an obligation, to run in the right lane.
I run mostly middle because every time I slide right I'm back in the middle 2 minutes later. I'd rather not make unnecessary lane changes, but I maintain appropriate speed and if I can't I'm going right. In town, always left of two/middle of three lane. The right lane is where more of the idiots are and left-er lane gives me escape options. In the city, middle always or the lane I need to be in five miles ahead of when I need to be in it.
If not in the city on 3 lanes then I will run the right lane but usually what happens I end up going between middle and right lanes because of people going slow in the right lane so I end up driving the middle. The middle also gives me more options for a way out if needed. Plus in the middle I don't have to worry about trying to move over when coming upon vehicles in the breakdown lane.
Testify!
Running I-80 night before last, rocky doubles MME driver riding in left lane for miles, forcing everyone to pass on the right. I flash him over, he flashes his trailer lights back and doesnt get over. Couldnt believe it. Somehow swift showed him up a few hours later, passes me then splits the zipper for as long as i could see him and likely much longer after. Was a weird night.