Every freeway driver should read this
As a veteran of California’s freeways, I would like to offer some suggestions.
There is a myth that the left lane is the “fast lane.” There is no such thing as a fast lane. Fast is a relative term. One person’s fast is another person’s “Get out of my way.” The left lane is for passing. Period.
If you are not actively engaged in passing, you should not be in the left lane. “Camping” out in that lane clogs up the freeway, causing motorists to attempt to pass on the right. If you are camped out in the left lane, you are a traffic hazard.
On freeways with three or more lanes, the right lane is not the “slow lane.” Once again, it’s a relative term. The right lane is for entering and exiting the freeway. If you are camped in the right lane, you are clogging the freeway ramps, causing disruptions of the flow of traffic.
When entering a freeway, do it at freeway speeds. It’s so much easier to merge. And remember, you must yield to freeway traffic when entering the freeway.
Ed Phillips, Fresno
This story was originally published June 17, 2016 at 9:34 AM with the headline "Every freeway driver should read this."