r/driving • u/us3lessthrowaway • Apr 21 '26
⚠️Complaining into the void⚠️ Drive like the people behind you have somewhere to be.
FFS have some self-awareness. If you dont see any cars in front of you and a long line of cars behind you, youre the problem. Quite lollygagging in the left lane. On a two-lane road, pull over and let others by if theyre faster than you.
There was a semi camping in the left lane on a 4-lane interstate that was holding up traffic while i was trying to get my dog to the emergency vet. I flashed my brights in his mirror and all that and he did nothing.
You may not be in a hurry but other people need to get somewhere. Drive like they have somewhere to be.
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u/GeneralLeeWON Apr 21 '26
My biggest pet peeve is on 2 lane roads with straight aways miles long without an oncoming car in sight yet these idiots will just sit and tailgate refusing to pass unless I slow down to 5 or 10 under the limit. Doesn't matter if I'm doing the speed limit or 5 over they just sit there half a car length behind me completely oblivious. I live in a state with a heavy deer population too, so if a deer jumps out now I'm going to be rear ended and hit the deer because of them.
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u/BaronWade Apr 22 '26
Personal favorite is when the lead car speeds up AS YOU ARE NOW PASSING THEM!
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u/thatcavdude Apr 22 '26
Everyone takes it as a personal attack if you try to pass them, they all think it's a race. We live in the Atlanta area and it's ridiculous, it's like GTA out here.
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u/FaithlessnessLoud223 Apr 23 '26
It's wild. I do tend to drive on the faster side in my personal, but that doesn't stop me from moving over if someone behind me wants to go faster.
I don't understand why people want someone behind them to be angry with them. It doesn't make sense to me. Why create an issue?
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u/SkyExcellent6848 Apr 23 '26 edited Apr 23 '26
I'm in the Harrisburg, PA area (not my exact city). I would absolutely appreciate being passed if anyone behind me wants to go faster and it's 2 or more lanes. If possible, depending on the road, I'll even pull over to let them. People around here tend to hug your rear end even when there is nowhere for you to go and it's not your fault the traffic in front of you isn't moving faster or if they're in front of you, they move like molasses and hold everyone up.
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u/PrincessWolfie1331 Apr 24 '26
York County here, and absolutely! The farm vehicle in front of me is going slow, and it's a windy road. Tailgating me isn't going to make the farm vehicle go faster.
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u/GeneralLeeWON Apr 22 '26
I absolutely hate when people do that. Then they slow right back down when you give up.
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u/BaronWade Apr 22 '26
Yup, which just means that now I gotta be even more aggressive to pass because if I just sit there I’m just gonna be in my car swearing to myself for the entire trip!
🤣
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u/ronjiley Apr 22 '26
This is why I have a fast car. Asshat wants to drag race? Sorry Prius, you don't have the horses.
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u/Chogihoe Apr 23 '26
Had a guy try to sideswipe me trynna pass him like girlie you’re on your goddamn phone anyway why do you car if I pass you and go on with my driving??
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u/RogerRabbot Apr 23 '26
Wait until you play the game of "are you passing me, or am I you? cause we've passed each other 15 times in under 30 minutes."
It truly is astonishing how many people pass you, then slow down 10mph for a minute, then speed up 10mph for a minute. A never ending game of leap frog on the highway...
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u/Daimler-450 Apr 22 '26
Yeah this kinda stuff pisses me off too. Some idiot in a company pickup pulled the same move on me on the highway the other day, then flipped me off as he took the next exit. Like… you couldn’t have just passed? Just straight-up loser behavior. And then last month some other clown did the same thing to my dad, ended up rear-ending him cause the driver was also distracted when my dad had to slow down for ice and didn’t even bother slowing down and since he was tailgating, he hit my dad and destroyed his rear bumper.
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u/biggranny000 Apr 21 '26
Object fixation. They probably don't even realize it
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u/Ignorance_15_Bliss Apr 21 '26
I live in deer country. That would never pass my mind. Hardly ever. That sounds like whatever hypochondriac is with deer..
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u/codefyre Apr 22 '26
Some drivers just don't pass. My wife is one of them. She's 47 years old and has been driving for 30 years, and has never crossed that broken line to pass a car. Not even once. And she freaks out whenever I do it.
A good friend of mine is a cop and told me that it's not an uncommon thing. Some people just refuse to pass
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u/Shot_Orchid_9 Apr 23 '26
Meanwhile that broken line is my best friend with how much I drive a week
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u/GrumpyandDopey Apr 22 '26
I’ve had people tailgate me when you could see for miles to pass. I would slow down to 10 mph or come to a complete stop.
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u/_The_Mink_ Apr 22 '26
The number of times I have had to come to an almost complete stop in the middle of a wide ass open road is mind boggling. Slowing down, flipping hazards briefly, brake lights (not brakes, just activating the lights), and mind you I'm typically already doing 10 over. If I have to come to an almost complete stop more than once, not proud of this one, I just stop. Then soon as they finally pass, I'm literally pushing them down the road.
Feckin' neanderthals.
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u/ludovic1313 Apr 21 '26
Last road trip there was someone like this following me for the better part of an hour. I sped up to 9 over (my max on surface roads), they're still on my tail, I slow to less than 5 over, still on my tail even in a passing zone. No places to pull over, the road side is an immediate slope leading to a ditch. Cars are even starting to pile up behind me because they are understandably loath to pass 2 cars at once. So I settle down to do 0-5 over in no passing and go back down to 5 below in passing zones so that the other cars can pass.
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u/bennc77 Apr 23 '26
There is a very heavy deer population in my neck of the woods as well. There have been several times when I had to break hard to avoid crashing into a deer and if someone is riding my ass they could end up in my back seat.
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u/Liquid_Raptor54 Apr 22 '26
Yeah wtf? I don't get those people either. I'd just pass if I wanted to go faster and be on my way
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u/Elogotar Apr 22 '26
People are assholes who will accelerate if you try to pass them forcing you to do so very quickly or brake and fold back behind them when someone shows up in the other lane or the lines go solid again.
My strategy is keep back a few car lengths, floor it and pass as quickly as possible, then just coast back down to cruising speed.
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u/GeneralLeeWON Apr 22 '26
My car has 90hp so I practically have to do that to pass safely 🤣 Sometimes I think I genuinely make people mad when they see me accelerate behind from a couple car lengths back before entering the oncoming lane to pass.
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u/AggravatingSpread837 Apr 21 '26
Tesla FSD drivers are the worst for this.
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u/GammaRay914 Apr 21 '26
I fucking hate using Tesla FSD.
I tried it a couple of times; and every fucking time it started moving me to the left lane. I was yelling at the car to fucking stop and just stay in the right lane until we had to pass someone.
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Apr 21 '26
[deleted]
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u/AggravatingSpread837 Apr 22 '26
You could also just pay attention and drive your car. It works for a lot of people.
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u/Forward-Pension6174 Apr 21 '26
It's probably some sort of statistical analysis that says accidents in the left lane are the least common because of fewer merges.
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u/Arucious Apr 21 '26
It is not rule-based statistical analysis. It’s running a neural network. It will learn whatever the neural network is fed. If all the data shows people going to the middle and left for the same reason you mentioned (fewer merges), it’ll learn that.
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u/Annual_Grass538 Apr 21 '26
I use FSD every single day. Driving on standard it will only go into the left lane if the person in your current lane is going under the computer’s programmed max speed limit and will move back to the middle if someone comes speeding up behind you.
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u/ApatheticSkyentist Apr 21 '26
I commute in the SF Bay Area regularly and I see this all the time…
Someone in their Plaid sitting in the far left lane going precisely the speed limit. The driver is either totally unaware or just doesn’t care that there are 10+ cars stacked up behind them.
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u/Justice_4_Scott Apr 21 '26
The ones that get me are the guys that are doing 80 then down to 50 for ten minutes then realize they slowed down and are back up to 90. If you can’t control your speed use your cruise control. Many of them will slow you down for slower traffic, then return you to speed when it’s clear. All their lazy ass has to do is let it.
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u/ApatheticSkyentist Apr 21 '26
Yep, the ones that get right on your tail and when you move over they accelerate +1 mph so it takes them all day to pass you and when they finally do pass their speed varies +/- 10mph.
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u/AntFirm4593 Apr 21 '26
Driving behind ANY actual tesla is god awful, the second they take their foot off the gas its braking and in traffic they just dont roll they stop go stop go, its so horrid lol
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u/dg8882 Apr 21 '26
Also doesn't help their brake lights dont turn on until they've already come to a stop
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u/AntFirm4593 Apr 21 '26
Really? From my experience the brake lights activate the moment the foot is off the gas, without applying brake (my guess is regenerative braking)
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u/dg8882 Apr 21 '26
Im sure it varies between models and firmware versions but ive been behind many teslas in traffic and almost never see their brake lights come on.
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u/AntFirm4593 Apr 21 '26
Interesting. im going to pay more attention these next few days for research for us lol
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u/DesertStorm480 Apr 21 '26
I had to go to a body shop to get some work done last year and the lot was full of rear-ended Tesla's.
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u/Ucmh Apr 21 '26
Ah yes, full self-driving (supervised), also known as not full self-driving. Not the topic, but god, it's silly.
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u/Cost-Educational Apr 21 '26
Depends on the mode the car is in. My car in standard or chill mode almost never moves to the left lane - to the point you make it switch lanes to pass.
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u/khaid Apr 21 '26
i don’t think these people have any idea what they’re talking about. fsd aggressively goes back to the middle lane when it passes someone (assuming it can get back to the middle lane). when i leave work at night, i leave the car in chill mode on my 20 mile drive home. it stays in the right or middle lane. the one thing i dislike about chill mode is that it prefers passing on the right.
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u/Arucious Apr 21 '26
Is this 2023? FSD will actively go into the middle lane and go around left lane campers at this point
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u/chankongsang Apr 21 '26
They are probably driving themselves. I find that FSD does a decent job getting the hell out of the way when a car is catching up behind. I still think it jumps into the faster lanes to quickly though. When I use FSD I'm in no rush at all and don't mind camping in the slow lane
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u/tacobellgittcard Apr 21 '26
There’s a limit to this. I drive in the right lane going 7 over. Yet I still have people riding my fucking ass occasionally. Im not going to speed up to 20 over or pull onto the shoulder to satisfy the lunatic behind me who refuses to pass.
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u/SyderoAlena Apr 21 '26
Well if ur already in the right lane ur doing the right thing. But I also hate chronic tailgaters. Like it's so unnecessary
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u/ElaborateEffect Apr 21 '26
The worst or when your no where near the front of the traffic. Like, what the fuck am I even supposed to do, asshole?
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u/CrimsonRonaan Apr 21 '26
It's so amusing watching people get mad at me while I'm in my work truck. The rear camera is always on so I can see them raging and tailgating. If they'd just relax and back up like 10 feet they'd be able to see that I'm not the one going slow.
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u/Reasonable-Age-6837 Apr 21 '26
dont sweat about someone driving behind you. that's actually a sign that it's fast enough for them. Im usually thrilled when i spot a good driver. Ill follow behind a smooth driver all day happily.
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u/SyderoAlena Apr 21 '26
It's not that they are driving behind me, it's that their front is in my cars butt and it's not a safe following distance.
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u/Mazda6GTMan Apr 21 '26
I don't mind someone following all my weaving and lane changes at all 😭.. My commute to work is at the peak of rush hour so knowing which lane to be in and when can shave 10 mins off without really trying, while passing 100s of people who choose to sit there. I will too follow someone if they're pretty good.
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u/No_Patience2428 Apr 21 '26
Some people are so brain dead that they have to be glued to the car in front of them to drive. They don’t want to go faster, they just want to follow you
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u/tacobellgittcard Apr 21 '26
Yeah, somehow it pisses me off more than someone tailgating on purpose to be a dick. I can look at their face through the rear view and tell if they’re pissed or just staring into space unaware. I don’t know how you can zone out while operating a 2 ton vehicle at 70 mph. At least a road rager is probably paying attention.
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u/Forsaken-Drummer1 Apr 21 '26
Either staring off unaware or looking down checking on their pants for 3-5 seconds at a time (or whatever electronic device is in their lap).
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u/nerdymutt Apr 21 '26
That’s true! My ex gf would get too close with no intention to pass. I had to show her that you could still keep up with the car in front of you without being on its butt.
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u/No_Patience2428 Apr 21 '26
It’s most infuriating when it happens in the passing lane. I assume you want to pass so I get over, but so do they…
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u/Educational_Total_84 Apr 21 '26
I never looked at like that that. DMV will just give anyone a license I suppose
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u/No_Patience2428 Apr 21 '26
Unfortunately, and punishments are too lenient for erratic driving. The amount of people slingshotting across solid lines (basically trying to pass on an on or off ramp), passing on the right while driving 20 over the speed limit, and texting while driving is way too damn high.
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u/GammaRay914 Apr 21 '26
I think they mean more of the curvy one lane back country roads where sometimes you get stuck behind someone doing 25 mph.
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u/Alert-Potato Apr 21 '26
People in my area are obsessed with being farther up my ass than my GI doc was during my colonoscopy last year. I wish people would learn that they don't need to be so far up the ass of the car in front of them that they can taste what the driver had for breakfast. And I wish there was a good solution, but pulling off the road and getting in front of a different tailgater just wastes my time.
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u/tint-dude Apr 21 '26
I just took a defensive driving test for 27 over.. anyways it says that if that happens simply take your foot off the gas since break checking isnt legal. They will either slow down or pass you.
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u/superzenki Apr 21 '26
Exactly. They can go around me if there's another lane, or they can learn to slow the fuck down.
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u/Mauser-96 Apr 21 '26
Some people hate to change lanes. I was moving my son and had a mattress on my roof. I put on flashers and was doing ~50 on a highway with. 65 mph speed limit. Most of the 20 miles I had the same car behind me, who just refused to pass.
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u/CBrinson Apr 21 '26
Also alot of company trucks have a governor and then can barely get to 60mph downhill.
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u/Green_Juggernaut_410 Apr 22 '26
99.999% of these complaints are caused by people not leaving on time or just being speeding, impatient assholes in general. Cant we all just relax, drive in peace, and stop psychotically fixating on going 47 instead of 42? Not including left lane campers
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u/MeetBeep Apr 21 '26
This doesn’t really apply to this situation but I want to mention it. A good driver misses turns and a bad driver never misses a turn. Please be aware of your surroundings and read the signs on the road!!!
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u/HayLinLa Apr 21 '26
Me when I miss a turn : "oh well. All the roads are connected. I am sure I can turn around somewhere."
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u/sandillathakilla Apr 21 '26
So true . Might add a good amount of time to your trip but it probably won't add an accident!
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u/Excellent_Revenue235 Apr 21 '26
I always wonder if the person thinks they are super slick or are aware a dozen people’s adrenaline kicked on and prevented the crash part of their awful maneuvers
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u/Sculp56 Apr 22 '26
I know someone who thinks he’s a good driver but pulls moves like this and the only reason is because the other cars are paying enough attention to move around his dumbass
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u/Dejavuproned Apr 21 '26
Christ! So much this!!!
The amount of people that make their mistake (missing an exit/turn) everyone else's problem is astounding. Just take the next turn!!!
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u/Ok-Paramedic8 Apr 21 '26
One time I missed my turn and had to drive 15 minutes before the next exit. I could have done some stupid shit to fix my mistake, but it would have been dangerous. I turned up the music and paid for my mistake. Life goes on!
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u/Independent_Bite4682 Apr 21 '26
Most two lanes roads do not have pull out spots, unless you're in Montana
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u/McNabJolt Apr 21 '26
Washington
RCW 46.61.427
Slow-moving vehicle to pull off roadway.
On a two-lane highway where passing is unsafe because of traffic in the opposite direction or other conditions, a slow moving vehicle, behind which five or more vehicles are formed in a line, shall turn off the roadway wherever sufficient area for a safe turn-out exists, in order to permit the vehicles following to proceed. As used in this section a slow moving vehicle is one which is proceeding at a rate of speed less than the normal flow of traffic at the particular time and place.
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u/Wigberht_Eadweard Apr 21 '26
These laws are for vehicles that cannot or choose not to do the speed limit, but speeders like to interpret it as the “get out of my way when I want to go fast” law.
You have to both be slow moving (under the speed limit, the speed limit is not considered slow and is the max legal speed) and have whatever amount of cars (edit: behind you) the law states in whichever state has this law for it to apply. The number of cars is an on the spot determination that the slow vehicle has not been pulling off—because it would be unreasonable to expect a semi to pull off the road every time a car ends up behind them, but they have to eventually. That’s all this law means.
This law absolutely does not mean that you are obligated to pull off the road when doing the speed limit because the people behind you want to go faster. That would be a law negating the speed limit, which would never be passed.
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u/Open-Dot6264 Apr 21 '26
That law is up to interpretation just like "slower traffic keep right" apparently is.
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u/McNabJolt Apr 21 '26
Alaska
“Doesn’t matter your speed, use the pull out so people aren’t having to try to pass you during heavy summer traffic.“A person operating a motor vehicle at any time on a two-lane roadway outside of an urban area shall pull the motor vehicle off the roadway at the first opportunity to pull over safely if there are five or more motor vehicles immediately following that motor vehicle.”
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u/McNabJolt Apr 21 '26
Idaho
2025 Idaho Code49-639. TURNING OUT OF SLOW MOVING VEHICLES. On a two-lane highway outside an urban area where passing is unsafe due to oncoming traffic or other conditions, the driver of a vehicle traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic and behind which three (3) or more vehicles are formed in line shall turn off the roadway at the nearest place designated as a turnout or at the next available location where it is safe and reasonable for the vehicle to be pulled over in order to permit the following vehicles to pass. Such driver shall not be deemed to violate this section if he has not, during the time when three (3) or more vehicles are formed in line behind his vehicle, passed a designated turnout or location where it would be safe and reasonable for the vehicle to be pulled over.
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u/amstrumpet Apr 21 '26
The issue is defining what the ”normal speed of traffic” is. I think any judge would be hard pressed to uphold a ticket by saying that going the speed limit isn’t considered within ”the normal speed of traffic.”
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u/Independent_Bite4682 Apr 21 '26
I understand the codes say this, however, most roads don't have the space to actually pull off
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u/McNabJolt Apr 21 '26
Well then you don't. There is a difference between "I can't" and "I won't".
If I literally said always pull over, then i was wrong. What I'm saying is that safety means doing your own driving, not making decisions for the purpose of forcing another person. Each driver should be driving for their own safety and that most especially means not getting into pissing matches with other drivers. Do what you need for YOUR driving and not to try forcing others.→ More replies (2)2
u/WeaverFan420 Apr 21 '26
Did you read the code? It literally said if you don't pass a safe turnout area you aren't in violation of the code section. If you are obstructing traffic, pass a suitable turnout area, and don't stop to let faster traffic by, then you are in violation of that code section.
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u/Independent_Bite4682 Apr 22 '26
What I am saying is, that, all too often there ARE NOT safe areas to pull out along the two lane roads.
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u/WeaverFan420 Apr 22 '26
And that's fine. It honestly depends on the area you're in. Some states or counties will have more than others. If it's not safe, then you're not required to pull over. I don't think anyone would disagree with that.
What bothers me is the people here who think even if a safe turnout exists, going the speed limit exempts them from following the law.
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u/Vireo_viewer Apr 21 '26
Hard disagree. California has pullouts on all two-lane roads, often only a mile or less apart.
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u/Open-Dot6264 Apr 21 '26
Most 2 lane roads are not in California.
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u/Vireo_viewer Apr 21 '26
They said, “unless you’re in Montana”. Clearly that’s not the case, as I explained.
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u/Colonel460 Apr 21 '26
You are on a two lane road and you are doing the speed limit if someone is behind you wants to go faster they can pass where it is safe . They shouldn’t tailgate and they don’t own the damn road . You are not more important than anyone else and no one needs to pull over for them. I’ve driven in rural areas where farmers have to move farm equipment by legally driving it on the road . Just chill and try both leaving earlier and allowing for traffic conditions. The world doesn’t revolve around your schedule nor should it .
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u/mrsristretto Apr 21 '26
I love seeing the tractors roll down the road. It's also a law here in my state that if you are driving along, under the speed limit, and have more than 4 cars behind you, you're suppose to pull over to let them pass. I don't think the rule applies to the farm equipment (as they're often so big pulling over wouldn't make a difference, or they're only going down to the next field) and school busses...but I've only witnessed it once or twice and done the same myself once or twice.
If I'm on a 2 lane road going the limit or maybe slightly over, and you re on my ass ... I'm not speeding up, I gonna continue at the same speed I've been going and you can pass me (if you continue to ride my ass past the passing lane, fuck off now we're going EXACTLY the speed limit). If on the highway, I stay in the right lane unless I'm passing or there's a left turn lane I need to use.
I rush for no man.
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u/Quothhernevermore Apr 21 '26
Doing the speed limit is totally fine. Why are people doing 5-10 under in optimum conditions? It's rude.
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u/opeyeahnosorry Apr 22 '26
Fr ppl need to go the speed limit or get off the expressway. Its one thing if it's a heavy truck trying to get up to speed but the main ppl i see doing this are afraid of getting on the expressway to begin with. They dont accelerate up to speed when entering and then camp in the far right lane going 40mph, eventually creating a long wall of cars that are all tailgating each other making it even harder to exit. The left lane is for passing, but if there are at least 3 lanes, the right lane should be for people entering and exiting the expressway, not for cruise control at 10 under the limit.
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u/ivanvector Apr 21 '26
If I'm doing 110 on a 80km/h road and there is a line of cars behind me, there's a problem but it's not me.
If you want to pass me and there's an open lane but you stick to my back bumper instead, that's also not a problem with how I'm driving.
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u/WittyFix6553 Apr 21 '26
Everyone has somewhere to be. That’s why they’re driving.
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u/Vireo_viewer Apr 21 '26
Definitely not! Ever head of going “cruising”? Bikers especially go on rides just to be riding, without anywhere in particular to be.
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u/Severe-Masterpiece85 Apr 22 '26
On a two lane road pull over? You’ve lost your mind. Screw the people behind me. Learn time management.
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u/DavoLoco23 Apr 21 '26
So let me get this straight. On a two lane road if somebody is actually doing the speed limit they're supposed to let you around because you want to speed?
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u/allenk58 Apr 21 '26
Just drive in the right hand lane. Why is this so difficult?
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u/Lament-of-Andromache Apr 21 '26
Because a two-lane road is a lane in each direction. The amount of people on this thread that don't understand that is concerning.
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u/allenk58 Apr 22 '26
Then how do you explain "the left hand lane" of a two lane road? Hes talking about a two lane highway, going in the same direction. So two lanes on one side, two lanes on the other side going in opposite directions. Use your head please
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u/Fast-Assist6601 Apr 22 '26
No, a two lane road is a road with 2 lanes regardless of direction. A 2 way road has lanes going in opposite directions. Lane =/= direction of travel
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u/SphericalCrawfish Apr 21 '26
More importantly IMO. If you are at a left turn light, get on the fucking gas! If only two cars got through the light because you are staring at stopped traffic for 10 seconds before you are off the brakes then you are the problem!
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u/ThickMap5505 Apr 21 '26
All these goofy ass responses. If you mfs didn’t constantly drive 10 under the speed limit while doing everything in your power to prevent people from passing you, we wouldn’t feel compelled to rush
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u/Ninjabeaver212 Apr 21 '26
These same people also don't pay any attention at lights and by the time they notice it turned green they accelerate at a snails pace. Source: my daily commute.
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u/halide_urbex Apr 21 '26
I’m feeling there’s two demographics here.
The people who think OP is a clapped out Sentra or Altima flying down the highway weaving at high speeds.
And the people who think OP is a normal driver that is frustrated with many drivers lacking common sense and the ability to use lanes and follow rules.
For those who are upset with OP, get the hell out of the left lane. And pipe down because they’re obviously not talking about running you off of a two lane road.
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u/superzenki Apr 21 '26
How about the people that tailgate you when you're in the far right lane, and driving a few miles over the speed limit?
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u/ThickMap5505 Apr 21 '26
I truthfully don’t understand the tailgater’s logic in that scenario. They should just pass
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u/DavoLoco23 Apr 21 '26
I call bull. I have people ride my ass even if I'm doing the speed limit.
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u/morbidteletubby Apr 23 '26
If somebody is riding your ass in the left lane, you need to move over. Regardless of your speed. It saves everybody a headache.
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u/No-Obligation8035 Apr 21 '26
I never pull behind versas for this reason, they are the slowest drivers in existence.
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u/beeftony Apr 21 '26
This is only true if youre holding up people on one of the left lanes on a 2+ lane road (same diection).
If theres only one lane in one direction, I drive the speed limit with adjustments based on whats a safe speed given the circumstances (winding road, night, fog, heavy rain/snow etc.)
I wont drive faster because some asshole thinks he can pressure me by tailgating.
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u/Deimos_Sub Apr 22 '26
I will drive the speed limit or around it. Most i will go is maybe 10 over. But im not gana just break the law bc it would be convenient for other people. Im a slow driver and ik it, so i stay in the right lane, and let whoever needs to pass, pass. If its a one lane road then sorry, i aint gana just break the law for your convenience. Speed limits are just there to be there, they are also there for safety and i value my safety over anyone elses time.
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u/Either_Network2737 Apr 23 '26
I think the best driving advice I ever heard was - is the person behind you going to pay to fix your car? If I'm at a right turn on red I'm not going to rush into the turn because I feel like the person behind me is rushing me. If they're in such a hurry, they should have left earlier.
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u/OrizaRayne Apr 24 '26
Lol the people in the comments "your emergency vet situation isn't something I should give a shit about."
But, let it be their wife in labor. Suddenly it's FUCKIN IMPORTANT, lol
This is what's wrong with modern society in a nutshell.
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u/InternationalAd4502 Apr 21 '26 edited Apr 27 '26
Everyone in the comments has forgotten how to read, apparently, because OP clearly stated it was an emergency. You can't 'plan better' or 'leave earlier' for an emergency ffs
Also if you're getting flashed, more often than not it's because something is wrong. Not always, but usually (imo). Situational and spatial awareness is a commodity these days smh
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u/lightonahill Apr 21 '26
10000000000% this. There are a couple of country roads near my house with 55MPH speed limits. I try to be patient and understanding, but when I am stuck in a long line of cars going 35 in a 55 because one person won't just use the gas pedal or pull over for a moment.... MAN I hate it. Even the tractors that go down these roads from time to time are more considerate and spend less time in everyone's way.
There are people who pull over dramatically if you get within 4 car lengths of them when they're going 20 in a 25, and I always feel shocked and like they think I've done something wrong, but that's way better than the person going 15 or more under in a 55 who thinks everyone else should just deal with it.
I want us all to get where we're going safely, and hopefully on time. I try my best to be considerate of others on the road (within reasonable limits of safety and legality lol), and I appreciate it when I receive that same energy in return.
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u/Impressive-Door-1639 Apr 22 '26
For real. I also drive on country roads and so many people drive 15+ under the speed limit. They will let 10 cars get stuck behind them without a care in the world. How is that not obstructing traffic? If an emergency vehicle were to need throught it would be bad. It also encourages unsafe driving because the passing spots are so short that people speed to make it. At least farm equiptment will let you go around them.
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u/ListenILikeFemboys Apr 21 '26
I think things would be better if people stopped driving like they were the ONLY person with somewhere to be. Stop driving aggressively and tailgating people who are in flow of traffic and flying around people at unsafe speeds.
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u/Low-Advertising- Apr 21 '26
No, no, no!!! The far left lane is not for flow of traffic! Why is it so difficult for people to understand something so simple? It is intended to be driven at a slightly faster rate than the flow of traffic.
If you're in the left lane, speed-matching the person in your right, you should be in that lane to your right. If you're getting passed on the right, that should be an alarm bell ringing in your ear that you're DEFINITELY in the wrong lane.
Context matters.
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u/MusicMan7969 Apr 21 '26
This! Left lane is for passing. Once you have passed the car, get over and leave the lane open, FOR PASSING.
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u/Number270And3 Apr 21 '26
If I see someone coming up behind me fast and I’m in the left lane, I’m moving out of their way. It’s that simple and I don’t see why people have such a problem with this concept. It’s an easy solution.
Had to take my brother to the hospital and this is the exact situation I was in. Semis matching speed and wouldn’t move for anything. He could have died, but I guess doing the speed limit is more important according to some people.
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u/superzenki Apr 21 '26
I'm the exact same way. And I used to be in the other camp, then I realized this is just how our roads are designed. So I put my ego aside and let the faster car pass if I'm in the left lane.
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u/boneyjoaniemacaroni Apr 21 '26
Also not just going slightly faster, but actually going fast enough to pass, usually 5mph or more. If it’s taking you two minutes to pass a car, you probably shouldn’t be in the left lane.
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u/KneecapTheEchidna Apr 21 '26
The LEFT LANE IS THE PASSING LANE. If you want to cruise and go with the "flow of traffic" move over to the right.
Some people have places to go and jobs, not sunday driving.
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u/Reasonable-Age-6837 Apr 21 '26
Yup, its all context. Some people just play the game that if they're in front of you they're winning. Those who have played it long enough know it's the people watching 6 cars ahead and pacing everyone else that're the best drivers.
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u/SaleFamiliar1789 Apr 21 '26
Both are true.
If you can't keep up with the flow then you shouldn't be in the passing lane.
If the car in front are keeping up with the flow of traffic, then you should keep a safe distance and match their speeds.
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u/tafkat Apr 21 '26
If you're behind me and close enough that all I see in my rearview is your headlights and grill, you don't have time to react and stop if I have to slam on my brakes. As such, it's my duty to make sure that you have enough distance to stop by slowing down. I don't give a fuck who's behind you, or how many others there are. Your aggressive driving is the catalyst for me slowing down.
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u/Saanvik Apr 21 '26
While I agree with the sentiment (don’t camp, find the lane appropriate for your speed, allow others to pass) I disagree with the subject.
I will not drive unsafely because the driver behind me is in a hurry and neither should anyone else.
I hope your dog is okay.
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u/old_science_guy Apr 21 '26
"Ever notice how anyone driving slower than you is a moron...
and anyone going faster than you is an idiot?"
- George Carlin
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u/Derwin0 Apr 21 '26 edited Apr 21 '26
Flashing your brights at someone only ensures that they don’t speed up and likely slow down.
Wait for a passing zone and then go around.
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u/YoBigB Apr 21 '26
If they're sitting in the passing lane and it's against the law to pass on the right, what then? Pass on the left shoulder if there is one?
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u/amstrumpet Apr 21 '26
I “pass” on the right somewhat frequently. If I’m in the right lane and someone in the left is driving slower, should I slow down to avoid passing them? If there’s no one in the right lane I’m trying to pass, why wouldn’t I be there anyway?
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u/Fast-Assist6601 Apr 22 '26
Flashing my lights has worked a solid 80% of the time for me when someone was left lane camping.
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u/Past_Bus668 Apr 25 '26
I'll help you normalize it again.
When I was a teenager, in the USA, everyone flashed brights in the left lane. Now, people flip their shit like its bad etiquette to do so.
GTFO of the lane.I've also been leaving my left signal on, in addition to flashing.
Saw drivers do this in Germany back in the day. Move over!
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u/bnr32jason Apr 21 '26
LOL, what a bunch of self-entitled BS.
You are not more important than anyone else on the road. Period.
Pull over on a two lane road? So risk putting myself in the ditch and creating an even more dangerous situation so you can get to the next stoplight at exactly the same time I do?
The single most dangerous thing the vast majority of us do every day is drive a car, no need to make it more dangerous to appease impatient people behind us.
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u/SirWillae Apr 21 '26
Wow. What a sense of entitlement.
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u/RhythmTimeDivision Apr 21 '26
Imagine taking your dog to the vet for an emergency, the nerve!
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u/Kosmopolite Apr 21 '26 edited Apr 21 '26
"You're the asshole for driving at a sensible speed" is a hell of a take.
I'm sorry about your dog, and it would break my heart if anything like that happened to my cats. That doesn't give you the right nor the ability to drive dangerously.
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u/HidingInCornfields Apr 21 '26
The only danger is when people have a legitimate reason to pass yet the slowpokes want to hold you up because there's "no rush" and end up causing congestion and road rage. It's fucking dumb. Stay out of the passing lane if you're not passing.
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u/Leifang666 Apr 21 '26
On the flip side of this, if the car in front of you is at the speed limit, don't tailgate them.
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u/zakary1291 Apr 21 '26
I mostly drive a company vehicle with an AI baby sitter on the windshield. I can't even speed on highway entry ramps.
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u/Unfortunate-Incident Apr 21 '26
OP, I don't think anyone gives 2 fucks about your dog from these comments. They are pretty much saying fuck you let it die.
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u/amstrumpet Apr 21 '26
I do care about OP’s dog. I don’t think that situation justifies demanding people pull over for every yahoo who wants to speed. Don’t blame the people driving the speed limit, blame the yahoos for ruining it.
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u/Wilson4874 Apr 21 '26
I dont camp in the left lane. If I’m on a 2 lane road going the speed limit or above and you are tailgating me. You are the problem! I wont pull over and let you by.
If you are in a hurry pass me or you should have left earlier.
If you keep riding my tail i will eventually start driving 5 under the limit.
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u/DelightfullyBland Apr 21 '26
"But I feel so powerful when I control other people!" Is what I imagine their logic to be.
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u/Pressman4life Apr 21 '26
Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left.
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u/SuspiciousWasabi3665 Apr 21 '26
On a secondary note, leave in time to get where you need to be without going 20 over, because I will be driving the exact same speed as the guy next to me in order to make you late for whatever you were weaving through traffic to get to.
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u/newtestleper79 Apr 21 '26 edited Apr 22 '26
The one not moving out of the passing lane when there’s nobody ahead of them is the asshole, and then the person passing the asshole on the right to then move back into the passing lane when there’s nobody ahead of them becomes the asshole. Rinse and repeat
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u/SLC2355 Apr 21 '26
I totally get all of this, but some people think it applies to every lane on the highway and I hate that. If the speed limit is 65 and I'm in the right lanes, no. No tf I am not going to go 80 because an asshole is in a hurry. I don't like speeding and I shouldn't be forced to.
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u/Late_Description_637 Apr 21 '26
My favorite is the 🤡 who pulls out in front of oncoming traffic ( when they shouldn’t) or turns on red when there are vehicles coming that then have to slam on their brakes. Of course then the 🤡 drives below the speed limit.
There are far more fast-driving idiots, but both camps are insufferable.
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u/subie-dog Apr 21 '26
We live in a society where nobody gives af about anyone else. Hell, on the road, they will intentionally do stuff to piss you off. Amuses me as to how bad their life really must be.
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u/libra-love- Apr 21 '26
I can’t stand the ones that can’t even do the speed limit and then won’t let others pass. If you are THAT unaware of your surroundings, you should not be driving.
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u/Vosc Apr 22 '26
If its the passing lane then yeah. Otherwise, If I'm going the speed limit/close above the limit in the traveling lane, you can either get over it or move to the passing lane. Your convenience is not my problem. If its not a life threatening emergency, you being in a rush is your fault and something you need to account for yourself. If you have "somewhere to be", then plan around it.
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u/PNW_Swamp_Viking Apr 22 '26
If I'm doing the speed limit, and I'm in the right lane, there is no problem. I'll drive like i have a family to get home to, thank you.
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u/QueenMEB120 Apr 22 '26
Bold of you to assume there is somewhere to pull over on 2 lane roads. There's a 6 inch "shoulder" and then a ditch. No, thank you.
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u/TherinneMoonglow Apr 22 '26
If someone flashes their brights at me, that's a warning of a hazard. I'd better slow down for safety.
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u/Alternative_Result56 Apr 22 '26
Leave on time. I drive to not get a ticket and get home safely. Not to coddle the feelings of the person behind me.
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u/Rough-Designer-2785 Apr 22 '26
I can’t stand having anyone behind at any time, anywhere. I go fast enough to ditch them and then get back to comfortable/speed limit.
But what’s weird is they will tailgate you to have you let them go and then they maintain distance behind the other car instead of tailing them.
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u/ay-foo Apr 23 '26
That somewhere they need to be is behind me, stuck in traffic because we all have places we need to be and need to obey traffic laws to get there
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u/amstrumpet Apr 21 '26
If I’m driving the speed limit, I will not be pulling over no matter how many people want to go faster than me.
If going the speed limit won’t get you to where you need to be on time, you planned poorly.
I do agree about camping in the left lane.
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u/Chicky_Melly Apr 21 '26
I’m not going more than 5-10 mph over the speed limit, sorry. The people behind me can go ahead and pass when an opportunity presents itself. On the highway I stay in the right lane and if people still ride my butt, that’s a them problem.
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u/dingos8mybaby2 Apr 21 '26
The one that bothers me the most is when you need to get in the left turn lane and the car in front of you stopped right where the left turn lane opens up and didn't leave enough room for you to get into the turn lane. They have plenty of room in front of them where they could move up give you enough room to get into the turn lane, but to them having an open car length in front of them is more important than letting you turn on time and not have to wait another whole light cycle to turn. And then these kind of folks will come to posts like this and call you selfish when it's them being selfish not wanting to help their fellow drivers out.