Delaware Tells Drivers To Stay Out Of The Hammerlane

Every morning without fail, I find myself gridlocked in traffic on the interstate.  it’s not because I’m wanting to drive faster than a reasonable speed, it’s because drivers traveling the same direction are often camped out in the hammerlane, driving the same speed as the driver in the middle lane. Ultimately I have to make a choice between clogging up traffic behind me or passing in the right lane. Right lane passing is dangerous with all the traffic merging from the on-ramps which is even more frustrating for everyone on the road.

Who hasn’t had to deal with drivers who think they’re out for a leisurely Sunday drive along the left lane?

Delaware Representative William Carson says he’s had enough of left lane squatters and has done something about it.  He’s introduced a bill that would prohibit drivers from staying in the left lane longer than necessary.

Violators will face a $230 fine.

Lewes Police Chief says the legislation would be hard to enforce but not impossible. [pullquote align=”right”]”Our rule of thumb is that if people are passing you on the right, then you’re in the wrong lane. Safety-wise, it’s not the right move because people who are determined to go 80 are going to do that and by blocking them, you’re causing them to drive aggressively,”said Kurt Gray, who teaches defensive driving and other safety courses at AAA Mid-Atlantic.[/pullquote]

Many other states have similar left lane laws.  New Jersey has the strictest left lane legislation in the country.  Violators in New Jersey currently face a $200 fine, but if legislators have their way, the fine will soon increase to $300.

Pennsylvania also has a left lane law, but it allows drivers to drive in the left lane, as long as they’re traveling at a faster rate of speed than those in the center or right lane.

AAA has endorsed the Delaware bill, saying left lane laws prevent tail-gaiting and road rage. “Our rule of thumb is that if people are passing you on the right, then you’re in the wrong lane. Safety-wise, it’s not the right move because people who are determined to go 80 are going to do that and by blocking them, you’re causing them to drive aggressively,”said Kurt Gray, who teaches defensive driving and other safety courses at AAA Mid-Atlantic.

What do you think, drivers? Will tougher legislation on left -lane drivers combat the problem, or is it just another way to generate revenue?