Okay Florida, listen up! Slower traffic keep right! This means, unless you are passing someone, you should not be in the left lane. It’s actually against the law:
(1) Upon all roadways of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:
(a) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement;
Part of the problem is ignorance on behalf of Florida drivers. Many truly don’t know you can’t simply cruise in the left lane. Another problem, however, is enforcement. In Broward and Palm Beach counties, over 45,000 speeding tickets were issued in 2012. How many citations for a violation of the slower traffic keep right law? Zero. Maybe law enforcement is ignorant as well.
Here is a great description and diagram of what traffic problems can be caused by drivers who refuse to leave the left lane. You might think I’m picking on Florida. I am. I recently completed a cross country road trip. Sure, there are people everywhere who fail to yield. But, in my 2200 mile drive, I knew when I was back in Florida because I was passing hoards of cars just cruising in the left lane. In no other state does this occur with such regularity. Furthermore, when you attempt to pass on the right, those drivers cruising in the left lane get pissed!
More than anything, it’s simple courtesy – something I’ve found greatly lacking in nearly all aspects of Florida life. If someone wants to pass you, get over. Please. It’s safer, faster and nicer. Realize that there are other people besides you who have some place to be. So, keep right, except to pass. We all appreciate it.
Also Florida, you can turn left on a solid green!
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