According to the National Motorists Association, June is "lane Courtesy Month." Someone Needs to Tell the Left-lane Drivers

Left-lane drivers must have ESP since they are always in front of you when you are in a hurry. You flash your lights, you honk your horn, you gesture for them to move over, but they continue their rude behavior. When you finally get around them, you flash a gesture or dirty look. Even though they cannot hear, they are quite aware of the words you're yelling. The complaining goes on for miles while they annoy the next driver.

Aggressive driving is a national concern. Left-lane drivers contribute to traffic congestion, road rage, and accidents. In some states, cruising in the left lane is classified as aggressive driving. Most have passed laws exist to restrict left lane use for passing (or turning) only and post signs along the highways stating "Left Lane Passing Only" or Slow Traffic Keep Right." The laws are not often enforced, and the signs do little to stop the left-lane hogs. (To find out what your state's laws are about driving in the left lane, MIT has created a reference table. http://www.mit.edu/%7Ejfc/right.html )

You could forgive offenders if they were from foreign countries where they drive on the left side of the road (U.K., Australia, and Hong Kong). Sadly, the American system turns out millions of left-lane drivers each year. Some are truly oblivious to road rules, and others think it is a game. Both should have their licenses revoked because they are dangerous. (The problem of elderly drivers is omitted from this article on purpose.)

Left-lane drivers feel entitled to drive as they please. Their excuses range from "the left lane is smoother" to "I'm going the speed limit." Some think that they are helping law enforcement by slowing down speeding vehicles. It is not the first time vigilantes have broken the law with the excuse of enforcing it.

The left lane is not for slow moving tractor-trailers, although they will claim that they need to get a running start for hills. (Ironically, the truckers started the phrase "the hammer lane.") Smaller delivery or repair trucks should also stay to the right since it often appears that their cargo is going to fall onto the road at any time. Buses, especially ones carrying children, need to keep right as well, especially on hills.

American left-lane drivers would probably not make it on highways in Europe. There, drivers display "forced" road courtesy. They know that if they do not get out of the way, they are in danger of an accident. Those who do ride in the left lane are usually going faster than you would care to drive. Americans, however, have found another area of selfishness.

If you wish to have a leisurely drive, then the left lane is not for you. If you are hauling freight that will slow you on a hill, then the left lane is not for you. If you are moving slower than others are, then the left lane is not for you! Do not be a left-lane driver.

Pass it along - The National Motorists Association has declared that June is "Lane Courtesy Month." They are asking all motorists to "Do the Right Thing!" and not use the left lane as a driving lane. Move over to the right and allow other vehicles to pass you.

Let's repeat - Left lane passing only! Slow moving vehicles keep right!