Page 1 of Motorway "middle lane" hoggers - a possible solution ?

With all this controversy about drivers "hogging" the middle (overtaking) lane and allegedly contributing to congestion, I can`t be the only one surely to reason it`s time to think about allowing "undertaking". I, like many others have driven thousands of miles over the years on US Interstates and freeways without any problems and where passing either side of a slower vehicle is allowed. OK, it`s a little scary the first time you encounter it, but it just needs a little change of driving culture, like keeping your eyes on both door mirrors etc. Although I don`t think I`ve been guilty (I hope) of staying in the overtaking lane longer than necessary, I can understand why it happens. In my view it`s simply the concern of getting "boxed in" and the like. What do others think, is allowing "undertaking" a too simplistic view ?

JohnF

nah - i definitely dont agree with undertaking - its very confusing changing a culture of overtaking and it will only result in accidents.

I really strongly believe if drivers just do what they are supposed to in the first place and only use the 2nd and 3rd lanes for overtaking only then the problem would be solved. There need to be harsh fines and points for these inconsiderate b*stards.

As a 40k a year driver i am forever flashing these people as i approach them - its a subject very close to my heart!! see here

Neil
__________________________________
"When my people were writing philosophy, your people were still swinging from trees..."

I drove over 700 miles this weekend and saw so many examples of middle-lane hogging it became laughable.
I deliberately made a point of flashing them until they pulled over into the LH lane,even though the fast lane was free for me to use.
More than a couple of them then moved back into the middle land when I was past !

Ignorance beyond belief. >:(

The AA issued a report last week saying that if lane discipline were improved it would mean the equivalent of another 700 miles of motorway. :/

Quote:
Ignorance beyond belief.
A bit like people who drive while holding a phone bellieving they can not crash.

All the best,

The 42%er


It`s not easy being different. It`s not easy being cool....but somehow I manage....

Quote:
A bit like people who drive while holding a phone bellieving they can not crash.

The misconception being that I actually condoned or supported such behaviour,which I didn`t.
If you check my problem was with moaning minnies and sops stating that one should drive with both hands on the wheel.

Competely different things.

Quote:
I, like many others have driven thousands of miles over the years on US Interstates and freeways without any problems and where passing either side of a slower vehicle is allowed.I seem to remember (in some states anyway) they recently (in the last few years) made it an offence to undertake due to safety reasons.

It really is dangerous to undertake, and making it legal won`t change that.

As a motorway driver, in the middle and especially the outside lane, you should always have the option of being able to accelerate to overtake and pull into the lane to your left. If that isn`t an option (due to your car being a bit poop in which case why are you in that lane to start with?), then you can still slow down and pull into the lane to your left if there is a space.

Undertaking is dangerous because, firstly people who aren`t alert and don`t watch their mirrors for idiots, can be unaware of a car pulling up on their inside and change lanes without properly checking. (I`ve seen this happen a few times)

And secondly, it removes the option for alert competent drivers who have seen an obstruction on the horizon and need to quickly get out of the lane they are in. (I`ve been in that position once or twice when a car or bit of debris has been in the outside lane)

Undertaking is a purely selfish act, however I do agree that sometimes you get an equally selfish idiot who refuses to get out of the middle or overtaking lane despite 5 minutes of flashing your lights and sounding your horn, and then a carefully executed (ie. not a mad dash through frustration) undertake is a valid option. :)


Editor
DVD REVIEWER

"There has to be a balance between telling the truth and reassurance"
Home Secretary David Blunkett

Quote:
I deliberately made a point of flashing them
The number of times I`ve been flashed and I`m no where near enough ahead of the guy in the left lane to pull in..

Education has to be the answer.
I`ve honestly had people (women... :/ ) say to me that they thought the left hand lane was for trucks and caravans only ! :o
The government needs to start a press/TV campaign educating the current f***wits and the test needs to encompass this for future f***wits.

I wouldn`t condone fines and points,as I think motorists are enough of a cash-cow and we live in a draconian enough state, thanks very much.

Motorway things I hate.

- People with caravans in the middle lane.

- Lorries overtaking other lorries when they`re only going 0.001 mph faster.

- Tailgating.

As for middle lane hogging, I hate that too, but if the LH lane is fairly populated, it sometimes feels unsafe to dive in and out of it every 30 seconds.

I have to say,drivers who think the fact they`ve put their indicator on gives them an automatic right to pull out/in at that precise moment annoy the hell out of me as well.
One cannot win sometimes.
They either hog the lanes or they ignore the fact you`re there when they switch ! :/