We’ve all been there, whether traveling home or to a destination, nobody wants to spend their precious time traveling 15 miles at 45mph. So in order to travel quicker, we start switching to the far left lane, but the car in front is going 45 in a 45 mph speed limit.
If you don’t already know, the far left lane is strictly reserved for passing with exceptions (avoiding an obstruction or preparing to make a left turn). I’m sure we’ve all experienced a left lane camper, and if it wasn’t clear, you should NOT be going the speed limit or below in the far left lane. In Florida, drivers impeding the flow of traffic in the left lane could receive a noncriminal traffic infraction.
The problem with driving in the left lane is that other drivers have places to be, which may result in them dangerously swerving or cutting up to pass the car in front. In worse case scenarios, this can lead to fatal accidents.
If you plan on driving in the far left lane, please follow these reminders:
- Only use the far left lane to pass another vehicle, avoid a driving obstruction, or when preparing to make a left turn.
- When preparing to switch lanes, make sure you use your turn signal to let the drivers behind know your intention.
- If you see a vehicle quickly approaching behind you, you must switch lanes unless you are planning to make a left turn.
- Do not drive slower than the speed limit (realistically you should be going over if you’re passing a vehicle beside).
