A Learning Topic (by Request)

This is a topic that has been discussed in the past. It has been a little while since it has come up.

Dennis L is the unofficial sponsor of this topic since he was looking for some questions to be posted for newer drivers.

Here goes...

You are on a 3 laned highway traveling in the right lane. You see a sign that says, "Right Lane Closed 1 Mile Ahead".

As you approach the 3/4 mile point from the merge you notice that the 2 left lanes are backed up, bumper-to-bumper. Meanwhile it's smooth sailing in the right lane all the way to the merge point.

The following thoughts might cross your mind:

●"I should have moved over sooner when I had the chance."

●"This lane is wide open. I might as well ride it all the way to the merge point then move over." (while ignoring dirty looks from the drivers you are passing)

●"I'll just stop here and move at the same speed as the left 2 lanes so that nobody tries to skip the line by advancing to the merge point." (Basically you decide to use your truck as a rolling road block in order to force vehicles to move into one of the left 2 lanes)

So what is the proper thing to do? Any of the above? None of the above? Any other options you can think of?

Try to support your answer with a reason/reasons that led you to it.

I was reminded of this bc I was in this scenario yesterday. The truck in front of me in the middle lane was blowing his air horn at every vehicle that passed by him in the right lane.

I'll supply a link to what the DOT would prefer you to do sometime tomorrow. Or you can look it up yourself. Just don't ruin it for people who want to discuss the topic first.

Get in while the gettins good. If I'm not able to, I throw on the signal and keep driving slowly, hoping somebody lets me in.

I’m not going to ruin this, I hope. But think about how you would feel if someone jumps the line at the grocery story and if Karen was in that line. Lol

I remember a lively discussion on this very topic with Rickipedia some years ago. I'm interested to see everyone's opinion. Great idea.

I don't know what the DOT wants us to do, so I'm interested in hearing that.

Personally, I get over as soon as possible. Most people consider trucks a PINA as it is. If you blow past the line and go to the merge point, passing everyone who is waiting, and then expect the people you just passed to let you in, you're crazy. They're going to be mad, and they'll keep you from getting over as long as possible.

Thanks RealDiehl for doing this.

I’ve been in this exact situation a few times. What I’ve done is to slow down, put on my turn blinker and merge in as soon as someone gives me the courtesy to do so.

A lot of people will allow a truck to merge in. People can be considerate.

As for DOT wishes no clue, except I’ve seen signs posted during I-44 construction for drivers to “zipper” merge, meaning taking alternate turns allowing drivers from the ending lane to merge in like a zipper.

Sometimes I’ll move over a mile ahead of the right lane being closed when the notice first appears, if the left lane is clear. I’m sure this upsets some faster drivers coming up behind me because I do not exceed speed limit in work zones. Refuse to do it.

A similar situation is merging traffic from on ramp into right lane. I’m torn between moving into left lane, when clear to do so, or just slowing down to allow merging vehicle to enter in front of me.

The safety issue for me is that moving into left lane of faster vehicles poses an obstructing traffic flow situation since a merging in truck, for example, will be passing me on the right very soon anyway. I’m Prime governed to 62 max.

I also watch out very carefully for cars trying to zip past me on right side on the shoulder from an on ramp. I recently actually saw a trucker pass someone on the shoulder!

During winter on I-80 in Wyoming the right lane was not fully clear of packed snow and patchy ice. The left lane was dry.

I drove in the dry left lane when there was no traffic coming from behind. Whenever I saw traffic coming up behind me I would move over into the right lane for us slower vehicles to drive on less safe surface.

I noticed that the faster trucks never moved into the right lane. Signs were posted saying “left lane for passing only”. An experienced driver that I shared this with sent me a copy of a regulation about being unlawful to drive in left lane impeding faster traffic. He also said it would “upset” those drivers.

What about my rights to safety? Should I be forced to drive on a less safe road surface at lot slower speed because the DOT can scrape one lane dry, but not the other? I didn’t impede any fast traffic because I moved over well before anyone had to disengage the cruise control. Frankly I don’t care if I “upset” some fast drivers. How they react is their personal problem.

PS. It is my understanding that drivers merging in from on ramps legally must yield to the right lane through traffic. Right lane drivers Moving over is considered a courtesy, but not a legal requirement in most states.

I suspect other truckers get upset more when traffic doesn’t move over for them because if they must slowdown or even stop difficult to get going again causing more traffic flow impacts.

PPS. Sorry but thought of another situation that I’ve faced a few times this past week.

I’m cruising at my max 62 mph on interstate. I come up behind a slower moving vehicle, eg towing a Uhaul trailer or a pickup towing a trailer hauling cars, doing 56-57 mph.

Do I try passing or just slow down to a safe distance behind them and “put up with it”?

I was able to pass one time only when there were no faster vehicles in sight coming up from behind. It takes me a long time to pass unless I catch someone on upgrade that slows them down when I’m lightly loaded or empty. I’ve passed on a downgrade when I could coast a few mph faster.

I got lucky once when the slower vehicle exited the highway after only a few miles.

You faster trucks will probably say to slow down and put up with it.

I want to be safe and courteous, but also have schedules to keep. One time I was getting close to my clock running out and I was trying to get to a target parking location a few miles ahead. The few extra mph had an impact.

Dennis, good questions. If you are cruising at 62 mph, you shouldn’t have many passing situations to contend with.

Passing another vehicle depends on numerous situations. Who is next to you,? Who is coming is coming up to you? Experience is a big factor in judging the speed of vehicles in your vicinity.

The main lesson I have learned is to slow down in questionable situations. Let the aggressive drivers go ahead and encounter the obstacles before you do. Don’t impede traffic, but drive at a cautious speed.

BK, in my case the situation is usually that I’m the one being passed on the Interstates.

Sometimes multiple trucks blowing by bumper to bumper. The first driver then cuts me off trying to get out of the way of the other driver riding his DOT bumper.

It is insane what goes on out here by supposed “professional” safe drivers.