Ever been stuck behind a driver doodling along in the passing lane? Not only is it infuriating but in Virginia it’s against the law.
Highway traffic with row of cars behind a slow driver in the left lane, Barbsimages / Shutterstock
This is the fourth part in our series aimed at helping Virginians become (even) better drivers.
If you’ve ever driven in Virginia, then you know what we’re talking about. Too many drivers are apparently unaware that all lanes are not equal when it comes to cruising, and some people might simply be rude, but we’ll consider that the exception. Not only are these dawdlers breaking the law, they’re also contributing to traffic slow-downs, endangering other drivers and emergency vehicles, and stoking road rage. Police in Virginia give out thousands of tickets each year, and the citation carries a $100 fine, but if you’ve been on any of the Commonwealth’s highways for more than 3 minutes, you’ll know that law enforcement can’t keep up.
So what can you do?
The answer is: not much about the other driver unless you’re wearing a badge, but you can avoid contributing to the problem, and make sure you get where you’re going safely.
When your attempt to pass is stymied by a procession of cars stacked up behind a slow left lane driver, your main recourse is to remain calm, and avoid tailgating --read our blog on the subject. Then check for a left exit ahead, construction, or emergency vehicles –there may actually be a reason, other than belligerence, that traffic has slowed and congregated to the left. If no such situation exists it’s OK to try gently signaling the slow poke. Of course this is only viable if you’re immediately behind them, and there’s no point in otherwise further aggravating the driver in front of you. Here are some signaling tips from Esurance, if you are in fact number two in line:
Automobiles following closely in the passing lane, Sundry Photography / Shutterstock
Have patience: Losing your cool won't help. Stay your course for a minute and see if a slow driver will spot you and move over.
Flash your lights: Sometimes slow drivers on a long drive simply get comfortable in one lane. A few flickers of your headlights might jar them to life and get them clearing a path in no time.
Tap the horn: If slow drivers don't heed your high beams, a calm (non-obnoxious) beep might better get their attention.
Otherwise, if possible, we recommend removing yourself from an ineffective angry motorcade. Cut your losses. Likely someone is tailgating you at this point, and the danger of having an accident only increases with boiling tempers. Calmly and cautiously, look for an opportunity to move to a lane to the right, and get yourself out of the situation with your best composure.
Incidentally, passing on the right is legal in Virginia, on roadways with multiple lanes going in the same direction, unless specifically prohibited, but it always warrants caution, and we recommend avoiding the practice whenever possible.
Read our other blogs in this series:
Helping Virginians become (even) better drivers.
Save the Tailgating for the Cavaliers
Who’s Turn is it Anyway?
Virginia Move Over
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