Left Lane Accidents in California
On Northern California freeways, it is a common experience to witness slow drivers in the left lane. Driving slowly in the left (passing) lane can contribute to congested highway traffic and may trigger aggressive drivers. The combination of these factors results in a large number of automobile accidents each year.
What is the Left Lane For?
Drivers likely think of the “fast” lane as the place they go to get beyond slower-moving vehicles. In reality, there are some rules about what the lane is for and when it should be used. Each state has its own separate laws regarding the use of the left lane. California operates under the Keep Right law, which states that slower traffic should use the right-hand lane. The other lanes may be used for passing slower vehicles. Even while passing, however, drivers must abide by the posted speed limit.
While most drivers follow the law and leave the left lane to faster traffic, there are some who continue to use it to drive slowly. This can actually be dangerous and can result in congested traffic patterns and instances of road rage.
Keep it Moving
Temple University conducted a traffic study that looked at travel within the left lane and how it affected traffic patterns. The study found that slower-moving cars within the lane often created a problem. The congestion caused by one driver moving slower than the posted speed limit resulted in larger-scale traffic jams, even miles behind the slow vehicle.
Aggressive Drivers Triggered by Slowpokes
While no one should drive aggressively, traveling slowly in the left-hand lane can be a common trigger for erratic or aggressive driving. If another driver is attempting to pass on the left and encounters a slow-moving vehicle in the passing lane, he may engage in abrupt lane changes or other erratic moves that increase the chances of an accident. According to the CHP, most car crashes occur when one of the vehicles is changing lanes. Erratic or aggressive driving behavior creates a much higher risk for accidents, and such unfriendly driving behavior often occurs in areas of congestion and merging. There are several such areas in the Sacramento region, including:
- Several portions of I-80/Capital City Freeway and Highway 50 where many lanes merge into a few
- The portion of I-5 between downtown and the airport
Watch the YouTube video uploaded by Vox on why you should not drive slowly in the passing lane.
Follow the Keep Right Rule
California consistently ranks as having some of the worst drivers in the country. Drivers on our local roads are noted as being unusually aggressive. The statistics bear out these claims as our state has a high percentage of accidents that include factors of impaired driving, excessive speed, and other violations. Driving defensively is a good habit to get into. Be aware of actions that can cause congestion or other problems. While speeding is dangerous behavior, driving too slowly, especially in the passing lane, can also create hazardous situations.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
Hello. Thanks for reading. My name is Ed Smith, and I have been a car accident lawyer in Sacramento for more than 38 years. Negligent driving behaviors of all sorts occur on our Northern California highways every day. If you have been injured in a car crash that was the result of another driver’s careless or reckless actions, please call to speak with one of the injury lawyers at my firm. Our local number is (916) 921-6400, and if you are calling from a different area code, you may use our toll-free line: (800) 404-5400. We would be happy to offer free and friendly advice.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/highway-auto-traffic-road-drive-1767107/
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