🚀 go-pugleaf

"sanjian" <sanjian@widomaker.com> wrote in message
news:t8dq4iinnkugf3@corp.supernews.com...
> "Motorists Advocate J.H.P" <jpkt@wxc.com.au> wrote in message
> news:9664el$qhv$1@perki.connect.com.au...
> > Gee America, your still arguing basic lane discipline?
> >
> > In Australia, we have a Federal law which reads to the effect - that in
> > speed limit zones 80km/h (50+ mph) and above, and/or where a "keep left
> > unless overtaking" sign is posted, drivers MUST keep to the left lane.
> >
> > That would be "right" lane for the USA!!  This law was adopted into all
> > Australian states and territories.
> >
> > The 'keep left unless overtaking signs" are black print over a white
> ground
> > with a black rim.  They are a rectangular shape.  Most of our national
and
> > state freeway and highways have them posted.
>
> Ok, just because you have a stupid law all over your country doesn't make
it
> right.


Greetings Sanjian,
The same law is applied throughout Europe, generally for the 'right' of
course.  A similiar law operates in New Zeland South Africa etc.  More...

> >
> > Sitting in the middle lane/s of an otherwise empty freeway is just plain
> bad
> > driving, poor lane discipline.
>
> For no particular reason, other than your own prejudices in the matter.

The reasons are many and have bugger all to do with my personal preducices
sir!  In countries which have high freeway speed limits the correct lane
discipline helps in the overall traffic flow.  That flow is improved,
drivers know what is expected of them and most behave accordingly.

Believe me it works.  Please, take a holiday in France, visit Germany,
Belgium, Luxemborg and see 'it' - in practice.  Better still, come to
Australia we are more than happy to take your money!


> > I guess that with your increased speed limits and speeds, that the
demands
> > for improved lane discipline measures are growing, as well they should.
>
> No, the demand for more lanes is growing.  Only out of touch politicians
are
> wanting more restrictions.
>
> > You seem to have the speed nowadays but not necessarily the proactive
> safety
> > measures that should go with the increased speed limits.
>
> Over regulating driving isn't the answer.

Mate, I agree it's just this particular law has widespread public support,
it actually aids driving and reduces nervous tension, road rage - call it
what you will.


> > As a foreigner I am pleased your 55mph limit was done away with those
few
> > years ago, it will help aid the push for improved vehicle, engineering
and
> > signage standards.
>
> Ok, as someone in Virginia, I can already see that it's a bad idea.  On
> I-64, we already have too much traffic for the two lanes that the
interstate
> bottlenecks into at the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.  Taking one lane out
of
> service for normal travel is only going to tie things up even more.  It's
> not like we have too many options to get from the peninsula to the south
> side anyways, and the other options add about 10 miles onto the drive.
>
> I'd be right pissed if I'm crawling at 30mph on the right lane, and the
left
> is open.

Eh???
The point is the law 'allows' you to then use the left lane, SINCE you will
OBVIOUSLY be passing that slower traffic Sanjian.  It is NOT intended to
force you to 'have' to drive slowly in the right lane, this would be
counterproductive.

The law is intended to stop drivers from blocking all lanes simultaneously
when traffic lanes are otherwize relatively clear.  It is deemed that the
left lane (US) is the lane drivers should make a practice of getting out
of - once they have passed other traffic.  If traffic is heavy, you may keep
using the left lane, just make a practice of moving to the right if an
obvious faster vehicle comes up behind you, IF you have the safe space to do
so, otherwize the faster driver will have to wait - a little, till you can
get back into the right lane.

You argument about the requirement for the additional traffic lanes Hampton
Roads Bridge Tunnel really is a separate issue, I agree you need those
additional lanes, here for the moment the law applies only when the traffic
is lite (light) it does not apply and therefore would not be enforced during
times of traffic congestion.

I suspect there may be a misunderstanding about the "keep right unless
passing" signage and practice.

Give it a few years (for drivers to learn and adopt) and you will see an
improvement in traffic discipline with the 'keep right unless passing'
practice.  I'll guarantee that one and I reckon I'll make a convert out of
you:-)

 Jeremy H. Pritchard
MA
jpkt@wxc.com.au


> sanjian@wido(you know the drill)maker.com
> http://www.widomaker.com/~sanjain
> President P.A.C.  Order of the Mallet
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