Well George, some things I agree with, some I don't.
First off, #1 - when on a free way - i almost always stay left until I need to turn off. This pisses off the 'speeders' but I don't care. (FWIW - I do about 20 to 25 over the speed limit when in the left lane and that usually keeps up with the flow of traffic - any faster and for sure YOU WILL get a speeding ticket if police are monitoring (so would I) so too bad and swerve around me if you want to break the law).
Why do I do this? For the reason you site on one of your issues with the right lane - the merging. Most people are OK, but that one idiot who doesn't want to step on the gas to get up to speed to merge can cause all kinds of issues. I've seen it. I've even had people go onto an off ramp then decide to just swerve back onto the expressway with no signal - then give ME the dirty look when I honk my horn at them for cutting me off without signaling.
But your stop a signal is stupid. Unless the right hand lane is designated as a turning lane George, that car as just as much right to go straight as you do to turn right. So don't get your panties in a bunch next time that happens, just breathe deeply and calm yourself, go to your zen place. The light really doesn't take all that long to change, then you'll be able to turn. Yes, it's a pain sometimes and in fact it happens to me just about every day when I take my son to school in the morning, especially if i'm running late. But it's not that drivers fault in front of me for going straight, it's my fault for leaving late. I can't blame them on that.
I think though there should be another thread started - an 'I own the Road' thread for all those people (and there's quite a few of those on the left hand lunacy thread) and let them vent and complain.
Bottom line is we all share the road. And here's a novel idea - if we all do (around) the speed limit (realizing here that due to circumstances some people will need to go slower (right hand lane) and some people will need to move a bit quicker (running late for an important meeting, driving to the hospital to witness their childs birth, etc) we'd all be surprised at just how few accidents there are, how much 'quicker' we'd all get to our destinations, and just overall how much smoother and more pleasant all our driving experiences would be.
For those with a lead foot - take it on the hwy when no one is around. For those that are less confident behind the wheel, I'm sure their confidence would increase if we all were courteous and more respectful.
Meh, what the heck am I saying - lets just all get James Bond cars and blow each other up. That will clean up congestion on the roadway
