Get the F*** Out of the Left Lane

[BradMan23]

If your driving slow, go right, or get off.

Actually I was surprised today. On the onramp to deerfoot, heading northbound from Douglas dale there used to be a sign and it read "NO slow moving vehicles." ...NO slow moving vehicles. Not left, not middle not right. So to everyone (and there have been some) who have condoned the driving 90 in the right lane... NO. There are NO slow moving vehicles allowed on the deerfoot.

What surprised me, is not that sign as I have seen it many times before, but the fact that it had been replaced by a sign probably 5 times its size. From the normal 1ftx3ft sign to one about 5ftx4ft. A large sign that read, "There is no slow moving vehicles permitted on the deerfoot. Please take the Anderson/Bowbottom trail exit"

Even with this sign, people still drive 70 the entire length of the merge (and my its a large one) and then start to increase their speed up to the 100 ONCE they are on the foot. Thats aggravating.

I will say one last thing. No matter what, please do not pass in the far right lane. To me, I see more 'close calls' and complete 3 lane screw ups when people try to weave. Slow (speed limit) drivers, get out of the left.. and fast moving drivers do not pass on the right? Ok. There.

I will say there have been some very smart points made throughout this thread. Namely that we dont have a 'drive' culture, or that we arnt taught properly (everyone think back to your drivers ed classes...how many people thought..holy crap, thats all they are doing to teach us?). In Germany its insane how efficient, smooth and enjoyable the driving experience is. And if you speak with any German, you soon come to realize there is a huge difference in quality of the drivers ed/test.

-Brad

[Reggie Dunlop]

Originally Posted by BradMan23

In Germany its insane how efficient, smooth and enjoyable the driving experience is. And if you speak with any German, you soon come to realize there is a huge difference in quality of the drivers ed/test.

That part is true. It's a pretty intensive, lengthy and expensive course that includes, among other things, basic understanding of mechanics. "Right To Drive" type North Americans might scoff at it.

Having said that, some crazy stuff happens on German highways particularly with cross-border drivers. Not recommended for those weak of heart.

[DuffMan]

keep up with the guy in front of you, otherwise, move aside. It's the same as in golf.

[OilKiller]

Originally Posted by OutOfTheCube

It would be funny if the cops put permanent multinovas at several spots watching 'the fast lane'. Might change your opinion on things.

The only fact in this thread is that going over the speed limit is illegal. You're endangering yourself and everybody around you, as well as completely disregarding the laws and rules set out by our society. Period. There is no argument about that. If you choose to do that, so be it, it shows your lack of character and judgement. If you choose to belittle the people that have chosen to follow the rules designed to keep them safe, that shows even more what type of person you are.

Best post in the whole thread. Thanks OutOfTheCube. Well said.

I used to be just like 4x4 and those that agree with him in this thread. I would speed everywhere, flash my lights at people in the left lane so they would get out of my way. Shake my fist at people, flip the bird, yell and scream, rush to the front of the line and put my blinker on until someone let me in instead of waiting in line like everyone else. I used to be a real dick on the road.

Now, I'm 40 and I drive the speed limit. I pay attention to what is going on around me and try to be a good driver. People fly by me like I'm standing still, even when I'm going a little over the speed limit. Doesn't matter where I'm driving or what lane I'm in.

All I can say is they could easily lower my property taxes if they just sent more cops out there with more radar guns. Seems everyone is in such a rush to get somewhere these days. I've learned to simply settle down, enjoy the ride and get to where I'm going when I get there. It's called planning. It works and you'll get there in time without endangering the lives of those around you, just because you're in a freakin' hurry.

[jar_e]

Originally Posted by BradMan23

If your driving slow, go right, or get off.

Actually I was surprised today. On the onramp to deerfoot, heading northbound from Douglas dale there used to be a sign and it read "NO slow moving vehicles." ...NO slow moving vehicles. Not left, not middle not right. So to everyone (and there have been some) who have condoned the driving 90 in the right lane... NO. There are NO slow moving vehicles allowed on the deerfoot.

You have to remember the posted limit of 100 is the legal maximum...not a recommendation or a median. Slow is definitely relative however but you drive for conditions and a whole lot of other variables.

[Flashpoint]

Originally Posted by jammies

Nah, you have to be going at least 135 in a 110 zone before you are a scofflaw menace to society. It goes like this:

Drives below the speed limit: Possible self-toucher, mentally deficient

Ambles along at the speed limit: Fascist lackey of the corporate overlords, snitch and self-righteous do-gooder.

Usually does around 10 km/h over: Thinks he/she is smarter than the police; insufferably self-congratulatory. Probably showers infrequently and frowns at babies.

Does 20 km/h or more over the limit: Of questionable moral fiber, easily swayed by popular opinion and likes Justin Timberlake. Often applies stickers to vehicle in order to improve performance and attract the stupider members of the opposite sex. Own mother sighs and looks heavenward when this driver is mentioned.

Does 50 km/h or more over: Would be giving Hitler and Stalin a run for the Evil Genius of All Time trophy, except for he (invariably a he) is not very smart. Eats puppies and kittens like popcorn, is on Satan's Facebook friends list.

[BradMan23]

So what should we decide is the definition of slow? Is 50 on the deerfoot acceptable, with my variable being I dont like driving fast? No. As much as its a 'maximum,' its really the 'drive at this speed unless there is rain or snow' speed.

And, today is a VERY nice day out. And yet there was once again, a person driving 90 in the right lane. What are the allowable variables?

-Brad

[Shawnski]

Originally Posted by BradMan23

Actually I was surprised today. On the onramp to deerfoot, heading northbound from Douglas dale there used to be a sign and it read "NO slow moving vehicles." ...NO slow moving vehicles. Not left, not middle not right. So to everyone (and there have been some) who have condoned the driving 90 in the right lane... NO. There are NO slow moving vehicles allowed on the deerfoot.

You do realize what a "slow moving vehicle" designation is, right Brad?



That is a slow moving vehicle sign.

This sign is placed on the back of slow moving vehicles such as farm tractors, machinery or construction equipment. These vehicles are designed for use at speeds that are less than 40 km/h. When you see this sign, reduce your speed.

Government link...

This is NOT referring to people as you are describing their merging.

Edit, here is the City of Calgary link as to what a "slow moving vehicle" means, and it's ban from Deerfoot...

http://www.calgary.ca/DocGallery/BU/...erks/26m96.pdf

Page 27

[Addick]

Originally Posted by Reggie Dunlop

"Right To Drive" type North Americans might scoff at it.

And some people argue that North Americans don't have any culture. We do, but unfortunately some of it is quite silly... I believe we need stricter controls on who we allow to drive in addition to an actual driver's education course. By this I mean more time learning in the class and car, I'm talking at least 50 hours combined. Yeah it'll be expensive but that help with two goals of the system:

1. Improving the quality of drivers to an acceptable level.
2. Reducing the amount of cars on the road.

Driving is not a right but rather a privilege. It's the government's job to provide you with a means of transportation, but it their choice not ours. When implemented correctly Public Transit is much more efficient, effective and accessible that private automobiles will ever be!

[Shawnski]

One other piece of misinformation, is the "Slower Traffic Keep Right" signs. There are none on Deerfoot.

It was even stipulated in this government document NOT to have them.

The Slower Traffic Keep Right sign is not

recommended for the following situations:

• approaches to and through an

interchange area

• freeway sections passing through urban

centres (e.g. Deerfoot Trail)

• sections of two-lane highway where a
third auxiliary lane has been added for
passing. A Keep Right Except to Pass
sign is used for this purpose.

Page 3

[BradMan23]

Hm.. good call Shawnski. I guess thats probably what they mean, even though the orange triangle is non-existent on the two signs Im referring too.

I would have thought it to be pretty common sense to know not to drive your back-hoe down the deerfoot.

[BradMan23]

Originally Posted by Shawnski

One other piece of misinformation, is the "Slower Traffic Keep Right" signs. There are none on Deerfoot.

It was even stipulated in this government document NOT to have them.

Page 3

[/left]

Might be stipulated. But I know of at least one that exists. I will take a picture the next time I go by... and Im in the passenger seat.

[Deviaant]

Ok first off id like to admit I am a 10-15km/h speeder. Not a huge offender but by definition I am what I am. What I have big issues with is drivers in general who ride your ass...even when you are speeding. Regardless if its the Deerfoot the QE 2 or wherever I dont understand the point of closing in on somebody who is obviously not going the same speed as you slammin on your brakes and riding their ass regardless if they can move out of your way or not. I always regardless of speed count in my head and make darn sure I have at minimum a 2 second gap between myself and the driver in front of me. In winter that gap gets upped to 4 seconds. I have never been in an accident or had a speeding ticket knock on wood. On a personal note when somebody rides my bumper I get freaked (I know some of you are gonna get freaked out by what coming next but....well dont get freaked its a looong story) I was born with zero depth perception. So for a person like me its quite scary seeing somebody come up on ya fast....And when that does happen to me I always have a tendancy to white knuckle the wheel. Long and the short of it to me is always maintain a safe distance after all its not only your life you have in your hands, be aware of whats goin on around you at all times and most of all be safe....dont get forced into making a decision you are uncomfortable making. For me my uncomfortable decision would be having to merge into a lane with heavy traffic. Mostly for the fact I dont see in 3d so its near impossible to judge distance so I have a tendancy to give a little larger than needed space....

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by BradMan23

Hm.. good call Shawnski. I guess thats probably what they mean, even though the orange triangle is non-existent on the two signs Im referring too.

IIRC, the sign came down during construction of the interchange, then went back up recently. But the sign has been there for years.

And if you look closely you will see a "clean mark" where the orange triangle has fallen off. I recall thinking it funny that when they put the sign back up they didn't bother to fix it.

[return to the red]

Originally Posted by Deviaant

Ok first off id like to admit I am a 10-15km/h speeder. Not a huge offender but by definition I am what I am. What I have big issues with is drivers in general who ride your ass...even when you are speeding. Regardless if its the Deerfoot the QE 2 or wherever I dont understand the point of closing in on somebody who is obviously not going the same speed as you slammin on your brakes and riding their ass regardless if they can move out of your way or not. I always regardless of speed count in my head and make darn sure I have at minimum a 2 second gap between myself and the driver in front of me. In winter that gap gets upped to 4 seconds. I have never been in an accident or had a speeding ticket knock on wood. On a personal note when somebody rides my bumper I get freaked (I know some of you are gonna get freaked out by what coming next but....well dont get freaked its a looong story) I was born with zero depth perception. So for a person like me its quite scary seeing somebody come up on ya fast....And when that does happen to me I always have a tendancy to white knuckle the wheel. Long and the short of it to me is always maintain a safe distance after all its not only your life you have in your hands, be aware of whats goin on around you at all times and most of all be safe....dont get forced into making a decision you are uncomfortable making. For me my uncomfortable decision would be having to merge into a lane with heavy traffic. Mostly for the fact I dont see in 3d so its near impossible to judge distance so I have a tendancy to give a little larger than needed space....

Good post and welcome to the board. Often people let the rage take hold and don't think about situations like yours. There may be a reason other then stupidity that people drive the way they do

[Deviaant]

thank you return to the red. Id also like to point out by the looks of my last post I d have been born in Edmonton not knowing how to properly format a decent paragraph.....but at the moment every time I hit the enter key my stupid Safari dies. So sorry about that.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by OilKiller

I used to be just like 4x4 and those that agree with him in this thread. I would speed everywhere, flash my lights at people in the left lane so they would get out of my way. Shake my fist at people, flip the bird, yell and scream, rush to the front of the line and put my blinker on until someone let me in instead of waiting in line like everyone else. I used to be a real dick on the road.

How the hell do you know whether I speed everywhere I go? How the hell do you know if I yell and flip the bird? Who the hell do you think you are?

I cannot believe some of you people. Because I bring up a topic about (what I thought) was a commonly known road courtesy (and was pretty riled up), I'm a constant speeder? I speed everywhere, huh?

Because I won't back down about my initail point, I'm getting stuffed further and further into this pigeon hole idea of your vein in forhead road rage freak, right?

Next time any of you hypocrites complains about tipping or anything else commonplace (like driving) I guess I'm free to figure that you're one of those cheap a-holes that never tips. All because you complained that bad service doesn't warrant tipping. Only makes sense, right?

[Hakan]

Originally Posted by Uncarved

4x4 i bet you are one of those guys during construction area's where you know at least a km ahead the lane will end, but instead of getting in with traffic you will race ahead in the ending lane and force somone to let you in. Those are the people that pi** me off, causing longer waiting times and stopping the flow of traffic so your a** can be home 2 min earlier.

This may have already been addressed but I feel compelled to respond to this comment.

This practice of everyone lining up in the stopped lane when the other lane is closed is a classic Calgary moment of driving incompetence.

Road crews start the warning of a lane closure hundreds of meters ahead of when the lane actually closes in the hopes that cars will merge into the open lane. Because almost nobody in Calgary understands what the concept of merging is, most drivers quickly dart into the open lane at first chance to avoid merging then grinding the open lane down to a halt.

Cities with drivers that know how to merge understand that the FASTEST way to get through a lane closure is for both lanes to fill up and cars merging in an interlocking manner at the end of the closure. Traffic certainly slows down but it is nothing like what happens in the above situation in Calgary.

To make matters worse, drivers then begrudge the one driver who will drive up the empty lane and merge when the lane closes. What that one driver is doing is actually the correct driving action but because all of docile sheep too afraid to merge at the end have been waiting in queue for 15 minutes they flare their nostrils and then purposefully try to not let that person in which further exascerbates the problem.

Good old Calgary drivers.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by Hakan

This may have already been addressed but I feel compelled to respond to this comment.

This practice of everyone lining up in the stopped lane when the other lane is closed is a classic Calgary moment of driving incompetence.

Road crews start the warning of a lane closure hundreds of meters ahead of when the lane actually closes in the hopes that cars will merge into the open lane. Because almost nobody in Calgary understands what the concept of merging is, most drivers quickly dart into the open lane at first chance to avoid merging then grinding the open lane down to a halt.

Cities with drivers that know how to merge understand that the FASTEST way to get through a lane closure is for both lanes to fill up and cars merging in an interlocking manner at the end of the closure. Traffic certainly slows down but it is nothing like what happens in the above situation in Calgary.

To make matters worse, drivers then begrudge the one driver who will drive up the empty lane and merge when the lane closes. What that one driver is doing is actually the correct driving action but because all of docile sheep too afraid to merge at the end have been waiting in queue for 15 minutes they flare their nostrils and then purposefully try to not let that person in which further exascerbates the problem.

Good old Calgary drivers.

THANK YOU HAKAN

[OilKiller]

Originally Posted by 4X4

How the hell do you know whether I speed everywhere I go? How the hell do you know if I yell and flip the bird? Who the hell do you think you are?

Well, I think after reading what you posted here, we can almost safely assume. You're a tad tightly wound there buddy. Relax. I think I am who I am and posted my opinion. Don't like it...too bad. I don't like yours either.

Read my post again. It may seem like I insinuated it was you doing those things. I meant myself. The only part directed at you was the fact that I said "I used to be like you". The rest is all me, except for what you have claimed to do already in this thread.

I think you need to go get some happy pills and relax while you're on the road. Either that or you're gonna' hurt yourself or some innocent driver. Wow...