Some people just can't help but help themselves to the fast lane.
"Oklahoma, Oregon and Virginia are racing to become the latest in a wave of states that have imposed higher fines and more restrictions on driving in the left lane of multilane highways," reports Martha T. Moore.
The three states would join Florida, Georgia, Indiana, New Jersey, and Tennessee among states that have "stiffened" penalties for lingering in the left lane since 2013. "While all states require slow vehicles to keep right, they do not all specifically require drivers to get out of the left lane after overtaking another motorist or set penalties for failing to do so," explains Moore.
The article also examines the connection between the new laws and the growing traffic fatalities around the country. Oregon Senate Majority Leader Ginny Burdick is cited saying that stricter left lane laws are need due to growing traffic fatalities. To counter that point, Moore quotes Andrea Bill, traffic safety engineer research program manager at the University of Wisconsin Traffic Operations and Safety Laboratory, and Charles Farmer, vice president of research and statistical services at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, both of whom say there are higher priorities for improving traffic safety. Planetizen covered a 2014 article that reached a similar conclusion.
Moore also provides details of each of the state's proposed penalties for clogging the left lane.
FULL STORY: Growing number of states fine slowpoke drivers in highway fast lanes
Slow Drivers Can Be Punished for Hanging Out in the Fast Lane in Minnesota
Minnesota is the latest state to enact fines for a law already on the books requiring slow drivers to merge right. As such laws gain popularity, it's time again to consider the sometimes counterintuitive facts of traffic safety.
The Case Against Clogging the Left Lane
June is "Lane Courtesy Month," and Vox used the occasion to describe the sometimes counter-intuitive reasons why drivers should refrain from driving in the left lane except when passing.
Georgia Cracking Down on Fast-Lane 'Slow-Pokes'
A new bill approved by the state of Georgia's House of Representatives makes it illegal to remain in the fast lane when a faster vehicle approaches from behind.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions