Reaching the left-lane hogs

Several years ago, the Israel Police announced it had determined the primary cause of “zig-zag” driving (weaving in and out of traffic lanes): “Left lane cruisers” – drivers who plunk themselves in the left-most lanes and cruise along at whatever speed they fancy, usually well under the limit – obstruct the flow of traffic. This compels drivers who wish to go faster by moving to the right-most lanes and weaving around the blockage.

I do not condone this, but facts are facts. Traffic law states that the left-hand lane is intended for passing and that anyone driving there for more than 40 seconds when it is possible to safely return to the right-most lanes is in violation.

The police state that they are going to strictly enforce this law. Hearing this, I remarked that the cops were emulating Lewis Carroll’s Walrus and Carpenter, thinking that with their limited money and resources they would be able to convince the thousands of Israeli drivers who spend most of their time in the left lane and cannot be pried loose from there with even a nuclear bomb, to move over.

I submit that if the Israel Police and Transportation Ministry really want to minimize unnecessary left-lane driving, they should do the following:

• Post signs along the left-lane shoulders saying “Left lane for passing only. Keep right. Violators subject to fine.”

• Broadcast service announcements to this effect on all radio and TV channels during normal viewing and listening hours.

• Photograph violators and send them warning notices instead of flagging one poor slob down for a 20-minute procedure while 5,000 other violators drive merrily along.

This left-lane driving problem is far more widespread than just about any other driving violation, and the only way to reduce it is through a massive education campaign, not by trying to sweep the beaches clear of sand. TREVOR DAVIS

Aseret