Sticking to 65 mph in fast lane has plenty of backers

Q

A reader named Paul Jacobs recently wrote “just imagine how much road rage could be avoided if slow drivers just moved to the right if others are going faster. If the Bible had been written at a time when there were cars, it would be the 11th Commandment.”

— W.K., Walnut Creek

A

That he did. Now it’s your turn to preach the bible.

Q

Anyone exceeding the speed limit is not only thumbing their nose at the law, but endangering every other driver on the highway. I have driven the Bay Area for 50 years. The level of insanity on our freeways has gone beyond the pale.

— W.K., Walnut Creek

A

Why is that?

Q

There is no requirement under the law to “move to the right” for lawbreakers. You, Mr Roadshow, are part of the problem. You never call out speeders for what they are: Violators. Instead, you insinuate that those who obey the law and drive no faster than the posted limit, are “Road Boulders” and need to move to the right.

— W.K., Walnut Creek

A

Actually, Mrs. Roadshow is the author of that phrase, which has become embedded in the Roadshow dictionary. But please keep preaching.

Q

Going 80 mph is the new minimum in all lanes. One car length is the maximum allowed following distance. Passing on the right, even in exit lanes, at speeds as high as 100 mph, is routine and cutting across gore points at exits and freeway junctions is as common as dirt.

Then there are the fools with trailers, speeding in all lanes. I was recently cut off by a lifted threequarter-ton pickup loaded with ATVs, pulling a large trailer with another six ATVs on Interstate 80 at the Cordelia truck scales. They were going 80 mph.

— T.H., Walnut Creek

A

OK, but here is why I preach moving right if faster traffic behind you is approaching: It’s safer for you and everyone else. We are not going to convince all speeders to ease off the pedal, but you can get out of their way and reduce the frequent lane changing and tailgating that is so risky.

Q

So many items in your column address the problem of people driving slowly in fastmoving lanes. I’m surprised that you don’t point out that this is not just annoying and dangerous, it’s illegal, even when the slower vehicle is moving at or above the speed limit. It’s covered by Vehicle Code Sections 21654(a) and 22400. I’m guessing most people don’t know this.

— John Semion, Los Altos

A

You might be right. If you are constantly being passed by traffic to your right, take the hint and move into a slower lane. Please.

Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat noon Wednesday at www. mercurynews.com/livechats. Contact Gary Richards at grichards@ bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920-5037. Look for him at Facebook.com/ mr.roadshow.