State doesn’t want drivers to ‘camp out’ in passing lane

ODOT campaign says left lane is for passing other motorists.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is promoting a new campaign to drivers on the highway, one designed to improve safety and ease frustration.

An ODOT spokeswoman told this news organization the department adapted the idea from the state of Washington, which posted signs saying, “Camp in the mountains not the left lane.”

The state of Ohio is now putting up electronic signs that say, “Camp in Ohio State Parks not the left lane.”

The left lane is to be used by motorists who are passing other drivers, but drivers should move over when they have completed passing. Failure to do so, experts have said, is a safety issue and one that others have said can contribute to road rage incidents.

“I think it’s a good idea, but will people follow it? That’s the thing,” said Michael Sanders of Englewood.

“I ride up the highway every day ... there are people that drive sometimes slow in that lane,” he continued.

When drivers camp in the left lane, other drivers are forced to pass them on the right-hand side, which can lead to road rage.

“They will almost clip your bumper with their back bumper almost like a sign of aggression and road rage. I see it a lot,” said Sanders.

ODOT doesn’t keep statistics on what incidents lead to road rage, but drivers who stay in the left lane can make driving dangerous for everyone else on the highways.

“If they’re going too slow in that lane, then it’s definitely annoying because that’s meant to get around people, and if you’re not allowing that, they can get very angry at you, I guess,” the ODOT spokeswoman said.

It’s unknown how long this campaign will last, but more messages reportedly will be showing up for the Thanksgiving holiday.