Why It's a Traffic Offense to Drive Too Slowly in The Left Lane
Law Offices of McCullough & Leboff, P.A. March 1, 2020
We've all been on the road and gotten frustrated because of someone driving too slowly in the left lane. In some situations, that frustration can lead drivers to fits of road rage and aggressive driving behaviors. The ripple effect of driving too slowly in the left lane puts the lives of everyone on the road at risk. Drivers moving slowly in the left lane can be annoying, but also dangerous.
Over the last year, drivers in Florida have taken to social media to voice their complaints about slow drivers in the left lane. Facebook is filled with posts from Florida drivers reminding their followers, young and old, to move over. Many people are guilty of hogging the left lane, but even at high speeds, it's against the law. Florida traffic laws consider the left lane to be a passing lane. Treating it as your cruising lane for sightseeing can land you with a hefty penalty for a moving violation.
What Are Florida's Traffic Laws on Driving in The Left Lane?
Florida Statute 316.183(5) covers state laws on unlawful speeds. Driving too slowly in the left lane and failing to let another car pass is a violation of this law. It specifies that "no person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for the safe operation or in compliance with the law."
It's also illegal to drive slower than 40 mph on Florida highways and interstates. If the speed limit is set at 70 mph, then drivers must maintain a minimum of 50 mph. Failing to abide by Florida's unlawful speed statutes and left lane laws can land a driver with three points on their driving record and a hefty $163 fine.
Why Are Left Lane Traffic Laws Important?
Driving slowly in the left lane is dangerous and puts the lives of everyone around at risk. Left lane laws are important because they help prevent car crashes and needless deaths on the road. Whether it's making our streets safer or increasing gas efficiency, there are many reasons why following left lane traffic laws are essential. The following are some of the most significant reasons why it's important to follow left lane traffic laws in Florida:
Left Lane Laws Prevent Car Accidents
A few slow left lane drivers on a highway cause faster drivers to change lanes and weave around to pass. Research from the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey shows that lane changes make up about 11 percent of roadside crashes. Traffic flows smoothly when there are no cars obstructing other vehicles in the left lane. When traffic runs smoothly, there are fewer car accidents, and the roads are safer.
Slow Left Lane Drivers Cause Road Rage
When slow drivers prevent others from passing in the left lane, faster drivers can get frustrated and often act out aggressively. Road rage behaviors, such as tailgating, make the roads dangerous for every motorist.
Maintaining a Steady Speed Saves Gas
Car engines use the most fuel when constantly accelerating and slowing down. Drivers who maintain a steady speed and cruise in the left lane are not just making the roads a safer place, but also saving the most money on gas.
Follow Left Lane Laws To Avoid a Ticket
Save yourself from paying a substantial amount of money on a traffic violation. A ticket for disobeying Florida's left lane traffic laws comes with a high price. Save yourself three points on your driver's license and the unnecessary money spent by following left lane laws.
Trusted Personal Injury Attorneys in Davie, FL Are Here to Help
Reports from the United States Department of Transportation show that more than 6 million car crashes happen each year. In Florida alone, more than 3,000 lives are lost each year from motor vehicle accidents. Regulations like the left lane law exist to avoid having unnecessary lives lost each year on the road. Drivers have a responsibility to themselves and to others on the road to drive carefully and understand the laws that keep Florida safe. Following the left lane traffic law and being courteous of others on the road significantly increases the safety of driving. Unfortunately, not all accidents can be avoided. Sometimes, you can follow all the rules and still find yourself hurt in a car accident.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury because of a driver's careless actions on one of South Florida's roads, the experienced car accident attorneys at McCullough & Leboff P.A. are here to help. As trusted personal injury lawyers, they use 48 years of legal personal injury experience and knowledge to fight for their clients to receive full and fair compensation. They take a personal approach and pay the highest level of attention to each case that they handle. Get the help you need today and contact their office.