True or False: Prius = Left Lane Hugger

well researched fuzzy, thank you.

also, how do you know if you are 'holding up cars', or if they are just behind you?

 

I learned to drive about an hour and half's drive from the nearest multi-lane highway segment (and about four hours from the nearest actual Interstate), and my driver's education class still taught it.

 

taught what?

 

"these laws"

 

oh, those laws.

 

It can be a judgement call.

When the cars behind are not taking advantage of reasonable unobstructed and safe passing opportunities, they are not being held up. When the car immediately behind is staying back far beyond the minimum required following distance, and no one else is moving up ahead of them, they are not being held up. When the procession has recently been through a multi-lane hill climbing section, and everyone fell into single file in the truck lane, not using the passing lane, then they are not being held up.

 

so, if the car behind is tailgating you, (which is illegal) you should pull over and let them pass?

 

While there are good reasons to do so, the laws of the above mentioned states don't require it. Your state may well be different.

 

Way back then, they led you to believe it was the legal upper limit, didn't they? Those quaint old rules apparently are obsolete. Now the numbers posted on the signs are considered the lower limit by most drivers, including Prius drivers, drivers of 40-ton trucks, and even police in some places.

 

That's not even in jest anymore, sadly.

Another dinosaur is the hand signals: a lot of drivers apparently signal they're slowing down, for miles, lol.

 

I can only report that 40 some years ago when I took Driver's Ed my instructor used those laws as examples that one should not just follow the rules but use your judgement, as the law was full of examples where you were advised to use good judgement and a defense of 'I was blindly obeying rules' would not be successful. I have not taken Driver Ed more recently.

 

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Many drivers forget that the above doesn't apply everywhere. Then get upset when caught.

A close relative, formerly a lawyer then prosecutor, is a now a judge. He gets plenty of appeals on speeding tickets at 5 mph over the PSL. Most appeals are denied.

Many folks think they are being targeted because of their out-of-state plates. No, that is the way it has been since long before we were licensed to drive. Why do you think you were passing so many cars with local plates?

If anyone travels on US12 westbound from Lolo Pass, enjoying that narrow "Winding Road Next 77 Miles" but wondering why the PSL is so low compared to the wide straight Montana highways you just left, there is damn good reason for it. This road is deadly. Being able to stay in your lane isn't good enough when you come around a sharp corner to find a boulder or elk in the road, you must be able to stop. There is no meaningful shoulder onto which to swerve, just an oncoming lane and a riverbank or mountain rock wall.

If you think its speed limit is archaic, be ready for a greeting from Officer Ed, if he is on duty. Enforcement of some other highways in the region is slightly less strict, but still far tighter than many far-away urban drivers are accustomed to. Remember, back home you have the protection of being inside a giant herd. Out here there is no herd, you are alone.

 

Multi-lane roads are not relevant to that particular posting. Two lane roads (one lane each way) only.

 

Do as I say, not as I do.

 

The main reason I avoid the right lane (in some stretches) is because of entering and exiting traffic. They need the space and often aren't going to be up to speed anyhow.

Amazing how many idiots get upset at ME for being in the left lane in a spot where they know traffic is entering and exiting, so the right lane is the WORST place to be if you don't need to be there.

 

The one really bad behaviour is moving from left to right lane AT merging zones.

 

But sometimes necessary when an on ramp turns into an off ramp.

 

I usually prefer the second right lane unless there are only two. Then I'll use the right lane mostly unless I need to pass.

 

likewise.