Slow drivers scoot over, says HB 7125, which passed the house 117-1 on Wednesday and is scheduled on third reading in the Senate today. This train of a transportation bill carries some heavy cargo. In addition to this provision which requires vehicles moving 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit to move to the right lane when possible, or risk facing a $60 fine, the bill also addresses vehicle, vessel and mobile home titling; the transport of hazardous materials; driver licensing; DUI-related offenses; red light camera restrictions; and new specialty license plates.
So are slow-moving vehicles a major trigger for the road rage prone? Anecdotally, yes; although these cases often also involve a speeding driver who comes up upon a vehicle going the speed limit or even above — a situation this bill would not remedy.
A grassroots group, “Left Lane Drivers of America“, suggests that swift drivers “politely but firmly” remind others what the left lane is for, and sells trademarked decals for the windshield that read “<— SLOWER TRAFFIC” w hen seen through a slower-driver’s rearview mirror.
In 2005, Governor Jeb Bush vetoed a bill which would have required drivers to move over to the right lane when other cars were trying to pass in the left, saying that the proposed law seemed to reward speeders or the short-tempered as opposed to cautious drivers actually keeping to the speed limit.
