Highway Driving

troubledwaters wrote:
I will only drive in the center lane if traffic is not very heavy. Otherwise I drive in the right lane. With traffic passing on both sides I consider that Heavy traffic. I consider going under the speed limit in the center lane to be inconsiderate. I've been stuck behind RV's in the center lane going under the speed limit and I don't like it at all. I'll bet you were flipped off - right?
That's just me, your opinion may vary.

I would think that the RV in the center lane allows the "considerate" drivers the option to use the two other lanes. If they need to exit, no problem, if they have a dire need to pass, no problem. Of course this does not pertain to the D.C. area, where all traffic immediately moves to the left lane and passes on the right. :(

Depends on what traffic is like. If there are a lot of on ramps and a lot of merging traffic, I stay in the center lane to avoid constant lane changes. If all the big rigs are in the center lane, I figure the right lane is soon going to become an exit only lane, and stay in the center. Otherwise, the right lane is good.

I will only drive in the center lane if traffic is not very heavy. Otherwise I drive in the right lane. With traffic passing on both sides I consider that Heavy traffic. I consider going under the speed limit in the center lane to be inconsiderate. I've been stuck behind RV's in the center lane going under the speed limit and I don't like it at all. I'll bet you were flipped off - right?
That's just me, your opinion may vary.

On a 2 lane road, right lane.

On a 3 lane road, right or center. As mentioned above, people merging lack the concept that they're supposed to merge vs. they expect people to get out of the way. Too often, they don't look in their mirror until quite late. I'll do center depending on how heavy traffic is.

On a 4+ lane road, the 2nd from the right.

Though, I don't run just a tiny bit slower than you. 62-64 is what I typically drive.

My basic rule of thumb for merging traffic is I move over, if possible, for vehicles that have slow acceleration. Cars not so much. I maintain speed. I will do my best to avoid an accident and have so far.
Mostly I drive in the right lane on 3 lane highways and one lane to the left in 4 or more.
It’s utterly amazing how many times I can’t get over and I glance at the merging car to see a totally surprised face. It’s like that 40 foot truck and camper just suddenly appeared beside them.

You were correct driving on the right outside lane is safer and yes those on-ramps are a pain. The CENTER lane is the accident zone lane and true it works until an emergency arises. The center lane is the road best lane for having to hit road debris without escaping left or right. I could tell you more but I'm sure they would kick me off rv.net lol. If you ever have to pull off into the grass it's like driving on ice.

Yup, center lane for me, too, when available. You'll notice the big rigs will do that as well. It just isn't that easy in city traffic to make a lane change to accommodate those entering and leaving traffic from the right lane. My motto is "right lane for merging; center lane for through traffic". Then there's those occasional left entrances & exits.

ret usn wrote:
I normally drive center lane if there is room to pass me. If only 2 lanes each way I drive in the right lane and watch for people entering.

That's what I do also. Entering traffic expects everyone to watch out for them and accommodate them which isn't always possible. They don't know what that left hand mirror is for or how to adjust it.

I normally drive center lane if there is room to pass me. If only 2 lanes each way I drive in the right lane and watch for people entering.
sorry Duplicate:(

I normally drive center lane if there is room to pass me. If only 2 lanes each way I drive in the right lane and watch for people entering.