When people think of dangerous driving, they picture speeding or aggressive drivers. However, knowing the risks of driving too slowly is equally essential, especially when it happens on the left lane.
More accurately called the “passing lane,” the left lane’s primary purpose is to provide a space for drivers to pass slower-moving vehicles in the right lanes. The lane may have no specific speed limit, but the Georgia State Patrol suggests driving at 70 or 75 mph. However, some vehicles are legally prohibited from reaching that speed.
The maximum speed limit for semi-trucks on interstate and state highways is 65 mph, and it drops to 55 mph on other roads. This means that semi trucks shouldn’t be in the left lane. So, what happens when they are?
Risks posed by slowpokes
Unaware, distracted and inexperienced drivers tend to be the ones on the receiving end of tickets for driving too slowly in the left lane. In doing so, they pose dangers such as:
- Increased collision risk: It causes sudden speed and lane changes. This raises the risk of rear-end collisions and sideswipes.
- Traffic flow disruption: Congestion often makes drivers take risks, like overtaking.
- Road rage: Provoking aggression can lead to confrontations and reckless driving.
The risks are even greater when crashes involve semi trucks due to:
- Limited maneuverability
- Larger blind spots
- Longer stopping distances
Not to mention, the size and weight of semi trucks also lead to more severe damage during collisions.
The Slowpoke Law
Georgia’s “Slowpoke Law” mandates that drivers in the left lane:
- Must not drive at a slow speed that impedes the flow of traffic
- Must move over and allow faster vehicles approaching from the rear to pass
The law applies to all roads with two or more lanes, not just interstates.
Exemptions to the rule
Some circumstances make driving slower in the left lane necessary or unavoidable. The law recognizes exemptions which include:
- Traffic conditions, such as congestion
- Obstructions and hazards, such as inclement weather
- Compliance with a state law or official traffic control device
- Taking a left turn or exit
- Paying a highway toll or using a pass
- Emergency vehicle operations
- Vehicle use in highway maintenance and construction operations
If you see a driver violating the Slowpoke Law or causing an accident due to a violation, contact local law enforcement. Consulting a truck accident attorney is also advisable to protect your rights if you get involved in a trucking accident.
Trucking regulations hold trucking companies to specific safety standards and higher liability. Pursuing litigation can help ensure fair compensation and accountability for regulatory violations.
