Them Vs. Us

I love 99% of my commute from Washington, DC to Baltimore, MD. I travel along the Baltimore Washington Parkway and it's a very direct and typically stress free trip. Except when they are on the road. For those of you who are not familiar, the BW Parkway is two lanes for approximately 25 miles. Yes, only two lanes. And two lane highways ALWAYS bring them out.

I detest them. Some days, I don't see any of them. And other days, I want to pull out my hair and banish them from earth. Who are they, you ask? You might just be one of them. I hope not, because if so, your feelings may be hurt by what I'm about to say.

Slowers drivers should move to the right because the left lane is for passing.

Huh? What'd you say TDJ? Say it a little louder for those that didn't get it the first time. I said, Slower drivers should move to the right because the left lane is for passing.

Let me say this - no matter the speed limit or how fast you're driving, if you are in the left lane with empty road ahead of you, MOVE and let the cars behind you go. This is especially true if they are very close to the rear of your car, if they have honked at you or flashed their lights. Don't get me wrong, I think tailgating is dangerous and I think honking and flashing is aggressive and rude. But, like Chris Rock said, "I ain't sayin' it's right, but I understand."

Now folks who observe the posted speed limits and drive in the left lane will object to this post.

They'll say, "I'm going the speed limit, so I can stay in the left lane."
I say, "No, the left lane is for passing, so if someone is trying to pass you, then you need to move from the left lane."

They'll say, "You're going too fast and it's dangerous."
I say, "Get in the right lane and I'll be past you before you know it. Crisis averted."

They'll say, "I'm not moving because you're speeding and you shouldn't be going that fast anyway."
I say, "Until you get a badge and the ability to pull me over for speeding, move the hell outta my way. I'll worry about the law, but thanks your concern."

They'll say, "The speed limit is 55 and I'm going 65."
I say, "Yes, but we all learned that 70 and 75 are faster than 65. No matter how fast you're going, if I appear to be going faster, move it slow poke!"

Bottom line, stay in the right lane if you're not a fast driver. If you happen to be in the left lane, please realize that your rear view and side mirrors are there to help you, not hurt you. If you see a car approaching rapidly in the mirror, that mean's they're going faster than you, so move to the right. If the road in front of you is clear and there is a line of cars behind you, move to the right. Some drivers get so frustrated, they begin to play the zig zag game, just to get past them.

Perhaps I'm a bit impatient and ya girl is always in a rush. Perhaps. Or maybe I just seem like I'm in a rush because they're driving like we're on a country road in Idaho, on the way to Sunday service.

I'll probably get some cheers from the other fast drivers and some strong words from them, but don't worry, I'm ready for them. I drive a Volkswagon Passat and I'll be in the left lane going so fast that they won't be able to catch me.