Re: B.C. lets drivers set speed limits (B.C. Views, July 16)
It is clearly time that left lane hogs are exposed for being a major cause of many accidents and road rage.
I totally endorse signs such as that noted in Tom Fletcher’s article (“Keep Right, Let Others Pass”) and any other similar signage that could make our roads safer.
For years, I have observed the impact of left lane hogs being the cause of tailgating and unnecessary or dangerous back and forth lane changes required to get around them.
I have challenged others on this issue and have been told that I have every legal right to be in the left lane and I can go at whatever speed I want.
This is short sighted arrogance in my view.
I lived in Montreal for a couple of years in the 1970s and such left lane hogs were not tolerated, particularly by cab drivers who would tailgate with horns blaring and headlights flashing.
So long as the left lane was not congested, traffic flow was smooth and safe.
I believe that legislation should be introduced to make it an offence to impede traffic in the left lane if a move to the right travelling lane could be safely made.
Too many drivers stay needlessly in the left lane and continue alongside others in the right hand travelling lane and merely keep pace at the same speed.
This creates the impediment and the related consequences.
Only the police should have the task of enforcing speed limits and not some self-appointed left lane hog “traffic monitor.”
I have absolutely no doubt that dangerous traffic maneuvers and accidents will be significantly reduced if drivers who continually travel in the left lane are eliminated, either voluntarily or by police enforcement.
I can only hope for that day.
Robert Chong
Saanich
