I am writing in response to the letter written by Don Brewer concerning unenforceable left lane laws. In his argument, he made it clear that it is quite frustrating for commuters to be stuck in the left land going only 100 kilometres per hour, but that is a part of the morning commute. He believes that new unenforceable left lane laws will not change the outcome of traffic and the annoying person stuck driving 100 kilometres per hour.
Don’s first mistake is assuming that a law can be unenforced. A law can be enforced if violated. Then he stated that patrol cars on the side of the road will not identify who the culprit is in the left lane. If a person decides to drive 150 kilometres per hour in the left lane they are most likely to be pulled over and ticketed. Just as if a person were driving 70 kilometres per hour in the left lane would be pulled over and ticketed. Therefore, a patrol officer would be a warning to all drivers to be cautious and follow the rules of the road.
Don also states that helicopters ever 10 kilometres might help, but are too costly. He is right in stating that this would cost the province of B.C. way too much money to simply ensure that people are following the laws. But it is unfair to assume that the only way in which the left lane law could be enforced is by helicopters patrolling the skies.
Lastly, Don states that some self-important goof driving below the speed limit has no intentions of moving over. By assuming that someone will not move over, Don is implying that they believe to be above the rules of the road and that they would not move over even if honking and other people were upset.
Rules and laws of the left lane are not followed by all because of uneducated drivers of all genders, races and ages. Most humans have a conscience and breaking rules is not a common occurrence.
Instead of blaming laws for not being enforced, one should take the time to educate others on the left lane laws.
Haley Lightle
