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Motorists get chance to complain online

Annual survey tracks drivers' habits, gripes

By SHANTEE WOODARDS, Staff Writer
Published 07/06/09

Does traffic make you crazy? Will you lose your mind if you spend one more Friday evening parked on Route 50 or get cut off yet again by a driver talking on a cell phone? Well, here's your chance to sound off.

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For the next month, Maryland motorists will be able to voice their biggest gripes about driving - from road rage to traffic congestion.

Researchers from the University of Maryland are working with the state Highway Safety Office to issue their annual driver survey. It can be completed online or if contacted by phone, and allows officials to learn what the traffic concerns are in different communities.

The survey gets under way just as police agencies prepare to search for aggressive drivers this week through the Smooth Operator program.

Last year, more than 2,600 people completed the survey, including 194 in Anne Arundel County. One of the ongoing complaints has been about cell-phone usage while driving, an issue that 50 percent of the respondents noted. However, these same people are guilty of the habit as well, said Professor Kenneth Beck, who developed the survey.

"When you look at the statewide survey over the last six years, there's been a significant increase over time of the number of people that say (cell phone usage) is a critical traffic-safety concern," said Beck, from the University of Maryland's School of Public Health. "Interestingly enough, when you look at the report and the report's behavior statistics, a significant number of people admit to using (cell phones while driving). So people are doing it more, but they're also concerned about it."

This is the survey's seventh year, but it is only the third year that it has been available online.

The first question lists 18 potential traffic problems and asks users to list the ones they find most critical. There are also questions about seat belt usage, speeding and drunken driving.

The survey allows users to list what county they live in, and that information is sent back to the traffic-safety coordinators in their community. Responses also will be solicited through Aug. 12.

In last year's survey, speeding and aggressive driving and cell-phone usage were listed as a problem by more than 60 percent of respondents. Other top local problems were drunken driving, inattentive driving and underage drinking.

Some of these concerns were echoed statewide, with 62 percent of respondents listing aggressive driving and speeding, and more than 50 percent mentioning motorists who used cell phones while driving. Nearly 75 percent reported using cell phones while they drove at least once a month. This year, the General Assembly approved a law that bans anyone from writing or sending text messages while driving; it takes effect Oct. 1.

Officials are aiming to get as many as 4,000 people to take the survey this year. They have a targeted number for each area, so they would only try to get 200 responses from smaller communities. But in bigger spots like Anne Arundel County, the goal would be 400 respondents or more.

Once the data is collected, it will be given to the communities to see how the issues can be addressed.

Meanwhile, local officials said they expect to see a decrease in reckless driving thanks to the Smooth Operator program, a law-enforcement effort that targets aggressive drivers on designated days.

Through Saturday, officers will be looking for motorists displaying erratic behavior. Patrols also will be conducted in August and September.

"It does seem that (the respondents) have the same concerns that we all do," said Bill Meyers, the county's traffic safety coordinator.

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Matt - 2009-07-24 17:28:40

Hey, if you can't get over, you can't get over. I hate people tailgating me on 1 lane roads or other situations in which I can't get out of the way.
Like I said, it's rare for me to tailgate, and I'm not saying it's the best thing for me to do. I do have a boiling point, and unfortunately, sometimes it has to be reached to get someone to move over. I'm not saying that's safe or courteous of me (although I feel I generally am both), nor is it of the person in front of me, but I'm not perfect.

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Marc - 2009-07-24 10:58:38

I guess we can agree to disagree. My biggest problem, and I know it's not everybody, but it doesn't matter if I'm in the right lane, right center, left center, left or even on a 2 lane highway, I've been tailgatted going 55 in a 45 down a 1 lane highway without shoulder, (Muddy Creek below Galesville). I don't see much common coutesy as preached, just get out of my way.
And yes, another vote for harder driving test everytime you renew.
And remeber - 'God is great, beer is good...'.

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Matt B. - Deale, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Robert - 2009-07-23 17:53:00

"For anyone that feels riding my bumper or flashing your headlights is gonna make me move over one lane.That is just gonna annoy me and there is no way it's gonna intimidate me."

The problem here is that nobody is trying to intimidate you, they are trying to let you know they want to pass. You clearly have the wrong mindset on the road.

"Now it might make me see something jump in front of me and i'll have too slam on my breaks.Hope you have good auto insurance and lawyer."

I hope you have a good reason for causing an accident! You were annoyed because you refused to let someone pass? Ah, sharp fellow you are. Very classy.

My advice for you: Relax.

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In the end - 2009-07-23 17:47:32

I think most of us want everybody to be safe, we just have different ideas of the best way to ensure safety.
I believe we should let the faster people by in a lane for faster traffic, while others believe they should determine the safe speed for motorists behind them.
To be honest, I am often in the slower lanes. I do love to play the devil's advocate, though.
I guess we'll always disagree, and some of us, on both sides of the argument, will be purposely pissing each other off.
This makes me a lot more interested in buying that train horn I've been looking at...

I agree about turning some yield signs into stop signs, especially where there is an exit soon after the merge area. I've witnessed at least 3 seriously dangerous merges in the past two days, one of them happening while I was a passenger.

Here's one vote for stricter driver license tests.

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It's really easy to be civil - 2009-07-21 20:01:53

Just pay attention to overtaking traffic. If you se folks attempting to pass please move over and let them. I believe it is also the law that you actually ASSIST them in doing so. Staying in the left lane and not allowing anyone to pass is simply rude. Would you block the aisle in a grocery store knowing that there were folks behind you trying to get by? No? Apply that attitude to the road please. If your answer is yes then you are part of the problem of and indeed an initiator of so-called road rage. So can we be civil to each other? Being in a 3000 pound automobile is not a cocoon that exempts one from being polite.

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Marc - 2009-07-21 17:30:51

Thanks for clarifiying your views. I didn't get that from your previous posts. Although I don't agree with riding someones bumper, (the "thoughtfully and safely" was in reference to an earlier post about general safety that went on to say I will ride your butt), I do agree with the yeild signs, some of them really should be stop signs.

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Matt B. - Deale, MD - Karma: Neutral

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riding bumper - 2009-07-21 16:31:18

For anyone that feels riding my bumper or flashing your headlights is gonna make me move over one lane.That is just gonna annoy me and there is no way it's gonna intimidate me.Now it might make me see something jump in front of me and i'll have too slam on my breaks.Hope you have good auto insurance and lawyer.

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trying again - 2009-07-21 13:27:48

Let's see if this works now..

"Tell me, how do you merge into traffic on your brakes or from a dead stop?"

Hm, maybe you can address that question to the people who decide yield signs should be placed at particular merging areas. You are probably one of the people who doesn't pay attention to the giant yield sign at some spots, and just drives right on through because you, for some reason, are under the impression that every merging area is designed in the same way.
If it has a yield sign, the traffic in front of you is expecting you to yield. If it doesn't, the traffic will hopefully move over or give space, so the two lanes can zip together.

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Matt - 2009-07-21 13:25:13

"How am I impeding traffic when I'm driving 70-75 mph in the left lane and have a line of traffic in front of me doing the same speed?"

If there is a considerable amount of traffic, I don't think you would be impeding traffic. If the roadway is filled with cars, it is what it is. Even if you pulled to the side, I would be stuck behind many other cars. In this case, I just call it "traffic" and accept the speed the many cars in front of me are traveling.

"We're passing most cars in the right lanes"
Again, if there is plenty of traffic, I would just follow along like everyone else. If there were a large space up ahead and I wanted to pass, I don't assume the large line ahead of me would all get over, so I probably would move over and pass.

"then one of the less than 10% of the drivers flys up and "safely and thoughtfully" rides 2 feet off my backend with a line of traffic in front of me."

I don't see how riding 2 feet off your bumper is safe and thoughtful. I very rarely get on someones ass. I am very considerate when it comes to giving people room, because I want enough space to brake or change lanes in case of a sudden stop. It is very rare for me to get on someone's ass.

For example, if I have been patiently waiting behind a slowpoke in the left lane, and after some traffic to our side, there is an opportunity for them to get over and they do not, then I start getting frustrated. If this person is obviously going slower than or the same speed as the traffic next to us, and he doesn't take those available chances to move aside, and I cannot get around him because of this, then yes, I will ride his ass. Usually I will flash my lights before going to this, but that usually doesn't help.
When I'm driving with someone else and they are doing the thing this person does, it usually takes someone riding their ass for them to get over. It usually goes, "Chat chat chat chat.. WTF is this idiot doing on my ass??" Then they get over, and go back to chatting

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Emma/Marc - 2009-07-20 18:09:51

How am I impeding traffic when I'm driving 70-75 mph in the left lane and have a line of traffic in front of me doing the same speed? We're passing most cars in the right lanes then one of the less than 10% of the drivers flys up and "safely and thoughtfully" rides 2 feet off my backend with a line of traffic in front of me. Next you'll say you were just going with the flow of traffic.
As for yeilding (however that got thrown into this), for the most part, there are acceleration lanes to come up to match the speed of traffic so you can merge in. You yeild to the person beside you, the person behind you should let you merge in. Its a timing thing. I have never had a problem merging unless someone cuts me off or stops in front of me while trying to merge. Tell me, how do you merge into traffic on your brakes or from a dead stop?

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Matt B. - Deale, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Common Courtesy - 2009-07-20 16:24:43

I have been reading the posts and one theme runs through them all, "common courtesy." Some posters believe that it is common courtesy to get out of the left lane so they can exceed the speed limit whenever THEY want. They tend to ignore the idea that driving the speed limit is common courtesy too!

I agree that traffic that is not maintaining the speed limit should move to the right. That is not a green light for anyone to exceed the speed limit. I include the off-duty policemen who seem to think that it is their right to speed too! They are putting the people that pay them in danger needlessly. They should be setting the example for everyone to follow. They too need to learn the proper use of turn signals.

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David K. - Brooklyn, MD - Karma: Neutral

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You're oh so clear - 2009-07-18 10:54:02

"I thought my post was pretty self explanatory and would be understood."

Obviously not, since you said, "Maybe I should have said..." and then said something different. That's not very self explanatory.

"Thats like complaining to a judge that you should have the right to harm somebody because they did something you didn't like."

How this is all like what is going on here, I don't know. Nobody is appealing to an authority figure, nobody is complaining about not having the right to break the law, and most importantly, nobody is wanting to harm anybody!
Did you perhaps get your 5 year old to come up with that metaphor? It's awful.

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James - 2009-07-18 09:56:27

I think you may have misread the majority of the posts here. It says for the most part and to paraphrase, "the left lane (as mandated in other states) should be reserved for 'faster' traffic" not those wishing to go faster than the speed limit. Further, most posts in this section are complaints against those who do not adhere to this "rule of the road" or "common courtesy"; when faster traffic approaches from their rear, while they are traveling in the left most lane, they should change lanes and allow them to pass. To me that doesn't sound like anyone suggesting that changing lanes is "breaking the law" as you point out. Please Pennsylvania drivers, it's illegal in your state to do it, so why is it you are always the ones in the left most lane poking along.


Let me also impart this on other readers, during my last stint as an LEO, it is common knowledge and further, was displayed to us during instructional periods (at the academy) that one will not be able to operate a motor vehicle more than three miles without breaking a law (or that which could be articulated as such).

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Nobody is complaining about others - 2009-07-18 09:44:06

The point being made is that adherence to the law is outside of the prime matter of importance, which is the safety of all people using the road. People will speed, as most have noted. Getting in their way is going to create a MORE dangerous situation, not a less dangerous situation. Leave it up to the police to enforce the law, they do so in a much safer way. Everybody obeying the law is doing great, there is simply no reason for them to be doing it in the left lane in many cases when they can do it just as well in the other lane(s).

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Ben H. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Good

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Sorry - 2009-07-17 18:46:37

I thought my post was pretty self explanatory and would be understood. I know that people are breaking the traffic laws, I never said they were not. Maybe I should have said people are complaining because other people wont break the laws? As far as the second part, again it's pretty clear. You wouldn't complain to a judge that you think it is okay to do something illegal just because you dont like the legal way. Most post are complaining about speeding in the left, or I should say they want to speed in the left lane, but are upset when there is somebody doing the speed limit in that lane. I agree with the posters that want slower traffic to move right. My point was how do you complain that people are obeying the law simply because we dont want to.Not to be a jerk but I can ask my 5 year old to come type something up if you still dont understand my post???

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James A - , - Karma: Neutral

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James - 2009-07-17 15:31:10

"It seems a good portion of the complaints just on this message board are people upset because they CAN'T break the existing traffic laws."

I can and do break existing traffic laws. I don't know who's complaining about not being able to break traffic laws.

"Thats like complaining to a judge that you should have the right to harm somebody because they did something you didn't like."

I would have to say it's nothing like that at all.
Please explain that thought further because I see no connection.

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Realistic - 2009-07-17 14:41:38

Although I do agree that slower drivers should yeild lets be realistic here. The article is about a complaint option that the MVA has set up for drivers. It seems a good portion of the complaints just on this message board are people upset because they CAN'T break the existing traffic laws. Thats like complaining to a judge that you should have the right to harm somebody because they did something you didn't like. We have truly lead ourselves to a me first mentality (and I am just as guilty as most). I know this post wont be very popular but think about it....

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v. mentzer - 2009-07-16 06:47:20

I am going to have to disagree with you, "cramming" between two cars saves me about .2 seconds on my commute. You do it enough times, the saving really add up, just like compound interest. LOL.

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Excellent

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crazy drivers - 2009-07-16 00:58:20

I can't stand people who squeeze in the space I allow between me and the car ahead of me. We're not talking football field lengths. I mean a couple of car lengths space that I give myself for safety.It makes no sense to cram yourself in between 2 cars travelling at high speeds just to have to slam on the brakes soon after.

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Ah - 2009-07-15 23:43:51

It is refreshing to see some more reasonable people are out there.
What is difficult to understand that people generally drive faster in the left lane, so going slowly in that lane is going to cause traffic congestion and some accidents? If there were no obstructions, people would go on their merry way, not bothering you in your "my excess speed is excessive enough" mindset, in the middle or right lanes.
How is it difficult to understand that someone traveling in the right lane on a highway is not expected to be hit in the side by a person entering the roadway?
This is about using your brain on the road in a way that will prevent accidents, promote happy driving, and being mindful of the traffic around you.
It's not about obeying or disobeying particular signs.
This common sense I've brought up is to be used with discretion. If you don't have enough of it to know that failing to yield to traffic WILL cause an accident, and driving at a much lower rate of speed in a lane where others travel at a much higher rate of speed WILL cause an accident, then you do not have enough common sense to be a safe driver.
It is not your job to enforce the speed of other motorists, but it IS your duty to not hit them!

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We have winners! - 2009-07-15 19:42:56

Well we now know at least a few folks that insist on impeding traffic. They remind me of my Grandma that though never drove a car insisted that Grandpa NEVER exceed the speed limit and reminded everyone constantly that the law always precedes common sense or common courtesy. Thankfully she was never licensed to drive. Sadly these days it appears neo-idiots are allowed to drive, not just opinionated old ladies that never took the wheel.

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Emma G. - West River, MD - Karma: Good

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Speed LIMIT - 2009-07-15 13:08:23

I think everyone needs to remember that speed LIMIT means just that...do not go OVER the posted speed. I understand also that there is a minimum speed on some highways, which is not posted as much as the LIMIT. Another pet peeve of mine is RIGHT ON RED. It is not the law that you MUST turn right on red, it is an option that we have been given. If there are oncoming cars, I will not pull out and try to merge while turning right on red, contrary to some people who will sit behind you and blow their horn, cuss at you out the window, and chase you down the highway because you didn't cause an accident by turning right on red!!!

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Traffic laws - 2009-07-14 18:23:59

You know theres a simple way to deal with laws of the road.Lets make the laws more strict.Do you know there are counties in the Carolinas that police will pull you over for going 1mph over the posted speed.You get a ticket with a very hefty fine.And you must appear in court no matter where your from.And even if you pay the fine but dont show up for court,they will put out a bench warrant.Then if you get pulled over again there you go to jail and your car is impounded.Plus they have mush better speed traps down south.Not to mention I once heard that police in Md can hide and do radar they must be visible.Which would explain the 50 cars in front of me on 97 slamming on their breaks when they see the trooper in the median.This also explains why driving in the carolinas is such a treat unlike in Md.

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robert m. - , - Karma: Neutral

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Amy ... - 2009-07-14 17:58:02

I think you are the one who needs to re-take driver's ed and re-learn the rules of the road. As pointed out in earlier posts, there is no "fast" lane, nor is the left lane only for passing as you stated. As for me ... an old fart of almost 60 ... I will happily share the road any day with other old farts who put safety first and share the road.

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M. G. - , - Karma: Neutral

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Pulled posts - 2009-07-14 14:51:23

Popularity has nothing to do with comments being pulled. Its all about vulgarity and exceptional rudeness. Its also about trying to avert flame wars. Honestly, were tending to overlook mild cases of profanity that is until a user reports the comment. The more extreme examples we pull without being asked. At one point we disallowed comments that were widely off subject but if that were still enforced Id have to delete my own post.

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Nick Lundskow - Annapolis, MD Staff

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To clarify - 2009-07-14 14:45:10

I do not think that anybody is entitled to be going faster than the speed limit, they do so at the risk of a ticket or an accident. I do not think that anybody who tailgates in any situation (whether a moving roadblock or an otherwise open road) is doing the right thing, as again, they are at risk of a ticket or an accident. However, taking into account that people will always do these things, the best course of action for everybody else is to simply keep the left lane clear unless passing. It does not mean that only the very fastest use the left lane. It means that if a car in the second to left lane is going the speed limit and you want to pass, you pass and then get back over in front of that car. That way if a car going even faster than you comes up from behind that other car and attempts to pass it, they will not then be confronted with another vehicle in front of them, which may cause them to swerve in and out of the lanes. A situation where one is blocked from returning to that second lane is rare on any three laned road. Two laned roads are of course different, but there is still usually room to get back over, but drivers rarely do. To me, it is all about creating the safest situation possible given the realities of human behavior, not demonizing any group or going on about how terrible they are.

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Ben H. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Good

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Ben raises good points, but... - 2009-07-14 13:12:33

Ben, I agree that many times there is no cost to move over a lane and that is the correct action to take. At other times, however, particularly during rush hours, moving over immediately is not a practical solution. We also need to follow this left lane rule to its logical end. Our highway capacity is designed with full utilization of all lanes in mind. Under the reasoning of many folks on here, the left lane would be reserved for only a few of the very fastest speeders while everyone else stuffs themselves to the right to get out of their way. Or to look at it another way, only the most grievous lawbreakers would get a taxpayer funded travel perk. Maybe that would work in the middle of the Arizona desert, but on the crowded highways of Maryland, it is neither practical nor safe. This argument simply boils down to the fact that some folks just want an express lane all to themselves, without any obstruction from other pesky drivers. It is part of the entitlement mindset that permeates our society. Yield to me, you are violating the law!and five minutes laterStop following the law and get out of my way!

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Jeff S. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Good

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Can't stand it when - 2009-07-14 12:46:28

I can't stand it when people are on my tail!!! I am in the left lane and there are cars in front of me and next to me. It is obvious that I can't get over, and it is obvious that I can't go faster. Why? Why must someone tailgate me when the flow of traffic is not in my control!! Also, I hate hate hate people on their cell phones. You can usually point them out without even knowing..they are either driving way under the speed limit, swerving, or cutting you off. Also, older drivers who have no idea where they are going so they just stop in the middle of the road. If you don't know where you are going PULL OVER!!!!!!!Also, I think it should be illegal for people to smoke with children in the vehicle. I know it had nothing to do with this article, but I want to throw it in there( and yes, I am a snoker)
:rant over:

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t. clarke - Glen burnie, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Popular posts pulled? - 2009-07-14 12:09:46

It's getting confusing around here. The Capitol Staff pulls popular posts from folks with good 'Karma'. I thought the Karma system was to allow self-policing? Nick, comments? I know you have a personal thing about me but this is getting pretty weird.

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Emma G. - West River, MD - Karma: Good

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Fred - 2009-07-14 11:27:23

Yes, people all over the world do things that they shouldn't all the time. Railing about it on a message board is never going to make anybody change. The only action that you can take to minimize the chance of harm is to not drive in that left lane unless you are passing somebody. That removes the entire issue. You have still not explained why you do not simply move to the right. Defensive driving is taking actions to reduce the likelihood of an accident before the scenario develops whereby the harm is more likely. When you know that others are going to behave in a dangerous manner (tailgating and such), the appropriate defensive maneuver is not to get in their way to slow them down but rather to not be in the way in the first place.

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Ben H. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Good

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Comment disabled due to community reporting. - 2009-07-13 19:49:21

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- Karma: Neutral

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Fred B - 2009-07-13 19:34:39

Fred B.....straight "E thuggin'" since May 27, 2009. I think all of Maryland is scared now based off the awesome contribution you made to this message board. Congrats.

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Dangerous AND clueless! - 2009-07-13 19:14:22

Question: How does moving from the far left lane to the second to left lane result in fines and increased insurance rates? ANSWER: It doesn't! And I do move from the left lane if someone wants to pass. The problem is that when the speed limit is 65 and you have folks of all ages and driving skills, then people doing 85 and "riding someone's tail" become a hazard!! and they need to be taught how to drive! I sometimes tend to travel 10 to 15 mph over the limit as well but my brain, being larger than a pea, tells me that in that case, I don't ever drive right up on someones tail because that is known as agressive driving and if they have to stop, I'm going to hit them and it'll be my fault! Innocent people are killed everyday in this country by self absorbed morons who want everyone else to get out of their way. Then these pathetic losers show up in court to explain how they didn't mean to hurt anyone. REALLY? At 85MPH...your car becomes a murder weapon. If you're speeding and tailgating in any lane, then you DO intend to kill someone and you need to be treated that way! There's no road rage here...just defensive driving and a general disgust at one more thing the local authorities don't seem to have a handle on. Thanks for the scary trip into the mind of a typical Maryland driver. Dangerous and without a clue!

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Fred B. - Arnold, Md - Karma: Neutral

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Brain dead? - 2009-07-13 18:43:44

How does moving from the far left lane to the second to left lane result in fines and increased insurance rates? Nobody has suggested that anybody else should drive any particular speed, only that if you are not passing and have no need to be in the left lane, you should move to the right to make it safer for everybody. Such anger in that last message, I can only imagine the kind of road rage that occurs while actually driving.

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Ben H. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Good

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Comment disabled due to community reporting. - 2009-07-13 18:06:30

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- Karma: Neutral

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Common courtesy - 2009-07-13 16:25:35

Common courtesy is what it all really comes down to. If you are in the left lane and not passing, what do you have to gain by not moving to the right? From what I have seen, it is only to create an annoyance for thsoe who you feel are doing wrong. There is absolutely zero cost to moving over, but many who just cruise in the left lane refuse to do so. If that slow driver does not move over and somebody else comes up behind you going faster, it can quickly create a dangerous situation. Sure, the proximate cause of the harm will be the aggressive driver, but as there is no cost, if people would just use that common courtesy and not get in the way, the whole situation would be avoided. When that speeder cuts into the lane to the right of the passing lane, they could clip another car or force another car into a dangerous situation. At that point, is it really worth it to feel high and mighty because you have 'obeyed the law' while some poor innocent person's injury could very well have been prevented by simply moving your car over one lane?

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Ben H. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Good

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sorry Matt! - 2009-07-13 16:13:57

I mistitled my post...my comments were directed to Marc. I think that you raise some good points.

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Jeff S. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Good

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Matt.... - 2009-07-13 15:29:58

Matt, I agree for a variety of reasons that it is unwise to travel in the left lane at or near the speed limit if the middle or right lane is available, or to block someone as a matter of principle. But I also do not get mad at people who are travelling the speed limit in the left lane. If I am late, then that is my problem. If I do not like the law, then I should lobby to change it or move somewhere where the laws suit my sensitivities. Those drivers are not enforcing the law any more than a person enforces the law by stopping at a red light, thereby preventing the person behind them from running it. Your rant about yield signs indicates that you want people to strictly obey only the laws that you feel are important. You crack me up with your tough guy act on here as you hide behind your keyboard and gripe. Maybe you should organize your life a little so that you do not have to have a conniption each time a driver has the audacity to follow the posted speed limit or otherwise obey a law that you hate. But hey, without folks like you, a lot of defense lawyers would be out of business, so keep up the good fight out on the road. See you in Police Beat!

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Jeff S. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Good

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John - 2009-07-13 10:46:29

Oops, the posts were removed. Anyways, the merge part was in reference to the Marc L post. I do understand what everyone is saying about the left lane, but when is enough enough. I drive the beltway between 630am and 700am between Rt4 and 295, I am in the left lane doing between 70 and 75 mph, there is major traffic at that time, most are doing the same speed in that lane, you still have someone doing 80+ mph, PO'd, and weaving in and out of traffic. I don't want to constantly change lanes in that traffice just so they can have a clear lane. Hell, at that time, that is very dangerous. The right lane us usaully doing 55- mph and is usually stop and go (or atleast slow/fast) dealing with merging traffic. During the day, the traffic is light enough, the people flying around are already in the other lane before they even get to me. Also, I am not innocent here, driving down rt4, if someone is doing 60mph, I also get PO'd, although I have been working on that for quite some time. The dentist tells me I clench my teeth too much.

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Matt B. - Deale, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Matt - 2009-07-13 10:05:57

I think Emma had an "oops" moment in her diction. I don't believe she is talking about "merging" per say as this would assume two "somethings" combining into one. I believe she is saying that when she is in the left most lane and sees a vehicle rapidly approaching from behind, she makes an attempt to "change lanes safely" so that the faster moving vehicle has an unobstructed path.


I think the certain air of self-entitlement that you express in your posts; to do what you please and as you put it "f*** everyone else because I aint moving over" to paraphrase is the general school of thought that frustrates most drivers. Abiding by the strict letter of the law versus what is customary is completely different.


Look, you can drive 35 or 65 in the left most lane, as most areas no longer have a posted minimum speed limit, and it is legal. How fast or slow you decide to travel is all relative based on the rate the majority of traffic around you is moving. When I drive in at 4 am I can put the car in cruise control at 75 mph and not worry about a thing, however, when I leave at 1 pm, if I am not traveling at least 85-90 in the left lane, I had better get out of everyone elses' way, because that lane is usually going faster. It only makes sense that faster traffic would be on the left, as most road ways are constructed/designed to allow traffic to exit (ramp) on the right.

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-07-13 09:47:16

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- Karma: Neutral

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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-07-12 22:01:24

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- Karma: Good

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Funny - 2009-07-12 16:11:33

It amuses me that I never hear anyone making such ridiculous comments in face to face conversation. It's because you know you're being a twerp driving the speed limit in the left lane, and you wouldn't dare admit you're one of those people who feel that small sense of authority or superiority, obeying the law at the expense of others. When I come up on someone moving slowly in the left lane, I give them some distance and wait for them to move over, and usually that is what normal people do. If you don't move over, and I can't get around you, I will get on you. I will stay on you for as long as it takes for you to realize you are not doing anyone any favors by clogging traffic.
If I were walking behind you on the sidewalk, and there was no way for me to get around you, would you ignore me trying to pass and continue to walk at your own, slower pace, simply because the law does not require you to move?
No, you are a rational human until you get behind the steering wheel with the safety of distance on your side. It amazes me how inconsiderate people can be when they know they can't be confronted.

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Marc L. - , - Karma: Neutral

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re:okay - 2009-07-12 14:54:58

common courtesy,general safety,and social convention.Okay thats 3 things I havent seen on Md. roads for a good ten years.The only way too see that is go south where you see that.Partly because down south you dont get a warning when you get pulled over.You get a ticket with a nice hefty fine.Plus some counties down there make you go to court whether you pay the fine or not.Maybe thats what Maryland should do,especially AA county.

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robert m. - , - Karma: Neutral

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Okay - 2009-07-12 14:37:16

Can we pay attention to common courtesy, general safety, and social convention?
Anyone with a brain and some courtesy understands that you do not drive with the average flow of traffic.
Forget what you read in the law. This is the way people drive. Perhaps it shouldn't be according to the law, but it is, so don't be a hazard and lazily putter around in the left lane because you are legally allowed to.
I will get on your butt, because you are being a holier-than-thou nuisance to the average motorist.
You are causing more problems than you are creating.
If everyone who was traveling faster remained in the left lane, there would be no jockeying for positioning or sudden swerves to avoid a slowpoke.
People WILL weave around to get past you, so whether you like it or not, you are endangering yourself and others.
How about you show some common sense and put your slow moving self in a lane generally understood to be for such a rate of travel.

Let's be realists when we're dealing with real life, 3000lb vehicles zooming around at 50mph+ speeds.

Also, please notice the large YIELD signs when you are trying to enter some roadways. Every day I witness near collisions because people still decide to speed up to enter, despite the GIANT YIELD SIGN.

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Marc L. - , - Karma: Neutral

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Rules of the road? - 2009-07-12 13:49:38

First - there is no law in MD that says you are not to drive in the left lane - it is legal in Md to do so, if you don't like that or think otherwise, you need to go to PA or learn the laws yourself.
Second - Your correct, I am not the cops, but you also don't own the road, I do speed, if you want to go faster, pass me, if you need to do it on the right (also legal in Md), be my guest. Its no more dagerous for you to go around me on the right than it is for me to change lanes.
Maryann - I do agree with you, but if I am only doing the speed limit for some reason (pulling a trailer or something), then I stay right. But the attitudes do suck!

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Matt B. - Deale, MD - Karma: Neutral

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re:traffic lights - 2009-07-12 10:02:05

I sat at the light at st.stevens church and 3 the other day for 3 minutes.Its ridiculous.The lights on ritchie hwy arent that bad.And yes I timed it because its always a long light.

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robert m. - , - Karma: Neutral

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Traffic Lights - 2009-07-12 09:49:19

Changing the subject. Why can't traffic lights be better timed? You can't get out of Crofton in under 10 minutes via 424 & 3 South. With the modern technology I would think we could improve traffic flow and reduce road rage if the engineers would use technology to improve traffic flow.

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C A - Crofton, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Maryland problem - 2009-07-12 09:45:24

The funny thing is I only experience these problems in Maryland.I travel south 2 or 3 times a year and people yield,move over,dont drive up your butt.Basiclly very considerate drivers after you get thru D.C.

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robert m. - , - Karma: Neutral

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Read the Signs! - 2009-07-12 09:23:01

SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT Forcing someone to pass on the right just because you are doing the speed limit in the left lane is dangerous. Thus the signs. Doing otherwise is impeding the flow of traffic.

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Emma G. - West River, MD - Karma: Good

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Fast Lane - 2009-07-12 07:36:27

No one seemed to like my early post stating the the "speed is the same in both lanes". The latest posts reinforce the point I was trying to make. Regardless of what the left lane is intended for, it is drivers's attitudes toward left lane driving that is disturbing. It would appear that views on left lane driving are all over the board. Not many seem to agree on the rules.

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Mary Ann D. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Re Left Lane - 2009-07-11 22:26:26

You aren't the cops. If you knew the rules of the road you'd know the left lane is the passing lane. You're not supposed to cruise in that lane. You want set the cruise contol do it in a lane that IS NOT THE PASSING LANE! If I want to go over the limit, no matter how much over, it's my prblem if I get a ticket . MOVE OVER if someone comes up behind you!!!!!!!!!!

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C A - Crofton, MD - Karma: Neutral

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re:get them off the road - 2009-07-11 17:55:23

Oh please,you think the aa county cops are gonna beef up on the worst speeders.A friend of mine got pulled over the other day for doing 3mph over the speed limit.Yet the next day I saw a car flying down the road cutting people off,then I noticed a motorcycle actually going between cars.And the funny thing was there was a cop about a mile and a half down the road.Yet neither one got pulled over.

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robert m. - , - Karma: Neutral

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Get Them Off The Road!!! - 2009-07-11 15:11:07

Imagine if law enforcement "ramped it up" and started handing out tickets for violations of the traffic code? About 80% of Maryland drivers would be in traffic shool, and most of the people who've commented here would be taking public transportation. The speed limit on 97 is 65, anyone doing 85 is a pompous AHOLE who needs their "Privilege" to drive suspended, along with anyone who is so functionally retarted as to believe it's fine to drive just 10 feet behind another vehicle at 70+ miles per hour....add a lane change without signalling to those two moves and you have what constitutes Reckless driving! Shove the stupid online survey's..It's time the judges and law enforcement started doing their jobs and removing people who do these things from behind the wheel.

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Fred Bralman - Arnold, Md - Karma: Neutral

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Left lane - 2009-07-11 15:05:02

I do drive in the left lane - I like having the shoulder in case I need it. I do from 10 to 15 miles over the speed limit and keep it steady (thanks cruise control). I will not move over, I'm already speeding, if you want to go faster, work your way around me. Constantly changing lanes is one of the most dagerous things to do while driving, especially when I see cars going 4 lanes without a turn signal. Also, please plan when your approching your exit, you don't need to go four lanes at the last second, you know your going to exit, take a mile or two to get in the right lane. And Amy, the left lane is not a passing only lane, but you do have a good idea about the test, except everyone should do it when they renew their licsense.

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Matt B. - Deale, MD - Karma: Neutral

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97 - 2009-07-11 14:38:49

I can't figure out why 97 is a three lane highway for 8 miles and yet trucks drive in the left lane.As for driving at a decent speed in the left lane.I was doing at least 85 the other day and still had some idiot ride up my ass trying to intimidate me.So exactly how fast should I drive if I'm in the left lane?

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robert m. - , - Karma: Neutral

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Three things to start with - 2009-07-09 11:42:03

1) TURN SIGNALS!!!!!!!! (enough said)

2) If you feel the need to talk on your phone, stuff your face, or just space out in general: get into the center or right lane.

3) Don't wait until your 20ft from an Exit before you decide to take it from the far lane...cutting across lanes of traffic is not really safe, at least in my world it isn't. Although I do admit Maryland's highway signage isn't exactly what I would call great :)

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George H. - Catonsville, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Get some self-control - 2009-07-09 10:12:05

Amy, as you mature a little you will, hopefully, begin to take responsibility for your own actions and gain a little more self control. The cause of your road rage is you nobody else. The common thread to these gripe sessions is that many folks dont care or bother to learn the actual law, but are instead content to make up rules that justify their own behavior while punishing anyone who dares to interfere with that behavior. As someone who began his career dealing largely with auto-tort and related insurance matters, I can tell you that it is people like you who later show up in some defense lawyers office, sobbing, in shock, so sorry that you caused an accident through your misguided entitlementand awakening to the realization that your life as you recently knew it is now pretty much over, and a life as a convicted felon (good luck on those job applications) and endless monthly payments as a result of a civil judgment against you is about to begin. I dont care how slow someone is going in whatever lane, road rage is moronic and will eventually catch up with you, whether youre a kid or a 60-year-old business executive..we saw them all and they all looked the same after an incident.

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Jeff S. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Good

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Slow drivers... - 2009-07-08 22:40:03

I am in my middle 20's and I have to admit I do get road rage sometimes. The cause for my road rage: Old people who do not know how to do the speed limit. I live on the Eastern Shore (down Route 8 where the speed limit is 50MPH) and I can't even count how many times I have been stuck behind some old fart going 40-45 in the 50MPH zone. I think anyone over the age of 60 needs to go take drivers ed every 5 years from that point on to re-learn the rules of the road. I also can't stand people who do not use the fast lane appropriately. The fast lane is a passing only lane. That means you DO NOT stay in it, you simply pass someone on the left and then get over in the right lane to let others pass by. Anyone who stays in the fast lane and does the same speed as the other car in the lane next to is asking to be ran off the road. These are the only two things that make me have road rage. /end rant

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Amy W. - , - Karma: Neutral

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Venting - 2009-07-08 11:38:43

Since we all seem to be here to vent here is what peevs me off, people who know a lane ends a 1/4 mile up and race all the way to the end and cut people off. They should merge over like other people instead of trying to get a few cars ahead. These SELF ABSORBED people who think they are above everyone else are the cause of the back ups at these bottlenecks.

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Michelle B. - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Excellent

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driving issues - 2009-07-07 22:58:11

Turn signals are standard equipment - please use them. Speed alone is not a big issue for me unless you're going 90 mph, weaving in and out of traffic and tailgating. I agree with slower traffic, please keep right. But my biggest gripe is people fail to keep watch for our emergency workers. Please, pull to the right upon the approach of an emergency vehicle and scan your mirrors frequently so you will see them coming up behind you. If you see them on the shoulder, SLOW DOWN; better yet move over a lane and give them some breathing room. Most of all, be courteous to other drivers. If you relax and let someone merge into traffic maybe when you need to merge you will be on the receiving end.

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Jeffrey O. - Pasadena, MD - Karma: Good

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Left lane driving - 2009-07-07 17:17:40

It is legal to drive in the left lane as long as you do the speed limit. What gets me are the people that will cut you off as you try to merge into traffic from an on-ramp or when you try to pass either speed up and race you or start to straddle the line like they are going to hit you. Hell - hit me, I need a new car!

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Matt B. - Deale, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-07-07 15:48:36

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- Karma: Terrible

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Johnathan - 2009-07-07 15:32:04

you sound like an angry man

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Mary Ann D. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Mary - 2009-07-07 14:59:18

Thats what I said, however at no point did I ever say "while exceeding the speed limit" and in order to pass someone, you have to be going at a higher rate of speed than those you wish to pass, hence earning the oft used moniker "fast lane". Nice try.

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Excellent

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DW - 2009-07-07 12:35:24

You missed my point.I am in total agreement that the left lane is for passing and the right lane is for traveling. I travel in the right lane unless passing. I was responding to Mr. Locke calling the left lane the "fast lane" and that the lane is for "vehicles traveling at a higher rate of speed than the rest of traffic"

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Mary Ann D. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Emma G. - 2009-07-07 12:11:50

I'm with ya on this one. The left lane, technically, is for passing only. It is supposed to be kept as clear as possible so emergency vehicles can travel as unimpeded as possible. Emma's right; in Pa. there are signs that state "Left lane for passing only". It's not the law here, but, perhaps it should be. Also, I don't speed, but I always keep in mind that you never know why someone is speeding. They could have lost a finger or are bleeding or a thousand other reasons. Give these people a chance to get by you. I talk on my phone while driving all the time and never let it distract me from driving, but others do. Technically, it is the law to have both hands on the wheel while driving. It has been the law since WAY before cell phones were invented. Now that I think about it, it's been the law since before wearing your seatbelt has been. If you're talking on a cell phone, how can both hands be on the wheel, unless you have a head piece? I have a million other things that I could point out, but I'll spare everyone the long novel.

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eric sacratini - tracy's landing, MD - Karma: Good

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Peeved - 2009-07-07 11:13:17

It's usually a chick yakking on her phone doing 62 in a 65 in the fast lane mile after mile. Do that in Pa. and you'll get a hefty fine. Same in other states. Then there is the 43 MPH Club. They go 43 in a 50 zone. Then they get to a School Zone and go....43. These folks can be anyone but usually it's an old man in a hat. So folks PLEASE pay attention and remember the signs that say SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT, speed up or pull over if other people are stacking up behind you. And PUT THE PHONE DOWN! And oh, don't get me started about the drunken illegals crammed into a vehicle with a busted spring and dragging various parts on the pavement doing 48 in a 55.

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Emma G. - West River, MD - Karma: Good

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Complaints - 2009-07-07 11:05:26

Let's be honest...these things only bug us when they inconvenience us personally. I could care less about someone talking on a cell phone unless that person happens to get in my way. Not using a turn signal only annoys me when the offender cuts me off or slows down to a near stop before turning, forcing me to slow down as well. I don't mind if someone ahead of me wants to drive all day in the left lane as long as they're going faster than I want to. (I spend most of my time driving in the left lane on highways/interstates, because the people in the other lanes are driving too slow...but if I see someone coming up behind me who is clearly going faster than I am, I'll change lanes to let them pass.)
I think the state could have saved the money it used for the survey and just asked people to post their complaints on this comment board.

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Scott S. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Mary Ann - 2009-07-07 10:11:06

Please go to MVA and pick up the study material for a learner's permit test, as this simple concept is explained there. Other states have laws define this as a citable offense if you fail to pass another vehicle while driving in the far left-most lane of traffic. Maryland literature instructs you not to do it, but currently, it isn't citable.

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Mary Ann..... - 2009-07-07 09:20:50

Regardless of the speed limit the right lane is for passing not for some inconsiderate, such as yourself, to stay in while they are off to the Walmart. Feel free to slow me down, however you and your brats will see whatever obscene gestures i can squeeze in as I pass you. Drive Safely.....

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D. W. - D'ville, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Fast lane? - 2009-07-07 08:30:41

The speed limit is the same in both lanes.

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Mary Ann D. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Turn signal - 2009-07-07 05:48:41

I know I often don't use my turn signal on 495 and Route 50 for one main reason. The second I use it, if there is someone in the lane I'm trying to get to, they immediately speed up and cut you off, regardless of how fast they were originally going. However, the knuckleheads on West Street that slam on the breaks and turn into businesses without a signal drives me bonkers too.


My other complaint is individuals on major arteries in Maryland incorrectly utilizing the left most lane (fast lane). This lane isn't for putzing about going below the speed limit, but for those vehicles passing or traveling at a higher rate of speed than the rest of traffic. Most of the road rage incidents I see everyday are the result of this.

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Driver Complaints - 2009-07-06 22:20:23

It is all well and good to have a voice about such matters, however I ponder just what action will result. I agree fully with the cell phone complaints which I encounter everyday on our roads as many cannot multitask period. One little thing that really bugs me is the lack of turn signal use, and I am sure these vehicles of today come with same.

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ramarro smith - windsor mill, MD - Karma: Neutral

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