I have heard arguments for and against the laws that govern each state’s lane restrictions, but the law is the law. Not that I am perfect, but I try to drive according to the laws that govern the roads to maintain a certain level of safety and keep my record clean. This past week while slipping up the right lane to pass a much slower moving truck in the second lane, I happened to hear someone add their two cents in on the radio by saying, “Must be in a hurry!” Of course I dished out a calm reply without missing a beat of, “Not really, just don’t like going 45 in the hammer lane when I’m empty behind someone who doesn’t know how to move over instead of block faster moving vehicles!” The radio fell silent after that, as I assume the other party was the truck I was passing and was probably a tad embarrassed that I came back to him to call him out on his driving faux paux.
While traveling the highways that are two lanes or more in each direction, I often witness big trucks of a “slower nature” in the improper lanes. Although the set speed limit for 3-axle+ big trucks in California is 55mph, some trucks will travel slower than that at around 45-50mph and just hang out in that left “hammer lane”. Whatever there reason is for going this speed is (fuel, safety, etc.), they should not be blocking the lane second to the right on any highway, as this is intended to be a “passing lane”. The courtesy of slower traffic to “ride right” , or stay to the right most lane, can make roadways a much safer place to navigate. At least here in California, trucks are only allowed to travel in the right two lanes, which should mean that slower traffic keeps to the right-most lane and the next one should be for the trucks traveling at a higher rate of speed to pass.
Another important situation where lane selection is crucial is in turning, whether at a controlled intersection or while exiting the freeway at an off-ramp. When in a traditional controlled four-way intersection you always want to be in the outside turn lane, if more than one turn lane is available. This will eliminate the need to swing wide to avoid light poles, or people standing on the corner, in the event you jump the curb! Always drive ahead of your truck and pay attention to the signs coming up to the intersection that usually illustrate what lanes turn in which direction. When exiting a freeway, black and white illustrative signs with this same information located overhead, or to the side of the lanes are just as important.
Proper lane selection will not only keep you out of some hot water when it comes to equipment damage, but it can also improve the flow of traffic and overall road safety. Anyone who drives for a living knows that we should try and do everything we can to safely keep traffic flowing. Don’t let yourself become "that person" holding up a line of trucks in the “hammer lane” for no good reason! Be courteous and let the faster traffic glide on by!