Keep Right Except to Pass

There are many reasons why traffic becomes congested. With poor traffic-light synchronization matching vehicle flow, trains, construction, etc., by far slow drivers are the worst. Synchronization of the traffic lights is not to bad overall in Calgary, but slow drivers in the passing lane (that’s the far-left lane, for those who don’t know) prevent other vehicles from taking advantage of it.

According the Alberta Transportation the rule for Passing on a multi-lane highway: Slower traffic should use the travel lane furthest to the right (unless needing the left lane to turn left). This leaves the left lane available for drivers of other vehicles for passing. Take note slow drivers, a freeway like the Deerfoot Trail, or any of Calgary’s Trails, are considered highways. So Please Move Over! Stop Congesting the entire road.

Why do slow drivers insist in driving in the wrong lane? I believe, they were never taught that rule properly. In Europe you need to take 6 months of driving lessons before you can take your driving exam, and if you fail, more lessons for 6 months.

Here in Alberta you need to take lessons for all motor vehicles, except for motorcycles, cars, and small trucks for which you need only to take the learners exam and driving exam.

In the past, this may have worked, but today we have many more, and faster vehicles now. Alberta and Canada should enforce having to take lessons for all motor vehicles so drivers are better trained to drive the busier roads. Don’t forget to make sure winter driving training is included.

Frances Woolley thinks it’s over confidence and inadequate feedback, according to his article Driving in the passing lane: The Canadian disease. It seems 93% of Americans believed they were more skillful than other drivers. Frances also states that overconfidence persists because of the absence of feedback.

Even though, Keeping Right, is not an official rule for city road driving, we should all drive courteously and not hinder the flow of traffic. On a final note, leaving the passing lane free makes it easier for emergency vehicles to get through.