Yes, a good two or three times, someone moved from the next-to-left lane into the left lane, only to go slower -- unencumbered by cars in either case. There was nothing in front of, or behind, them in either case to cause this behavior. They just DID it.

Now, my (cracked) logic dictates that as one moves farther left in highway lanes, the faster one should go. You often see those highway signs that read "Slower Traffic Stay Right." It used to be standard that the left lane was used as a passing lane, particularly when out on a two-lane country highway. But, I guess people have been Bay Area dwellers for too long.

Rather than fighting the situation, I play along. I often use the far right lane as a passing lane. Correct me if I'm wrong on this, but I think that the macho mentality out there causes a lot of people to think "I'm not slow! I don't need to be in the slow lane!" and they all get out of the rightmost lane. Try it sometime: about half the time, when you're driving down the highway, I bet you'll find the right lane to be the clearest.

Someone needs to shape up in Drivers' EdLand. Or people need to quit using cell phones, applying makeup, eating a full-course meal, and sending a fax while they drive.

12Apr2001 bey