The Right Idea: Lane Courtesy

As you take to the road this summer, don’t let the heat and the hectic traffic stress you out and cause you forget the rules of driving and common courtesy to your fellow drivers. In most states, the concept of lane courtesy is not an official law on the books, but rather an accepted rule where slower drivers yield to faster drivers. A breakdown in this practice can lead to both frustrating and dangerous driving situations. 

In an attempt to remind us of the importance of these basic driving rules and courtesies, the National Motorists Association has deemed June “Lane Courtesy Month” wherein they are encouraging drivers to drive in the right lane, keeping the left lane clear of traffic unless using it to pass slower vehicles. According to NMA, lane courtesy is especially important in periods of high traffic congestion, which is a frequent occurrence during the summer months.

Applying this simple concept to your driving and encouraging others to do the same can help to make the collective summer driving experience more enjoyable and considerably safer because the flow of traffic will move more efficiently and drivers will not be forced to wait in frustrating traffic jams or risk dangerous maneuvers such as passing vehicles on the right side of the road.