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Left lane blocking and passing on the right

To define a left lane blocker is great, if the full definition is put to the test.
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Left lane blocking and passing on the right

Tim from Drivesmart has a point. To define a left lane blocker is great, if the full definition is put to the test.

Having been in attendance at more than one defensive driving course and also having read the magic book (regulations) on highways and multiple lane highways. Vancouver Island has “almost” no three lane highways, therefore it has no multiple lane highways. Once you get that into your head, you go to the manual and read up and find that in that particular case you can, safely and legally, pass on the right. The signs that say let others pass have led to a number of close calls because people following the law in the left lane see you coming and think they should move over right after you have made the decision to pass on the right. Those signs should be redesigned to remove that reaction by the drivers in the left lane. (If everyone needs decisiveness.)

The speed limit is posted and a lot of people on the Island highways seem to not see these signs. If I were to be driving at over the rated speed limit by 16 kph–20 kph I would most likely not receive a ticket for speeding, but over that and I know I would.

So driving over the speed limit in the left lane is a given; the other drivers who want to go faster can, if they use the other lane, given the opportunity. After all, they are not emergency vehicles, and I would not be a lane blocker as I would be passing other cars in the curb lane, and speeding at that time. Moving right into a hole that does not give you the proper following distance, to allow other speeders to pass, over and over again is a safety issue, and a no brainer. Patience is key while driving on the Island. Most people have blinders on, they do not look well ahead of where they are — and there is plenty of opportunity for that, if you are not tailgating.

Let others pass IS* for lane blockers, not for people who have no self control and want to go well over the speed limit; the signs are for people who drive normally and within the limits. The full definition should be covered, with the proper examples to cover the whole issue, “For the people who think they have the right to endanger other drivers on the roadway,” thanks for the cameras. (NOT)

Mr. Calm, cool, and collected.

Don Richardson

Shawnigan Lake