On my daily commutes, I often ponder which part of "slower traffic keep right" do Northlanders not understand.
Do they need a refresher course in driver's education? Do they have a left-hand turn five miles down the road? Are they inconsiderate? Perhaps it is passive aggressive behavior? Have they not seen the black-and-white regulatory signs along Interstate 35 stating, "Slower Traffic Keep Right"? Do they not know it's the law?
It must be a combination of all of the above.
Minnesota Statute 169.18, subdivision 3, states the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle. It's hard enough to get across town efficiently as it is with engineers turning four-lane roads into three lanes, with a center turn lane (and without right-turn lanes), but that's another issue altogether.
On a recent European visit, I found it quite refreshing how efficient driving can be. Pass on the left, then move immediately back to the right. Traffic flows smoothly; everyone travels at the speed they wish.
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Please show some common courtesy, respect and consideration to your fellow drivers; drive on the right, pass on the left. When driving in the left lane, glance in your rearview mirror occasionally and allow faster drivers to pass. It is the law.
Kevin Hakala
Duluth
