Monday, January 15, 2007

Slower Traffic Keep Right

Slower traffic keep right. That's all the sign says. There are no exclusions, no caveats, no waivers. The sign doesn't have a little asterisk on it.  I know you would think that asterisk was there just for you. Slower traffic keep right means if I am coming up behind you and you can safely move to the right to get out of my way, you are obligated to do so. You are slower than me, therefore you are slower traffic; KEEP RIGHT!!!

It doesn't matter if you are already going 70 mph and the speed limit is 60 mph. It doesn't matter if you think it's your right to drive wherever you want, because it isn't. It is not up to you to evaluate and enforce the law. No evaluation is needed. It is so simple, a caveman could do it. Slower traffic keep right! It's taken so seriously in Germany that if you are rear ended on the Autobahn, it's your fault.

Perhaps you are spatially challenged and can't determine that I'm gaining on you (which means I'm going faster than you).  Hopefully you are not also unable to differentiate size and should see that my car is getting bigger in your mirror.  Bigger = closer = gaining = faster. Perhaps you are confused about which side is right. I'll make it easy; it's the side I have to pass you on because you won't get out of the way! 

I only wish there were some way to push a button and override the driver. either that or allow fender mounted rocket launchers. I know that's a bit harsh, but people should pay attention, know the rules of the road (and common courtesy), and do it!

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