Wednesday, August 13, 2003

I have watched with interest and amusement as several of the more vocal in the community have justified their reasons for traveling in the left lane. From militant enforcers of the speed limit, to "my right to drive" have all been thrown about. I have also been entertained by your labels of each other. It borders on childish, that such behavior is tolerated on highways by adults.

So, being a recent returnee from a rather lengthy stay in Europe (seven years), I was required to retest for my U.S. driver's license and motorcycle license. I studied the manual carefully and passed both tests with flying colors. Here's the test I had to take to get my European license: over 100 signs (you can miss five), and a 50-question test (you can miss three), plus a road skills test in various traffic conditions (city, rural, and highway). I was not too challenged with a touch screen followed by a turn here, turn there, park. With over seven years of driving in some of the most challenging conditions I can safely say this: "Learn to drive."

As for the age of the driver, no driver may operate a vehicle before 18, period. All drivers are required to attend a period of instruction, where they learn motor skills, mechanics, and are then supervised by an instructor. This is done at the student's expense and can cost from $600-$1,600 depending on the skill of the student. Any serious infraction can result in loss of license, and the entire process must be started again after the suspension period is over.

Although the median age in Europe is higher than the U.S., drivers are evaluated regularly, and if they are deemed incompetent to drive, alternate transportation is arranged. This can include vans carrying you to the hospital, daily chores, or family taking up the load. With these additional rules how many drivers would there be in Georgia?

And as the final answer, "when in doubt, read the rules." Here are the Georgia rules for driving in the left, and passing on the right, from the Georgia State Traffic Laws, Article 3, 40-6-40:

"(a) Upon all roadways of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows: (1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement; (2) When an obstruction exists. (3) Upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon;

"or (b) Upon all roadways, any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic (It says not the posted speed, but the speed of traffic) at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

"(d) No two vehicles shall impede the normal flow of traffic by traveling side by side at the same time while in adjacent lanes, provided that this code section shall not be construed to prevent vehicles traveling side by side in adjacent lanes because of congested traffic conditions."

Hope this helps.

James Greer

Fayetteville