* Fatalities a direct result of left-lane cut-ins

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Letters to the Editor

Fatalities a direct result of left-lane cut-ins

Tue, 10/03/2006 - 4:14pm

By: Letters to the ...

I wrote a letter to the editor once. Rule 18 read:

“When you are coming home from work and the line to get off the exit to Ga. Highway 74 is backed up, don’t speed in front of everyone and then slam on your brakes and dart in front of someone. It’s dangerous and it’s rude. Peachtree City is worth the wait.“

On Sept. 26 there was a fiery accident at the PTC exit that killed at least two people and injured several others. Meanwhile, thousands of commuters were caught in the backup as all lanes were blocked on I-85 for more than five hours.

The preliminary determination of the cause of the wreck is that someone was doing what I advised against almost four years ago — trying to jump in front of others waiting to get off the exit.

I commute to Sandy Springs about 10 to 15 times a month. The Atlanta traffic is grueling on the way home and it is frustrating to finally get to the PTC exit and realize you have to wait another 10 minutes in the line just to get off the exit.

And being relatively comfortable driving in heavy traffic, I am as bad as the next guy in traveling fast and being aggressive on the road. But when I get to the PTC exit, I always pull over in the exit lane at the appropriate time and wait my turn to get on 74.

Every single day I see people who don’t want to do this and who drive past those waiting to see if they can cut in at the very last minute. Most drivers that have been waiting don’t want to let them in, which causes the driver trying to cut to put on his brakes and come to nearly a complete stop in the second to right lane on the interstate trying to find a spot to squeeze in.

Meanwhile, traffic behind them (many times trucks because they are restricted to use only the two right lanes) cannot stop in time and plows in the back of them.

You see, it’s kind of tough to stop a 20-ton truck going 60 mph in an effort to avoid hitting someone who has come to a dead stop on the interstate. Most of these drivers, especially the truckers, don’t live here and don’t drive by this exit everyday. Hence they don’t realize that there are complete imbeciles on this route that pull this stunt on a daily basis.

These people who cut to the front of the line are selfish idiots, pure and simple. Not only are they endangering their own lives, but risking all of those around them as well.

Even if one doesn’t consider the rudeness of the act, the sheer stupidity of doing this on the interstate should prevent anyone with an IQ over 40 from doing it. And these folks are not teenagers. These are men and women alike, professional types coming home from work.

So now we have two people dead because of one of these idiots. The impact of their decision to break the rules, break the law, and be selfish and rude will affect the injured and killed people and their families for years to come.

The Fairburn police (who by the way had no police helping direct traffic at the exit and the various intersections affected after the wreck) should police this every afternoon. People that are too stupid to drive sensibly should lose their license.

Mike LaTella
Peachtree City, Ga.

JUST DRIVE SAFE

Submitted by Ashley Greason on Wed, 11/08/2006 - 12:40pm.

This is Ashley Greason, I have personally spoken with Mr. LaTella. All of you idiots out there need to stop arguing about a stupid solid line! My dad was killed that day in that accident and you all are really going to sit and say that you do it every day!!! Are you kidding me?? When you are driving on 85 and going to get off at Hwy. 74 please take a moment to look over at the wrangled guard rails and notice the burnt road. Think of my dad sitting there waiting his turn to get off one minute and then being killed the next. Regardless of the cause of the accident, it was clearly due to some kind of negligence of other drivers. So why don't we all just try to drive safely wether that means stopping at a red light or not speeding, or not cutting in, or simply not paying attention. I know first hand how it feels to have to live with the consenquences of some one elses poor decision. Personally I wouldn't want that on my concience...WOULD YOU?

Sorry for you're loss

Submitted by loveptc on Wed, 11/08/2006 - 1:08pm.

Sorry for the loss of you're father.
I get in the exit lane as soon as I pass the Union City exit, and I cringe when the traffic in that lane stops and I'm the last in line. But I think thats safer for me (and everyone else)than trying to cut in.
Everyone needs to slow down and be respectful of others. The car length that I leave between me and the car in front of me is for saftey, not for someone to push thier way in, and me having to hit my brakes.
I hope this horrible tragedy makes people more aware.

Thank You

Submitted by Ashley Greason on Thu, 11/09/2006 - 9:25am.

Thank you for your response. I do the same when I am coming down 85 to get off at 74. I also hope that people will be more aware and safe. Thanks again.

As the author of this

Submitted by madmike on Sat, 10/07/2006 - 2:59pm.

As the author of this letter, I got an interesting call yesterday from a family member of one of the people killed in the accident. She thanked me for the letter and said that maybe it will prevent further accidents from happening there. I truly appreciated her call.
I found it interesting what she said though was the cause of the accident. While the news latest reports were that the accident was caused when the two dumpster trucks colided, nothing was ever said as to what caused the two trucks to collide. According to the police reports, a commercial pickup truck was trying to CUT IN to the front of the line of traffic waiting in the exit lane to get off the PTC exit. Apparently when the driver of that vehicle realized he was going to be hit by the dumpster truck, he literally drove his vehicle into cars waiting in line attempting to get out of the moving interstate lane. The dumpster truck still hit him, causing the chain reaction. For what its worth, the pick-up truck driver was killed as well.
So here we have people on this blog staunchly defending this action of cutting in line when among those reading their statements are ones who lost a relative caused by that action. Proof is in the pudding here, don't you think?

Madmike
PTC

Merging, Mike - not cutting in

Submitted by mudcat on Thu, 10/05/2006 - 5:22am.

It is perfectly ok to cross a non-solid line to merge into the traffic that is in a lane leading to an exit ramp. Common sense indicates that the traffic should be moving and there should be at least 3 car lengths of space open to accept the merging car. This occurs frequently every afternoon - usually in front of trucks going up hill. That type of merge is fine and legal.

What is not fine is the "merging" car stopping in a travel lane and trying to create its own space between cars by pushing in or sometimes "asking permission to cut in.

These are two different things. The solution - which Fairburn actually did before the road was widened - is to extend the solid line about 1/4 mile down the hill from the exit ramp and arrest those that cross the solid line. You will have very few repeat offenders since that is a moving violation and the jerk's insurance company will be notified.
meow

But How Do You Know?

Submitted by madmike on Sat, 10/07/2006 - 2:48pm.

Mudcat:

I agree that there is a difference in "merging" and "cutting in." My question is, how do you know which option is going to be available when you get to the front of the line?
If you are coming up on the PTC exit and you see the line is backing up, you don't know if there will be room to merge when you get to the front. What may appear to be plenty of room in front of a truck 200 yards back, may end up being dead-stopped traffic with zero room in front of the truck when you get there. Then what do you do. You do exactly what causes wrecks there. You come to a complete stop in the interstate and wait for the line to begin moving again so you can work your way in.
I understand there is danger in being the last car in the line in the exit lane and being at a complete stop. I would argue however that that is less dangerous than being completely stopped in the next to right lane with fast moving traffic behind you.

Madmike
PTC

Solid "White" line

Submitted by bad_ptc on Thu, 10/05/2006 - 5:46am.

Mudcat, as far as I've been told, and yes I have asked, there is no law against crossing a solid "White" line, only a solid "Yellow" line.

If you have something that says differently, please share it with me.

Color was not mentioned

Submitted by mudcat on Thu, 10/05/2006 - 6:38pm.

I never said anything about the color of the line, but since you want to go down that rabbit hole, solid yellow or double white means don't cross, solid white means should not cross.

Nevertheless, Fairburn was giving tickets for crossing a solid white line about 2 years ago. So what? Those people can appeal their $35 fine.

Far more important is the cutting-in issue now. Sure, let's comply with the actual law until it is changed. Therefore, the solution is to paint a double white or yellow line 1/2 mile down the road and arrest people that cross it cutting in. Maximum fine - don't know, but if I were doing it - $100.
meow

It is against the law to cross it.

Submitted by McDonoughDawg on Thu, 10/05/2006 - 9:14am.

Solid white line that is, it's also referred to as the "gore" area in some instances. Why else do you think the line goes solid near the exit? Same thing when entering the interstate going north from the same exit, it's solid white to keep folks from cutting over in front of faster traffic.

The problem with enforcing this law is two fold, placing an officer in the area will cause even more backups and it's likely to cause even more accidents.

Problem is people don't know the law or just don't care. Some folks think they are the only ones who know how to drive.

It is against the law to cross it, NOT

Submitted by bad_ptc on Thu, 10/05/2006 - 10:46am.

I was trying to avoid doing this, be lazy, but I did it anyway.

As per the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration

”A single SOLID white lane line indicates that crossing the line to change lanes is discouraged, for example when a separate turn lane is provided.”

”A DOUBLE SOLID white lane line indicates that it is prohibited to cross the line to change lanes. This type of line is used, for example, to prohibit lane changes in multi-lane one-way tunnels or on the approach to an obstruction in the roadway between two lanes in the same direction.”

This is in line with what I’ve been told. It’s not illegal to cross a solid white line such as a lane marker. A “STOP” line is different and can’t be crossed.

I could see that.

Submitted by McDonoughDawg on Thu, 10/05/2006 - 3:55pm.

It differs from the Georgia DMV manual though.

Actually, southbound on 85, most of the time, at the area you speak of, folks get over into the far right lane at the exit you speak of, and leave the left hand lane up the exit wide open. I can't say that I haven't done exactly as we are speaking of, with no danger to anyone.

Where?

Submitted by IMNSHO on Thu, 10/05/2006 - 7:47pm.

It differs from the Georgia DMV manual though.
I looked in the Ga. DDS Manual that is online, and could not find where it was illegal to cross a single solid white line.

HOV Lane

Submitted by muddle on Thu, 10/05/2006 - 11:33am.

So can I get a ticket if I move in or out of the SOB (er, HOV) lane when there is a solid white line?

Original Photo: Urinal, The Eagle & Child, Oxford, UK, circa 1952 (Lewis and Tolkien no doubt stood here, elbow-to-elbow and talked philosophy and literature)

Yes, you can get a ticket

Submitted by IMNSHO on Thu, 10/05/2006 - 7:46pm.

So can I get a ticket if I move in or out of the SOB (er, HOV) lane when there is a solid white line?

Yes, because it is a double solid white line. Says so right there in the Georgia's Driver's Manual. And that would be why they put up the signs telling you that you can only enter and exit the HOV lanes at the dashed lines.

muddle, this is America

Submitted by bad_ptc on Thu, 10/05/2006 - 12:08pm.

You can do whatever you like.

Just remember everything’s legal until you get caught.

it's not that simple...

Submitted by volley819 on Wed, 10/04/2006 - 12:20pm.

Mike, although lane cut-ins are definitely a problem, there are other issues to consider as well. I commuted back-and-forth to Atlanta from 1991 until 2002, and consistenly saw the problem become more serious. However, while someone who cuts-in to the exit lane does tend to create the dreaded accordian-effect and cause cars behind the cut-in to slam on the brakes, many of the accidents occur because of the tremendous amount of traffic that backs-up so far onto the expressway. The problem is the difference in speed between the exit lane and the adjacent lane is 70MPH! The exit lane is stopped, while traffic zips along in the very next lane at 70+ mile per hour!

I used to wait at the back of the long line of cars waiting to exit, until 1997. One Friday night, I was at the end, patiently waiting my turn. There was one car behind me, a woman in a old Buick sedan. We were about 3/4 mile from the actual exit. As I watched in my rear-view mirror (nervous as always) a powder blue pick-up truck from out-of-state, had no idea that the right lane came to a complete stop. He was keeping up with traffic, going about 65MPH. He never even hit the brakes before he slammed into the woman in the Buick, right behind me. Her car slammed into mine. Three cars directly behind the blue pick-up had no idea either, and slammed into the wreckage. It was not a pretty sight, many folks were badly injured, most seriously the woman in the Buick. She was cut from her car and life-flighted out. Three lanes were closed for more than 3 hours as the wreckage was cleaned up. I never saw my car again, which was completely totalled, but thankfully, I was not seriously hurt.

From that day forward, I did not sit at the end of the line of cars waiting to exit at Hwy 74/Peachtree City/Fairburn exit. I had never cut-in prior to that, but I learned how to cut without causing problems. If you cut-in as cars are moving forward (creating the space needed) then the folks behind you don't have to hit the brakes. It makes a huge difference. If you cut-in just as the folks in front of you are stopping, then you shorten the time needed for everyone else to stop, and they hit the brakes harder, creating that effect that causes rear-end accidents. I decided it was worth angering a few drivers and live to make the drive again the next day, rather than risk being killed at the back of the line of cars.

I cut in front & run red lights

Submitted by workin7joe on Thu, 10/05/2006 - 12:47pm.

About 10 years ago, I was driving my wife's minivan. I had 5 kids under age 12 on board- all in seatbelts. I stopped behind a line of traffic at a red light. This old beater pickup comes up behind me at a high rate of speed. I wasn't able to complete the instructions to the kids to "hold on" when we were rear ended. Turns out the truck's brakes were not functioning. It didn't have current tags or insurance either. Spent 10 hours in the emergency room with 5 kids!!!

So from that day forward for my own safety - I don't wait at the end of a line of cars. I cross the solid lines, drive on the shoulder, what ever it takes and then I run the red light. Most cars leave enough space for me to squeeze up there. "It just isn't worth the risk of being killed at the back of the line of cars."

(For those volleys out there, the 1st paragraph is accurate, the 2nd is a translation into your line of reasoning!!!)

Just rude

Submitted by ArmyMAJretired on Thu, 10/05/2006 - 1:10pm.

"for my own safety", BS.

I am truly sorry that you had a once in a lifetime experience. That said, by you cutting to the front of the line, you are putting at least 4 people at risk, the person you cut off, the person behind them, yourself and the person in your place at the end of the line. Selfish much?

You are part of the problem

Submitted by madmike on Wed, 10/04/2006 - 8:51pm.

Volley, I am the author of the letter and I understand there are some dangers involved in being the last car in the line that backs up at the exit. However, I find that danger to be one that is minimal as comapred to the danger of what you admit doing daily... cutting in line at the front of the line!
I know that every "line-cutter" thinks that they can do it safely as you say, but the fact is that those of us who are waiting in line are not eager to allow you safe ingress into the line. When that happens, you have no choice but to slam on your brakes while your car is still sitting in that left lane. "Sitting" is the operative word here, and that is what causes most of the accidents and certainly poses the most dangerous situation for not only you, but to those around you.

madmike
Peachtree City

It's people like you volly819

Submitted by bad_ptc on Wed, 10/04/2006 - 1:30pm.

It’s people like you volly819 that encourage me to get that 69 Impala I’ve always wanted. You know the kind, two door, puke green, white top with snow tires. Built like a tank.

If I had it and you “attempted”, and I do mean “attempted”, to cut in line instead of waiting your turn, you would have a problem with the car you drive now. Some part or parts of it would no longer function as recommended by the manufacturer.

But for now I’ll settle for my F250. It’s newer and cost a lot more, but it will do in a pinch.

Your excuse for not following the rules of the road is lame and no doubt a reflection of you yourself.

Again the “self perceived” PTC elite are trying to tell us why they should be at the head of the line.

Agreed!

Submitted by madmike on Wed, 10/04/2006 - 8:58pm.

Bad PTC... I am a PTC resident and it appears that you don't like us! Smiling Either way, I agree with you that most of the people that break in line are mostly PTC and Tyrone residents... and mostly professionals that believe they are not subject to the same rules as you and me. This is an attitude that is prevalent with our teenagers but alas, should be beyond educated adults.

madmike
Peachtree City

madmike and merging

Submitted by bad_ptc on Thu, 10/05/2006 - 5:39am.

I like “us” just fine as I too am a PTC resident.

I commute to and from Atl. every day, just like thousands of others.

What I have no, and I mean absolutely NO, patience for is the “elitist attitude” some PTC residents seem to have.

People with the "it's better for me if I just cut in line" attitudes need an attitude “adjustment”.

I have no problem offering my services to perform that adjustment should the opportunity present itself.

The really scary part of all of this is that these “better” people teach their kids to drive the same way. I sincerely hope it’s not their kid that ends up getting an “attitude” adjustment at 60 mph.

ptc "elite"

Submitted by tampabayjay on Thu, 10/05/2006 - 3:38pm.

It is also a huge problem at the 74/54 intersection where 74 goes from two lanes north of 54 to one lane south of 54. These people act as if they have no idea that the lane will combine and try and force their way in, often running through the turnoff for The Avenue and then the turn for Waffle House. VERY DANGEROUS. I wish PTCPD would monitor the aggressive driving there before another unnecessary tragedy occurs. I don't label these "tools" as PTC elitists. I have no idea who they are other than extremely rude, self centered individuals who believe that their time is somehow more precious than anyone elses. Our family was so pleasantly surprised by the very polite drivers here in PTC when we moved here. It was such a relief to get away from the "me first" mentality of the Tampa area drivers. Unfortunately it appears as that way of thinking has also begun to migrate north.

it's not that simple...

Submitted by volley819 on Wed, 10/04/2006 - 12:20pm.

Just dumb

Submitted by nuk on Thu, 10/05/2006 - 1:16pm.

What you are doing provokes people to seriously tailgate the car in front of them to keep losers like yourself from "cutting in." Tailgating leads to wrecks which slows everything down to a crawl. Duh!

NUK

Volley: My, my

Submitted by Hardtack on Wed, 10/04/2006 - 2:27pm.

So, it is ok to cheat if you are smarter than others and want someone else killed instead of you? Never mind how ticked off you make the line. Chances are, you wouldn't be last in line more than a few seconds anyway--you are a fake, my friend. The same jack-asses do this all the time. I know some of them personally.

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Fatalities a direct result of left-lane cut-ins

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