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donny
18-01-2011, 09:55
which is the fast lane on the 192 and I4 or more important which is the slow lane [msnscared], cause thats where i'll be!!!!!!!!

blott
18-01-2011, 10:24
The 'slow' lane is on the right and the 'fast' lane is on the left - just reverse it from the UK as you'll be on the other side of the road.

Watch out that some 'slow' lanes turn themselves into turn off lanes so you might be better in the middle lane.

canarypam
18-01-2011, 10:48
And don't forget that you can be overtaken on the inside and outside!

gpullan
18-01-2011, 13:33
Also don't forget there are minimum speed limits too.

Robert5988
18-01-2011, 14:52
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:And don't forget that you can be overtaken on the inside and outside![/quote]

Undoubtedly this will happen, however bear in mind that it is illegal to 'undertake'(overtake on right) unless there are lines of traffic.

Because the practice is so widespread, people think it is allowed and it isn't!!! Loads of threads on this and several people on here have got tickets, or been pulled over by police.

Jill
18-01-2011, 18:55
Please also remember if you see any of the emergency services parked with a blue flashing light you should move out a lane, if necessary, so there is an empty driving lane between your car and the emergency vehicle. They can fine you if you do not move.

autumnc
18-01-2011, 19:34
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Jill
Please also remember if you see any of the emergency services parked with a blue flashing light you should move out a lane, if necessary, so there is an empty driving lane between your car and the emergency vehicle. They can fine you if you do not move.
[/quote]

Just to add, if it is unsafe to move over into another lane, you must lower your speed to 20 miles below the posted speed limit.

Albert the Frog
18-01-2011, 19:45
Try not to get too confused-just drive sensibly-you'll be fine

trupial
19-01-2011, 06:00
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by donny
which is the fast lane on the 192 and I4 or more important which is the slow lane [msnscared], cause thats where i'll be!!!!!!!!
[/quote]

Ideally try and drive in the second lane when more than two lanes, that way your not likely to get drawn towards an exit you don't want to be on, as some slow lanes turn into "right turn only" lanes. Your confidence will grow very quickly.

Robert5988
19-01-2011, 19:12
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Ideally try and drive in the second lane when more than two lanes, that way your not likely to get drawn towards an exit you don't want to be on,[/quote]

Isn't that called 'middle lane hoggers'?

Jill
19-01-2011, 19:53
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by trupial
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by donny
which is the fast lane on the 192 and I4 or more important which is the slow lane [msnscared], cause thats where i'll be!!!!!!!!
[/quote]

Ideally try and drive in the second lane when more than two lanes, that way your not likely to get drawn towards an exit you don't want to be on, as some slow lanes turn into "right turn only" lanes. Your confidence will grow very quickly.
[/quote]

The following is from the Florida Driver's Handbook which some might find helpful:

Expressway Safety Reminders

•Plan your trip. Know just where you will get on and get off.
•Drive in the right lane and pass on the left. If there are three lanes, use the right lane for lower speed driving, the left for passing. If you stay in the right lane, watch for cars entering the expressway. Adjust your speed or move into the center lane so they can enter safely.
•Never stop on the pavement, shoulder, or connecting ramp of an expressway except in an emergency. If your vehicle breaks down, it may be parked on the side of the expressway (completely off the pavement) for no more than six hours. Raise your hood and tie a white cloth to your antenna or left door handle to show you need help.
•Never back up on an expressway entrance ramp or exit ramp. The only exception to this would be if you are trying to enter an expressway through an exit. In this case, you would see a "WRONG WAY" or "DO NOT ENTER" sign. Then you must back up or turn around.
•Do not cross, drive on or park on the median strip.
•Do not follow too closely.
Rear end collisions are the greatest danger on expressways. Always leave room for emergency stops.
•Stop driving when you feel tired. On long trips the hum of the engine and your lack of movement can make you feel sleepy. Stop for a cup of coffee, a short walk, or a nap. Do not risk falling asleep at the wheel.

sammibabe
19-01-2011, 19:58
I don't drive often when we're over there but either last time or the time before I was persuaded to have a go. There were quite a lot of bush (?) fires about over the time we were there, heavy traffic and then a fire engine coming towards me [msneek] So keep an eye out for all eventualaties! And I coped [msnwink]

sunseeker
19-01-2011, 22:28
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robert5988
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Ideally try and drive in the second lane when more than two lanes, that way your not likely to get drawn towards an exit you don't want to be on,[/quote]

Isn't that called 'middle lane hoggers'?
[/quote]

they are known as 'clod's' ( centre lane only drivers ) where i live.

Dave

trupial
20-01-2011, 03:43
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by sunseeker
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robert5988
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Ideally try and drive in the second lane when more than two lanes, that way your not likely to get drawn towards an exit you don't want to be on,[/quote]

Isn't that called 'middle lane hoggers'?
[/quote]

they are known as 'clod's' ( centre lane only drivers ) where i live.

Dave
[/quote]
So what do you use the left lane for ?
If you drive up to speed in the middle lane I can't see the problem, I see your point if your driving to slow.

Robert5988
20-01-2011, 12:36
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:So what do you use the left lane for ?
If you drive up to speed in the middle lane I can't see the problem, I see your point if your driving to slow.[/quote]

Ask a policeman!

I rest my case[msnwink]

Jill
20-01-2011, 13:44
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:
So what do you use the left lane for ?
If you drive up to speed in the middle lane I can't see the problem, I see your point if your driving to slow.
[/quote]

The left hand lane is the DRIVING lane and that is where you should be unless you are OVERTAKING - so that is what you use the left hand lane for unless you are overtaking or directed to change lanes eg by emergency services or road works.

Stating that you are doing the speed limit in the middle lane so it is not a problem is not a valid argument and it does and can cause other problems.

grayster
20-01-2011, 13:59
Surely the right-hand lane?

canarypam
20-01-2011, 17:24
Well a friend of ours got stopped by the police for "weaving" he was just driving as we would here, overtake and back into inside lane, overtake and back into inside lane. He told them that this is how we drive here but they said he was weaving!

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robert5988
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:And don't forget that you can be overtaken on the inside and outside![/quote]

Undoubtedly this will happen, however bear in mind that it is illegal to 'undertake'(overtake on right) unless there are lines of traffic.

Because the practice is so widespread, people think it is allowed and it isn't!!! Loads of threads on this and several people on here have got tickets, or been pulled over by police.
[/quote]

Jill
20-01-2011, 22:10
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by grayster
Surely the right-hand lane?
[/quote]

As Trupial made the original post, and listed his location as UK, I posted as for the UK road system however, the SAME rules apply in the States where the right hand lane is the driving lane and the other lanes are the overtaking lanes. I hope this clarifies the situation for you Grayster

Robert5988
20-01-2011, 23:39
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Well a friend of ours got stopped by the police for "weaving" he was just driving as we would here, overtake and back into inside lane, overtake and back into inside lane. He told them that this is how we drive here but they said he was weaving![/quote]

As in UK it is not undertaking if all lanes are filled with traffic and the inside lane traffic goes faster than an outside lane.

'Weaving' is a common offence and covered in all the State statute e.g.


<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Weaving is a form of reckless and aggressive driving. Swerving between lanes and cutting off other drivers in traffic is dangerous and reckless behavior. And it's also illegal.

The law states that no person may endanger the safety of any person or property by the negligent operation of a vehicle.
Weaving is just this type of behavior. [/quote]

It is normally people diving from lane to lane to gain a car length or two and 'cutting up' people.

trupial
21-01-2011, 01:37
Choosing A Lane
Traffic lanes are often referred to by number. The left or "fast" lane is called the "Number 1 Lane." The lane to the right of the "Number 1 Lane" is called the "Number 2 Lane," then the "Number 3 Lane,"

Example of numbered traffic lanes


Drive in the lane with the smoothest flow of traffic. If you can choose among three lanes, pick the middle lane for the smoothest driving. To drive faster, pass, or turn left, use the left lane. When you choose to drive slowly or enter or turn off the road, use the right lane.

If there are only two lanes in your direction, pick the right lane for the smoothest driving.

Do not weave in and out of traffic. Stay in one lane as much as possible. Once you start through an intersection, keep going. If you start to make a turn, follow through. Last minute changes may cause collisions. If you miss a turn, continue until you can safely and legally turn around

copied & pasted from tips on driving in america.

Jill
21-01-2011, 13:13
You have copied and pasted something from tips on driving in America which is different from the actual country's highway codes. That states the right hand lane is for driving and the other lanes are for passing (yes there are exceptions and 'smooth driving' is not one of them). They are aware they have a huge road safety problem with the attitude of driviers adopting the driving practice you have quoted above but they are slowly and gradually trying to stamp it out.

The red light cameras are another example - they have been introduced to stop red light running as too many people thought the amber light meant speed up and go through even if it is red by the time you cross the line.

trupial
21-01-2011, 21:54
Jill, could you please post a link for the offical highway code as I have tried but can't find one, thanks.

Jill
22-01-2011, 14:32
Trupial, you won't find an 'official highway code' for the States as unlike here they don't have one.

Each state has its own version which can cause its own problems. What you can 'technially' do in one State can be illegal in another - so it is a good idea for anyone driving in America to check the road rules for each State before driving them. Then just to confuse things there is also Uniform Traffic Law.

sammibabe
22-01-2011, 15:47
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Jill
Trupial, you won't find an 'official highway code' for the States as unlike here they don't have one.

Each state has its own version which can cause its own problems. What you can 'technially' do in one State can be illegal in another - so it is a good idea for anyone driving in America to check the road rules for each State before driving them. Then just to confuse things there is also Uniform Traffic Law.


[/quote]

No wonder they have safety issues! [msneek]

lafifille
22-01-2011, 18:37
If you are a AAA member they issue a safe driving guide for each state (at least they used too, hope they're still doing it).

Robert5988
22-01-2011, 19:48
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:No wonder they have safety issues! [/quote]


The basic rules of driving are the same, and also Federal law applies.

However certain practices are illegal in some States and not in others. e.g. using a mobile(cell) phone whilst driving.

sunseeker
23-01-2011, 00:10
Above all else, common sense prevails. If you drive with the same sense,caution and confidence as you do in the UK then you will not go far wrong. You will pick up any local laws quite quickly.

Dave

trupial
23-01-2011, 03:08
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Jill
Trupial, you won't find an 'official highway code' for the States as unlike here they don't have one.

Each state has its own version which can cause its own problems. What you can 'technially' do in one State can be illegal in another - so it is a good idea for anyone driving in America to check the road rules for each State before driving them. Then just to confuse things there is also Uniform Traffic Law.


[/quote][msnwink]thanks.