National Motorists Association says get out of the way

This is a no-brainer to AutoWeek readers, but the National Motorists Association has launched a publicity campaign urging drivers to not block the left lane and cause traffic problems.

The group has named June "Lane Courtesy Month," which coincides with higher traffic volumes for the summer.

The group says a driver is lane-courteous when he or she is keeping clear of the left lane unless passing slower-moving vehicles, then moving back into the right lane as soon as possible.

This creates smoother traffic flow on multilane roads and highways. And we've all been stuck in the conga line that forms when one motorist ties up the left lane. That's when tempers fray and people are tempted to make risky moves, such as passing on the right.

Few drivers realize that many states have "keep right" laws, which make it an infraction to block the passing lane--regardless of whether the driver is following the speed limit.

The group also points out that when drivers are lane-courteous:

-- Accidents are less likely because there is less accelerating and decelerating and sudden lane changes, which means smoother traffic flow.

-- Fuel economy improves with smoother driving.

-- You get to your destination faster, since highway capacity is maximized to its fullest.

By Michelle Koueiter