Law aims to put an end to left lane laggers

Last Update: 6/30 6:20 pm

Print Story |

WICHITA, Kansas – Finally there is a way to deal with those people who drive slowly in the left hand lane. And if you’re one of them, look out!

It’s being referred to as the Left Hand Lane Law and it goes into effect Wednesday. The legislation should make rural highway driving in our state a lot more pleasant.

Kansas lawmakers have devised a way to keep the left lane free and clear by not allowing its use on multiple lane roadways outside of any city limit. Stretches of K-254 to El Dorado and I-135 north of the Kansas Coliseum are a few examples.

“The multi-lane roadways were designed to allow less congested traffic flow,” said Trooper Gary Warner with the Kansas Highway Patrol.

But too often the left lane cloggers don’t’ allow for that.

"They are not using common sense,” Warner said.

The new law states drivers can’t use the left hand lane unless they are making a legal left hand turn, moving over for maintenance or emergency crews or passing another car.

There’s a reason the law has a left lane passing exemption. The Highway Patrol says accidents happen when the right lane is used to pass. That's because the driver has to twist their body around pretty far to make sure things are clear. But by doing that, they take their eyes off for a longer period than if they pass to the left, which really only requires a short glance over the left shoulder.

The KHP also hopes the new law will cut down on road rage incidents.

"The motorist gets frustrated that there's a slower moving driver in the inside lane and they make an aggressive maneuver,” Warner said.

Violators won’t get a ticket for the first year. The highway patrol says it’s an educational period. But after that, law breakers will have to fork over $60 plus court costs.

The KHP says the reason the law doesn’t cover highways within city limits like Kellogg is because there are simply too many drivers on roadways like it to make enforcement feasible.

Another law going into effect Wednesday regarding highways is the Move It Law. If drivers are involved in a non-injury crash on a highway and the vehicles can be driven, they must move them out of traffic and to a safe location before exchanging information with each other.

Violators will just get a warning for the first year of the law, but after that it means a ticket.

Add a Comment

(4) Comments

To Email:
Your Name:
Your Email:
Message:
	Send a copy to my email