"Kim W5TIT" wrote:

I'd go along with that. However, I
have always (maybe incorrectly,
but...) interpreted that "rule" to mean
traffic that is going *slower than the
posted speed.* Wrong? Right?
(snip)


In general, you're right. Nobody is supposed to break the speed limit, so
laws about slower vehicles moving to the right and not impeding the flow of
traffic don't defend the speeder's actions. But, by the same token, slower
drivers are supposed to move to the right and not impede the flow of traffic
(if those are the laws in your state), so someone speeding doesn't defend
the actions of the slower driver who is impeding the flow of traffic either.
I know that sounds strange, but there is some logic behind it. On multiple
lane highways, congestion (cars bunching too closely together) is one of the
most common causes of accidents. And congestion is dangerious at all highway
speeds, but even more so when drivers are speeding. To prevent that bunching
up, many states have adopted laws to encourage slower drivers to move to the
right so faster vehicles can proceed without bunching up behind the slower
vehicle. The idea is to keep all vehicles flowing smoothly - yes, even if
some are speeding.


Dwight Stewart (W5NET)

http://www.qsl.net/w5net/