Texas Remains As Home Of Bad Drivers

It seems that every time I make a trip home for another family thing, I seem to find myself fighting traffic. I'm sure you feel the same way. In the larger metropolitan areas of Oklahoma like OKC and Tulsa, that's expected... but when there are two lanes available, one doesn't simply cruise the speed limit in the fast last... which isn't even the correct terminology for the left lane anymore. It's technically now designated as a "passing" lane.

It has been about a year and a half since Oklahoma passed the sweeping Left Lane Law. Technically, it's Oklahoma Statute 47-11-309 and it states:

   Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly
marked lanes for traffic, the following rules in addition to all
others consistent herewith shall apply.
   
    3.  Upon a roadway which is divided into four or more lanes, a
vehicle proceeding at less than the maximum posted speed, except when
reduced speed is necessary for safe operation, shall not impede the
normal flow of traffic by driving in the left lane.  Such vehicle
shall be driven in the right-hand lane except when overtaking and
passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when
preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road
or driveway.

All in all, here's what that means. When you're traveling down the highway, stay out of the left lane if you're not using it to pass someone. This doesn't mean that you should stay in the left lane just because you plan on passing another vehicle a quarter mile further up the road. You merge right, crawl up to that other car, then flow back into the left lane to pass them. This law also mentions blinker usage as a requirement for at least 100 feet, which any Karen will tell you takes to long, but at turnpike speeds, it's about two blinker clicks in the dash. Literally a one second count.

Why are we talking, again, about the left lane law in Oklahoma? Because I have a knack for finding the one White Claw swilling, mouth breathing, coal rolling, mongrel Chad left lane cruiser out there sporting Lone Star plates. It's always Texas... Well, it's almost always a Texas plate. The further North you go, the more you see violators with Kansas plates. Yeah, Kansas residents flock to Oklahoma to experience big city stuff in Tulsa and OKC. Why? Because Kansas only has one big town, Wichita, and if you've ever been there, you'll know that Oklahoma has it pretty good over those Jayhawkers.

Now, before you ask to see my manager, I know... There are plenty of people with Oklahoma plates out there cruising in the left lane, but, if you stay behind them long and close enough, they'll eventually swallow the crayon they're snacking on and move to the right. This is a trait not shared by those called Texan. And when you think about their state highway motto, it's ironic.

It's time we let them know they've yee'd their last haw in the left lane.