Do you know how the Interstate Highway System came to be?  In case you don’t, let me tell you a little about its history.

The Interstate Highway System was conceived and created by Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 with the passage of the Federal Highway Act.  Eisenhower had been quite fond of the German Autobahn after seeing it usefulness during WWII.  He basically modeled our current Interstate system after the Autobahn.  The only problem is, he didn’t adopt any of their driving rules to go with it!

Are you aware that while driving on the Autobahn, if you don’t yield right of way to motorists who approach behind your car you can get a ticket?  Additionally, you can also get a ticket for passing someone on the right.  This rule is called “Rechtsfahrgebot“, which says that you must drive in the right lane when possible and ONLY pass on the left.

Why do I bring this up you ask?  Well, now that I’ve been driving 45 minutes everyday to work, it’s really confirmed my suspicions that Los Angelenos just can’t drive.  I love the people who get on the freeway and immediately head to the left lane so they can go 60mph.  I understand we have speed limits, but that doesn’t mean you have the right to set your own one!

Are you that person that refuses to move over when someone comes up behind you?  If you are that person, you need to understand that you are responsible for traffic.  If you are going the speed limit or below, stay in the right two lanes.  If someone passes you on the right hand side, move over a lane or two to the right.  It’s common sense people.

I have officially seen it all today.  I was moving through a slow patch of traffic this morning and there was a motorcyclist cutting in between the cars like we see everyday.  Once it finally opened up, he stayed in the fast lane going 60mph!  I had to pass an effing motorcycle?!?!  I’m just saying…

This picture is courtesy of Left Lane Drivers. They sell giant window stickers like this one.  I’m thinking about getting one for my car.

Tags: Autobahn, Interstate, Los Angeles, Motorcycle, The Left Lane, Traffic