Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Life in the Oxford Slow Lane

It's been a while since getting my driving licence back in the late 70's, but I distinctly remember that four laners have two lanes with the right lane being the slow lane and the left the faster, passing lane of traffic on highways.

So, where is the fast lane around Oxford? It's become a pet peeve of road rage, occasions where I have been accused of having 'potty mouth' by a dear, nameless friend. Both lanes around the outskirts of town have become so freakin' slow, leaving me asking for way too much forgiveness at the end of the day.

So where's the IQ test when administering the licence test? Aren't these folks breaking the law when driving slow in the fast lane? Where are their blue lights? Where's their ticket?

This isn't an isolated driving incident. It happens consistently. Now given my usual pace of between 70 and 80 mph on Highway 6 might be a bit swift for the average traveler, I refuse to drive 55 to 60 mph in both lanes. I've got stuff to do. If sightseeing is the objective, I'll grab a bike. If driving while chatting on the cell phone is the objective, I thought that was illegal, too.

How about some big Red Letter Edition signs painted on the pavement: "SLOW LANE FOR DRIFTERS" - - "FAST LANE FOR FOLKS WITH PLANS?"

Someone please do something.

I've tried coping mechanisms such as picking up vice-grip hand squeezers at yard sales and installing meditation podcasts on the iPod. This only gets you so far after about five miles of stopped up traffic fueled by absolute clueless drivers. Clueless, driving side by side cars at 50-some-odd mph.

God forgive me, but these folks have to be smarter than they appear to be. They just have to be. Sometimes, I think I have a right to my 'potty mouth.'

2 comments:

Pat said...

What do you think about the Roundabouts?

I kindof like them.

Monica said...

I think the Roundabouts are great, but the problem with them here in MS is that people have no clue how they operate. I think my soon-to-be-driving teenager has learned full well how they are used because it never fails that I will be screaming at some car in front of me that just sits there like it is one of the seven wonders of the world! Drives me completely bonkers.

As for those that drag #*s in the left hand lane on a four lane highway, it is illegal. If MHP catches you doing it, they have every right to pull you over and write you a hefty fine. I spend more than 2 hours a day in my car and never seems to shock me that people in this great state have no idea what the rules of the road are or that they even exsist! I have a lead foot too so get out of my way!