YADT: Does this traffic phenomena happen in your city?

[Linflas]

Here in the DC area during rush hour the fastest lane on any 3 or 4 lane interstate in stop and go traffic is generally the right lane and the slowest the far left lane. This is exactly the opposite of what you would expect. You would think that the lane that has the cars merging in and out would be the slowest lane but in fact the right lane generally only slows right at the merge point. Some people will switch over to one of the left lanes there but I find that just staying in the right averages out to the fastest.

 

[samgau]

Since all the exits are on the right side, the right most lane is the most fluid when all the other lanes are at a standstill... of course, at on ramps, the right lane tend to be slower cause of all the cars getting on the HW

 

[techfuzz]

Here in Atlanta I've noticed that the fastest lanes in heavy traffic tend to be the 2nd and 3rd from the right. The first lane on the right usually gets clogged up by people trying to exit and enter the highway. The far left lanes are where everyone heads when they get on because they think the fast lane is going to be the fastest. I love how we have HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes on the farthest left, but they tend to get so backed up now that they're just as bad as the other lanes.

techfuzz

 

[DanTMWTMP]

so. cal....i've noticed the fastest lane is the 2nd lane from the left....right lane has way too many big rigs....

i've tested this many times using cars that are waaay out in front of me and see where I am in relation w/ them 5 miles down the freeway

 

[mugs]

Yeah, I've noticed that phenomenon. The left lane is never the fastest in heavy traffic around here, probably because everyone wants to be in it. I've also noticed that the people who constantly change lanes to get in whichever lane is moving faster only slow traffic down, and they don't really make any progress.

 

[Linflas]

Originally posted by: DanTMWTMP
so. cal....i've noticed the fastest lane is the 2nd lane from the left....right lane has way too many big rigs....

i've tested this many times using cars that are waaay out in front of me and see where I am in relation w/ them 5 miles down the freeway

Here 18 wheelers are generally in the left center and right center lanes. As far as HOV we have one highway that has 2 lanes for HOV seperated from the rest of the highway and that one works as intended. The other HOV lanes that are just the left lane reserved for HOV only work as intended at the margin times. During peak in some cases they are slower than the non HOV lanes.

 

[techfuzz]

Originally posted by: mugs
Yeah, I've noticed that phenomenon. The left lane is never the fastest in heavy traffic around here, probably because everyone wants to be in it. I've also noticed that the people who constantly change lanes to get in whichever lane is moving faster only slow traffic down, and they don't really make any progress.

Much patience is required in heavy traffic.

2 more weeks and I'll be 25 and my car insurance gets cut in half!!! Hoorah!!!

techfuzz

 

[Confused]

All the idiots who don't know how to drive and merge properly are in the fast lanes, and those who do know how to drive/merge are in the slow lane, so the fast lane gets blocked up while the slow lane keeps flowing.


Confused

 

[VTBigBear]

yes

 

[jagr10]

oh, they're all pretty much the same. You have idiots in the far left lanes trying to change over 3 or 4 lanes for the exit which is a few feet away. That slows traffic. Then you have the big trucks which slow everything down. Then you have people merging in which sux. Then you always have some idiots who managed to get into an accident which makes things even worse.

 

[Asharus]

Yes, but it depends on what part of the highway. I have mastered the art of knowing when to be in the passing lane or the right lane.

During rush hour, the right lane is usually the quickest, but there are exceptions, and the major ones are on-ramps coming from other major parkways/expressways. This is when I move over to the passing lane w/ 2 quick lane changes.

 

[PingSpike]

Here in vermont, there's hardly ever more than 2 lanes anywhere. I usually stick in the right unless passing something slow...the reason being there usually isn't a left turn lane anywhere...so when some one decides to turn left the entire lane comes to a standstill until the traffic gods grant the almighty opening. When in the right lane, there are frequent slowdowns as some one turns off the right...but never stops. In the end, the right lane is usually faster overall and has less headaches. Aggressive lane changing usually backfires, I only attempt if I can see far enough ahead that I can plan out a strategy.

On the interstate, the left is much faster though.

I really hate it when some guy walking on the sidewalk passes you and then is like hundreds of yards ahead.