@@blueridgegarage Because from what I’ve experienced with my kids getting their licenses, highway driving still isn’t part of any road test, which is insanity.
Uh I'm not just an old, elitist, grumpy, carmudgeon, I'm also a swimwear model, according to the lower third that you COMPLETELY FABRICATED. But yes, I stand by everything I said in the video, carmudgeonly or not.
I wear my "carmudgeons" badge with honor! I drive a 1978 Datsun king cab pickup that I "built" 20 years ago, no one wants to get stuck behind an old Datsun truck it seems as I can't tell you how many times I've had people speed up or try to block me from passing. I can tell you no one has ever been successful at it though. My Datsun has a mild built Buick V6 with a 2004r overdrive trans, heavy duty shocks and front/rear aftermarket anti-sway bars, it's a total sleeper with it's scratched up faded paint, other than a front air dam and nice wheels/tires it looks like something I wouldn't want to follow either. Oregon is a keep right unless passing state, lots of people ignore it, I've had to pass a left lane hog on the right many times, of course some speed up or try to block me, but my Datsun runs! It fun to watch people be pissed when there "new" cars governor cuts in @ 100-115 mph and I fly by them and leave them behind, I've had to do it many times, people think they're gonna get stuck following a slow old truck, it's ok I love seeing the look on their faces as I blow by them in my Datsun, I give em a big smile and wave. ;)
Hey @JasonCammisa, what do you like about the Apple Watch? Maybe you're just not a watch guy, and thats fine, but I see them as a kind of Tesla of the watch world. Just thought a guy who really appreciates the mechanical and analogue nature of cars might be wearing something similarly mechanical and analogue on his wrist.
I think their director quit at the same time. I assumed one of their H2H episodes upset a sponsor/advertiser, so they quit in frustration. Focus RS vs Golf R?
I've given up on "not passing on the right." I do the "drive right, pass left" thing whenever I can, but when I encounter left lane bandits, I take whatever lane will get the job done. Funny thing though - in moderately heavy traffic, left lane camping has gotten so bad that you can often make better time in the right-hand lane. Also, it's less stressful because you're maintaining a more even pace as the left lane "accordians" more.
It's the same in the UK, except of course it's the right lane. I often plan my overtakes when the left (or "driving") lane as it's called in the UK is empty and there's a queue of dumbasses in the overtaking lanes. Like the OP said, I can maintain a consistent speed better that way. In the UK people do move out of the right lane more on three lane highways but then they sit in the middle lane going exactly the same speed as the slower left lane traffic like trucks.
I'm a truck driver, usually drive Sacramento to Bay Area, just the other day I had an Audi going slow, and since trucks can usually only use 2 right lanes, I could not pass him on the left lane for a long time, when I had an opportunity to pass him in the most right line, he sped up as I was about to pass him and then slowed down again. Pissed me off so bad that I gave him a highway horn, didn't work a bit, just kept going slow in front of me. Everything you guys talk about is really close to heart, many times I warn people that their headlight are off, most of the time no reaction, sometimes I get a thanks, sometimes a dirty look.
Hey 👋 I'm a Sacramento/bay area truck driver too! Hauling dirt equipment on the lowboy, I usually just keep my wide load ass to the right. I did have someone managed to pit maneuver himself on my front bumper going through Pinole once. 🤷♂️
Some speed limits are good, otherwise you could never actually turn onto the road without gambling, or "cutting off" someone a quarter of a mile behind on the road you're joining if they are in a REALLY fast car. 50 mph average speed checks on a vacant motorway on Sunday night can do one though.
The empathetic anger I felt during this entire video was palpable. Left lane campers, people unaware of their own existence...I have this rant in my head every day I drive, it's so cathartic hearing it back. As a Marylander, I can tell you that it isn't any better than wherever you might think the worst is.
Between being a car enthusiast and a civil engineer, I could rant for so long on so many topics you bring up here...suffice it to say, this stuff is why I had "Please Be Courteous - Keep Right Except To Pass" as my license plate frame for a long time, to _try_ to maybe educate a handful of people on the road everyday...long story short, we need much, much better driver education and more stringent licensing requirements. If we tightened up our license laws to remove even just the worst 5% of drivers from the road, imagine how much better that will make the roads for everyone else! The worst drivers cause the most congestion and road rage and accidents; _take their licenses away._
I agree with the sentiment but disagree with the solution. The one thing I disagree with in this video, like it or not driving is a right. Roads are public property and we all have the right to use them. HOWEVER the solution is to ticket/fine things like left lane bandits, do things like different speed limits for lanes, etc. When it's enforced they'll learn.
@@snek9353 I see your point, but seems that law enforcement is enforcing the worst laws. Not many tickets are given to the idiots that cause traffic by simply squatting in the passing lanes. In Virginia, one time, police started giving tickets to those left lane hugging morons and the firewall of BS they met for doing so was incredible. So many people are so f@#$ed up. So I just fly by everyone, no matter if I have a license or not.
When I drove in France for the first time, I cried. I was the slowest guy on the road at ~85 MPH, and I just cruised in one of the right lanes. It was the most beautiful and relaxing drive I ever had. Bonus points for it being in a brown manual diesel Ford Focus wagon. America's shitty driving is an extension of its culture. It's a psychological tax for "freedom".
Driving in France is great. I also recommend driving a little old French car on the twisty backroads. Makes underpowered French cars make so much sense.
Regarding your mention of the relaxing driving interactions at high speeds, as an American driving here in the states, it always seems like the higher the speed you’re going, the higher the driver IQ is around you.
Living in Germany ruined me. Houston must be up there with Washington. I’ve watched drivers merge onto the freeway and cross 4 empty lanes to settle in the left lane at 4 am in the morning.
@@DanielSadjadian Honestly the UK has far better lane discipline than any place I've ever driven in the US. Done a few road trips from the SE of England to Scotland and from the SE of England to Wales.
Where I'm from you're supposed to be on the left lane only if you're passing someone or if you're going really fast (and no-one is behind you). It's in the road code, would it be difficult to add it to the American code?
I saw someone do this years ago, same deal....he was going right around the speed limit, so I moved over 4 lanes to pass him and flashed my bights. He didn't move right, and got super pissed to boot, and started tailgating me, flashing his brights.
100% agreement on the idea of 'you made me do this'. I had a blind spot guy about a month ago. Same thing. Up to 100. Down to 60. Guy just stayed in my blind spot. I ended up dropping him by virtue of my car having more power and getting him stuck behind 2 people who were just barely off of each other in speed.
I agree with everything in this. I grew up in Germany and the drivers in the states are absolutely awful. No idea what they're doing. One of the more recent idiots that I encountered was in Colorado. My friends and I were up there in our roadsters (NB Miata, ND Miata, and an S2K) and I was leading the pack and I went to pass this lady that was doing a good 20mph under the speed limit in her Jeep Cherokee, and as soon as I pulled out she sped up. Not just a little, but completely buried the throttle. My ND is not a fast car, so I had the hardest time passing her. Barely made it, as there was another car coming in the other lane. People like her probably think that they're putting the "dangerous drives" in they're place, but in reality, they are the idiots and the dangerous ones. I just wish everyone could driver properly.
PREACH! When I'm yelling all this stuff to myself in the car constantly, it sometimes feels like I"m the only one with any sense. Glad to see others exist. If only Police enforced this instead of bogus speeding tickets.
My favourite is the "passing lane" speed up. Most recently I cop'd this from a tour bus, doing 50kph in an 80 zone. The second we get to a dedicated passing lane, he's dropped a 100 of nitrous and is doing 90. No chance of passing. No sooner has the "passing lane ends" sign appeared and we're back to a crawl...
I hate that. Where I live the is mostly single lane roads with dedicated passing areas. Same thing happens here. Luckily I drive a car with relative more power than those around me and can take advantage of out accelerating those around me.
@@racekar80 Yep, the biggest pleasure for me is to hit the Sport+ button and blast by them. The sound is also a helluva stimulant. I guess I like it when I get behind a slow driver. Especially if they have their window down and I can give them a blast of headers and Porsche Sport Exhaust.
You are wishful, in California when passing lane opens up, *everyone* moves to the left lane at the same time, and you have a theoretical opportunity to pass on the right... also they pass with speed differential of couple miles per hour, just to keep it entertaining (end of rant)
If I flash the brights people usually move over. Helps that I'm driving the Swedish equivalent to the Ford Crown Vic... A white Volvo wagon is the most common cop car here.
OMG JASON! That Sentra story, I was seriously sitting with my heart pounding for you, something like that is my nightmare for serious, but then he getting pulled over for triple digits after his bullshit is some justice! *If someone is passing you, for the love of god and all that is holy, DO NOT SPEED UP* 👍👍👍
@@wayward03 That probably means you should move over to the right lane (if there is one) to let other faster vehicles carry on, even if they are speeding excessively.
I specifically remember my driving instructor (WA state, go figure) saying ‘drive the speed limit, if you’re holding people up you’re doing them a favor’ and ‘left lane is for cruising, right lane is for exiting’. Which like…damn man, just read the signs on the side of the road!
As someone who drove in Europe for almost 30 years and now lived in the USA for the last 7 years, I can't agree more! The average American driver is AWFUL on highways and back roads. However, I must admit that the lethargic US driving pace has a lot of advantages in terms of safety in urban/suburban areas. I've seen some really scary stuff in European cities that are not (usually) happening in the US.
Yeah one good thing about being an American driver (although I try to not be like the drivers complained about here) is that I'm happy to sit at a turn until I'm absolutely sure I have enough space to complete the turn and get up to speed without risking someone who isnt paying attention t-boning or rear ending me. Because I'm justified in assuming the other drivers are not good I don't feel bad about wasting other people's time to ensure I am staying safe.
The lethargic pace of urban and suburban drivers in the US is at the expense of the pedestrian and frankly most Americans are not competent at anything other than 5 lane Stroads
Jesus Christ, it's so beautiful to see there are others that drive literally the same as me. I don't pretend to have skills like you guys but our habits...are... exactly the same.
As a trucker, I can tell you SO MANY stories of the stupid things people do. And, I've passed cars that were not going 55 in the right lane, only to have that person speed up because god forbid they have a semi in front of them. And Jason is right about Bay Area drivers. I used to live in Santa Rosa, Ca. And I went down to SF to drop off mail and it's Hell.
I always drive behind semis when it's thick traffic, right lane, it's safer. If the traffic is moving I'm flying by you all, and when any or you want to switch I will flash you and let you pass since sometimes it takes forever to get up to speed after slowing down one of those semis.
Perhaps my greatest annoyance is when you get to the right to allow people to pass and then they pass slowly or shadow until you get stuck behind another vehicle in the right lane and have to slow down. You get punished for doing the right thing and makes you hesitant to move right because you can’t count on others to pass effectively.
As a Western Washingtonian, I can say you hit the nail right on the head. Not only do people here have horrible tastes in cars, but they are also horrible drivers. Nobody passes in the left lane and everybody drives slow. If you flash your lights to ask someone to move over they just get mad and slow down even more. Part of the reason why I like working from home do much is because I don’t have to get furious in the morning and afternoon dealing with my 14 miles commute.
Please show this video at drivers ed classes in all states, this is pure gold. I will never let a Prius merge in front of me. I don't care if Godzilla is blocking their lane, they will not merge in front of me. Prius drives have taught me that if I DO allow them in front of me, they will force me to go 1-2 MPH below the posted speed limit, with no exception. I hope this channel gains traction fast.
I’ve had two of my employees, both in their early 20’s here in Pennsylvania fail their behind the wheel driver’s license test 5 times before passing on the 6th attempt. Neither had any formal behind the wheel training and were basically learning to drive while being tested. If you can’t pass in 5 attempts I suggest mandatory professional driver training is necessary. Both live in an urban environment and one doesn’t even have regular access to a car. Now that she’s licensed at some point, maybe years down the road she’ll be able to afford a car that may or may not be safe to drive and will be on the road in the left lane forcing all of us to pass her on the right. The tester probably sees 5 fails and says “ah screw it we’ve wasted enough time on you... PASS!”
I can't recommend this video enough. Going through the last part, with the "clump of stupid" my jaw dropped as to how logical and simple the explanation was. Keep up the work you are doing to educate us.
NJ and outside of NYC they hog the left lane as well. I end up passing more people in the right lane or the far right lane because so many people are just sitting in the left lane.
Yeah same. NJ driving usually means driving in the left until there’s a line of cars but the right lanes are completely open. Can’t help but pass on the right around here.
I wish we could develop a website that lures the left lane hogs and forces them to watch this conversation. Well done completely vocalizing my great frustration.
As someone who grew up in the PNW, this is SO F*CKING ACCURATE!!!! The drivers up here suck at hogging the left lane and they think they're entitled to go like 61 or some crap. Then when you go to pass them either they flip you off for "flying past them" or they speed up, but they never get out of the left lane!!!
I love how, in Italy, if you are passing several cars on the left and a faster car is coming up on you all you need to do is put on your left blinker and the faster car will slow, back off, and let you pass because you have signaled your intent to get the fuck out of their way as soon as you can. Brilliant.
@@JesusRodriguez-tm8go They are safer than you might think. They drive aggressively, but they are very predictable, particularly on the highway. I drove throughout the south where everyone leads with their horn and even in completely unregulated intersections, I never saw an accident.
@@benfidar I drove from Venice to Naples in 15 days, and I never saw an accident either, neither did I think they used their honk that much, I would say we use it more in Spain, but I can't say they are safe drivers. I didn't say bad drivers, just not super safe.
About overtaking in Germany...I live in south Germany and what you, Jason, said is no more the case (but it was). Nowadays it happens me very often that when I pass someone with plenty of space and time I get flashing lights from the passed car (what I interpret to be an reprimand of a scared driver). I think there is a new generation of drivers who drives very few miles on country roads and has almost no experience with overtaking. When I was a kid there was almost no highways (Spain) and my father, as every driver, had to overtake constantly. Therefore those drivers were not afraid of overtaking or be (safely overtaken). "Young drivers (and with that I mean also mine under 40) are in general totally scared of overtaking. Thanks a lot for the videos!
Best driving experience was in California a few years back! Stumbled upon a convoy of fast drivers going from LA to San Diego! I still whisper a prayer for those lovely souls! I hope you are all well. Pretty sure each and everyone is a subscriber...
We in the US teach "laws" NOT DRIVING. I drive 95K a year 320+ miles per day for 10 years now, I related to every story you discussed. Especially the idiots in the left lane oblivious of other vehicles around them. Driving laws are for counties to make money, not create good / safe driving conditions. Cheers!
Ironically Washington State also has the pull over to let people pass law. They actually have signs on major two lane routes reminding drivers of this. And here is my rant from last summer... "Dear greater Seattle, what the heck is wrong with the 405? Why does any sane lane choice decision go out the window the second you enter that highway? If I'm passing you on the right you're doing something wrong."
This is so spot on. Gets my blood boiling listening because I share their same sentiments! If it were up to me I’d revamp how Americans are trained to drive and it would be more restrictive!
Holy hell I needed this in my life. Also the law in Colorado is keep right except when passing on all highways. Even when people drive right by the signs they still don't follow it. I've started flashing my lights when I approach left lane hogs as a nice way to let them know. Had a guy from Cali brake-check me once. Only one guy I had just passed in the right lane now in my blind spot. No one in front of us. The next left turn was in 2 miles. Wtf.
My home state of Colorado has the same pull over if there's 5 cars behind you law. Zero people obey it. California is actually the only state I've driven in where I consistently see people pull over to let faster cars go by on two lane twisty roads, and they do it quite regularly. I've driven Highway 178 between Bakersfield and Lake Isabella (narrow/twisty/fun) about 500 times and and most slower cars use the short pullouts. There are exceptions, that prove the rule of course. Occasionally oblivious drivers like everywhere, and sometimes I get a local (usually in a pickup truck coming or going to work) who *knows* the road and accelerates and storms off down the road to show me that they're faster.. cept they never are, and they usually do pull off after a spirited chase (which I don't mind at all). What I recall of driving in Oregon and Washington is just generally slow drivers on 2 lane roads, and sometimes scary (curved near blind passing zones in the woods). Colorado has a HUGE left lane hog problem (worst of any state I've driven in). With three lanes going the same direction, the left lane will be *full* all the time and going exactly the same speed as the middle lane. The middle lane will have 30-50% the density of the left lane with no gap large enough to pass more than 1-2 cars in the left lane, and the right lane has a handful of slightly slow cars and even slower semis, and they create passing opportunities. Most passes are done in the right lane just after passing a semi, where there's a gap of up to a quarter mile to the next slow car or truck, where you can pass 30-40 cars parked in the middle and left lane.. merge to middle. wait for it to slowly trickle past the next semi.. rinse, repeat. It's horrible, and I see the lane discipline go to hell when passing into Colorado from any neighboring state (WY, KS, UT, NM) usually within only 5-10 miles. I go from cruising fast in the right, passing in the left, to suddenly an infinite line of cars stuck in the left lane.
I live in Florida. Try the Blinky game: Pass the person you want to speed up. Turn on your blinker (as if you're going to get into the lane they're in) Watch them speed up.
I am also from FL, it seems we got all the retards from Oregon and Washington here, give them a sleeping pill, and a dose of attitude. Here the passing lane is the right one, is just that bad.
This is my actual technique for making that slow left lane hogger speed up: try to pass them. The only drawback is when they get pissy and match the car to their right blocking you.
@@georgerosebush9754 yeah it also accomplishes the exact opposite of a relaxing drive which is have someone who isnt self aware start driving aggressively, sucks.
By far my favorite episode. I have seen it multiple times, have made friends watch it. (Passively thinking they will become a better driver) and this will be the first video my kid will watch when he/she learns to drive (Hopefully they have the privilege to drive in next 20 years).
I would like to add that these issues are NOT confined to the US. The driving behaviours in Toronto (that's in Canada folks) has gotten sooo bad. Reverse etiquette appears to be the norm. Example: Speeding up if someone tries to pass you - after all, YOU are the most important driver on the road (sic.). My one basic request, if I had three wishes - this could be one of them, is that people who cannot operate their headlights should have their driving privelages immediately revoked. If you are driving around unaware that your high beans are one, license gone! If you are driving at night and unaware that your headlights are not on, license gone bye-bye. In Toronto, i suspect that invoking such a rule could clear out like 20% of the drivers on the road. Actually, if I had a wish it would be that you would be assigned an automobile based on your skill set...but that's driving fantasy-land. Be safe, co-operate and enjoy! #carmudgeon
Down here in Tampa, Florida, it gets terrible come snow bird season, and just all around bad the rest of the year. With my e36 M, I can squirt between cars and usually make forward progress... with my truck.... It's hopeless.
Totally agree with riding motorcycles faster than traffic. Side benefit; sooo much less-likely to get rear ended. Wish we had lane splitting here in Florida. We could use some topography and a lower population of driving vacationers getting lost in unfamiliar rental cars too, while I’m dreaming.
I got rear ended while sitting on a motorcycle years ago: i was sitting at a red light when the guy in the car behind me hit me and knocked me off the bike. To this day i don't know if he just didn't see me, was distracted, had microsleep at 6 in the morning or what ever. What i know is that he wasn't drunk. (i would have noticed in his breath) Speed may help you not getting rear ended in most cases, but when you have to stop you are a static target.
I did my driving licence in Germany and it's damn hard. It took me a lot of time, money and nerves and I passed the first time. In return, I'm a pretty ok driver now.
Germany isn't the same anymore. Often the unrestricted motorway is plagued by a myriad of construction work, lots of traffic and lorrys. The best place to drive is France as they have the smoothest tarmac, the best lane discipline, trucks can't overtake and, due to the size of the country, they have extremely wide roads. Yes it is expensive and they have a speed limit ( but it is a fair speed :130kmh). However, I typically cover 3x the distance in an hour than I do as soon as I cross the border into the UK.
Neil Peart, the late drummer for RUSH, called left lane hogs “The Anti-Destination League” and considered Florida drivers the worst offenders. Since he wrote multiple books on his tours around North America and Europe on his BMW bike, I’d say he was a subject matter expert. For me, the ones who should be shot at the side of the road are the Diamond Lane hogs. Bitch!! The whole point to qualifying to use that lane is to SAVE TIME!! Makes me fucking mental!
This is great! I grew up driving in Germany, driving all over the US where I’ve lived now most of my life, it’s like watching myself talk. I hope that everyone will learn from this but on the road most are obliviously annoying and dangerous never learning to be safe.
I'm surprised that you guys didn't mention that in the Bay Area most drivers feel that the safest speed to merge onto the freeway is 35MPH and then spend a few miles slowly accelerating up to 55, while cars in the adjacent lanes are passing at 80 :P
Listening to you guys talk about this subject is like hearing the voices in my head while I’m on the freeway. I lived in Europe for 18 years and MAYBE had to pass a car on the right 2-3 times a year. Here in the U.S. rarely a day goes by without having to pass someone on the right. A couple times a month I do it while following a CHP patrol car… I miss driving in Germany so much.
The fast lane is for passing. The right lane is for going 35 in a 55 with your blinker on all the time. And answering your text in detail at the same time, while doing your makeup.
Yes, yes and yes!!! Jason, I have agreed with your insight over many years when reviewing cars. Now this makes me appreciate you that much more because it is almost like you took the words from my mouth and spoke them yourself! Bravo!!!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
having driven recently in Germany, their left lane discipline is still orders of magnitude better than in NA. You never hang out in the left lane unless you are passing...or really hauling ass 140mph+. And as you said, you do not pass on the right...ever.
About Europe: In Poland if the road is to narrow to drive at the very right side of the lane and make the overtaker squeeze between us and a car going the opposite way + the road is twisty and ongoing traffic makes it difficult, we tend to use the one-flash right indicator for the person behind us to let them know that they can overtake us safely (because we see more in front then them after the turn or something). Didn't know that driving in the US can be so annoying but Europe isn't perfect either, by any means (50km/h limits for 500-900 meters because it's "residential area" with 2 houses and nothing more) ;) Kudos for the great show, guys!
Awesome Commentary! One observation though...I'm 58, learned to drive in CA and have spent my whole life in the state. Jason perfectly described my attitude about driving, but we came from near-opposite environments. I think it's more about intelligence and genetics and less about environment.
I feel this discussion IN MY SOUL. I live near the Canadian border, in WA state. Learned to drive in Houston & Florida. I have had to perform “community service” on Left Lane Priuses more times than I can count (Z06). Can’t WAIT to move back to Florida next week.
Its also amazing when you're trying to pass someone who has bought real estate in the Left lane and wont move so i go into the right lane cause there is no one else around and start passing and the other guy gets violently angry and speeds up. I cant begin to understand their thought process. Must be they want to keep you behind them. Its insane.
Good bless you guys. I'm a constant lane changer in the bay area. My trick: get in front of the blocker and hit the windshield juice. If you see their wipers, you've won. I have to refill the reservoir all the time, but it's my favorite recurring expense. My wife is Portuguese and highway driving there is a treat in comparison.
Great talk as usual. Lucky enough to be from continental Europe where it's MANDATORY to drive on the right lane. Left lane is for overtaking only. Sadly doesn't happen every time and I'm one of those guys on a small old Miata fully scared of old people on X6 or Q7s where they can't even see me! Controlling a ton (or two) of metal is very difficult thing. We should be way more trained!
It's mandatory here in Canada and the USA too. Doesn't mean people do it. Maybe the difference is in the EU your people actually listen. Unlike France we don't destroy the n a z I speed camera though
Grew up in the East Bay in California, moved to Germany at 22, which was... a couple (dozen) of years ago. I'm still here. Every time I drive when visiting the States, I die on the inside while attempting not to die on the outside. Between the drivers, the health insurance and the guns, I don't see how I could ever move back.
I feel you guys. I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina and the same kind of things happen to me. A-holes constantly forcing you be one of them. Always that one behind you flashing his lights not caring that you have 3 cares in front doing the same speed
Same problem in western Canada, see it every day and this video made my blood pressure go up thinking about such situations. My coping mechanism is to just calm down and keep coasting in the right lane, with the rest of the traffic, saving my nerve cells. In the end, even a 5-10 minutes delay does not cost the stress and the risk of taking over oblivious drivers.
Have you driven in Miami? I used to see 3 accidents per day when I lived there. If it rains, make that 5. The most inattentive drivers I’ve seen that don’t understand the concept of hydroplane. It was remarkable... Giving these people a driver’s license is equivalent to giving a teenager a loaded gun. Smh
I've rented 2 exotics in Miami and I realized the safest way to drive it to drive like a complete asshole. When I try to obey the law I almost got crashed into so I had to speed and gentley weave. Very oblivious drivers down there.
Loved the video, so many true statements out of you two. Driver education, in my opinion, is first and foremost in allowing everyone to be safer, and as a side benefit, we would all be spending less time slowing down thereby increasing the average speed. I can dream....
I took driver's ed in 2006-7, they never once mentioned that left lanes were for passing. In America, we don't call it the passing lane, we call it the fast lane. When my dad told me the left lane was for passing, I didn't believe him for a while.
I've only been living in the US for 4 years (PR > KS) and the one thing that boils my brain is that people here tend to match your speed or faster if they see you in the rearview mirror going faster than them. Road trips in the midwest are infuriating because I would try to stay in the right lane, and only overtake on the left, but then I'd be blocked in by people that would speed up so that I wouldn't get in front of them on the left lane, and then they'll go down to under the speed limit to box me in behind the car in the right lane FOR MILES. The few times I do manage to get ahead of them at almost triple digits, they immediately slow down to below de limit. That's just terrible driving. I've still not found the perfect way to deal with these people (which seems to be just about everyone as of late) short of upgrading my MK7 Alltrack to 300WHP so I can get out of the hole before these dicks in their 2.0T SUVs box me in.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
This video should be mandatory for everyone who drives.
Unfortunately we can't seem to get this message out to the morons on the road!
@@blueridgegarage Because from what I’ve experienced with my kids getting their licenses, highway driving still isn’t part of any road test, which is insanity.
driver Ed
ruclips.net/video/3-6ZWm5i4SQ/видео.html
I just saw this video and completely agree with you.
Watching this, GOD we sound like a bunch of... carmudgeons! Old, elitist, grumpy, carmudgeons. Sucks that we're 100% right though, huh Hyphie?
Uh I'm not just an old, elitist, grumpy, carmudgeon, I'm also a swimwear model, according to the lower third that you COMPLETELY FABRICATED. But yes, I stand by everything I said in the video, carmudgeonly or not.
@@Dtamscott Leave it to you to give a well-reasoned, articulate response. I woulda just said, "well, sheeeeeeeeyyyut."
You guys are right about this, and I could not agree more with both of you. Derek, you make me want to train more.
I wear my "carmudgeons" badge with honor! I drive a 1978 Datsun king cab pickup that I "built" 20 years ago, no one wants to get stuck behind an old Datsun truck it seems as I can't tell you how many times I've had people speed up or try to block me from passing. I can tell you no one has ever been successful at it though.
My Datsun has a mild built Buick V6 with a 2004r overdrive trans, heavy duty shocks and front/rear aftermarket anti-sway bars, it's a total sleeper with it's scratched up faded paint, other than a front air dam and nice wheels/tires it looks like something I wouldn't want to follow either. Oregon is a keep right unless passing state, lots of people ignore it, I've had to pass a left lane hog on the right many times, of course some speed up or try to block me, but my Datsun runs! It fun to watch people be pissed when there "new" cars governor cuts in @ 100-115 mph and I fly by them and leave them behind, I've had to do it many times, people think they're gonna get stuck following a slow old truck, it's ok I love seeing the look on their faces as I blow by them in my Datsun, I give em a big smile and wave. ;)
Hey @JasonCammisa, what do you like about the Apple Watch? Maybe you're just not a watch guy, and thats fine, but I see them as a kind of Tesla of the watch world. Just thought a guy who really appreciates the mechanical and analogue nature of cars might be wearing something similarly mechanical and analogue on his wrist.
Leaving RUclips was motor trend’s second mistake, their first mistake was getting rid of Jason
I think he left on his own...
Uhhh I left Motor Trend, most certainly not the other way around. Either way, I appreciate the sentiment though! :)
JasonCammisa 👍 thanks for the info mate 🙂
Swami N you don’t know their finances... can’t know if it was a mistake to leave the free platform at that time
I think their director quit at the same time. I assumed one of their H2H episodes upset a sponsor/advertiser, so they quit in frustration. Focus RS vs Golf R?
I've given up on "not passing on the right." I do the "drive right, pass left" thing whenever I can, but when I encounter left lane bandits, I take whatever lane will get the job done. Funny thing though - in moderately heavy traffic, left lane camping has gotten so bad that you can often make better time in the right-hand lane. Also, it's less stressful because you're maintaining a more even pace as the left lane "accordians" more.
Hold on now, people adhere to not passing on the right? Been consciously ignoring that since I started driving.
So glad it's legal on multi lane highways in NY
Metro L.A truth right here folks. Left lane bandits are rampant. Just go far right lane and get where you need to go.
It's the same in the UK, except of course it's the right lane. I often plan my overtakes when the left (or "driving") lane as it's called in the UK is empty and there's a queue of dumbasses in the overtaking lanes. Like the OP said, I can maintain a consistent speed better that way. In the UK people do move out of the right lane more on three lane highways but then they sit in the middle lane going exactly the same speed as the slower left lane traffic like trucks.
Same here.
I'm a truck driver, usually drive Sacramento to Bay Area, just the other day I had an Audi going slow, and since trucks can usually only use 2 right lanes, I could not pass him on the left lane for a long time, when I had an opportunity to pass him in the most right line, he sped up as I was about to pass him and then slowed down again. Pissed me off so bad that I gave him a highway horn, didn't work a bit, just kept going slow in front of me.
Everything you guys talk about is really close to heart, many times I warn people that their headlight are off, most of the time no reaction, sometimes I get a thanks, sometimes a dirty look.
I drive an M3, very different... but I can't begin to Express how much I can relate to your frustration! Good luck out there, stay safe!
Hey 👋 I'm a Sacramento/bay area truck driver too! Hauling dirt equipment on the lowboy, I usually just keep my wide load ass to the right. I did have someone managed to pit maneuver himself on my front bumper going through Pinole once. 🤷♂️
6:22 a place where "everyone will follow every single rule except for the speed limit" sounds like heaven to me
honestly, speed limits are terrible.
@@macaron3141592653 for real. Every car and driver has there own limits
First it's just way too easy to get your license here in the States next this is the way it should be all across the board
Some speed limits are good, otherwise you could never actually turn onto the road without gambling, or "cutting off" someone a quarter of a mile behind on the road you're joining if they are in a REALLY fast car. 50 mph average speed checks on a vacant motorway on Sunday night can do one though.
Am I the only one that instantly felt like I was hearing myself talking here?
G Bass sure as heck not!
The empathetic anger I felt during this entire video was palpable. Left lane campers, people unaware of their own existence...I have this rant in my head every day I drive, it's so cathartic hearing it back. As a Marylander, I can tell you that it isn't any better than wherever you might think the worst is.
Between being a car enthusiast and a civil engineer, I could rant for so long on so many topics you bring up here...suffice it to say, this stuff is why I had "Please Be Courteous - Keep Right Except To Pass" as my license plate frame for a long time, to _try_ to maybe educate a handful of people on the road everyday...long story short, we need much, much better driver education and more stringent licensing requirements. If we tightened up our license laws to remove even just the worst 5% of drivers from the road, imagine how much better that will make the roads for everyone else! The worst drivers cause the most congestion and road rage and accidents; _take their licenses away._
This is genius. I just ordered one on Amazon.
I agree with the sentiment but disagree with the solution. The one thing I disagree with in this video, like it or not driving is a right. Roads are public property and we all have the right to use them. HOWEVER the solution is to ticket/fine things like left lane bandits, do things like different speed limits for lanes, etc. When it's enforced they'll learn.
@@snek9353 I see your point, but seems that law enforcement is enforcing the worst laws. Not many tickets are given to the idiots that cause traffic by simply squatting in the passing lanes. In Virginia, one time, police started giving tickets to those left lane hugging morons and the firewall of BS they met for doing so was incredible. So many people are so f@#$ed up. So I just fly by everyone, no matter if I have a license or not.
I like this smart guy here!
Oh, driving in not a right, it's a privilege.
When I drove in France for the first time, I cried. I was the slowest guy on the road at ~85 MPH, and I just cruised in one of the right lanes. It was the most beautiful and relaxing drive I ever had. Bonus points for it being in a brown manual diesel Ford Focus wagon.
America's shitty driving is an extension of its culture. It's a psychological tax for "freedom".
Worth the tolls
Driving in France is great. I also recommend driving a little old French car on the twisty backroads. Makes underpowered French cars make so much sense.
Regarding your mention of the relaxing driving interactions at high speeds, as an American driving here in the states, it always seems like the higher the speed you’re going, the higher the driver IQ is around you.
@@bluetoes591It can be great. It can also be absolutely horrible! Mostly because of the french...
Living in Germany ruined me. Houston must be up there with Washington. I’ve watched drivers merge onto the freeway and cross 4 empty lanes to settle in the left lane at 4 am in the morning.
Now that is a special kind of stupid. Same problem in the UK, everyone In the outside lane, not a single car in the normal driving lanes lol
@@DanielSadjadian Honestly the UK has far better lane discipline than any place I've ever driven in the US. Done a few road trips from the SE of England to Scotland and from the SE of England to Wales.
Where I'm from you're supposed to be on the left lane only if you're passing someone or if you're going really fast (and no-one is behind you). It's in the road code, would it be difficult to add it to the American code?
I saw someone do this years ago, same deal....he was going right around the speed limit, so I moved over 4 lanes to pass him and flashed my bights. He didn't move right, and got super pissed to boot, and started tailgating me, flashing his brights.
@@crashyyy4116 UK is so much better than US/CA
Left lane hogging is illegal and bad at every speed.
100% agreement on the idea of 'you made me do this'. I had a blind spot guy about a month ago. Same thing. Up to 100. Down to 60. Guy just stayed in my blind spot. I ended up dropping him by virtue of my car having more power and getting him stuck behind 2 people who were just barely off of each other in speed.
Pedal to the metal, nice 👍 We have a similar problems in the UK too - some people just won't get out the way and deliberately stay in the middle lane.
I agree with everything in this. I grew up in Germany and the drivers in the states are absolutely awful. No idea what they're doing. One of the more recent idiots that I encountered was in Colorado. My friends and I were up there in our roadsters (NB Miata, ND Miata, and an S2K) and I was leading the pack and I went to pass this lady that was doing a good 20mph under the speed limit in her Jeep Cherokee, and as soon as I pulled out she sped up. Not just a little, but completely buried the throttle. My ND is not a fast car, so I had the hardest time passing her. Barely made it, as there was another car coming in the other lane. People like her probably think that they're putting the "dangerous drives" in they're place, but in reality, they are the idiots and the dangerous ones. I just wish everyone could driver properly.
Colorado is one of the worst states for left lane hogs. I-25 is such a mess from Pueblo to Ft. Collins.
Come to Canada to see some dumb bad drivers 🎉😂
This channel is just so damn good.
PREACH! When I'm yelling all this stuff to myself in the car constantly, it sometimes feels like I"m the only one with any sense. Glad to see others exist. If only Police enforced this instead of bogus speeding tickets.
My favourite is the "passing lane" speed up. Most recently I cop'd this from a tour bus, doing 50kph in an 80 zone. The second we get to a dedicated passing lane, he's dropped a 100 of nitrous and is doing 90. No chance of passing. No sooner has the "passing lane ends" sign appeared and we're back to a crawl...
I hate that. Where I live the is mostly single lane roads with dedicated passing areas. Same thing happens here. Luckily I drive a car with relative more power than those around me and can take advantage of out accelerating those around me.
ArkadiaII that’s why I love my Porsche, not much can stop a pass pulling that crap.
@@racekar80 Yep, the biggest pleasure for me is to hit the Sport+ button and blast by them. The sound is also a helluva stimulant. I guess I like it when I get behind a slow driver. Especially if they have their window down and I can give them a blast of headers and Porsche Sport Exhaust.
You are wishful, in California when passing lane opens up, *everyone* moves to the left lane at the same time, and you have a theoretical opportunity to pass on the right... also they pass with speed differential of couple miles per hour, just to keep it entertaining (end of rant)
speeding up while someone is trying to pass you is a behavior of a psycho, are they all psychos in the US?
Thats why I drive by IMSA rules. Flash the brights until they move over.
The amount of anger vs effectiveness I have gotten from flashing my brights is not worth it anymore. I just go around.
@@dreamdrivedrift Flashing fogs is a good middle ground. I do it from quite a distance and it works 3.5/5 times.
I do the same but in Ohio it's a foreign driving language.
If I flash the brights people usually move over.
Helps that I'm driving the Swedish equivalent to the Ford Crown Vic... A white Volvo wagon is the most common cop car here.
OMG JASON! That Sentra story, I was seriously sitting with my heart pounding for you, something like that is my nightmare for serious, but then he getting pulled over for triple digits after his bullshit is some justice! *If someone is passing you, for the love of god and all that is holy, DO NOT SPEED UP* 👍👍👍
I've done this twice in my life and it was because i was being tail gated to a degree in which their headlights were obscured.
@@wayward03 That probably means you should move over to the right lane (if there is one) to let other faster vehicles carry on, even if they are speeding excessively.
7:57 when he said "died 16 years ago and are still coasting to a stop" had me f-kng DEAD 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I specifically remember my driving instructor (WA state, go figure) saying ‘drive the speed limit, if you’re holding people up you’re doing them a favor’ and ‘left lane is for cruising, right lane is for exiting’. Which like…damn man, just read the signs on the side of the road!
Your driving instructor is the worst because he denied my right to get pulled over for speeding.
@@jkliao6486 overtaking doesn't equal speeding.
@@surrealtom Context, if you are overtaking someone driving the speed limit, by law of physics, you are speeding.
@@jkliao6486 by law of physics, not necessarily by law of traffic. Please stop trying to be a smartass
As someone who drove in Europe for almost 30 years and now lived in the USA for the last 7 years, I can't agree more! The average American driver is AWFUL on highways and back roads. However, I must admit that the lethargic US driving pace has a lot of advantages in terms of safety in urban/suburban areas. I've seen some really scary stuff in European cities that are not (usually) happening in the US.
Yeah one good thing about being an American driver (although I try to not be like the drivers complained about here) is that I'm happy to sit at a turn until I'm absolutely sure I have enough space to complete the turn and get up to speed without risking someone who isnt paying attention t-boning or rear ending me.
Because I'm justified in assuming the other drivers are not good I don't feel bad about wasting other people's time to ensure I am staying safe.
Just moved to the US 2 months ago, completely agree. It's only now that I am starting to be a little bit at ease in traffic.
The lethargic pace of urban and suburban drivers in the US is at the expense of the pedestrian and frankly most Americans are not competent at anything other than 5 lane Stroads
Jesus Christ, it's so beautiful to see there are others that drive literally the same as me. I don't pretend to have skills like you guys but our habits...are... exactly the same.
As a trucker, I can tell you SO MANY stories of the stupid things people do. And, I've passed cars that were not going 55 in the right lane, only to have that person speed up because god forbid they have a semi in front of them. And Jason is right about Bay Area drivers. I used to live in Santa Rosa, Ca. And I went down to SF to drop off mail and it's Hell.
I always drive behind semis when it's thick traffic, right lane, it's safer. If the traffic is moving I'm flying by you all, and when any or you want to switch I will flash you and let you pass since sometimes it takes forever to get up to speed after slowing down one of those semis.
Perhaps my greatest annoyance is when you get to the right to allow people to pass and then they pass slowly or shadow until you get stuck behind another vehicle in the right lane and have to slow down. You get punished for doing the right thing and makes you hesitant to move right because you can’t count on others to pass effectively.
As a Western Washingtonian, I can say you hit the nail right on the head. Not only do people here have horrible tastes in cars, but they are also horrible drivers. Nobody passes in the left lane and everybody drives slow. If you flash your lights to ask someone to move over they just get mad and slow down even more. Part of the reason why I like working from home do much is because I don’t have to get furious in the morning and afternoon dealing with my 14 miles commute.
Oh Thank you!!! for this video. I just got home from Hundreds of miles on Highway 5 through Northern California. So much terrible drivers out there.
Oh god, you poor thing. I-5 is actual hell on earth.
Please show this video at drivers ed classes in all states, this is pure gold. I will never let a Prius merge in front of me. I don't care if Godzilla is blocking their lane, they will not merge in front of me. Prius drives have taught me that if I DO allow them in front of me, they will force me to go 1-2 MPH below the posted speed limit, with no exception. I hope this channel gains traction fast.
I’ve had two of my employees, both in their early 20’s here in Pennsylvania fail their behind the wheel driver’s license test 5 times before passing on the 6th attempt. Neither had any formal behind the wheel training and were basically learning to drive while being tested. If you can’t pass in 5 attempts I suggest mandatory professional driver training is necessary. Both live in an urban environment and one doesn’t even have regular access to a car. Now that she’s licensed at some point, maybe years down the road she’ll be able to afford a car that may or may not be safe to drive and will be on the road in the left lane forcing all of us to pass her on the right. The tester probably sees 5 fails and says “ah screw it we’ve wasted enough time on you... PASS!”
I can't recommend this video enough.
Going through the last part, with the "clump of stupid" my jaw dropped as to how logical and simple the explanation was.
Keep up the work you are doing to educate us.
NJ and outside of NYC they hog the left lane as well. I end up passing more people in the right lane or the far right lane because so many people are just sitting in the left lane.
Yeah same. NJ driving usually means driving in the left until there’s a line of cars but the right lanes are completely open. Can’t help but pass on the right around here.
Jason, this is spot on.
As you said, oblivious!, and I'm in Australia!
Jason, you leaving MotorTrend was like Iron Man dying in End Game! So glad you’re back in RUclips! We need more Icon shows!
I wish we could develop a website that lures the left lane hogs and forces them to watch this conversation. Well done completely vocalizing my great frustration.
As someone who grew up in the PNW, this is SO F*CKING ACCURATE!!!! The drivers up here suck at hogging the left lane and they think they're entitled to go like 61 or some crap. Then when you go to pass them either they flip you off for "flying past them" or they speed up, but they never get out of the left lane!!!
Same problem here in Australia, except on the "right" side
Same here in Brazil (especially here in Sao Paulo) but on the right side of the road (just kidding)
On the right side AND upside-down!
@@JasonCammisa Come to New Zealand one day, it is just as bad :)
Same in the UK as well!
It’s because everyone from everywhere is from some place else. I hate fast lane joggers!!!
I love how, in Italy, if you are passing several cars on the left and a faster car is coming up on you all you need to do is put on your left blinker and the faster car will slow, back off, and let you pass because you have signaled your intent to get the fuck out of their way as soon as you can. Brilliant.
Gotta say, Italians are not the safest drivers in europe
@@JesusRodriguez-tm8go They are safer than you might think. They drive aggressively, but they are very predictable, particularly on the highway. I drove throughout the south where everyone leads with their horn and even in completely unregulated intersections, I never saw an accident.
@@benfidar I drove from Venice to Naples in 15 days, and I never saw an accident either, neither did I think they used their honk that much, I would say we use it more in Spain, but I can't say they are safe drivers. I didn't say bad drivers, just not super safe.
@@JesusRodriguez-tm8go Ok! I agree. I have been with my friend in his Audi going in excess of 140mph many times!
About overtaking in Germany...I live in south Germany and what you, Jason, said is no more the case (but it was). Nowadays it happens me very often that when I pass someone with plenty of space and time I get flashing lights from the passed car (what I interpret to be an reprimand of a scared driver). I think there is a new generation of drivers who drives very few miles on country roads and has almost no experience with overtaking. When I was a kid there was almost no highways (Spain) and my father, as every driver, had to overtake constantly. Therefore those drivers were not afraid of overtaking or be (safely overtaken). "Young drivers (and with that I mean also mine under 40) are in general totally scared of overtaking.
Thanks a lot for the videos!
Best driving experience was in California a few years back! Stumbled upon a convoy of fast drivers going from LA to San Diego! I still whisper a prayer for those lovely souls! I hope you are all well. Pretty sure each and everyone is a subscriber...
Decided to give this a re-watch because I was stuck with nothing but terrible drivers on my commute the other day.
We in the US teach "laws" NOT DRIVING. I drive 95K a year 320+ miles per day for 10 years now, I related to every story you discussed. Especially the idiots in the left lane oblivious of other vehicles around them. Driving laws are for counties to make money, not create good / safe driving conditions. Cheers!
Speeding up while being passed is the most evil, vile, narcissistic, arse hole thing a human can do to another human
Ironically Washington State also has the pull over to let people pass law. They actually have signs on major two lane routes reminding drivers of this.
And here is my rant from last summer... "Dear greater Seattle, what the heck is wrong with the 405? Why does any sane lane choice decision go out the window the second you enter that highway? If I'm passing you on the right you're doing something wrong."
This is so spot on. Gets my blood boiling listening because I share their same sentiments! If it were up to me I’d revamp how Americans are trained to drive and it would be more restrictive!
Not finding this channel until today, seems like the last 4-6 months have been wasted. Love the content!!!
Holy hell I needed this in my life. Also the law in Colorado is keep right except when passing on all highways. Even when people drive right by the signs they still don't follow it. I've started flashing my lights when I approach left lane hogs as a nice way to let them know. Had a guy from Cali brake-check me once. Only one guy I had just passed in the right lane now in my blind spot. No one in front of us. The next left turn was in 2 miles. Wtf.
My home state of Colorado has the same pull over if there's 5 cars behind you law. Zero people obey it.
California is actually the only state I've driven in where I consistently see people pull over to let faster cars go by on two lane twisty roads, and they do it quite regularly. I've driven Highway 178 between Bakersfield and Lake Isabella (narrow/twisty/fun) about 500 times and and most slower cars use the short pullouts. There are exceptions, that prove the rule of course. Occasionally oblivious drivers like everywhere, and sometimes I get a local (usually in a pickup truck coming or going to work) who *knows* the road and accelerates and storms off down the road to show me that they're faster.. cept they never are, and they usually do pull off after a spirited chase (which I don't mind at all).
What I recall of driving in Oregon and Washington is just generally slow drivers on 2 lane roads, and sometimes scary (curved near blind passing zones in the woods).
Colorado has a HUGE left lane hog problem (worst of any state I've driven in). With three lanes going the same direction, the left lane will be *full* all the time and going exactly the same speed as the middle lane. The middle lane will have 30-50% the density of the left lane with no gap large enough to pass more than 1-2 cars in the left lane, and the right lane has a handful of slightly slow cars and even slower semis, and they create passing opportunities. Most passes are done in the right lane just after passing a semi, where there's a gap of up to a quarter mile to the next slow car or truck, where you can pass 30-40 cars parked in the middle and left lane.. merge to middle. wait for it to slowly trickle past the next semi.. rinse, repeat. It's horrible, and I see the lane discipline go to hell when passing into Colorado from any neighboring state (WY, KS, UT, NM) usually within only 5-10 miles. I go from cruising fast in the right, passing in the left, to suddenly an infinite line of cars stuck in the left lane.
Thank you, just THANK YOU. This sums up my thoughts exactly. I am dumbfounded by the lack of basic driving skill/knowledge these days.
Jason is SOOO right about driving in Germany. I "speak" German in Montreal and go bonkers within ten seconds of leaving my driveway.
I live in Florida. Try the Blinky game:
Pass the person you want to speed up.
Turn on your blinker (as if you're going to get into the lane they're in)
Watch them speed up.
Alex M Florida has some really bad drivers.
I am also from FL, it seems we got all the retards from Oregon and Washington here, give them a sleeping pill, and a dose of attitude. Here the passing lane is the right one, is just that bad.
This is my actual technique for making that slow left lane hogger speed up: try to pass them.
The only drawback is when they get pissy and match the car to their right blocking you.
@@georgerosebush9754 yeah it also accomplishes the exact opposite of a relaxing drive which is have someone who isnt self aware start driving aggressively, sucks.
@@obenwahkenobib8899 True, but if you want a relaxing drive you can't be in the fast lane passing everyone.
By far my favorite episode. I have seen it multiple times, have made friends watch it. (Passively thinking they will become a better driver) and this will be the first video my kid will watch when he/she learns to drive (Hopefully they have the privilege to drive in next 20 years).
I would like to add that these issues are NOT confined to the US. The driving behaviours in Toronto (that's in Canada folks) has gotten sooo bad. Reverse etiquette appears to be the norm. Example: Speeding up if someone tries to pass you - after all, YOU are the most important driver on the road (sic.).
My one basic request, if I had three wishes - this could be one of them, is that people who cannot operate their headlights should have their driving privelages immediately revoked. If you are driving around unaware that your high beans are one, license gone! If you are driving at night and unaware that your headlights are not on, license gone bye-bye. In Toronto, i suspect that invoking such a rule could clear out like 20% of the drivers on the road. Actually, if I had a wish it would be that you would be assigned an automobile based on your skill set...but that's driving fantasy-land. Be safe, co-operate and enjoy! #carmudgeon
Thank you for making this video.
Lane discipline is getting worse and worse here in Germany. It's driving me nuts. I hate these people to the core.
Down here in Tampa, Florida, it gets terrible come snow bird season, and just all around bad the rest of the year. With my e36 M, I can squirt between cars and usually make forward progress... with my truck.... It's hopeless.
Totally agree with riding motorcycles faster than traffic. Side benefit; sooo much less-likely to get rear ended. Wish we had lane splitting here in Florida. We could use some topography and a lower population of driving vacationers getting lost in unfamiliar rental cars too, while I’m dreaming.
I got rear ended while sitting on a motorcycle years ago: i was sitting at a red light when the guy in the car behind me hit me and knocked me off the bike. To this day i don't know if he just didn't see me, was distracted, had microsleep at 6 in the morning or what ever. What i know is that he wasn't drunk. (i would have noticed in his breath) Speed may help you not getting rear ended in most cases, but when you have to stop you are a static target.
I did my driving licence in Germany and it's damn hard. It took me a lot of time, money and nerves and I passed the first time. In return, I'm a pretty ok driver now.
One of my new highlights to the week! Please get more attention for ISSIMI
Germany isn't the same anymore. Often the unrestricted motorway is plagued by a myriad of construction work, lots of traffic and lorrys.
The best place to drive is France as they have the smoothest tarmac, the best lane discipline, trucks can't overtake and, due to the size of the country, they have extremely wide roads. Yes it is expensive and they have a speed limit ( but it is a fair speed :130kmh). However, I typically cover 3x the distance in an hour than I do as soon as I cross the border into the UK.
Carmudgeon is great for driving! I listen to it while cruising to office- helps me entertained and not speeding.
THANK YOU! It's incredible how many people can't seem to figure this out.
For once, RUclips recommend something that I actually want to see. It makes me happy to see Jason again.
Neil Peart, the late drummer for RUSH, called left lane hogs “The Anti-Destination League” and considered Florida drivers the worst offenders. Since he wrote multiple books on his tours around North America and Europe on his BMW bike, I’d say he was a subject matter expert.
For me, the ones who should be shot at the side of the road are the Diamond Lane hogs. Bitch!! The whole point to qualifying to use that lane is to SAVE TIME!! Makes me fucking mental!
The thing about driving languages is really good. Literally a good explanation as to the majority of stuff that is frustrating on the road.
This is great! I grew up driving in Germany, driving all over the US where I’ve lived now most of my life, it’s like watching myself talk. I hope that everyone will learn from this but on the road most are obliviously annoying and dangerous never learning to be safe.
I'm surprised that you guys didn't mention that in the Bay Area most drivers feel that the safest speed to merge onto the freeway is 35MPH and then spend a few miles slowly accelerating up to 55, while cars in the adjacent lanes are passing at 80 :P
Listening to you guys talk about this subject is like hearing the voices in my head while I’m on the freeway. I lived in Europe for 18 years and MAYBE had to pass a car on the right 2-3 times a year. Here in the U.S. rarely a day goes by without having to pass someone on the right. A couple times a month I do it while following a CHP patrol car… I miss driving in Germany so much.
Thank you, thank you!! I live in Seattle and basically use the right lane as the passing lane because it is always open. Drivers here are horrible.
First video of this channel that I have watched and I am immediately subscribing!
The fast lane is for passing. The right lane is for going 35 in a 55 with your blinker on all the time. And answering your text in detail at the same time, while doing your makeup.
This may be the funniest podcast episode I’ve ever heard. The level of frustration is level giggle.
As a former NYer and current motorcycle rider, this video sums up the horrific driving and driving laws in the states.
Glad I found this channel!
Yes, yes and yes!!! Jason, I have agreed with your insight over many years when reviewing cars. Now this makes me appreciate you that much more because it is almost like you took the words from my mouth and spoke them yourself! Bravo!!!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
having driven recently in Germany, their left lane discipline is still orders of magnitude better than in NA. You never hang out in the left lane unless you are passing...or really hauling ass 140mph+. And as you said, you do not pass on the right...ever.
About Europe:
In Poland if the road is to narrow to drive at the very right side of the lane and make the overtaker squeeze between us and a car going the opposite way + the road is twisty and ongoing traffic makes it difficult, we tend to use the one-flash right indicator for the person behind us to let them know that they can overtake us safely (because we see more in front then them after the turn or something).
Didn't know that driving in the US can be so annoying but Europe isn't perfect either, by any means (50km/h limits for 500-900 meters because it's "residential area" with 2 houses and nothing more) ;)
Kudos for the great show, guys!
Such a satisfying episode.
Couldn't agree more with all of this. Everyone needs to share this with their non-car friends to spread the word!
Awesome Commentary! One observation though...I'm 58, learned to drive in CA and have spent my whole life in the state. Jason perfectly described my attitude about driving, but we came from near-opposite environments. I think it's more about intelligence and genetics and less about environment.
I feel this discussion IN MY SOUL. I live near the Canadian border, in WA state. Learned to drive in Houston & Florida. I have had to perform “community service” on Left Lane Priuses more times than I can count (Z06). Can’t WAIT to move back to Florida next week.
Its also amazing when you're trying to pass someone who has bought real estate in the Left lane and wont move so i go into the right lane cause there is no one else around and start passing and the other guy gets violently angry and speeds up. I cant begin to understand their thought process. Must be they want to keep you behind them. Its insane.
Good bless you guys. I'm a constant lane changer in the bay area. My trick: get in front of the blocker and hit the windshield juice. If you see their wipers, you've won. I have to refill the reservoir all the time, but it's my favorite recurring expense. My wife is Portuguese and highway driving there is a treat in comparison.
Great talk as usual. Lucky enough to be from continental Europe where it's MANDATORY to drive on the right lane. Left lane is for overtaking only. Sadly doesn't happen every time and I'm one of those guys on a small old Miata fully scared of old people on X6 or Q7s where they can't even see me! Controlling a ton (or two) of metal is very difficult thing. We should be way more trained!
It's mandatory here in Canada and the USA too. Doesn't mean people do it. Maybe the difference is in the EU your people actually listen. Unlike France we don't destroy the n a z I speed camera though
Grew up in the East Bay in California, moved to Germany at 22, which was... a couple (dozen) of years ago. I'm still here. Every time I drive when visiting the States, I die on the inside while attempting not to die on the outside. Between the drivers, the health insurance and the guns, I don't see how I could ever move back.
Awesome video. Thank you both.
Its not only on the road but the stores as well. I'm going to park my kart right in the middle of the isle. I'm the only one in the store.
YESSSS!!!! I hate these people.
Love how Jason Cammisa literally just voices my mind ....it actually helps subside my road rage LOL
Totally agree. I spent just over 6 years in Germany. Since returning to the US, I’ve been appalled by the lack of competence shown on the roadways.
❤️ you guys! My new favorite channel.
I feel you guys. I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina and the same kind of things happen to me. A-holes constantly forcing you be one of them. Always that one behind you flashing his lights not caring that you have 3 cares in front doing the same speed
Same problem in western Canada, see it every day and this video made my blood pressure go up thinking about such situations.
My coping mechanism is to just calm down and keep coasting in the right lane, with the rest of the traffic, saving my nerve cells.
In the end, even a 5-10 minutes delay does not cost the stress and the risk of taking over oblivious drivers.
Have you driven in Miami? I used to see 3 accidents per day when I lived there. If it rains, make that 5. The most inattentive drivers I’ve seen that don’t understand the concept of hydroplane. It was remarkable... Giving these people a driver’s license is equivalent to giving a teenager a loaded gun. Smh
I've driven and been driven all over America, and Miami has the worst drivers I've seen anywhere.
I've rented 2 exotics in Miami and I realized the safest way to drive it to drive like a complete asshole. When I try to obey the law I almost got crashed into so I had to speed and gentley weave. Very oblivious drivers down there.
We all need someone in our lives to show us where lies the edge, and says what we're too proper to voice. Jason is that guy for me.
Loved the video, so many true statements out of you two. Driver education, in my opinion, is first and foremost in allowing everyone to be safer, and as a side benefit, we would all be spending less time slowing down thereby increasing the average speed.
I can dream....
I agree and you guys are great, I wished more people will watch this and think about the topics when they get on the road next time 🍻
12:33 $20 says autonomous driving programers have no idea that scenario exists.
I took driver's ed in 2006-7, they never once mentioned that left lanes were for passing. In America, we don't call it the passing lane, we call it the fast lane. When my dad told me the left lane was for passing, I didn't believe him for a while.
This video speaks to my soul
OMG, I literally started feeling road rage laying on my couch....having flashbacks on how people here drive.
I've only been living in the US for 4 years (PR > KS) and the one thing that boils my brain is that people here tend to match your speed or faster if they see you in the rearview mirror going faster than them. Road trips in the midwest are infuriating because I would try to stay in the right lane, and only overtake on the left, but then I'd be blocked in by people that would speed up so that I wouldn't get in front of them on the left lane, and then they'll go down to under the speed limit to box me in behind the car in the right lane FOR MILES.
The few times I do manage to get ahead of them at almost triple digits, they immediately slow down to below de limit. That's just terrible driving.
I've still not found the perfect way to deal with these people (which seems to be just about everyone as of late) short of upgrading my MK7 Alltrack to 300WHP so I can get out of the hole before these dicks in their 2.0T SUVs box me in.