Actually GoGators is exactly right.

How so? He's advocating putting everyone at more risk for the jackass's actions.

With equal respect, do you think the state Trooper's statement does the same? If not, how is his comment on the left lane driving law different than what I've posted on the topic?

Honestly, my position is based on the safety of everyone else. If someone is driving erratically, i.e. 30+ over the speed limit, wouldn't the best advice be to GTF out of their way? I don't see how impeding them improves the situation. Maybe that's what I'm missing: how does actively impeding a speeding car make the road safer for everyone else? In other words: why does the law regarding left lane driving make us less safe and do you advocate changing it and to what?
You are COMPLETELY missing my point that there isn't time or space for lots of drivers to get out of the way of the jackass. The jackass is the problem not everyone else.

You are COMPLETELY missing my point that there isn't time or space for lots of drivers to get out of the way of the jackass. The jackass is the problem not everyone else.

We're clearly focusing on different aspects of this. I know the jackass started the problem and I guess I haven't reinforced that point to a satisfactory degree.

I'm just focusing on what people should do in response to the jackass to make the road safer for everyone else. "Everyone else" is dealing with the jackass, and the law simply gives instructions on what everyone else should do when the jackass inevitably shows up that will help mitigate the risk presented by the jackass.

But this is going in weird circles. The jackass clearly is not deterred by the concept that whatever danger he is presenting is "on him". I don't think not letting him pass on the left is going to change that. But maybe I, and the law, are wrong about that and that who's at fault is more important than helping to mitigate the risk of a pile up.

How so? He's advocating putting everyone at more risk for the jackass's actions.

I’m not advocating for anything. I’m simply stating if I am in the left lane overtaking cars and someone comes up behind me they are going to be waiting until I finish passing. If I weren’t actively passing cars I wouldn’t be in the left lane. I don’t care what speed the driver behind me wishes to go.

I’m not advocating for anything. I’m simply stating if I am in the left lane overtaking cars and someone comes up behind me they are going to be waiting until I finish passing. If I weren’t actively passing cars I wouldn’t be in the left lane. I don’t care what speed the driver behind me wishes to go.

Beautifully said. And you shouldn’t be expected to drive 90+ to complete your pass. Just make it commercially reasonable.

I’m not advocating for anything. I’m simply stating if I am in the left lane overtaking cars and someone comes up behind me they are going to be waiting until I finish passing. If I weren’t actively passing cars I wouldn’t be in the left lane. I don’t care what speed the driver behind me wishes to go.

Than I don't know how what we're saying is any different. Obviously, if you're passing someone you can't change lanes into them to let a 90+ mph speeder pass. No one said you need to go faster.

that is not the way the law is written or the intent of the law ..

Exactly. Again, it's not your job to sit in the left lane and dictate what others should be doing because you've decided the limit is the limit or 5/10/15/whatever over, is the limit. Your job, is to move out of the way. Otherwise, you're the problem and the cause of the road rage. That IS the intent of the law. The sign does not say move over only it they're going the speed limit. It says get the F out of the way.

Sort of like bicycle riders. They may have the road rules in their favor, but it won't help them if they're dead. You have to use common sense when driving. And common courtesy. Just move over. It's not a race to win. You can move back after they pass.

If you wonder why our traffic is the way it is, reading through this thread should clear that up for you.

Exactly. Again, it's not your job to sit in the left lane and dictate what others should be doing because you've decided the limit is the limit or 5/10/15/whatever over, is the limit. Your job, is to move out of the way. Otherwise, you're the problem and the cause of the road rage. That IS the intent of the law. The sign does not say move over only it they're going the speed limit. It says get the F out of the way.

Sort of like bicycle riders. They may have the road rules in their favor, but it won't help them if they're dead. You have to use common sense when driving. And common courtesy. Just move over. It's not a race to win. You can move back after they pass.

WOW. This gives us some insight into the highway bully mentality.

BTW, the intent of the law isn't to curb road rage. That's absurd to blame the victim. It is to prevent accidents caused by people who are driving the speed limit and having to break the law and pass others on the right, instead of being able to in the left. It has nothing to do with abetting law breakers who might throw a tantrum and bully others because they want their right to speed and cause other safety hazards.

And, your analogy with bike riding..... it is more like the bike riders ignoring the traffic laws and deciding on their own to go wherever, whenever, and however they want, regardless of the basic law. Then they get angry when almost getting hit while disobeying.

Exactly. Again, it's not your job to sit in the left lane and dictate what others should be doing because you've decided the limit is the limit or 5/10/15/whatever over, is the limit. Your job, is to move out of the way. Otherwise, you're the problem and the cause of the road rage. That IS the intent of the law. The sign does not say move over only it they're going the speed limit. It says get the F out of the way.

Sort of like bicycle riders. They may have the road rules in their favor, but it won't help them if they're dead. You have to use common sense when driving. And common courtesy. Just move over. It's not a race to win. You can move back after they pass.

The only person responsible for road rage is the person raging. Blaming a grown adult throwing a tantrum on someone else is the reason why so many adults feel justified acting like toddlers. Common sense would be knowing that you wont be able to drive 90 mph everywhere you want without anyone ever being in front of you. Common courtesy would be not putting everyone's life in danger because you feel entitled or inconvenienced for 2 min while a car going slower than you passes others going slower than them. As you said there is no race to win.

Regardless of who is responsible, people can end up dead because an idiot is driving 100MPH tailgating and the one being tailgated brake checks then the tailgater pounds into the tailgated pushing them over taking out two or three other vehicles. Both the tailgater AND the tailgated are catalysts of the reaction and the one who takes the higher road could be the one who saves everyone -- by just merging over after they've passed whomever on their right. But the problem is you've got the 100MPH missile coming up behind and if you can, just get out of the way so everyone goes home. It's more than just "sticking it" to the speeder or the one weaving in and out of traffic. They obviously have a real problem if they're driving that wreckless and won't care if they take you or anyone else out. Take the high road, be better, and just move over. It's just not worth it. I promise you aren't the only one cussing at said reckless driver but don't be another catalyst with them resulting in putting everyone else in danger.

Who is driving at 100MPH on I-235? Virtually no one. The passing lane is for passing. It doesn't matter whether you are going 100MPH or the speed limit, sitting in the passing lane, not actively passing someone is not what it's for. I'm not sure what is controversial here.

This law doesn't even apply to urban interstates so not sure what everyone is arguing about.

Now for rural interstates...
17845

This law doesn't even apply to urban interstates so not sure what everyone is arguing about.

Now for rural interstates...
17845Not really. This is from the statute.

A vehicle shall not be driven in the left lane of a roadway except when overtaking and passing another vehicle; provided, however, this paragraph shall not prohibit driving in the left lane when traffic conditions, flow or road configuration, such as the potential of merging traffic, require the use of the left lane to maintain safe traffic conditions; provided further, this paragraph shall not prohibit driving in the left lane of a roadway within the city limits of a municipality or upon a county road as long as such roadway is not part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways or a turnpike.
Everything being discussed here is either an Interstate or a Turnpike.

Not really. This is from the statute.

A vehicle shall not be driven in the left lane of a roadway except when overtaking and passing another vehicle; provided, however, this paragraph shall not prohibit driving in the left lane when traffic conditions, flow or road configuration, such as the potential of merging traffic, require the use of the left lane to maintain safe traffic conditions; provided further, this paragraph shall not prohibit driving in the left lane of a roadway within the city limits of a municipality or upon a county road as long as such roadway is not part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways or a turnpike.
Everything being discussed here is either an Interstate or a Turnpike.

I guess you can characterize it how you want but OHP says they don't enforce it in urban areas.

https://www.governing.com/archive/tns-left-lane-driving-oklahoma.html

I guess you can characterize it how you want but OHP says they don't enforce it in urban areas.

https://www.governing.com/archive/tns-left-lane-driving-oklahoma.html I'm posting the statue. Anything else is characterizing. That's the legal bottom line. That being said I'm very good friends with 4 OCOD and I've asked all of them about left lane infractions and they all said they wouldn't stop anyone unless there was an emergency vehicle involved. But the law says they should.

Lawmakers make laws. This was their intention:

“The state legislature passed it earlier this year and Governor Mary Fallin signed it into law in May. Both say they hope the new law will reduce road rage and give more room for emergency vehicles.”

Lawmakers make laws. This was their intention:

“The state legislature passed it earlier this year and Governor Mary Fallin signed it into law in May. Both say they hope the new law will reduce road rage and give more room for emergency vehicles.”

Certainly hasn't reduced forum rage.

Good gosh, today there were two cars driving north on the Broadway Extension toward Edmond - going at least 80 if not 85 mph! It seems a lot of people driving the extension have increased their speed to 75mph as an average. Going 80mph sure shortens the commute time, lol.

About 11;00am this morning I got on south bound 235 at 63rd street and a car in the middle lane slowed down to a crawl so it could take the next exit and yes they took the exit from the middle lane. Could've caused a deadly accident like the person that made a u-turn in the middle of Kilpatrick last week.

Driving north on the Broadway Extension the flow of traffic speed....between 75-80mph. Not kidding. Apparently between 5:30-6:30am that stretch of road is not patrolled.

Driving north on the Broadway Extension the flow of traffic speed....between 75-80mph. Not kidding. Apparently between 5:30-6:30 that stretch of road is not patrolled.

there is 0.00% chance anyone is driving 75-80 on Broadway Extension north bound monday-Friday at 5:30 ....... more like 20 mph ... (I drive it every day)

Driving north on the Broadway Extension the flow of traffic speed....between 75-80mph. Not kidding. Apparently between 5:30-6:30 that stretch of road is not patrolled.

are we talking about 5:30-6:30 AM????

are we talking about 5:30-6:30 AM????

i wish there was a like button

Opps....yes, am not pm.

i wish there was a like button

there is that reputation button.... just sayin! lol

there is that reputation button.... just sayin! lol

I finally just figured out where that was. I am not sure everyone knows about it. I didn't till recently.

there is that reputation button.... just sayin! lol

So that's how everyone gets all those green bars...

ODOT has finally taken an interest in presumably rush hour traffic on NB BWX from NW 122nd to the Kilpatrick. This week they've put out cameras all along there and other temporary traffic monitoring equipment. I travel that several times a week and it's atrocious there at rush hour.

ODOT has finally taken an interest in presumably rush hour traffic on NB BWX from NW 122nd to the Kilpatrick. This week they've put out cameras all along there and other temporary traffic monitoring equipment. I travel that several times a week and it's atrocious there at rush hour.

So we can expect changes in like 2045? Lol

ODOT has finally taken an interest in presumably rush hour traffic on NB BWX from NW 122nd to the Kilpatrick. This week they've put out cameras all along there and other temporary traffic monitoring equipment. I travel that several times a week and it's atrocious there at rush hour.

Once the I-44/235 interchange was finished, that opened up the bottleneck from N/S, but Hefner to Kilpatrick is 3 lanes.

Why is this one section 3 lanes each way but the entirely of the rest is 4 lanes each way? What a stupid design.

Once the I-44/235 interchange was finished, that opened up the bottleneck from N/S, but Hefner to Kilpatrick is 3 lanes.

Yes, exactly! And there was a lot of talk/predictions about this happening on that construction thread. It's also completely locked up Edmond's N/S arterial roads from there as a result of the traffic being ushered so much faster up there. I'd argue the E/W arterial roads are awful also close to BWX and even close to Kelly.

Why is this one section 3 lanes each way but the entirely of the rest is 4 lanes each way? What a stupid design.

it very much needs to happen soon ... also North bound broadway ext .. to west bound KilpatrickTurnpike need to have 2 exit lanes .. it is backed up every day 5-6

Most of the issue is the merging onto Kilpatrick from N & S Broadway Ext, this pushes traffic back onto Northbound Broadway Ext. Coupled with the fact 122nd dumps onto Northbound Broadway Ext. near exit ramp. Just a total cluster.

Why is this one section 3 lanes each way but the entirely of the rest is 4 lanes each way? What a stupid design.

The narrower section at the Hefner bridge is the result of value engineering. The state ran into budget issues and had to adjust the design. It looks like ODOT is planning to fix it. ROW is in the current 8-year plan.

I don't care if someone wants to pass me. I'll move over. What I do have a problem with is if I'm in the far right lane and someone's on my tail. I chose the far right lane for a reason. There are three other open lanes to drive in.

The jackass driving 90 in the left lane may not always be a jackass. Years ago someone told me a story about how they had someone behind them driving fast and trying to get around them. They wouldn't let them pass and felt like since they were going the speed limit that the car behind didn't need to go any faster. When the car was finally able to get around and pass, they looked over to give the speeders the stink eye only to see a frantic couple, the woman with a baby in her arms screaming and crying. They were on the way to the ER. Were they risking further damage with the way they were driving? Possible. Would the baby have been safer in a car seat than in her arms? Hard to know since we don't know the condition of the child. Can you say that you would have handled it any differently or better? Best to move over, let them pass and remove yourself from the equation. It's not your job to be someone else's conscience.

As for traffic lights on city streets, Edmond has to be one of the worst. If their traffic lights are coordinated at all, they have to be coordinated in the most annoying way. Traveling between 15th and Boulevard to 2nd and Bryant the other day, there are 11 stop lights. In two miles. 2nd Street to Boulevard is eight stop lights. And so on. I'm not saying that none of those lights aren't necessary but Edmond has an exorbitant amount of lights. Part of the reason they do it is to slow traffic but if they studied the traffic at all they would see it causes people to speed to try to make the next light. Instead they should slow traffic naturally by the design of the street rather than artificially with stop lights.

As for traffic lights on city streets, Edmond has to be one of the worst. If their traffic lights are coordinated at all, they have to be coordinated in the most annoying way. Traveling between 15th and Boulevard to 2nd and Bryant the other day, there are 11 stop lights. In two miles. 2nd Street to Boulevard is eight stop lights. And so on. I'm not saying that none of those lights aren't necessary but Edmond has an exorbitant amount of lights. Part of the reason they do it is to slow traffic but if they studied the traffic at all they would see it causes people to speed to try to make the next light. Instead they should slow traffic naturally by the design of the street rather than artificially with stop lights.

Absolutely, it's awful. I'll get a red light on one of these neighborhood lights when there's not even anyone pulling up the opposite way. Just jams up rush hour traffic. Edmond traffic lights are SO DUMB and just encourage red light running and road rage.

Big proponent of round-abouts!

Big proponent of round-abouts!

I don't trust drivers here enough to recommend those.

Absolutely, it's awful. I'll get a red light on one of these neighborhood lights when there's not even anyone pulling up the opposite way. Just jams up rush hour traffic. Edmond traffic lights are SO DUMB and just encourage red light running and road rage.

I hear ya.

A few months ago I was on Broadway at about 5:45am and got a red light at 9th. I looked to see which direction had the green light. The light for cars coming out of the Autozone parking lot was green. For a long time. But Autozone isn't open at 5:45am and there were no cars going that direction. In fact, there was only one other car on the road at that time. And it was going the opposite direction of me so we should've had green lights.

I hear ya.

A few months ago I was on Broadway at about 5:45am and got a red light at 9th. I looked to see which direction had the green light. The light for cars coming out of the Autozone parking lot was green. For a long time. But Autozone isn't open at 5:45am and there were no cars going that direction. In fact, there was only one other car on the road at that time. And it was going the opposite direction of me so we should've had green lights.

I've had the exact same thing happen. Also the Home Depot light AND the Academy light! ARGH!

I live downtown but work up north between Mercy and Quail Springs, so Broadway Extension is part of my daily commute. I generally try to leave early to arrive at the office by 7 a.m.

Today, as usual, I pulled onto the BE and put my cruise control on 65. The speed limit is 60, mind you.

I passed 2 or 3 cars on my way north but was passed by 25 to 30 cars. I estimate their average speed was 75 mph. A couple were going faster than that, I would estimate at least 80-85 mph. And this is at 6:45 a.m.!

I was going to 100 in a 65 today and was passed by cars and I passed others. Big deal. OKC drivers as extremely slow. 85 is nothing. Come to LA or head south to Dallas and go 80. It’ll feel like you’re the a hole for holding everyone else up lol

It is a big deal. I get going with the flow of traffic, and in some places, you do need to speed to be safer and not obstruct the flow of traffic. But Broadway Extension has a LOT of people going the speed limit or slower, and the typical traffic flows don't support folks going 85 safely (most of the time). You'll see the speeders swerving through traffic and pulling off dangerous multilane switches and last minute maneuvers. I love speed as much as anyone (even PP believe it or not!). In my younger days I had plenty of tickets and even got my license suspended a time or two. I current drive a fairly fast car (a brand-new challenger scat) and I won't lie... there are places and roads where I really get on it and push my speed a bit much (although I've been lucky ticket wise). All that being said, a few points about Broadway extension and speed in general:

Folks REALLY underestimate the difference between 65 and 85. While only about 20% faster, in terms of physics it's almost twice the energy/inertia that has to be displaced in an impact. Beyond that, while I may be driving a car with top end Brembo brakes, speed rated tires, and a suspension/handling system built for those speeds, the vast majority of cars are not, and that's assuming the cars on the highways are maintained with fresh tires, good breaks, good suspension, proper alignment, etc., (in a state without vehicle inspections of any kind).

The last study I saw was that speeding is the cause of about a 1/3 of all traffic fatalities. The numbers IIRC were over 12,000 people killed in 2021 due to speeding alone. For comparison, about 13,000 were killed by drunk drivers in the same year. We're so willing to condemn drunk driving, rightfully so, but folks want to act like speeding is no big deal, when those speeders are just as dangerous and are killing people at near the same pace as drunk drivers.

I was heading south on Broadway Extension at 10:30 this morning where everyone was going the speed limit and slower even with light traffic. It felt so slow. Heading back north at 11:30, MOST cars were going 90-115 around me. People rushing to get to Edmond at lunchtime I suppose… it’s way too unpredictable haha.

It is a big deal. I get going with the flow of traffic, and in some places, you do need to speed to be safer and not obstruct the flow of traffic. But Broadway Extension has a LOT of people going the speed limit or slower, and the typical traffic flows don't support folks going 85 safely (most of the time). You'll see the speeders swerving through traffic and pulling off dangerous multilane switches and last minute maneuvers. I love speed as much as anyone (even PP believe it or not!). In my younger days I had plenty of tickets and even got my license suspended a time or two. I current drive a fairly fast car (a brand-new challenger scat) and I won't lie... there are places and roads where I really get on it and push my speed a bit much (although I've been lucky ticket wise). All that being said, a few points about Broadway extension and speed in general:

Folks REALLY underestimate the difference between 65 and 85. While only about 20% faster, in terms of physics it's almost twice the energy/inertia that has to be displaced in an impact. Beyond that, while I may be driving a car with top end Brembo brakes, speed rated tires, and a suspension/handling system built for those speeds, the vast majority of cars are not, and that's assuming the cars on the highways are maintained with fresh tires, good breaks, good suspension, proper alignment, etc., (in a state without vehicle inspections of any kind).

The last study I saw was that speeding is the cause of about a 1/3 of all traffic fatalities. The numbers IIRC were over 12,000 people killed in 2021 due to speeding alone. For comparison, about 13,000 were killed by drunk drivers in the same year. We're so willing to condemn drunk driving, rightfully so, but folks want to act like speeding is no big deal, when those speeders are just as dangerous and are killing people at near the same pace as drunk drivers.

I definitely speed but you are correct, we should all be careful.

It is a big deal. I get going with the flow of traffic, and in some places, you do need to speed to be safer and not obstruct the flow of traffic. But Broadway Extension has a LOT of people going the speed limit or slower, and the typical traffic flows don't support folks going 85 safely (most of the time). You'll see the speeders swerving through traffic and pulling off dangerous multilane switches and last minute maneuvers. I love speed as much as anyone (even PP believe it or not!). In my younger days I had plenty of tickets and even got my license suspended a time or two. I current drive a fairly fast car (a brand-new challenger scat) and I won't lie... there are places and roads where I really get on it and push my speed a bit much (although I've been lucky ticket wise). All that being said, a few points about Broadway extension and speed in general:

Folks REALLY underestimate the difference between 65 and 85. While only about 20% faster, in terms of physics it's almost twice the energy/inertia that has to be displaced in an impact. Beyond that, while I may be driving a car with top end Brembo brakes, speed rated tires, and a suspension/handling system built for those speeds, the vast majority of cars are not, and that's assuming the cars on the highways are maintained with fresh tires, good breaks, good suspension, proper alignment, etc., (in a state without vehicle inspections of any kind).

The last study I saw was that speeding is the cause of about a 1/3 of all traffic fatalities. The numbers IIRC were over 12,000 people killed in 2021 due to speeding alone. For comparison, about 13,000 were killed by drunk drivers in the same year. We're so willing to condemn drunk driving, rightfully so, but folks want to act like speeding is no big deal, when those speeders are just as dangerous and are killing people at near the same pace as drunk drivers.
It’s not a big deal.

It’s not a big deal.

until you kill someone, and the estate is not satisfied with your state minimum policy limits.

Folks REALLY underestimate the difference between 65 and 85. While only about 20% faster,

quick math says that it is over 30% faster .. (30.8% )

quick math says that it is over 30% faster .. (30.8% )

You're right but that doesn't really change my point.

It’s not a big deal.

I've known habitual drunk drivers who say the same thing.

I've known habitual drunk drivers who say the same thing.
Drunk driving equals speeding lol okay

until you kill someone, and the estate is not satisfied with your state minimum policy limits.
No one is killing anyone and it’s actually dangerous to drive slower in many cases just stay the f@ck in the right lane if you’re so scared of big bad speeders.

I’m gonna continue to speed because speed limits are ridiculous. They aren’t reasonable. What we need is stricter requirements for driving to get your license. Autobahns in Germany are among the safest roads in the world. Speed in America is just used a revenue generating tool. The speed limit on the Broadway Ext. could easily be 70-75 at least 65. OKC freeways have the most absurd speed limits. Even in traffic packed LA most limits here are 65MPH with traffic moving around 75-80 when the flow allows for it. I commuted to work around 95 today with zero issues. I was following the flow and I would’ve gone faster if I could. I’m not flying through weaving in and around cars like a maniac.

Drunk driving equals speeding lol okay

In terms of annual fatalities yeah, they're pretty close.

From the NHTSA - https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding


Speeding endangers everyone on the road: In 2021, speeding killed 12,330 people. We all know the frustrations of modern life and juggling a busy schedule, but speed limits are put in place to protect all road users. Learn about the dangers of speeding and why faster doesn’t mean safer.

and also the NHTSA - https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving


Every day, about 37 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that's one person every 39 minutes. In 2021, 13,384 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths — a 14% increase from 2020. These deaths were all preventable.

About 37 vs about 34 people a day. I guess you can decide that 3 is significantly worse, but IMO they're about the same. They're both deliberate acts that result in thousands of preventable deaths a year.

In terms of annual fatalities yeah, they're pretty close.

From the NHTSA - https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding



and also the NHTSA - https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving



About 37 vs about 34 people a day. I guess you can decide that 3 is significantly worse, but IMO they're about the same. They're both deliberate acts that result in thousands of preventable deaths a year.
They’re contributing factors not always the cause of the crash. Lots of people just don’t know how to drive defensively or at all. That’s the problem. Not speeding. I can understand enforcing speed limits on local roads but not freeways.

Big proponent of round-abouts!

I love two lane roundabouts since they work better by being more efficient than 4 way stop signs. You don't have to stop every time. I wouldn't mind moving up to 4-lane roundabout. But it might be too advanced and scary for others who hate two lane roundabouts.

I love two lane roundabouts since they work better by being more efficient than 4 way stop signs. You don't have to stop every time. I wouldn't mind moving up to 4-lane roundabout. But it might be too advanced and scary for others who hate two lane roundabouts.

I just picture Chevy Chase in European Vacation.......

I just picture Chevy Chase in European Vacation.......

Big Ben, Parliment
I say it every time I’m driving in one

People that speed aren't really the problem. The problem is people who speed + change lanes to maneuver through traffic. Slow cars staying out of the fast lane helps alleviate that issue.