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The road rules introduced in many Australian states in 1999 prohibit driving in the overtaking lane - the right lane - of the highway if not overtaking. Road safety is promoted if everyone uses the same side of the road to drive or ride in one direction and the same side of the road to drive or ride in the opposite direction. Similarly, using the same lane on the same side when driving or riding and the same lane to overtake also promotes safety. The keep left unless overtaking rule ensures that everyone drives and overtakes in the correct lanes. Complying with the rule ensures that the overtaking lane is kept clear when motorists are not overtaking. It enables other people to overtake in the overtaking lane. If people cannot overtake in the overtaking lane they overtake in other lanes. This unpredictable behaviour can be dangerous. Further, research indicates that road hogging is the primary cause of 'road rage'. People get frustrated when caught behind a freeway 'turtle race' - particularly when the 'turtle race' participants are well below the speed limit. The resulting frustration apparently affects their behaviour according to the research. We believe that people should be educated in the importance of not engaging in road hogging to promote safety and to avoid 'road rage'. |