The right lane on the I-5 bridge is not a passing lane, people

I drive over the Columbia River bridge every morning from Vancouver to Portland, and I see the same thing each day. People treat the right lane like it's a fast lane to get ahead of the trucks, then they cut back left at the last second. The right lane is for exiting to Hayden Island, not for passing three cars and forcing your way back in. It backs up the actual exit and makes merging a mess. I've timed it, and over a month, that move only saves maybe 45 seconds on a good day, but it causes so much brake-tapping behind you. So here's the debate: is using the exit lane as a personal passing lane just smart, aggressive driving, or is it plain rude and actually slower for everyone? What's your take on bridge or highway exit lane etiquette?

3 comments

3 Comments

susan_wright3426d ago

Honestly, that 45 second number is interesting. Have you noticed if it's always the same type of vehicle doing it, like more commuter cars or are delivery vans just as bad? I feel like the people who do this never actually need the Hayden Island exit.

ray_campbell4625d ago

Oh man, you're right on the money, Susan. It's a real mix, but I swear it's always a pristine white pickup truck or a sedan with out-of-state plates. They'll ride the exit lane for a solid half mile, then cut over at the last second. I've never seen one actually take the Hayden Island turnoff. They just use it to pass twenty cars.

theagibson24d ago

My dashcam caught a silver SUV doing that exact thing to Susan last Tuesday.