If you’ve ever found yourself stuck behind a slow-moving vehicle camping out in the left lane on the highway, you’re not alone. One Indiana State Police trooper recently encountered exactly that situation, except this particular traffic stop also uncovered something much more concerning.
According to Sgt. Stephen Wheeles of the Indiana State Police, the incident occurred on Interstate 65 southbound in Bartholomew County when he observed a vehicle traveling below the posted speed limit while remaining in the left lane for several miles. It isn’t just annoying for the drivers behind them; it’s dangerous.
Driving below the speed limit isn’t always illegal on its own. However, the problem, according to Wheeles, was that the driver refused to move over despite multiple vehicles stacking up behind them.
As a result, traffic began backing up as motorists were unable to legally pass on the left. Wheeles later shared details about the stop on social media, explaining that the vehicle remained in the passing lane for miles and prevented other drivers from overtaking.
Somewhere, a Line of Frustrated Drivers Let Out a Collective Cheer
Can you imagine how long some drivers might have been waiting for someone like Sgt. Wheeles to come along and stop this? “Multiple vehicles were lined up behind the car, unable to overtake,” Wheeles wrote.
Anyone who regularly drives on multi-lane highways has likely encountered a similar situation. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, traffic experts and law enforcement officials say drivers who linger in the left lane can contribute to congestion and increase the likelihood of crashes.
Many states, including Indiana, have laws requiring slower traffic to keep right and reserve the left lane primarily for passing. However, what initially appeared to be a straightforward left-lane violation quickly became more serious.
The Traffic Stop Quickly Became About Much More Than Highway Etiquette
During the traffic stop, Sgt. Wheeles discovered that a small child riding in the vehicle was not properly restrained. Authorities also found that another passenger in the vehicle was unrestrained.
As a result of the violations, citations were issued. Wheeles used the incident as an opportunity to remind drivers about proper highway etiquette and the safety reasons behind left-lane laws.
“You must at least travel the speed limit in the left lane of a multi-lane highway AND you must move back to the right lane if there are vehicles behind you that are waiting to pass,” Wheeles explained.
Commenters Had Plenty To Say About Left-Lane Campers
Commenters were just as eager to write out their frustrations about the topic, with the very top comment reading, “The left lane is for PASSING! So, if you aren’t going fast enough to risk getting points on your license, GET. OUT. OF. THE. LEFT. LANE!”
Other comments focused on other issues that police can tackle on the road, with another comment reading, “Great now pull people over for phone use…. You can tell when they’re on their phones, swerving, head bobbing up and down looking at phone, then traffic.”
Then, there was one commenter that asked the question I think most people might have been thinking in their heads, “At least the speed limit.” So what is the maximum speed one can travel without being issued a speeding ticket? Asking for a friend…”
Fortunately, no one was injured as a result of this incident. Information about the suspect was not revealed, though, with all criminal cases, they are considered innocent unless proven in a court of law.