I always signal my turns even when no one is around. But when I'm changing lanes I always expect that signalling my intentions will make the driver in the next lane get in my way. So I don't usually signal until there's plenty of room to change lanes and I'm already moving. At that point I feel like I'm letting the other drivers know I'm not just weaving around because I fell asleep.

I'm in control, people. Really!

If everyone used their signals when turning, merged at the proper merge points, allowed people to move into their lane when a signal signifies they would like to move the freeways would be a nicer place. Instead it's a free-for-all of vehicles moving at high speeds. No wonder the CA freeway system scares so many tourists.

If everyone just got the f*** outta my way, the freeways would be a much nicer place. Instead it's a bunch of vehicles in my way. No wonder the CA freeway system annoys the hell outta me.

:D

Ok. I learned to drive in Washington where the rule is more explicit. But the "rule" I meant nobody follows isn't so much that you don't pass on the right but that if the guy behind you is faster than you, you are in a lane too far to the left. If this rule is followed (and it is the law in California that if you're going slower than the general traffic that you move to the right, see section 21654).

Anyway, here's a rundown of the state-by-state regulation regarding left lane usage.

According to a cop who once taught a traffic school class I was in, it is technically possible for someone to be ticketed for driving too slow ("impeding the flow of traffic"), even if they are doing the full posted speed limit if they are in the #1 lane and cars are going faster than them.

It probably never happens, but technically it is possible.

However, that was the instructor that said that there is no such thing as a "fast lane." That is just an issue of semantics. Sorta like saying that drunk driving is not illegal. There is no such language in the vehicle code about "drunk driving": although, obviously, "driving under the influence" (or whatever the proper legal term is) is naughty.

Since we have the "slower traffic keep right" laws, this would indicate that the faster traffic keeps to the left, with the fastest being the left, or "fast" lane.

But that is just me.

Both links open the same page.

Here's the second link

http://driverightpassleft.com/laws/index.asp

I use my signal first as a request, second as an announcement. If there is a move that makes it clear that the other person is just being a dick, I get forceful. That's just me. I'm young. I'll live forever. Right? ;)

Second, don't be so quick to judge Southern California drivers. Sure, they may be a little heavy on the pedal and freak out over a drop of rain - but at least they're not afraid to merge on the freeways, an all too frequent situation I've witnessed in Utah. I think the best drivers have spent some time driving in MI.

Or I might be biased.

I don't know if I signal - my eyes are usually closed...

I remember when I was at a meeting back east and someone mentioned about how fast California drivers drive.

I responded that we need to drive fast when we can because we are stuck in traffic so much that we need to balance things out.