The Senate Traffic Committee unanimously passed a bill aimed at curbing dangerous driving habits by modifying the state’s left-lane usage law. Senator Jay Luneau of Alexandria says the bill removes the current 10-mile-per-hour exception, mandating that slower drivers stay out of the left lane entirely.
“Many accidents throughout the nation are caused by people driving in the left lane, and the reason for that is that people get angry and can’t pass. Their people side by side on the road, and they’re not giving way to other traffic.”
Luneau, who frequently drives across his large district, says left-lane “rolling roadblocks” cause driver frustration and contribute to accidents, ultimately increasing insurance rates.
“It’s a rare occurrence that they write a ticket, but it’s a constant occurrence that it happens on the highway. And all of you that live like I do, 150 miles or so from home, you see it every time you get on the highway.”
The bill would also raise fines for violations—$150 for a first offense, $250 for the second, and $350 for the third, with repeat offenders potentially facing up to 30 days in jail. Luneau says many people are in favor of his bill.
“It seems to be very popular. One lady that works here in the legislature told me that her husband loves me for filing this bill. So, I can feel love.”
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