Georgia Governor Poised to Sign ‘Slowpoke’ Law

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slowpoke law

We’ve all been stuck behind those slowpokes seemingly glued to the fast/passing lane, and no doubt we’ve all been infuriated by such obstructive behavior.

So, if you live in, or visit Georgia their legislature is here for you: Its “slowpoke” bill would require anyone driving on a divided highway to move to the right when a faster car approaches from behind—even if the “slowpoke” is actually going the speed limit. Not doing so would be a misdemeanor, if Gov. Nathan Deal signs the bill into law,USA Today reports. “Slowpokes” would face as much as a year in prison and $1,000 in fines.

But Rep. Bill Hitchens, the bill’s sponsor and a former state trooper, says he doesn’t expect the penalties to be nearly that high—nor does he expect them to be meted out that often, as he acknowledges the law would be difficult to enforce, since a police officer will need to witness it. But he says it’s all about education: “I don’t think a lot of people understand … that slower traffic is supposed to keep right,” he says.

Last month, he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that too-slow drivers are often “the spark that ignites road rage.”

In my experience these ‘slowpokes’ are more often women than men.  What about you?  Is that your experience?

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Devon Lee Cane

I'm a man with a keen interest in the world, and writing for MadMike'sAmerica allows me to express those interests.
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Dustin
10 years ago

“I don’t think a lot of people understand … that slower traffic is supposed to keep right,” he says.

Seriously? How can people not understand this? Do they think highways are just one big free-for-all where there are no rules? It boggles the mind how people can be so utterly mindless while driving.

It doesn’t matter how fast I am driving, if I’m passing someone and the traffic conditions allow, I speed up, make the pass, and get back in the right lane…This should be driving 101. Driving 10 miles down the road side by side, hogging up the entire highway is just stupidity.

Reply to  Dustin
10 years ago

Dustin…
Indeed true. But not a case of stupidity that warrants a year in prison and/or a $1000 fine.

Bill Formby
Reply to  Jim Moore
10 years ago

Very true Jim, but sometimes you want to believe it should be.

10 years ago

Punishment must fit the crime. The first time someone is sent to prison for failing to keep right, the law will be overturned.
Many states have such laws, and I support such laws, but this is another example of a moronic legislature going above and beyond reasonable to “make a point.” And they will lose in the end, and a good idea will die with a bad law.

Reply to  Jim Moore
10 years ago

Actually I thought the retired trooper/current legislator spoke to that quite nicely. He made it clear that this law would rarely be enforced and was primarily being drafted as a means of educating the public.

Anonymous
Reply to  Professor Mike
10 years ago

Yeah but….
There will be, sooner or later, some town constable or justice of the peace who imposes the $1000 fine or a few days in jail. This morning we heard news of a corrupt “city” in Florida that may lose its charter for running a speed trap…and more. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/florida-city-threatened-to-be-wiped-off-map-following-widespread-corruption-accusations/

So, the retired trooper is right that the law will be educational until some moron decides to fully implement the provisions of the law. Consider the implications, and then anticipate the next “stand your ground” case in FL.

The intent of laws needs to be reflected in the language of laws. Because, sooner or later, somebody is going to stretch the language of the law to the extreme. Witness the current interpretation of the 2nd Amendment. 🙂

Anonymous
Reply to  Anonymous
10 years ago

P.S. This is Jim Moore…the damned system keeps logging me out.

Timmy Mahoney
10 years ago

I spent most of my life driving around looking for violators and I can tell you that women are guilty of lane hogging 3 to 1. They are the worst offenders by a mile.

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