Left Lane Drivers group sends message

In my last column, I wrote about a new grassroots group, Left Lane Drivers of America. Their mission is to kindly and gently let slow drivers know that the left lane is not the place for them.

I asked for feedback about this new group and the subject of slower drivers utilizing -- and in some cases -- hogging the left lane.

My mailbox was full. Some cheered the grassroots group, others were suspicious. Below are a few choice e-mails.

Dear Susan: On Route 55 this past May, we were slowed several times by drivers in the left lane. Both lanes had drivers in them doing 50 mph and at times slower than that.

I got in the left lane behind a "lane hog" figuring he would see me and realize he should get over. No such luck. A SUV pulled up behind the "crazie" in the left lane and proceeded to ride his bumper and sound the horn. The driverȯˆ¿½ did not budge.

Finally, the driver in front of me sped up to 55 mph and soon I was able to pass. I took a good look at crazie.ȯˆ¿½ It was a young girl on her cell phone yakking away.

Situations like this occur frequently no matter the sex or age group They are out there hogging the left lanes. I'm going to keep your article, asȯˆ¿½ I have a feeling I may end up joining Left Lane Drivers of America soon.

Pat J., Streamwood

Dear Susan: I have been an insurance adjuster for almost 40 years, and I think there are very few polite drivers anymore.

Handling accident claims all day, I would say that exceeding the speed limit is one of the most frequent causes of accidents. If people would slow down and think, this would certainly lower claims, injuries, etc. Some people just have the need to go fast, and at any risk and think this is their right.

Elaine M., Glenview:

Dear Susan: People who stay in the left lane of a multilane road are a pain and a danger. I suspect their poor driving habits are a result of one of the following:

A) They learned to drive in the inner city where traffic is so heavy that one normally does stay in the lane you are in. That may be acceptable at 20 mph, but not out on the freeway where traffic is moving at 50 to 75 mph and you are in danger of getting yourself rear-ended.

ȯˆ¿½B) They were never taught how to drive.

C) People who are just plain oblivious to the rest of the world or else are just plain rude.

Roger E.:

Dear Susan: This group is trying to justify breaking the law. I'm not an old fogeyȯˆ¿½ who drives 40 mph in the highway. I routinely drive a stretch of expressway in the Chicago suburbs.

The highway is 3 to 4 lanes in each direction. The posted speed limit is 55. I generally drive at 65 in the next-to-left lane to avoid the on/off ramp traffic. Very rarely do I pass anyone.

On the other hand, I get passed on both sides by cars and trucks going at least 70 mph. The driver is usually on a cell phone while they weave across lanes.

So what does this group want; everyone to get out of their way so they can speed as much as they like?

Pete M., Rolling Meadows:

Just as much as speed is a hot topic for readers, so too is cell phone use while driving. It is clear that there are far too many distractions taking place in any one automobile on the road today. Handling and maneuvering a 3,000-pound automobile should be all you're doing. It takes skill and all the senses one can muster to be an alert and careful driver.

Is there a need for such a group as Left Lane Drivers of America? I don't know. Apparently, this new group thinks so.

•E-mail Susan Frissell at womenwithwheels.com