Anti-Road Rage Act Begins September 1
By Bonita Wilborn
Drivers in the state of Alabama beware. The Anti-Road Rage Act begins on September 1. This law specifically targets left lane drivers.
Beginning September 1, Alabama drivers will have a couple of new laws to heed. One of the laws, called the Anti-Road Rage Law, will affect those who favor driving in the left lane. The “Anti-Road Rage Act” is designed to keep slower drivers out of the left lane to prevent slow traffic flow. It makes it illegal to drive in the left lane for more than 1½ miles without passing.
The bill makes exceptions for inclement weather, left exits, congestion, and construction.
If you’re accustomed to driving in the left lane, state troopers say it’s time to rethink that.
“The left lane is a passing lane,” Corporal Steve Smith explained. “If you are not passing someone, you should not be hanging out in the left lane.”
Starting next month, state troopers will ticket left lane drivers who prevent other people from getting by, even if you’re driving the speed limit.
“If someone wants to go faster than you, let us worry about speeders,” Smith added. “If you are in the left lane and you notice that drivers are passing you on the right side, it’s a good indication that you are in the wrong lane.”
Drivers, who cruise in the left lane, often enrage other drivers. The new law allows drivers to remain in the left lane for only 1½ miles before they receive a ticket. Law enforcement will be giving out warning tickets for the first six months.
The other new law, also going into effect on Sunday, September 1, states that all passengers in a vehicle will have to be buckled up, including all backseat passengers.
The law makes not wearing a seat belt in the backseat a secondary violation, meaning an officer may issue a ticket if the car has been stopped for another reason.
Previously, only children riding in the backseat had to wear seatbelts.
According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, 60% of the people who died in traffic accidents in 2017 weren’t wearing seatbelts.
Marie Crew, director of SAFE Kids Alabama, stated, “The back-seat seatbelt law is a good next step, but honestly, we’ve got a long way to go. Our state is behind in terms of any legislation involving hands-free technology. Research tells us that requiring drivers to utilize hands-free technology will make our roads safer. Our teen driver safety percentages are still alarmingly high, and motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death and injury for teens in Alabama.”