when is it too soon

[millvalleyca]

Hi guys
When anticipating a split in the road.....how soon is too soon to be in the lane next to the far left lane? (fast lane) About 1/2 mile before a 3 way split (5 lanes... 2 left lanes split to the left, 2 lanes go straight and 2 lanes go to the right) a CHP officer on his loud speaker tells me to move over one lane to the right....a 1/4 mile later I have to merge left again in order to make my split in the road.

[markdoane]

I'd say it depends on your speed relative to the rest of the traffic. Just do what the semis do, if you can keep up.

[Fyrzowt]

It also depends on the cop, unfortunately. You may have gotten a sour CHP.
Like Mark said, it depends a lot on conditions.
Dave

[2airishuman]

hi millva'

is there a formal/written traffic code for this in cali or ne other state ?

the issue may be that u were 'anticipating' the split.

it seems to me once the hiway marker declaring the split is overhead...

it's ok to change lanes...

now IF traffic is really busy and you know from experience,

that by the time the marker is seen it's too late...

i'd flip on the turn signal and move left when ever it feels right,

then just leave the blinkie on, till the road splits...

of course many drivers consider it ok to wait till the very last second...

then swing 5 lanes l/r across traffic.

but u will need to NOT signal, be eating spaghetti, talking on the cell and changing clothes to perform this maneuver...

cheers
2air'

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

but u will need to NOT signal, be eating spaghetti, talking on the cell and changing clothes to perform this maneuver...

cheers
2air'

You forgot about watching a movie, and yelling at the kiddies in the back at the same time...Been there, seen that, scary stuff.

[Crusty]

My guess is that the CHP thought you were travelling in a lane that was prohibited to vehicles with trailers, rather than preparing for an upcoming split. Maybe, as 2Air suggested, if you leave your blinkie on that might help to communicate that you are going to take a left exit.

On the other hand, some of those guys can be real grouches. I saw one cruising with his cruise control set exactly at the speed limit, pull over a car that had his cruise control set about 1 mph faster (after it took him around 30 minutes to gradually catch and pull ahead of the CHP cruiser).

[overlander63]

And some people just think the roads are for automobiles only, and all trucks and trailers should be parked so they can have the road to themselves.
I see that a lot, traveling @65 in the slow lane with a speed limit of 65-70, and someone comes flying up behind us, nearly rear-ends the trailer, then whips around, blowing the horn, and dives back in front...immediately taking the exit ramp. Sorry for the hijack, it's one of my pet peeves, can you tell?

[thecatsandi]

Originally Posted by millvalleyca

Hi guys
When anticipating a split in the road.....how soon is too soon to be in the lane next to the far left lane?

I would say a mile is acceptable. That is about a minute under highway speeds. If there is a lot of traffic it may take you that long (or longer) to move over.

[pmclemore]

RE the guy that passed the cop at a crawl - I hope the cop gave him a ticket for "loitering" in the passing lane. I think that when you are passing, the worst thing to do is to stay at your cruising speed. When you need (or want) to pass, - pass! Then get out of the way. If you're too chicken to pass, then back off and don't pass. But whatever, don't just hold hands with the guy next to you. Move along, pal.

Pat

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by pmclemore

RE the guy that passed the cop at a crawl - I hope the cop gave him a ticket for "loitering" in the passing lane. I think that when you are passing, the worst thing to do is to stay at your cruising speed. When you need (or want) to pass, - pass! Then get out of the way. If you're too chicken to pass, then back off and don't pass. But whatever, don't just hold hands with the guy next to you. Move along, pal.

Pat

This has always been one of my pet peeves. Some people just have a hard time with passing a big truck on the road, but will not give up the passing lane.