Here's what I want to know: Just whose bright idea was it to allow passing on the right?

There are no good reasons to allow drivers to pass on the right. And there are hundreds of reasons not to do it.

How did this bogus idea sneak into our lives? It's the worst thing I've heard of since the Red Sox traded Babe Ruth. (They didn't actually do that, did they?)

How did this happen? Here's my bet: Some misguided traffic specialist or tweezer-brained bureaucrat probably thought passing on the right would speed up traffic flow. Eureka! Rush-hour traffic jams will be a thing of the past--at no extra cost.

But what will come of this? I'm glad you asked. Here's what: Plenty more accidents. Many of them at high speeds. And some of them will probably involve friends or relatives of yours. Or you--even though you're certainly a safer driver than everyone else reading this, right?

Do we need a study to prove this? Of course not. It's common sense. Or are we lacking that now too? I'm beginning to wonder.

It wasn't too long ago that the only thing on the right was the breakdown lane. Now, you've got to deal with wackos trying to pass you on all sides.

It's time to reverse this little bit of highway stupidity, so I'm starting a campaign. Here's the question:

All things considered, do you think the law that allows passing on the right is a good idea, or do you think it's pretty dumb and ought to be repealed?

And there's one other thing.

I want to know who's the Mensa brain who suggested this? If you have the slightest clue, I want to hear about it. You can e-mail me right here. And when you're writing, tell me what in Evel Knievel's name was the reasoning that this harebrained Australopithecus used.

Just when did we decide to start trading safety for somebody's idea of efficiency?

What's next? Are we going to pass a law that allows us to pass over the top?

Tom Magliozzi

P.S. Until we get this law repealed, I expect you to pass on the left only. Look for the 1952 MG TD. I'll be watching you--from the breakdown lane.

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