If you’re not passing, stay in the right lane

It probably doesn’t matter to the people who should listen — because they’re thoughtless, rude, self-righteous idiots — but June is Lane Courtesy Month across this great nation.

Lane courtesy? It’s an easy concept: If you’re on a multilane highway, drive on the right, pass on the left. In other words, if you’re not passing, you’re not in the left lane.

Apparently, though, that concept — and yes, it is a law — escapes some people. In Colorado, under a law passed in 2004, anyone driving in the left lane of a multilane highway where the speed limit is 65 mph or greater can be hit with a ticket carrying a fine of $41.20 and three points. It does not matter if the driver in the left lane is driving the speed limit.

The National Motorists Association is hoping to talk some sense into folks who break this law. Laudable, but unlikely. These are the folks who can blithely ignore horns, flashing lights, the middle finger, tailgating and other dangerous forms of impatience.

The association says better lane courtesy improves traffic flow, prevents accidents and can even save motorists money on gas. It also makes commuting less stressful.

If you know and, despite yourself, care about a left-lane hog — or you are one but hope to become a better, more considerate person — visit www. lanecourtesy.org/ to learn more about driving right, passing left.

WATCH OUT FOR COSMIX

COSMIX work on Interstate 25 will require motorists to make concessions in the coming days:

- Colorado Avenue will be closed next week from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Thursday. The avenue won’t be closed Friday and Saturday night. The closure is needed so crews can finish demolishing the bridge over Colorado Avenue.

Eastbound motorists will be detoured at Walnut Street. Westbound motorists are instructed to follow the posted detour signs.

- Sunday, from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m, crews will be restriping the far left lanes of Interstate 25 between Fontanero and Uintah streets. Expect lane shifts.

- Thursday, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., the Bijou Street offramp from southbound I-25 will be reopened.

CURB REMOVAL ON AUSTIN BLUFFS

Today, from 7 a.m. to noon, the right lane on westbound Austin Bluffs Parkway will be closed at Meadow Lane and east of Union Boulevard to accommodate curb removal and the placement of deck panels on the westbound offramp to Union Boulevard. Drivers should expect delays and use alternate routes when possible.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0197 or bill.mckeown@gazette.com