Can I drive the speed limit in the “fast lane?”

  We’ve all seen the signs on many freeways that state “Slower Traffic Keep Right.”  Usually somewhere down the road from that is a speed limit sign that states the maximum and the minimum speed.  To me this means that if you choose to drive less than the maximum speed limit, then you need to stay in the right hand lane.  However, if you are driving the speed limit, then you have every right to be in the left hand lane for as long as you like, right?  Well, I’m not so sure everyone feels that way.

The other day I was driving east on I-40 headed toward downtown OKC.  I had two of my children in the mini van with me.  The speed limit was 65mph so that is what I was doing.  I was happily driving along in the right hand lane.   There were vehicles whizzing past me in the left hand lane. I swear, some of them had to have been going 90mph.  That really ticks me off.   I’m a rules kind of girl.  I feel like the speed limit and other traffic laws are there for our safety and protection.  It irritates me when many drivers only obey traffic laws when they see a police car around.  I’m all for unmarked police cars.  Why do these drivers feel that they are above the law?  Do they think that the traffic laws don’t apply to them?  Even if I’m going to be late to something I drive the speed limit.  Better to arrive late than to not arrive at all because I’ve been in a car accident because I was driving too fast.  Many times fast driving goes hand in hand with reckless driving.  

  Anyway, so I’m driving along in the right hand lane going the speed limit of 65 mph and I come upon a car that is going just a little slower than that, so I signal (I always signal too.  My greatest pet peeve in all the world is drivers who don’t signal, but that will be another entry) look behind me and move into the left hand lane, maintaining the 65 mph speed limit.  A few seconds later a guy in a big ‘ole truck comes roaring up behind me.  I’ve not quite passsed the car yet, so I’m still in the left hand lane and the car in the right hand lane is just slightly behind me.  The guy in the big ’ole truck is stuck.  He is obviously irritated.  He blinks his brights at me.  He is gesturing with his hand for me to move along by rolling his hand over and over.  He’s mad because I’m in the left hand lane going the speed limit and now he can’t speed anymore.  Until I can pass the car on my right, which will only take another minute at the most, he’s just going to have to slow down. 

My neighbor Scott is an OKC police officer.  I told him about my encounter with the big ‘ole truck and asked if I was in the wrong.  Do I have a right to be in the left hand lane and drive the speed limit?  Is that lane for “speeders?”  He said I did nothing wrong and that all drivers are expected to drive the speed limit regardless of the lane they are in.  He noted that many accidents are caused by drivers not paying attention to their surroundings. Whats beside them, behind them, and way ahead of them?  

So I did eventually pass the car on my right and move back into the right hand lane continuing to maintain the speed limit.   The guy in the big ‘ole truck must have floored it because he went roaring by me as fast as he could.  I didn’t look at him as he passed.  I didn’t need to see his angry, irritated face and I didn’t think giving him a disgusted look would make any difference.  Now that I think about it I should have looked at him and smiled and maybe even waved.  I wonder what kind of reaction that would have brought?   

I just don’t understand why so many drivers feel the need to disobey traffic laws.  We cannot pick and choose which laws we want to obey.  I teach my children that all people who live in or visit this country must abide by all its laws, not just those that are convenient.  This is a great country and a great state, and everyone has a responsibility to be a good citizen. 

Well, until next time…Stay Great Oklahoma!

820 comments May 2nd, 2006

Oklahoma’s Can Do Attitude Makes State Great Place to Live, Work, and Play!

  At LocalOkAds.com we are proud to serve the entire state of Oklahoma and the citizens that call this great state home. We are proud of the rich traditions and heritage our state offers its citizens. Oklahoman’s know that this state is one of the nation’s most desirable places to live, work, and play. Known for friendly people and a “can do” attitude, our state has something for everyone.

A wide spectrum of major corporations call Oklahoma their home, including the Sonic Corporation, Dollar Rent-A-Car, Thrifty Rent-A-Car, Devon Energy and Kerr-Mcgee. We are proud of their accomplishments and the pride that they have brought to our great state. However, at LocalOKAds.com we honor the small business man or women who is the lifeblood of our state. Businesses like Kuts-4-Kids, Tulsa; Bright Smile Family Dentistry, Edmond; OKC Wellness Clinic, Oklahoma City; and Merkley’s Driver Training, Edmond/Oklahoma City. Each one has a tradition for quality service, fair prices and a “can do” attitude.

Many Oklahomans have established even smaller businesses directly in their home. These are the folks who are out their pounding the pavement, going the extra mile, and doing their best to carve out a living. Once again it’s their “can do” attitude that helps them acheive success in such a brutal environment as small business ownership. Owners like Jeri Mobley of Arbonne International & Discovery Toys, Oklahoma City; and Speech Pathologist, Judy Dennis, also of Oklahoma City. These fine people are very dedicated to their professions and will take the time and energy necessary to see that they serve you to the best of their abilities. Please visit their web sites or businesses. You will be helping Oklahoma and its citizens stay strong.

Their attitudes remind me of one now famous Oklahoman who hails from Checotah,Oklahoma, population 3,500 Ms. Carrie Underwood. Her “can do” attitude, hard work, and love for what she does earned her the title as America’s Idol. Now Carrie has gone on to earn a recording contract, number one singles and various music awards. It just goes to show you what Oklahoman’s are capable of really doing.    

At LocalOKAds.com we are proud to serve the people and businesses of Oklahoma. Please take the time to visit the Oklahoma Pixel Board at www.LocalOKAds.com its the only one of its kind in the state. Take some time to browse the websites and see what Oklahoman’s have to offer you. Their commitment to professionalism and quality is beyond measure, our sponsers will take the time to listen and understand your needs. I can tell you that I have visted and purchased many of their products and services. I have never been disappointed by their commitment to service, fair prices and quality work.

Well, until next time…Stay Great Oklahoma!

Laura - Oklahoma’s Pixel Queen

1126 comments April 18th, 2006

Trade Oil for Food? It’s As Simple As Economics 101

  Recently a friend and I were talking about the surge in gasoline prices. During our conversation I mentioned that Wal-Mart was no longer the richest company in the world. It had been overtaken by the Exxon Oil Company. With a tone of disgust, my friend commented that it took nearly $100 to fill the tank of his Chevy Surburban. Frankley, I was shocked! How could he consider dropping $100 into his gas tank. Cliff commented, “as I approached $85 I kept thinking the pump was going to click off any moment … $90… $95…, finally; $97.35 later my tank was full,” he said. I asked him if the high price of gasoline was going to slow him down? You see, Cliff is an active traveler and sportsman. He enjoys traveling around the state of Oklahoma, fishing, spending the weekends at his lake retreat, and boating. His answer; a resounding “No!”  “I will find a way to fill my all of my gas tanks,” he said.

I am not an Economist. In fact, I can remember in high school disliking the whole subject. However, I do remember a concept regarding the Law of Supply and Demand.  The Demand Side goes something like this: As the price goes up, demand comes down and vice versa. As demand goes up, price comes down. It seems like if something is cheap in price then people want to buy it. Now, of course, there are other factors that may effect this, but I think, the law could be true. The Supply Side says that the higher something’s price is, the more it will be supplied. Now I am sure people (oil companies) want to charge the highest price possible for the least amount of production possible. As prices increase, so do the expectations for profits. As people (oil companies) expect more profits from a product, they naturally produce more of that product. They produce this high-priced product rather than a low-priced one.

It seems to me that the price of fuel these days is not curving anyones appetite to use less. There seems to be just as many cars on the road today compared to when fuel was around $1. Does anyone remember those days? Anyway, my faith in Demand Side economics has been severly shaken. However, I am becoming a big believer in Supply Side economics because the oil companies are enjoying record profits all at the expense of you and me. You see, we act like drug addicts, and the oil companies are the suppliers, we’ll do anything to get one more fill at our favorite filling station. Maybe will trade Oil for Food. Think about it.

Oklahoma, interested in what your favorite filling station is charging you for gas today? Remember to check out our gas price link on the right sidebar. Good Luck.

So, until next time…Stay Great Oklahoma!

Pixel Queen

661 comments April 10th, 2006