“Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?” ― George Carlin

George Carlin once pointed out that everyone on the road other than you is a terrible driver. Since, like me, you're an amazing driver, this won't apply to you, but you'll certainly relate to the circumstances.

Doing Something about Arizona's Slowpoke Drivers

We've all been there: driving down the road, our hands at 10 and 2 on the wheel, the radio is at a decent, but undistracting volume, and we're diligently obeying all posted speed limits.

When suddenly, our pace is forced to drop five, then ten miles an hour below the speed limit. All because some dude in front of us is taking his sweet 'ole time, tooling along in the fast lane.

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That slowpoke (in Arizona the common name for these drivers is "Snowbird") in the left lane blocking you from getting to your destination - might be in for a big, expensive surprise.

If you've ever (briefly) taken a hand off the wheel to shake your fist while declaring, "Why, there outta be a law!" in response to this lollygagger, this is going to give you some hope.

READ: Can You Be Arrested for Speeding in an Emergency?

Arizona's Proposed "Slow Poke" Law is Getting Traction

It's called the "Slow Poke" bill and it's making waves in Arizona. If it's passed, the proposed law could fine drivers driving too slowly in the left lane of a two-lane interstate roadway.

If the law passes, slow pokes could be pulled over and slapped with a $500 fine for obstructing traffic.

An Arizona State Rep Takes on Slow Drivers

The bill is being pushed by Republican state representative Teresa Martinez.

Martinez is from Casa Grande and says her daily commute on Interstate 10 spurred her into action. Like many of us, Martinez is tired of seeing drivers clogging up the left lane, frustrating other vehicles, and inspiring dangerous passing maneuvers on the right.

Martinez proposed this bill to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents caused by irritated drivers passing on the right. Unfortunately, the bill wouldn't necessarily cover all Arizona roadways.

READ: It's Illegal in AZ to Toss These 20 Common Items in the Garbage

Officers on state highways couldn't issue the $500 fine on state highways; the bill would apply to interstates such as I-8, I-10, and I-40, but not I-17. Martinez emphasizes that the goal is to promote safer driving, not faster driving.

The bill has already passed the transportation committee and is now heading to the House for further consideration.

Arizona: No Camping in the Left Lane

Oh, and you can get a ticket on other two-lane roadways and highways if you're driving too slowly in the left lane. It's called "camping in the fast lane" and slowpoke drivers can still receive a citation for obstructing traffic.

Sources: Wikipedia | ABC15 Arizona | Jalopnik | Way.com