I almost got rear-ended this morning by a dumbass who was tailgating when another dumbass stopped for the vehicle in front of her who was turning left (of course she did this right after pulling out in front of me in a 50MPH zone, which didn’t leave me a lot of braking distance).  In Texas it is legal (and expected) that if someone turns left that you go around on the right (provided you can do it without leaving the pavement).  I’ve noticed lately that a lot of people are stopping instead of passing.  Perhaps these people are new to the state and simply didn’t bother to check up on our laws (I know that some states prohibit passing on the right when someone is turning).  Alternately, since this woman was driving a Suburban, maybe she doesn’t realize that it will fit into the space available on the shoulder.  The main downside I’ve seen to the advent of SUVs is that a lot of people are driving them who have never driven anything that big before and they don’t know the boundaries of their vehicle.

From the Texas driver’s handbook:(pg 6-3)

PASSING ON THE RIGHT

In Texas and many other states, you may pass on the right. You may pass on the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety.

1. The road is clear of parked vehicles or other things and is wide enough for two or more lanes in each direction.

2. You are on a one-way road.

3. You may pass on a paved shoulder when the vehicle you are passing is slowing or stopped on the main travelled portion of the highway, disabled, or preparing to make a left turn.

Do not pass on the right by driving off the paved portion of the highway.

Of course, this could just be a problem with drivers in Argyle.  I’ve noticed over the past few months that they’re getting more and more squirrely in the mornings.