House Concurrent Resolution No. 99

(By Delegates Staggers, Longstreth, Lynch, Moye, Poling, D., Smith, M., Stephens, Walker, Wells, Young, Ambler, Arvon,

Butler, Cadle, Cowles, Evans, D., Hamrick, Howell, and Shott)

(Originating in the House Committee on Roads and Transportation)

(February 19, 2014)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the operation of a motor vehicle in the left lane on a controlled-access highway.

    WHEREAS, Current code requires motorists to drive upon the right half of a roadway of sufficient width, but does not specifically extend those provisions to controlled-access highways; and

    WHEREAS, Motorists maintaining the left half of a controlled-access highway for extended time, may draw the attention of law enforcement to initiate a traffic stop or intra-vehicular communication to encourage said motorist to occupy the right half of the highway; and

    WHEREAS, Dangers do exist for motorists occupying the left half of controlled-access highways as this lane is generally used for overtaking right-half traffic, allowing fellow motorists to merge onto the highway from an entrance ramp or shoulder, and avoiding obstacles contained in the right-half lanes; and  

    WHEREAS, The right-half of controlled-access highways is reserved for slower moving traffic; and

    WHEREAS, If a motorist is occupying the left-half of a controlled-access highway at a rate of speed matching that of a motorist in the adjacent lane, traffic congestion is likely to form as motorists traveling faster would be forced to reduce their speed; and

    WHEREAS, Sudden reduction of speed of one or more motorists on a controlled-access highway can lead to severe traffic accidents causing loss of property, injury to, or even death of motorists; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the operation of a motor vehicle in the left lane on a controlled-access highway; and, be it

    Further Resolved, that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the Legislature, on the first day of the regular session, two thousand fifteen, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations together with drafts of any legislation to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it,

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.