BOZEMAN, MT — Local resident and self-proclaimed driving enthusiast, Hayden Taylor, has started a petition to make “driving 10 miles under the speed limit in the left lane” a protected right for all Montana drivers.
Taylor, who spends most of his time behind the wheel of his pickup truck, claims that he’s tired of being honked at and tailgated by other drivers when he’s cruising in the left lane at a leisurely pace.
“Look, I pay my taxes, just like everyone else. And I have the right to drive in whatever lane I choose, at whatever speed I choose,” Taylor said. “This isn’t about being a bad driver or intentionally slowing down traffic. It’s about having the freedom to drive without feeling rushed or pressured by other drivers.”
But not everyone is on board with Taylor’s mission. Local law enforcement officials are concerned that the petition will encourage reckless driving and put other motorists in danger.
“It’s a common misconception that driving slow in the left lane is safer,” said Montana State Trooper, Yasmin Hernandez. “In reality, it causes a lot of frustration and can lead to aggressive driving and road rage incidents.”
Despite the criticism, Taylor remains determined to see his cause through. He plans to submit his petition to the Montana State Legislature in the coming weeks and hopes to see a bill passed that will protect the rights of slow drivers everywhere.
“It’s time for us slow drivers to stand up and fight for our rights,” Taylor said. “We may not be the fastest drivers on the road, but we have just as much of a right to be there as anyone else. Plus, it’s just safer that way. You never know when a wild moose might jump out in front of you.” The petition has received only two signatures so far – the Bozeman man’s and his mother’s.
The editor has always had a passion for the written word, ever since penning a Pulitzer-worthy essay at the tender age of five. Spending formative years traveling the world, writing about everything from Machu Picchu to the mall food court, The Editor eventually apparated in Bozeman, realizing a true calling as the editor-in-chief of Bozeman Grit.
