Marc Lamber

Photo courtesy of Lamber Goodnow

I’d like to respond to Jim Griffee’s letter, Drivers should do what’s right and stop speeding. He raises valid concerns, and I understand his frustration. Driving the speed limit shouldn’t feel like a risky endeavor, especially when others weave around you or when you’re stuck behind uncovered rock trucks.

Arizona law (A.R.S. § 28-1098) requires loads to be secure to prevent debris from becoming a hazard and unsafe trucks should absolutely be reported.

HB 2235, however, isn’t about penalizing law-abiding drivers or encouraging speeding. It’s about improving traffic flow and reducing accidents. Under the proposed legislation, a driver abiding by the posted speed limit wouldn’t automatically receive a fine for being in the left lane.

The key phrase is “less than the normal speed of traffic.” If every vehicle on the road is traveling at or near the speed limit, no one would be violating the proposed law.

 Since I first raised this topic on YourValley.net, HB 2235 has been further modified, providing greater clarity.

Most importantly, the proposed changes would apply only to portions of Interstates 10, 8 and 40 on which there are two lanes for use by vehicles traveling in the same direction. This clarification makes clear that the law would only apply to these highways. Further, the proposed fine has been dropped from $500 to $200.

This bill isn’t about catering to speeders — it’s about fostering predictable driving patterns. Keeping slower-moving vehicles in the right lane reduces road rage, helps reduce unnecessary congestion and makes driving safer for everyone, especially teen drivers and seniors, who are often disproportionately impacted by unpredictable traffic patterns.

I welcome this dialogue because road safety affects us all, regardless of age or driving habits. Let’s continue working together to make Arizona’s roads safer and less stressful for everyone.

Editor’s note: Marc Lamber is a director at the Am Law 200 firm Fennemore and chairs the Personal Injury Practice Group. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.