18 wheelers passing me and run oncoming traffic onto shoulder

I have had lots of people pass me, including 4 wheelers. The funny thing is that when they turn, the longest amount of time from when they turned to when I pass that turn has been 10 seconds. Really? You risk yourself and others for ten seconds of time? Just like rushing from light to light so you can apply the brakes! Just makes no sense.

 

Just to play devil's advocate, it gets frustrating when stuck behind a vehicle that either can't or refuses to drive the posted speed limit on a two lane and, when an opportunity to pass does come along, they maintain speed or speed up so you can't pass and then slows down again once you're behind them.

Me, I won't pass where it's unsafe, but I'd certainly love to get my hands on the ######## that pull the aforementioned stunts.

 

Not to defend the actions of those drivers, but most Texas two lanes are 70-75 mph.

 

Yup. If the speed limit is 70 or 75, and you are only willing or able to drive 60-62, then you need to be courteous and get out of the way when you see faster traffic approaching behind you. In Texas, it is perfectly legal to move over and drive on the shoulder to allow the faster vehicle to pass. Does that excuse the unsafe actions of those behind you? No. But you aren't off the hook either...ESPECIALLY when you saw what they were doing with oncoming traffic.

 

Texas Transportation Code - Section 545.058. Driving On Improved Shoulder

It takes two for it to work. When you get near the borders I have 4 wheelers pull over all the time to let me pass. Especially down towards Eagle Pass it seems like every 4 wheeler pulls over. But in this situation you need the slower vehicle to know the law for one and to move over to the shoulder. Most out of state trucks are unaware of these unusual laws.

Then if you need to pass you better have a good view and not do it with approaching traffic or an approaching curve.

 

Im in Tx quite often & frankly i have never been fond of the shoulder biz~~~~I will ease over&yield BUT ONLY When there is a clear line of sight& the shoulder is wide&safe enuff for me to get on &use SAFELY~~~Just cuz there is a shoulder IM NOT gettin on it to let u pass me thru 3miles of Bl8nd hills or curves.....a little common sence is required here on Everyones part

 

I've seen signs saying do not drive on shoulder in TX. So, which is it?
I will usually get a couple feet over on the shoulder and slow a little to let Juan make it to the taco stand on time, when I'm in Tejas. Which isn't often. I hate Tejas! Too many attitudes.

 

The law says "Improved" shoulder so I don't know how one would determine that. I think of improved I think of an increased thickness of asphalt. Maybe it just means it has asphalt because some are tar and chip? Maybe they all are improved unless posted like you said. Maybe they sell a Big Texan shoulder test kit?

I know if you are running the shoulder you are slinging gravel and debris.

 

It may have worked OK in the past but it puts way to much faith in oncoming traffic. People texting are going to get a big surprise.