What has happened to morning commute?

Vema and Elama, that was my point exactly. For the past nearly two years I've worked in DC, I could jump on HOV and get from Woodbridge to the Pentagon in 20 minutes (sometimes 15), with the occasional accident maybe once every few months. But it was never this bad, and I'm confused why the sudden slowdown. Certainly the rubberneckers are a major problem. Like we've never seen a fender bender before. I mean if it was a blown up tanker truck or something, then okay, I could understand the slowdown to see that (plus they would probably have lanes closed surrounding something that big). But come on! Joe Smith looks down to change the radio and bumps into Sue Jones at 5 MPH, and we all have to look at the scratch on her bumper! Stop it!! I was thinking that maybe it was the heightened terror alert, but the traffic doesn't backup near the Pentagon, and there is never any major police presence along the HOV. So what's the deal people?

Today was great though. Got to work in just under an hour. Back to normal maybe? I hope so.

My opinion, but I think that part of the general slowdown is because of drivers driving the speed limit in the left lane. I'm assuming this but isn't the left lane the passing lane in the HOV lanes? In general everyday traffic, I think that if you're in the left lane and you're not passing by anyone on the right, you ought to move to the right. You may be legal when driving in the left lane, but please be considerate and let the drivers behind you speed illegally [}:)] in the left lane. Whenever we pass on the right, the driver on the left is usually oblivious as to what is going on behind them, so I'm sure they're not going to read this [;)]

gg

I have noticed that too GG. I don't know how many times a person has been cruising along at 55 in the left lane, and there is a line of cars 20 deep behind him/her, and they won't get over. That probably does cause more problems than people realize, especially with only two lanes to work with.

"My therapist says you're always making withdrawls from my Self-Esteem account to fill your Ego Balloon!" Gabe - Penny-Arcade.com

True Vema. It could be the colder/snowier than normal winter we've had. The last few winters have gone by without so much as a cold sneeze. But all the snow, all the potholes, all the people who don't know how to drive in it, are probably 99% of the causes for the problems. Thankfully traffic in the summer usually eases up some once school is out and people start taking vacations. And today being the first day of spring, we're one step closer!

"My therapist says you're always making withdrawls from my Self-Esteem account to fill your Ego Balloon!" Gabe - Penny-Arcade.com

Your too right about the left lane drivers!!! usually when you get past them they are flapping their gums on the cell phone not caring whats going on!