You've been in this frustrating situation before. You're driving down the highway in the left lane to overtake vehicles, only to come up behind a car advancing slowly in that lane. Maybe the driver is distracted, or maybe they simply don't know to move into the right lane when not passing.
Because the rules are clear: On any road where the speed limit is over 70 km/h, motorists must drive in the right-hand lane, unless overtaking or taking a left-hand exit. Staying on the right isn't just a matter of courtesy.
And yet, it’s a common sight. And it can lead to potentially dangerous situations in which motorists following behind lose patience and attempt dangerous manoeuvres by overtaking from the right, or even on the shoulder.
Nissan to the Rescue
Nissan may have a solution to the problem. The latest version of its ProPilot driver assistance technology incorporates a very simple function: after overtaking with ProPilot activated (version 2.1 of the system), drivers will receive a friendly alert inviting them to return to the right-hand lane.
The technology itself won't work miracles, but it could help reduce the number of vehicles loitering in the left-hand lane, especially if the technology spreads to other brands’ models.
How It Works
General Motors’ Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system is able to overtake on its own when a vehicle is slower ahead. With that system, once the pass is completed, the vehicle returns to its original lane. Note that with Nissan's Driver Assistance System, lane changes are made manually, initiated by the driver, unlike GM's Super Cruise system.
The new lane-return function is being deployed slowly on Nissan and Infiniti models, starting with the 2025 Rogue. A company representative confirmed that it will also feature in the revised new Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX80 SUVs.
Future Implications
Nissan is the only automaker to introduce this kind of system. While it can't automatically make the lane change for you if you're unaware, Nissan hopes that this simple reminder to keep the overtaking lane clear will reduce the number of left-lane hogs.
It is worth noting that while hands-free driving is part of the system, lane changes are still hands-on. This means that the notification will be given as long as ProPilot 2.1 is functioning, whether in hands-free mode or not. We can hold out hope that automakers will follow suit and provide a similar system in the future. Every little bit counts to make our roads less crazy than they already are.
Looking Forward
The new system will debut on the 2025 Rogue and will be available on the new Armada and the Infiniti QX80. The system is available now as a $3,200 option for the 2025 Rogue, offered on SL trim levels and higher.
This new system from Nissan could be a game-changer for highway driving. By reminding drivers to move back to the right lane after passing, it could help to reduce congestion and improve safety. It will be interesting to see if other automakers follow Nissan's lead and incorporate similar features into their driver-assist systems.
