Serbian traffic study finds left lane fastest in highway jams

An analysis of Dutch traffic‑data portal (NDW) records applied to Serbian highways shows that the left lane consistently moves faster than the middle or right lanes during congestion. Drivers in the left lane averaged about 2.2 km/h higher speed than others, and the advantage was observed in over 90 % of two‑lane road jams, 97.4 % of four‑lane jams and about 85 % of three‑lane jams.

The study confirms earlier Dutch research from 2016 that identified the same pattern. Experts caution that a faster lane does not automatically mean safer driving; the right lane may be calmer and less stressful, especially when traffic is at a standstill.