^^^
There are things called brakes. The now-deceased driver could have used them to slow himself down until the passenger car he cut in front of had overtaken him, then he could have pulled out to pass the slower truck that was in his lane.
Well-stated and I agree.
There's also this - IIRC, the posted limit across the CBBT is either 55 MPH or maybe 50 MPH in a spot or two (not sure about 50), except at the toll plazas (where all traffic, even with E-ZPass, must come to a complete stop). It's a little over 19 miles one-way from either of the entering toll plazas to the one on the other side of the crossing. That is about 20 to 21 minutes to make it across at 55, if there's no congestion or other problems.
At 50 MPH, the crossing takes just under 23 minutes.
There are no signalized intersections or STOP signs, so we do not need to work about intersection delays.
IMO, this is relatively short crossing to make, in spite of its unusual length. Why not slow down a little? Especially drivers of commercial vehicles?
I also wonder if the CBBTD has considered NJTA-style variable speed limits? Given that the crossing is not that long and is presumably "wired" to support them already, it might be a winner.
Some drivers are apparently not willing to let off on the gas, and end with a Virginia reckless driving ticket from the CBBTD's police force (details from WAVY-TV Channel 10 in a 2016 report
here, including a video).