You’ve heard all about the dangers of speeding. You know how it can make an accident more likely or lead to higher fatality rates.
The Dangers of Driving Slowly
You have a simple solution: You’re going to drive slowly. You’re not in a hurry. Do you really have to go 5 or 10 mph over the speed limit, like everyone else? Why not just go 10 or 15 mph under the speed limit and keep yourself safe?
The problem is that slow driving brings its own set of hazards and can actually cause accidents. You may not be going as fast when you crash, but you’re still involved in a wreck either way. You’re best off to simply drive right at the speed limit.
Chain Reactions and Right-Lane Passing
Two ways that slow driving causes problems on the road are:
- Chain reactions: Drivers coming up behind you do not expect you to be going so slowly. They slam on the brakes, a chain reaction that ripples back through all of the cars behind you. This can cause accidents and road rage. When drivers are angry with you for going so slowly, it increases the chances of aggressive driving, which can lead to an accident.
- Right-lane passing: If you refuse to move from the interstate’s left lane, despite going slowly, drivers have to pass on the right. The road was not set up to support this. Passing is always supposed to be done on the left, while slow traffic is supposed to stay to the right. When cars are weaving all over the road, it causes confusion and accidents.
Now, this isn’t to say that you’re responsible if another driver has road rage and causes an accident; it’s just to show you how to pick a speed that keeps you safe. If you’re involved in an accident at any speed, make sure you know your legal options.
Source: Mayfair, “The Dangers Of Driving At Slow Speeds,” Emily Pickard, accessed March 29, 2018