Most people know that driving over the speed limit heightens your chance of causing or being in an accident. Speeding also leaves the roads less safe, which therefore puts your life as well as the life of others at risk. But what many drivers don’t know or don’t think about as often is that driving well below the speed limit is also unsafe. This month on the blog we’re hoping to help you define the guidelines for driving under the speed limit – how slow is too slow, and how do I know?
First off, it’s important to note that driving too slowly can cause drivers behind you to slam on their brakes or swerve, which can end up creating a chain reaction of rear-end car crashes. Slow driving may also lead other drivers to road rage or gridlocking, which again opens the way for reckless and unsafe roads.
Next, when locking in on a driving speed – because there’s no such things as federal speed limit or speed minimum laws – it’s important to consider a few key things when making the decision to drive slowly. Recognize the type of road you’re on, the flow of traffic and the current weather. These key factors will help you make the safest decision.
A great rule of thumb is to drive at a speed that does not hold up the normal traffic flow. Driving 10mph under the speed limit on an empty highway in the middle of the night is much different than driving 10mph under the speed limit in the city during Friday rush hour.
Most state laws leave space for common sense when driving below the speed limit. If road conditions are unsafe – streets lights are out, potholes have been made deeper after a rainstorm, etc – driving slower than normal is usually a good idea. If you are caught in a thunderstorm and the roads are primed for hydroplaning, driving 20mph below the limit would make a great case to a highway patrol officer.
We understand that speed minimums are not a hot-topic, but also believe that the more you know, the safer you and the people around you are. People want to know how far below the speed limit is legal? Unfortunately, our research tells us that most states have minimum speed laws, but leave it to local patrolmen to make the final call.
Driving below the speed limit can be dangerous, always be aware of the drivers, pedestrians, conditions and the weather around you. We understand that sometimes accidents happen, and that sometimes you have nothing to do with causing those accidents. Fortunately, our professionals here at KW Auto Body are eager to help you get back on the road.