Driving too slowly on expressways can be just as dangerous as driving too quickly.
a) True
b) False
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: a) True
Driving too slowly on expressways can be just as dangerous as driving too quickly. This is because expressways are designed for high-speed travel, and traffic flow relies on vehicles moving at a consistent speed. When a driver is traveling too slowly, they disrupt this flow, creating potential hazards for other drivers. Here are some reasons why driving too slowly can be dangerous:
- Traffic Disruptions: Expressways are built for vehicles traveling at higher speeds. When a car is moving significantly slower than the rest of the traffic, it forces other drivers to adjust their speed, either by braking or maneuvering around the slower vehicle. This sudden change in speed can lead to accidents, especially when other drivers are not expecting it.
- Rear-End Collisions: One of the most common types of accidents involving slow-moving vehicles on expressways is a rear-end collision. If a car is going too slowly, other drivers may not have enough time to react and stop, leading to a crash.
- Increased Risk of Aggressive Driving: Drivers may become frustrated if they are stuck behind a slow-moving vehicle, leading to risky driving behavior. This includes tailgating, weaving between lanes, or making unsafe lane changes.
- Impaired Reaction Time: Slow-moving vehicles may not be able to respond quickly enough to unexpected obstacles, such as sudden braking or changes in traffic patterns. This can increase the likelihood of accidents.
- Obstructions to Merging Traffic: Slower vehicles may also interfere with merging traffic, especially in situations where there is limited space for merging lanes. This can lead to dangerous conditions for both the slower vehicle and the vehicles trying to merge.
For these reasons, it is important to maintain a speed that is appropriate for the road conditions and traffic flow on expressways, avoiding both excessive speed and excessive slowness.