You are driving on a freeway with a posted speed limit of 65 mph. Traffic is traveling at 70 mph. You may legally drive:
Answers
70 mph or faster to keep up with the speed of traffic.
Between 65 mph and 70 mph.
No faster than 65 mph.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: No faster than 65 mph.
When driving on a freeway with a posted speed limit of 65 mph, you are legally required to follow that speed limit. Even though traffic is moving at 70 mph, the law dictates that you cannot exceed the posted speed limit under normal conditions.
Here’s a detailed explanation:
- Speed Limits and Legal Requirements:
Speed limits are established by state and local authorities to ensure safety and manage traffic flow. The speed limit is the maximum allowable speed for all drivers in that area unless there are special conditions (like weather, roadwork, or unusual hazards) that may require slowing down. You are legally obligated to obey the posted speed limit, regardless of the speed at which other drivers are traveling. - Speeding and Liability:
If you drive faster than the posted speed limit (in this case, 65 mph), you are technically breaking the law. While you might feel the need to match the speed of traffic to avoid being a hazard or to keep pace with other vehicles, speeding increases your risk of getting into an accident, and you could be cited for a traffic violation if caught by law enforcement. - Matching Traffic Flow:
Although it might seem safer to match the speed of traffic, it doesn’t change the legal obligation. Some drivers may travel faster than the speed limit, but this doesn’t mean it is lawful or safe. In situations where everyone is speeding, it might be tempting to do the same, but this could lead to reckless driving or accidents, especially in sudden traffic changes or hazardous conditions. - Enforcement of Speed Limits:
Law enforcement officers can issue tickets for speeding even if other drivers are going faster than the speed limit. They will base their decision on the posted speed limit rather than the flow of traffic.
In conclusion, while keeping up with traffic may seem reasonable in some circumstances, you are not legally allowed to exceed the speed limit of 65 mph. Driving no faster than the posted speed limit is the safest and most legally compliant choice.