Should you always drive more slowly than other traffic?
Answers
No, you can block traffic when you drive too slowly.
Yes, it is a good defensive driving technique.
Yes, it is always safer than driving faster than other traffic.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: No, you can block traffic when you drive too slowly.
While it’s important to drive cautiously and at a safe speed, driving significantly slower than the flow of traffic can create hazards. Here’s why:
- Risk of Causing Traffic Congestion:
Driving too slowly can disrupt the flow of traffic, especially on highways or roads where the average speed is higher. If other drivers need to frequently change lanes to go around you, it increases the risk of accidents and can cause traffic jams. - Legal Speed Limits:
In most jurisdictions, driving too slowly can be illegal. Speed limits are set to ensure vehicles travel at a pace that is safe and efficient. Driving far below the speed limit may be considered impeding traffic and could result in a traffic violation or fine. - Safety Considerations:
Defensive driving involves adapting to conditions around you and maintaining a safe but reasonable speed. Driving much slower than surrounding traffic can increase the risk of rear-end collisions. Other drivers might not expect a slower vehicle and may not have enough time to react if they’re following too closely. - Adjusting to Conditions:
It’s important to drive according to the road conditions, but this doesn’t always mean driving slower than others. In some cases, driving with the flow of traffic is safer, even if it’s slightly above the posted speed limit, as it reduces the chances of causing confusion or forcing other drivers to make sudden maneuvers.
Defensive driving techniques involve anticipating potential hazards, but they do not require driving excessively slowly. The key is driving at a speed that’s safe for current conditions while maintaining consistency with traffic. If you feel that the pace of other vehicles is too fast for your comfort, it’s better to find a safer location to pull over and allow others to pass rather than drastically slowing down.