Driving too slowly, for most people, is not what comes to mind when asked to name dangerous driving habits. What comes to mind, in fact, is speeding. Speeding is certainly dangerous, accounting for one-third of all fatal car accidents, but driving too slowly is just as bad. Slow driving interrupts the flow of traffic and is confusing and frustrating for other drivers on the road. Should you encounter a slow driver, try to pass on the left, but if the other driver is in the far-left lane, slow down and stay as far away as you can. Once the slow driver is well ahead of you, pass on the right.
The slow driver means well. They’re just being cautious. They just don’t realize the danger that they are as the drive at a snail’s pace. Sometimes the slow driver is a new and inexperienced driver. At other times, it’s the opposite and the slow driver is an aging senior who can no longer see or hear well, besides which, their reaction time is no longer what it was. Rubbernecking can also result in driving too slowly.
Driving Too Slowly and the Law
Some states consider slow driving to be a traffic violation. It doesn’t happen very often, but if you live in those states and drive slowly, you may just be ticketed. Especially if you’re blocking traffic or are otherwise posing a hazard to others on the road.
While driving too slowly is generally not a good thing, sometimes driving slowly is indicated. For example, when the weather is bad, you should slow down. But then so should the other drivers. Also, when traffic is heavy, you can’t really drive at the regular pace. You have no choice but to drive slowly.
When to Drive Slow
There are other reasons to drive more slowly. Drivers should slow down near railroad tracks, around school buses, and certainly when there is an obstacle up ahead. Driving slower is also indicated when there is an animal on the road or nearby. Aside from injuring or killing the animal, hitting one can cause car accidents, too.
If you suspect you drive too slow for comfort, it pays to consider why. If you’re a new driver, practice makes perfect. Just don’t do it around other drivers. Find a big empty parking lot and practice to your heart’s content—until you feel more confident about driving up to speed. Literally.
