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This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.
We all know folks want to speed so they can get where they want to go faster. This is ironic because going 10-15 miles per hour over the speed limit isn’t going to take much time off your commute. Going even faster than this is going to probably result in a collision of some sort.
Going too slow on the road also causes accidents. Drivers need to be aware of the habits they develop when first learning how to drive. They can then observe proper speed limits and react to the people around them accordingly. Is it illegal to drive in the left lane? This side of the road is often used only for passing.
People who drive in the left lane are stalling traffic, causing havoc for others. We’ll also discuss left-lane driving, along with turning too slow around corners and getting out of the way of emergency vehicles. All of these topics can be confusing to remember for new and old drivers alike, so reminding yourself of the rules of the road is always a great choice to make.
New Drivers Often Go Too Slow
Teens are often thought of as always going too fast for their own good. They feel the freedom of the road and they have a need for speed. But another bad driving habit for some newbies is they drive too timidly. Their fear of the unknown combines with years of being told not to drive fast, and they go too far the other way.
Driving too slow can cause a traffic jam, especially when you are going below the speed limit on the freeway. Things like merging, switching lanes with enough speed, and other decision-making should be made promptly so other drivers don’t have to brake for you.
Slow driving is often nervous driving. Being confident when on the road will often lead to sound choices and going the proper speed. This is not necessarily the same thing as fast decision-making. It just means you are aware of what the situation calls for because you are a prepared driver.
Being aware of all the rules of the road and practicing what you have learned are two of the best remedies for nervous or slow driving. But what about specific times when driving too slow causes young drivers issues?
Turning With Accurate Speed
Let’s talk about turning at a good speed. Making a turn is one of the first basic maneuvers a driver has to learn. It can be hard to gauge just how fast to turn at an intersection, so many young drivers round the corner like a tortoise. Once again, this could really slow the flow of traffic.
Drivers behind you could rear-end you or hit others because they aren’t paying attention to your slower speed. Make sure that you talk to your driving instructor or parental figure about how to master turning speeds when you first learn how to drive.
Left-Lane Driving Laws
We all know that we like to use the left lane to pass slower drivers in the right lane. But did you know that many states have laws that prohibit driving in the left lane unless you’re passing or turning? Some of the states where this is the law include Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, and New Jersey.
You could get a ticket with fines equivalent to a speeding ticket for driving in the left lane. This is because driving too slow in the left lane makes other drivers weave in and out of the traffic to get around you. Driving is a complex activity where one person’s decision affects other people’s decision-making.
Check with your driver’s education teacher when you are learning how to drive to see whether the state you are in has specific rules about driving in the left lane. If you have forgotten the rules in your state after driving for many years, perhaps take a touch-up course online.
Get out of the Way of Emergency Vehicles
One of the most stressful jobs in the world is driving an emergency vehicle like a fire truck or a medical van. Normal drivers must keep the roads safe for these people by getting out of the way when the emergency lights come on. This means getting to the side of the road quickly but safely.
If you go too slow when getting over for emergency vehicles, you are creating a very dangerous environment for the vehicles around you. Be aware of these vehicles by looking in your mirrors and paying attention to the road rather than things happening inside your car.
Sometimes parents who have kids or teenagers who have friends in the car can cause a distraction, making the driver slow to react to emergency situations.
What is more dangerous: driving too fast or too slow?
So what is the verdict here? Is it more dangerous to drive too fast or too slow? The answer is that it depends on the situation. You need to always follow the posted speed limits on your roads. Paying attention to the road and not getting distracted is the best way to make sure you always know what the speed limit is.
Don’t make decisions on the road that make it harder for others to drive. Driving too slow on the freeway might cause a fatal crash. Going too fast in a school zone might cause you to hit a kid.
Both situations are potentially deadly. You need to drive with intelligence and common sense. It’s all about being aware of your surroundings and adjusting to make a safe decision. Listening to the things you learned in a defensive driving lesson or school is a great way to incorporate safe decision-making into your life when you get behind the wheel.
Be aware of what is happening around you, and there should be no more worries about your driving speed. Everyone will be safe and get to where they need to go in one piece. Driving is already dangerous enough. Not going the proper speed makes it even more treacherous.
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Shawn Laib writes and researches the auto insurance comparison site, AutoInsurance.org. He wants to warn drivers about the risks of driving too fast or too slow.
This content is brought to you by Anne Davis.
Photo by Art Markiv on Unsplash
