Driving Too Slowly Can Be Dangerous

Often, when people think about the most dangerous driving habits, speeding tops their list. Indeed, speeding is a dangerous habit, and this habit is to blame for a lot of deaths. According to the NHTSA, speeding is a factor in about one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. In 2021 alone, the NHTSA estimates that 12,330 people died in speeding-related accidents in the U.S. However, driving too slowly can also be dangerous. In fact, it can be just as dangerous as speeding. Driving too slowly can cause accidents that result in severe injuries and even death.

If you or a loved one suffers injuries due to a speeding driver, it is quite obvious that you can file a personal injury claim against the speeding driver. You may also be eligible to file a personal injury claim after suffering injuries due to a slow driver. Contact a qualified attorney for legal guidance if you or a loved one suffered injuries because of a slow driver. An attorney can assess your case and determine if you are eligible for compensation.

Types of Slow Drivers

Motorists drive too slowly for various reasons. The following are some of the types of slow drivers;

Distracted Drivers

According to the CDC, distracted driving causes nine deaths every day in the U.S. A distracted driver is one who engages in another activity while driving. Unfortunately, distractions take the motorist’s attention away from driving. When a driver’s attention is taken away from the task of driving, one of the many things that can happen is that they may end up driving too slowly.

Rubberneckers                                                                                                      

Rubbernecking is a term that is usually used to describe the act of a driver taking their eyes off the road to look at a distraction, such as an arrest or accident. Rubbernecking results in a driver slowing down so they can look at the distraction, and at times, rubberneckers drive too slowly, causing an accident.

New Drivers

It can be intimidating for a new motorist to navigate traffic. For example, when a new driver merges with traffic on a highway, they might drive slower than other vehicles assuming that by doing so, they are being safe. However, this can be dangerous since other drivers must slow down too, often quickly.

How Slow Drivers Can Cause Accidents

Driving too slowly is a traffic hazard that can confuse other drivers. Driving too slowly can impact the flow of traffic and create a dangerous situation. It is crucial for all drivers to consider how their actions (including how fast or slow they drive) affect other drivers. Additionally, it is vital that you know what to do if you encounter a slow driver. For example, you should avoid tailgating as a way to intimidate the other driver or overtaking without regard to your surroundings.

All that said, you should know there are times when driving slowly is advisable and acceptable. Situations when driving slowly is acceptable and advisable include;

• During bad weather
• Near school buses
• When the flow of traffic slows
• Near animals
• When you see an obstacle on the road

Contact Us for Legal Help

You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one has suffered injuries because of a slow driver. Our skilled London car accident attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm can assess your case and guide you accordingly.

Source:

nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding#:~:text=For%20more%20than%20two%20decades,26%25%20of%20all%20traffic%20fatalities