Slow Driving Dangers: How Driving Too Slowly Can Cause Accidents

When you think of road rage or the rising cases of road accidents, the first thing that often comes to mind is speeding. However, slow driving, too, can be just as dangerous. Speed limits are put up for a reason; driving too slowly can disrupt the flow of vehicle traffic and give way to potential safety hazards. 

When inexperienced or overly cautious drivers drive slower than the surrounding traffic, they give rise to potential accident causes such as speed variations, lane obstruction, rear-end collisions, etc. While speeding isn’t safe and is considered one of the leading causes of accidents, it is also crucial to understand slow driving dangers and ways to tackle them. Read on to learn more about slow driving, its ill effects and why it must be avoided.

What is Slow Driving?

Slow driving refers to driving significantly below the mentioned speed limit. There are various reasons why people drive slowly. Some of the common types of slow drivers include distracted drivers, new and inexperienced drivers, senior citizens, etc. Irrespective of the reason, such drivers lead to several slow-driving accidents. When you drive slowly, you indirectly affect the patience of other motorists around you, causing a safety threat not just for yourself but also to other vehicles on the road. Slow driving increases the likelihood of irrational decision-making by other motorists, leading to road rage or potential accidents.

Furthermore, most drivers lack patience and end up overtaking vehicles that are moving too slowly. This poses a significant threat, especially on highways where every vehicle is expected to follow a specific speed range, and driving slower than that can cause collisions. If a driver overtakes a slow vehicle, it increases the chances of the following vehicle bumping into the slow vehicle, thereby causing injury and damage. It is important to keep in mind that when you’re driving below the required speed limit, you are not only affecting other drivers but also putting your life at risk.

Major Risks of Slow Driving

While driving on the road, drivers need to consider the impact of their actions on other motorists. Driving slowly often causes other vehicles to overtake, causing collisions and other road accidents. Here are some major risks of slow driving:

1. Increased Risk of Rear-End Collisions

Drivers following the required speed limit on highways may quickly catch-up to a slow driver. In such scenarios, the speed difference can make it difficult for them to stop in time causing rear-end collisions. This can further elevate to multiple collisions as most drivers are in speed and might find it impossible to hit the brakes at the right time.

2. Disrupting the Traffic Flow

Driving below the speed limit can disrupt the traffic flow by creating bottlenecks and blocking lanes. Especially in lanes designated for fast-moving traffic, slow driving makes it difficult for other vehicles to pass through by causing a slowdown and increasing backup traffic.

3. Encouraging Risky Overtaking

In India, vehicles are driven on the left side of the road and overtaking is done from the right side. Slow drivers tend to block the right lane, causing other motorists to overtake from the left, increasing the risks of slow driving accidents.

4. Causing Road Rage and Aggressive Driving

Slow drivers tend to trigger road rage among other motorists. People may choose to engage in aggressive driving practices such as tailgating, road rage, risky lane changing, etc. when faced with slow driving. Additionally, it also impairs or lessens the visibility of other drivers making it difficult for them to anticipate any potential dangers.

5. Forcing Drivers to Make Quick Decisions

Speed limits are mentioned for a reason. When a vehicle is moving slower than the expected speed range, other drivers may not expect the sudden speed change, forcing them to make quick adjustments that could lead to severe complications.

How to Handle Slow Drivers?

We all have been in such situations at least once in a lifetime, where we’re driving through a fast lane, but the car in front keeps driving unbelievably slow. Such scenarios can be frustrating and cause you to lose your cool and make hasty decisions. Nevertheless, here’s what you could do instead.

1. Keep cool

It is easy to lose your patience when the car in front of you doesn’t follow the basic speed limits. However, losing your temper could lead you to make quick adjustments, such as overtaking from the wrong side, changing lanes abruptly, etc. These decisions can not only cost you your life but also put other vehicles in danger.

2.  Overtake Safely if Possible

Overtake carefully, only if there is sufficient space on the right side of the slow moving vehicle. If there isn’t enough space, maintain a safe following distance until you get the opportunity to change lanes.

3. Check if there’s a Reason for Slow Driving

Often, drivers can get frustrated with slow-moving vehicles without realising that there could be a reason for this behaviour. If the driver in front of you is moving slowly, use the opportunity to look for signs of danger ahead.

4. Use Horn Carefully

Oftentimes, drivers lose their cool and tend to honk endlessly. It is not only rude, but it can also make the slow driver lose their temper and make a mistake. A short honk must be sufficient to signal the driver to move out of the way and let you pass.

Conclusion

While the feeling of being behind a slow-moving vehicle is frustrating, it is crucial to remember that one bad decision can cause severe repercussions, costing you your life. Safe driving not only comprises driving within the speed limit, it also includes keeping your cool and ensuring a safe driving environment for other motorists on the road. Similar to speeding, the increase in slow driving dangers makes it crucial to create awareness among people. Follow the above-mentioned tips the next time you hit the road and are faced with a slow driver. Drive safely and carefully!

FAQs

1. Can you get a ticket for driving too slowly?

Yes, you can get a ticket for driving too slowly, especially if your slow pace is disrupting the flow of traffic or creating hazards.

2. What types of accidents are caused by slow driving?

Slow driving can cause several accidents, such as rear-end collisions, multi-vehicle pile-ups and side-impact accidents.

3. How does slow driving affect other drivers?

Slow driving affects other drivers by blocking lanes, impairing visibility, reducing reaction time and increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.