
Certainly, there can be no argument that speeding is dangerous and the cause of thousands of accidents and deaths each year. But driving under the speed limit is equally dangerous- a topic not many consider.
Highway driving has no fixed minimum speed unless a minimum speed limit is posted. Sometimes, weather conditions dictate driving under the posted speed limit to ensure safety.
However, you can be cited for obstructing traffic if you are impeding the safe forward progress of other vehicles on the roadways. Texas Transportation Code Section 545.363 provides:
“An operator may not drive so slowly as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.”
It is possible to get a ticket for driving too slowly, particularly on highways. If a driver goes fifteen miles below the speed limit in good driving conditions, this might be considered impeding traffic and an offense.
The times that require a driver to slow their vehicle below-posted speed limits include the duty to “decrease speed when approaching and crossing an intersection when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching a hill crest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway, or when special hazards exist concerning pedestrians or other traffic or because of weather or highway conditions.”
Driving at such a slow speed that impedes normal traffic flow can result in a citation unless the reduced speed is necessary for safety reasons. In that case, speed can be decreased as needed to avoid a collision.
Speeding is widely acknowledged as a dangerous driving habit. It is considered dangerous because it significantly contributes to fatal traffic accidents, accounting for approximately one-third of such incidents. However, it is essential to recognize that driving too slowly can also be hazardous and is seen as equally dangerous as speeding.
Speeding threatens road safety by disrupting the established flow of traffic. By exceeding the prescribed speed limit, drivers create a disparity between their vehicle’s speed and that of other vehicles sharing the road. This discrepancy in velocities can lead to confusion and frustration among other drivers, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Moreover, speeding drivers often engage in distracted driving behaviors, compromising their ability to remain focused on the road and other vehicles. This distraction can impair their reaction time and judgment, elevating the risk of collisions. Additionally, some speeders may lack experience or be unfamiliar with road rules, making their actions even more unpredictable and jeopardizing the safety of all road users.
In summary, speeding is considered a dangerous driving habit due to its association with many fatal traffic accidents. It disrupts traffic flow, frustrates other drivers, and increases the risk of distraction and impaired judgment, creating an unsafe driving environment for everyone on the road.
One of the biggest factors for car accidents is speed disparity, and you can have a truck going so slow on the highway that it is a hazard to the motoring public. Or worse, an illegally parked semi-truck.
Overall, it’s best to use common sense. Slow down in nasty weather; otherwise, in good driving weather, stay at or near posted speed limits on busy highways and always slow down when necessary to avoid an accident.
Impeding traffic can create a host of problems on the road, including:
Driving too slowly can also decrease the overall efficiency of traffic flow, causing delays and congestion. Furthermore, impeding traffic can have a ripple effect, impacting not only the driver who is driving too slowly but also other drivers on the road.
You may also wish to consider your vehicle location relative to an 18-wheeler in that big trucks have known blind shots that cause many accidents. Also, it takes a commercial truck up to 1/3 longer to stop, so having a truck on your tail is to be avoided whenever possible. Add in adverse weather conditions, and crashes become more likely.
There are various reasons why a driver may be driving at a slow speed, including:
It’s essential to understand these reasons for driving slowly to adapt to different driving situations and contribute to road safety. However, it’s also important to be aware of the potential consequences of driving too slowly and to take steps to avoid impeding traffic.
The penalties for driving too slowly can vary depending on the location and circumstances. Fines can range from $50 to $200 or more, and accumulating points on a driver’s license can lead to increased insurance rates. In some cases, drivers may also face the option to defend themselves or question the citation in court.
If you receive a ticket for driving too slowly, there are several defenses you can use to contest the citation. These include:
It’s essential to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney to understand your rights and options in a traffic-ticket case. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and potentially get the citation dismissed or reduced.
Related Resources:
Why We Need Federal Maximum Speed Limits for Trucks
Speed governors to be required for big rigs
Houston Speeding Truck Accident Attorney Near Me
Tire Failure and Semi Truck Accidents
What You Need to Know About Investigating an 18-Wheeler Accident in Texas
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