Driving Amongst Speeders & “Slow-pokes”

Cities and towns throughout the United States are naturally at risk of having different types of drivers. We have the typical stereotypes- the country bumpkin drivers who drive with extreme caution and sometimes under the speed limit. These drivers have little distractions and rarely let anything while traveling add stress to their focus on the road. Then, we have city drivers who tend to travel faster because they are accustomed to traveling in large crowds where they may be stopped from time to time due to traffic jams and slower drivers.

The mixing of two different types of drivers can sometimes create an interesting situation. Most drivers can relate to this situation, and may have experienced a driver traveling in the left lane commuting well below the speed limit. Similarly, slower drivers may have felt the dangers of rapidly moving vehicles traveling around them at a pace that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Slower vs. Faster Drivers

Regardless of the type of driver you are- both situations can cause for a dangerous situation on the roadway. By traveling too slow, you may be hindering other vehicles from having the ability to travel around you and get to their destination on time. Additionally, slower drivers can create dangers if they travel below the suggested speed limit. This is because other speed limit-abiding vehicles who are following the suggested speed are traveling at the same pace as many other cars on the road. As a result, the situation can become dangerous when various vehicles are traveling at different rates of speed.

As a slow driver, you should be conscientious of other vehicles around you. If you choose to drive below the speed limit, realize that you are putting yourself at a risk of an accident. Make sure you are traveling in the right lane, and allow plenty of space for others to go around you. Traveling in the left lane is not only dangerous, but is breaking the roadway etiquette that is commonly known by almost all drivers. Additionally, traveling in the left lane blocks others from being able to travel around you.

For those who like to push the limits, and travel a bit faster than others around you, it's important to keep safety in consideration at all times. Pushing your limits can put you at risk of being pulled over by an officer monitoring speeds of commuting cars. Speeding tickets can carry hefty fines in some areas- and even more headache if you get a ticket while you are out of state. Additionally, speeders who get caught going above the speed limit multiple times can face more serious consequences for repeated wrongdoings and could be subject to more serious consequences.

If you like to push your luck, make sure you are traveling in the left lane. Avoid quickly swerving and cutting in front of other motorists during your commute as this can cause other drivers to become nervous and has the potential to cause an accident. Furthermore, be sure you are allowing enough distance between yourself and the car in front of you. Tailgating is another offense that many motorists tend to forget about- and can also lead to additional tickets and fines.

Staying Safe

Regardless of your driving profile, remaining safe on the roadways should always be the number one priority. Speeding not only causes more danger on the roads, but it has little effect if you are trying to get to your next destination quicker. Speeding may make the driver feel as though they will get somewhere much faster, however it does little in the long term outcome and may only save a few minutes on the road. It's not worth risking the safety and livelihood of yourself, as well as other motorists traveling at the recommended rate of speed. Consider the outcomes your decisions could have on yourself, and other families on the road.