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Are you actually telling me driving too slowly is dangerous?

On Behalf of | Jan 18, 2017 | Car Accidents |

Yes. That slow moving vehicle in front of you that causes you intense frustration also poses a risk to your life and the lives of everyone else on the road. Most law enforcement agencies and safety advocates focus on how excessive speed kills and neglect the fact that driving too slowly also comes with risks.

You probably encounter slow moving drivers on Tennessee’s interstates far too often. If able, you drive around them. Otherwise, you sit in the traffic jam created by the slow vehicle.

Why do some people driver under the speed limit?

Driving under the speed limit happens from time to time for a variety of reasons. For example, if lost, you tend to drive slowly as you attempt to find your way. However, the following groups tend to do so more often than others do:

1. Distracted drivers often slow down as they text, eat or drink or perform any other activity that takes their attention off the road. While distracted, these drivers may fail to notice you behind them.

2. As people age, they tend to driver more slowly. The causes vary depending on the individual. Impaired vision, weaker muscles or some other physical or mental ailment often contributes to slow driving.

3. The media, law enforcement and others often criticize teenagers for driving too fast, but not all teens do so. Some drive slowly because of nervousness, inexperience and anxiety.

4. Tourists are the final group. Taking in the sights and unfamiliar streets lead to their slowing down while driving.

Regardless of why a driver ends up driving below the speed limit, accidents sometimes occur in their wake.

Were you involved in an accident with a slow moving vehicle on an interstate?

A common misconception exists that accidents at or below the speed limit do not involve severe injuries or fatalities. Traveling at 55 mph on a 70 mph interstate can absolutely lead to serious crashes. As a victim, you retain the right to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.

Just because he or she drove slowly does not negate the fact that person’s actions caused or contributed to your injuries. In addition, if you lost a loved one to an accident with a slow driver, you reserve the right to file a wrongful death claim.