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Is It Okay to Speed to Keep Up with the Flow of Traffic?

It’s a widely held belief that it is okay to speed as long as you are only doing so to keep up with the flow of traffic. A related myth warns drivers that it is dangerous to drive slower than the flow of traffic and that doing so may cause an accident. Legally, however, speeding is still considered speeding, even if every other driver is doing it. You can still receive a ticket for matching the flow of traffic if you are driving more than the posted speed limit, but there are other consequences as well.

Speed Can Kill

One of the leading causes of fatal accidents is speeding. When you drive faster than the posted limit, you increase the risk of a deadly accident for not only yourself, but your passengers and the other drivers on the road around you. The speed limit is set for the maximum safe speed under ideal conditions. Traffic, darkness, poor weather, and mechanical issues may decrease the safe speed for the road. By speeding, you are increasing the danger for everyone on the road.

Driving Slower Than the Flow of Traffic is Safe

Many drivers will tell you that it isn’t safe to drive slower than the flow of traffic. While it can certainly cause issues, driving slower than the flow of traffic is far safer than speeding. When you observe the posted speed limit, you are driving far more safely than the other drivers around you. If you are worried about causing a traffic jam or obstructing traffic, you should move into the right lane. Those who wish to drive recklessly and speed are free to pass you in the left lanes.

Speeding Can Have Serious Legal Consequences

If you are pulled over for speeding, you may be handed a ticket with a hefty fine. Depending on how fast you were going and the posted speed of the road, you may be looking at an increase in your auto insurance rate, demerit points applied to your driving record, driver’s license suspension, traffic school, and hundreds of dollars in fines.

Driving safely can reduce the chances of an accident, but other careless drivers may still cause accidents and injuries. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, our team at Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. is ready to help. Our dedicated, knowledgeable Reno car accident attorneys are ready to help you fight for compensation.

Contact our offices today to learn how we can help you. Call 775.227.2280.

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