- September 14, 2024
- Tucker Law
- Car Accident Lawsuits
Driving Too Slow is Almost as Dangerous as Speeding
We are well aware that driving too fast for road conditions causes car accidents, but many people do not realize that drivers who drive too slow cause accidents as well. While speeding can make it harder to control a vehicle and can increase the severity of injuries in a crash, driving too slow frustrates other drivers and can cause them to make dangerous maneuvers that lead to accidents. Because of this danger, New York has specific laws prohibiting impeding traffic flow by driving too far below the speed limit or posted minimum speeds on highways, and doing so is considered a traffic violation that can result in a ticket, fine, and points on your license.
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by a slow driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses and the damages you received through insurance or a personal injury lawsuit. However, New York laws are complicated, and insurance companies are out for profit and will often try to deny claims, get you to settle for less than your case is worth, or even trick you into saying something that makes it seem as if the accident was your fault.
To get the compensation you deserve, it can help to consult with an experienced New York personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case, help prove fault, and fight for fair compensation for all accident-related damages.
Does Driving Too Slow Really Cause Accidents?
There are many reasons why driving too slow causes accidents. Here are some of them:
- When a vehicle is driving too slow, it presents an unexpected obstacle, causing other drivers to brake suddenly or make unsafe maneuvers to go around the slow driver, increasing rear-end collisions and sideswipe accidents.
- Slow vehicles in the left lane on highways impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and force others to get angry, frustrated, and make dangerous passes on the right.
- Inexperienced, insecure, impaired, or distracted slow drivers are unpredictable and more likely to make maneuvers that increase accident risks for drivers behind and around them.
- Rubberneckers who slow down suddenly to look at accidents can trigger multi-vehicle pileups from drivers behind them.
- A vehicle driving too far under the speed limit could be hidden by a corner sharp curve, causing the faster drivers behind them to brake sharply and swerve, possibly creating chain-reaction crashes.
Types of Slow Drivers
There are many reasons why motorists drive too slow, from driving out of fear or anxiety, to just not paying attention to the speed limit. The most likely types of slow drivers include:
- New drivers: Inexperienced new drivers are typically nervous and intimidated by other vehicles, especially when attempting to merge, pass, or make turns.
- Senior drivers: Elderly drivers are less secure and more likely to have visual problems, so are more likely to be overly cautious and start driving slow.
- Distracted drivers: Distracted drivers who are paying attention to something other than the road, such as rubbernecking, texting, talking on the phone, eating, changing radio stations, and looking at a GPS, may drive slower without realizing it.
- Impaired drivers. Alcohol and drugs can affect perception, so impaired drivers may not realize how slow they are going, and they may do other dangerous maneuvers such as swerving into traffic and crossing over lanes.
- Commercial vehicle drivers. Large, heavy commercial vehicles may drive slow in areas with limited visibility, steep hills or curves, which they are unable to handle at a faster speed due to their size, weight, stopping distance, and lack of maneuverability.
How to Handle Slow Drivers Safely
Coming across a slow driver on the road is frustrating, but it is something that is bound to happen. Here are a few things you can do to handle slow drivers safely:
- Stay calm and proceed with caution. Getting upset can only increase the chances that you will do something foolish and cause an additional problem, and it is important to stay focused and in control.
- Avoid driving too close to them and look for an opportunity to pass safely on the left. You should avoid passing on the right, but if the slow vehicle is in the left lane already, you may have to do so by looking for a safe moment to move into the right lane.
- Be patient and avoid honking your horn, which could startle the driver and make them do something dangerous.
- Remember that while it can be frustrating to deal with slow drivers, it is up to you to stay courteous and focused on the road instead of doing something unsafe that increases the chances that you might wind up in an accident.
Get Legal Help if You are in an Accident with a Slow Driver
There are laws against driving too slow in New York. Under Section 1181(a) of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, it is illegal to drive at “such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic” except when necessary for safe operation.
The law is on your side, so if you wind up injured in an accident that was caused by a slow driver, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses and damages that resulted, and the skilled and experienced attorneys at Tucker Lawyers can help. We can evaluate your case, conduct investigations to determine fault, and gather the necessary documentation to prove the severity of your injuries, the current and future projected costs, and how your injuries impact your life. When you have us on your side, we will calculate all the damages you are entitled to receive, pursue a fair settlement from insurance companies, and we may be able to file a lawsuit and take your case to court on your behalf if necessary.
We have won large settlements and jury awards on behalf of clients who have been injured in car accidents, and are fully prepared to do the same for you. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and there is no cost to you unless or until we win your case
Call the NYC car accident lawyers at Tucker Lawyers today to get started.
GET HELP NOW (516) 399-2364.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ Attorney Bio ]