Certain situations call for motorists to drive slowly. If you are traveling in bad weather or on substandard roads, for instance, your safest course of action is to reduce your speed. Yet, when the weather is clear and road conditions are good, it is safest to observe the speed limit in most cases.
While you likely understand the importance of traveling the speed limit, other motorists may not. If you encounter a slow motorist, it is important to understand the dangers they pose to others and to approach them with caution.
How slow motorists endanger others
Slow motorists impede the flow of traffic, whether on a two-lane road or a multi-lane highway. If drivers are backed up behind them, they may try to overtake them. In doing so, they may make sudden, unsafe maneuvers, which could result in an accident. Furthermore, slow motorists may also anger or stress out the drivers around them. Depending on how they respond, this could lead to a road rage incident.
Arizona’s laws against slow driving
In Arizona, it is illegal to drive a vehicle at a speed slow enough to impede the flow of traffic. The only exception to this rule – for motorists operating passenger vehicles – is if conditions require reduced speeds. The state also requires motorists to keep right unless they are overtaking other vehicles. When motorists are traveling below the posted speed limit in the left-hand lane, law enforcement officials may issue them a warning or a citation.
How to approach slow drivers
If you find yourself behind a slow motorist, the safest course of action is to keep your distance. Tailing them is unlikely to convince them to speed up or move over and may only aggravate them, increasing your risk of an accident. You will also want to watch for an opening to pass them. Once it is safe to do so, you should accelerate to the speed of traffic and complete your pass quickly.
If you sustained injuries in an accident with a slow motorist, you may be entitled to compensation. A personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and help you work toward a suitable settlement.
