distracted driving accidents in WA
It’s common knowledge that speeding can lead to car accidents, but did you know that the opposite issue can also lead to accidents? If a person is driving slower than the other cars on the road, it can put them and other drivers at risk. In this article, we will go over some of the causes behind slow driving and why it can be dangerous.
In some instances, it’s crucial to slow down on the road to stay safe. Some examples include when the road is wet or icy, there are sharp curves in the road, if an animal is crossing the road, near railroad tracks, and in school zones. If there’s an accident on the road, you should slow down to pass by it. You may also have to slow down in construction zones. Heavy traffic is another cause of drivers going below the speed limit. However, you should not drive slowly all the time.
Let’s go over some reasons why slow driving happens (aside from when it’s needed for safety). Firstly, sometimes drivers think they are being safe by driving slowly. Inexperienced drivers still learning may be hesitant to drive at higher speeds, despite the posted speed limit. A driver might also be going slow because they are distracted by something else, such as texting, messing with the radio, doing their makeup, or another activity. When people are going slow for these reasons, they could do the opposite of being safe, and pose a danger to others on the road. Large commercial trucks may also drive slower than the other vehicles on the road. This is because of how heavy and difficult to maneuver they are.
Not only can driving under the speed limit affect the flow of traffic, but it can also put other drivers in danger. Although we discussed situations where people should drive more slowly, there are also situations where slow driving can cause accidents. Some examples of this are driving slowly in the left lane and not allowing others to pass, driving slowly because of being distracted, driving too slow when merging onto a high-speed road, and refusing to use turnouts when a driver should. When a person is driving slowly in the left lane, it can cause a traffic jam. It may also cause other vehicles to weave in and out of traffic.
When drivers are going significantly under the speed limit (ten miles per hour below), they are six times more likely to cause an accident than someone following the speed limit. There are many reasons for this, such as sudden, frequent braking. When drivers come up behind a slow driver, they may have to slam on their brakes to avoid crashing into them. Stopping distance on a freeway (or other roads with high speed limits) is farther than you would expect, which means that braking may not be enough to avoid an accident. When there is slow-moving traffic, drivers caught up in it will have to stop and go frequently. Even just a moment of inattention can cause an accident.
Distracted Driving Lawyer WA
Another reason why slow driving can cause accidents is because of aggression. When a person is driving slowly, it can make others on the road angry. Angry drivers are more likely to engage in reckless or aggressive behaviors. These behaviors include tailgating, flashing lights, swerving, cutting off the slow driver, and more. These erratic behaviors can easily lead to a car accident. An aggressive driver might block a slow driver and purposefully drive slowly to “teach them a lesson.” However, this can worsen the situation and lead to an accident. Drivers need to focus on themselves, and not try to teach others how to drive. Drive defensively to protect yourself, and don’t engage in reckless behaviors. Road rage can lead to fatal accidents.
Washington state actually has minimum speed regulations. Drivers are not allowed to drive their vehicle so slowly that it impedes the regular flow of traffic. The exception to this is when it’s necessary to drive at a reduced speed for safety reasons. Local authorities in Washington can declare a minimum speed limit in an area if slow speeds are unreasonably impeding traffic. They are required to put up signs in that case. If a person drives below that minimum speed limit, they could get into legal trouble.
To stay safe around drivers going too slowly, the best thing that you can do is pass them and avoid them if possible. Remember not to engage with slow drivers, which can put you at risk of getting into an accident. You should always try to maintain a safe following distance behind the cars ahead of you. That way, if they suddenly slow down or stop, you won’t crash into them. Another piece of advice you should follow is to watch out for smaller vehicles and motorcycles while you are driving. If they are driving slowly, it can be harder to see them and a driver might crash into them.
Cases where a person was injured because of someone driving slowly are less common than accidents from speeding. Personal injury claims from slow driver accidents can be difficult to navigate, which is why it’s important to have an experienced car accident lawyer by your side. Sears Injury Law has successfully won significant amounts of compensation for accident victims. We work to help injury victims get justice. Because our team focuses on personal injury law, we are well-equipped to handle your claim. Our experience means that you can focus on healing while we take care of everything for you.
Reach out to Sears Injury Law to get started on your personal injury claim. We will take the time to understand you and your situation so that we can best represent you. We will give you a free case consultation. Our team can help you make an informed decision that will be the best option for you.
We don’t get paid until you do, meaning that you won’t have to worry about covering legal fees during the claims process. Get in touch as soon as possible so that we can get the ball rolling.
