Driving slowly might seem like a safe approach to navigating the roads. However, in certain situations, it can actually increase the risk of car crashes. While speeding is often highlighted as a leading cause of accidents, driving too slowly can be just as dangerous — particularly when it disrupts the flow of traffic or leads to unpredictable behavior by other drivers.
Roads and highways are designed with certain speed limits in mind, and when a driver goes significantly below these limits, it can cause confusion and frustration among other drivers. For instance, a driver traveling well below the speed limit on a busy highway can force faster-moving vehicles to suddenly brake or swerve, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions or side-swipe accidents.
In Kansas and Missouri, where highways and rural roads are common, slow driving can be particularly problematic. On highways, slower drivers may cause traffic jams, leading to sudden lane changes and aggressive driving behaviors as other drivers attempt to pass. In rural areas with narrow, winding roads, slow driving can create bottlenecks, prompting risky overtaking maneuvers that could result in head-on collisions.
Driver frustration and aggressive responses
Driving too slowly can also lead to road rage and aggressive driving. When drivers encounter someone moving at a much slower pace than expected, especially in areas where passing is difficult, it can lead to frustration and impatience. This frustration might cause other drivers to tailgate, make unsafe lane changes or engage in other aggressive driving behaviors in an attempt to get around the slow driver. These aggressive actions increase the chances of accidents, putting everyone on the road at risk.
There are also certain conditions where slow driving can be particularly hazardous. For example, in poor weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog or snow, driving too slowly can reduce a motorist’s visibility to other drivers. On high-speed roads, a slow-moving vehicle may not be seen in time for others to react safely. Similarly, at night, a slow-moving car without adequate lighting or reflectors can become a hidden hazard on dark roads.
In both Kansas and Missouri, drivers are required by law to maintain a reasonable speed that is safe for the conditions and to not impede the normal flow of traffic. If a crash occurs because a driver was going too slowly, they may be held liable for any resulting damages.