Revealed: Shock Surge in Accidents Caused by Slow Driving

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Revealed: Shock Surge in Accidents Caused by Slow Driving

Revealed: Shock Rise in Accidents Caused by Slow Driving

Shocking new statistics from the Department for Transport have revealed a shocking rise in the number of accidents caused by slow or hesitant drivers, with casualties rocketing 31% in 2017. In all, slow driving was blamed for 175 injuries and two deaths-a total that does little to reassure people about safety on the roads.

The rise in slow-driving-related accidents is also partly put down to the increasing number of elderly drivers on UK roads. Nearly five million of the UK’s 39 million driving licence holders are over 70 years of age, including 100,000 aged 90 and above, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency said. As more and more older drivers take to the road, so the risk of accidents caused by hesitant or slow driving is growing.

However, slow driving is not an issue linked to aging alone. Bad habits, like middle-lane hogging or slowing down to see a mobile phone, are leading to dangerous driving practices. This kind of driving puts other road users in situations where they have to brake or make unnecessary overtakes, which can potentially lead to collisions.

The Hidden Dangers of Slow Driving

It is counter-intuitive, but driving too slow can be just as dangerous as driving too fast.How?

Impatience and Dangerous Overtaking: Slow drivers frustrate other drivers enough to make wild overtaking manoeuvres, sometimes in hazardous situations.
Middle-Lane Hogging: Drivers who stay in the middle lane for too long, especially at slow speeds, tend to bottle up oncoming traffic flow. The resultant avoidable delays cause overtaking and tailgating habits by drivers, thus leading to more accidents.
Congestion and Pollution: Slow driving can result in congestion and hence contribute to higher levels of pollution. Traffic delays everybody on the road, increasing travel time and causing stress for one and all.

Edmund King, president of the AA, recalled having had a particularly hazardous experience on the M3 on which a line of traffic was literally being led by a vehicle doing just 25 mph. King emphasized how that kind of slow driving can be highly dangerous and put quite an unnecessary element of risk on other road users.

Can You Be Prosecuted for Driving Too Slowly?

While not as common as fines for speeding, driving too slowly can indeed incur the wrath of the law. If you are driving too slowly that it becomes a hazard to others or is impeding the normal flow of traffic, then you can actually be taken to court for careless driving.

Some penalties for slow driving include:

A £100 fine and three points on your licence for careless driving. In more serious cases, where the slow driving creates a real hazard, you can expect a fine of up to £5,000, nine penalty points, and even a driving ban.

Note that minimum speed limits are posted in areas with a circular blue sign displaying a white number. These normally show up in a tunnel or an intersection where there is a tendency for more accidents to occur. Where minimum speed limits end, there will be a red line through the sign to indicate to drivers that they no longer have to maintain a minimum speed.

Can You Fail Your Driving Test for Driving Too Slowly?
Probably, many learners would not know driving too slowly can be a cause to fail your driving test. An examiner could mark during your test whether you are able to drive at appropriate and safe speeds for road conditions, traffic, and weather conditions.

An examiner will mark this as a fault if they feel you are driving too slowly for no apparent reason or that you have not enough confidence with the wheel. Where this is extreme, driving too slowly will result in a minor fault or even major fault that could cost you the pass.

Driving too slowly during your test gives the impression of not knowing what you are doing, which may be hazardous to other road users. This is important in showing that you have good control of your vehicle and that you can drive safely under all conditions.

Slow Driving: A Sign of Lack of Confidence?
Unusual slowness while driving is a sign of a lack of confidence. Hesitating on the wheels or reaching low speeds for apparently no reason portrays a possible lack of full control over the situation. This is not only a worry for examiners on your day of a driving test but also hazardous to other road users.

They may also be less aware of how the flow of traffic around them is going, which could make it hard for other drivers to predict what they may do. The unawareness about the flow of traffic will easily create hazardous situations such as sudden stops or other unnecessary lane changes that could foster accidents.

Road to Safer Driving
Where you are an experienced driver but have developed a concern about your driving speeds, maybe too slow, or you want to update your driving skills, you may consider advanced driving lessons. These classes are focused on enhancing your general driving technique, which will help build your confidence, ensuring you drive at a speed appropriate for the situation. Advanced driving teaches you how to look ahead and anticipate what other drivers will do, thereby improving your ability to handle slow-driving scenarios without accidents.

You can go to driving lessons with qualified instructors who can help a new driver enhance and develop their skills and confidence in driving at the right speeds through different conditions. Learning to drive with the right techniques and practice will enable you to drive safely and make decisions that keep you from falling into the accidents of slow driving.

Conclusion
Driving too slowly has serious road consequences. Whether it is congestion, forcing other drivers to make dangerous overtakes, or even accidents, driving slowly is not the less-than-harmless option it appears to be. Remember that safe and appropriate speed is the key in driving to ensure the protection of oneself and others on the road.

Next time you get behind the wheel, remember the dangers of driving too slowly. Stay within the speed limits, be ever mindful of road conditions, and drive with confidence. It may save your life-and the lives of others from accidents.

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