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Sometimes the Tortoise Loses the Race: The Dangers of Driving Too Slowly

Hogan Leatherwood

Sometimes the Tortoise Loses the Race: The Dangers of Driving Too Slowly

When people think about dangerous driving habits, speeding usually tops the list. In fact, speeding is a factor in nearly one-third of all fatal car accidents. But did you know that driving too slowly can also cause serious crashes? Excessively slow driving disrupts traffic flow, frustrates other drivers, and creates unexpected hazards on Texas roads.

Consequences of Driving Too Slowly

In many states, operating a vehicle far below the speed limit can lead to a traffic violation. For example:

  • Texas law penalizes drivers moving “so slowly as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.”
  • In Ohio, excessively slow driving is classified as a fourth-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $150.

While less common than speeding tickets, citations for impeding traffic highlight just how dangerous slow driving can be.

Common Types of Slow Drivers

Slow driving happens for many reasons, but each situation increases the chance of an accident:

  • Distracted Drivers – Those texting, eating, or fumbling with GPS devices often reduce their speed unexpectedly, creating sudden hazards.
  • New Drivers – Inexperienced motorists may mistakenly think “slower is safer,” especially when merging onto highways.
  • Senior Drivers – Physical limitations like reduced vision or slower reflexes sometimes cause older drivers to move well under the speed limit.
  • Rubberneckers – Motorists who slow down to stare at accidents, landmarks, or roadside activity disrupt traffic flow and create chain-reaction risks.

If these factors contribute to a crash, victims may have the right to pursue claims under various auto accident cases such as distracted driving crashes, rear-end collisions, or even fatal car accidents.

Implications for Traffic Safety

Slow drivers often trigger dangerous passing maneuvers, forcing others to take risks they wouldn’t normally take. To reduce accidents, slower drivers should:

  • Stay in the right lane whenever possible.
  • Pull over safely to allow faster vehicles to pass.

When they don’t, the risk of serious car accidents increases significantly.

Safely Navigating Around Slow Drivers

If you find yourself behind a slow driver:

  • Pass on the left whenever possible.
  • Keep a safe following distance until you have a clear opportunity.
  • Make sure there are no hidden hazards causing the slow driving.
  • Double-check for motorcycles or smaller vehicles before changing lanes.
  • Always obey speed limits and traffic laws when overtaking.

When Driving Slowly Is Appropriate

There are times when slow driving is the safe choice, including:

  • Severe weather conditions (rain, fog, ice).
  • Heavy traffic congestion.
  • Approaching school zones or railroad crossings.
  • When animals or road obstacles are present.
  • Near school buses making stops.

In these scenarios, reduced speed protects everyone on the road.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a speeding driver or an excessively slow driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation. At Leatherwood Law, our attorneys have recovered millions for clients hurt in cases ranging from drunk driving accidents to hit-and-run injuries and trucking accidents.

📞 Call us today at 1-877-664-6665 or email intake@leatherwoodfirm.com for a free consultation.

Your rights, recovery, and future are too important to leave to chance.