In any given day, on any roadway you can experience the slow driver. You know that driver that it is no hurry to get to their destination, not realizing that they are causing headaches behind them. Distracted drivers do this, too!
Although it is important to drive with caution during inclement weather, school zones, obstacles in the roadway, did you know that slow driving can sometimes be worse than driving too fast?
In Ohio you can be ticketed for driving too slowly. It is a Fourth-degree misdemeanor and are punishable by a fine of up to $150 (fines may vary). There are circumstances where a slow speed ticket can be more serious and carry the possibility of a jail sentence.
A SLOW SPEED TICKET CAN BE CHARGED AS A:
• Fourth-Degree Misdemeanor — When you have a conviction or guilty plea on your record for one prior motor vehicle offense in the preceding year. A fourth-degree misdemeanor can be punished with a sentence of up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $250.
• Third-Degree Misdemeanor — When you have convictions or guilty pleas on your record for two or more motor vehicle offenses in the preceding year. A third-degree misdemeanor can be punished with a sentence of up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
Driving slower than the surrounding traffic is more likely to cause an accident than speeding, according to research. Driving too slowly can make other drivers around you constantly brake and speed up. It can be frustrating for other drivers, cause confusion and could lead to an accident. Forcing other drivers to adapt to the slower speed could force the other drivers to possibly pass on the right side (if slow driver is impeding the center or left lane). Slow drivers can affect how others react to situations. Ex: waiting behind a slow driver to make a left turn, that driver takes too long and then you must react different and possibly make an unsafe judgement call. Other drivers may tailgate the slow driver, to “push” them along.
Why Do People Drive Under the Speed Limit?
One of the most common reasons motorists drive under the speed limit is because they are driving while distracted. Typically, drivers are distracted by cell phones. They are paying more attention to their phone and try to slow down to multitask. However, this is not safe and can lead to collisions.
How do we deal with slow drivers safely?
Make yourself visible to the slow driver by quickly flashing your lights at them from a safe distance to get their attention. If that does not work, you can use your car horn. A quick beep may get their attention. However, excessive honking and laying on the horn is not the way to remedy this situation. The constant alarming noise could also bother or startle those around you. When a slow driver is in your vicinity, you must be aware of everything around you and be patient and make a good decision on how to get around or away from the slow driver.
