Quote:
Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive
Actually according to the National Safety Council, vehicles that are speeding cause the most fatalities, at a rate of well over two to one over the second-place cause, Careless driving. Other causes, in order, are:
Failure to yield right-of-way;
Improper lane usage;
Erratic, reckless or negligent driving;
Failure to obey traffic signs, devices or officers;
Overcorrecting;
Going the wrong way in one-way traffic;
Improper or erratic lane change;
Following improperly;
Aggressive driving/road rage;
Improper turn;
Passing with insufficient distance or visibility; and
Stopping in roadway.
It is amazing just how many people believe that speeding is not the Number One cause of traffic fatalities. But it stands to reason. You can break the laws of traffic. You CANNOT break the laws of physics.
Speed kills.
|
According to the National Sheriff's Association and the Teamster's Union, SLOW DRIVING creates unnecessary lane changes, which in turn leads to the real number 1 cause of accidents----failure to yield the right of way. Speeding is DEFINITELY NOT the number 1 cause, although speeding can lead to the other causes such as failing to yield the right of way. Still, I'd rather deal with a NASCAR champion driving 95 mph on I 75 than some bozo going 50 in the left lane
From the insurance industry:
"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."