The Dangers of Driving Slow in the Fast Lane

Aside from being annoying for other drivers, driving too slowly in the fast lane can be incredibly dangerous.

A slow driver in the fast lane disrupts the flow of traffic. If there is a slow driver in the left lane, it will likely result in an accumulation of vehicles behind them. Some could attempt to move over to the middle lane in an attempt to pass, others could become irate and develop road rage.

Although driving too slowly may not seem like a huge deal, it ultimately disturbs the flow of traffic and the likelihood of an accident increases.

The Repercussions of Impeding Traffic

For this reason, various states have imposed strict laws pertaining to impeding traffic. For example, the State of Nevada has imposed NRS484B.623 which indicates that, "A person shall not drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law." Failure to maintain a reasonable speed can result in an $1,000 fine and/or 6 months in jail; however, jail time is rarely seen as a result of this violation.

To contrast, the State of California has imposed VC 22400, which comes with a $238 fine and up to 1 point on your DMV driving record. Failure to appear in court could result in a misdemeanor.

Impeding Traffic Can Lead to Car Accidents and Other Injuries

Attorney, Brian Boyer has seen one too many cases of road rage that could have been prevented had all drivers participated in obeying the rules of the road. These instances of road rage often lead to car accidents that cause injury, or multiple injuries, and a difficult road to physical recovery.

Aside from road rage, other car accidents caused by slow driving can include:

Rear End Collisions: If a vehicle approaches a slow driver too quickly and does not have adequate time to slow or stop their vehicle.

Multi-Vehicle Collisions: If multiple vehicles are stuck behind a slow driver and one of those vehicles is rear-ended, it can cause multiple vehicles to pile up as a result.

Sideswipe Collisions: If a vehicle attempts to switch lanes to bypass the slow driver and their vehicle is struck by another vehicle in the passing lane.

Typical injuries from these types of accidents will vary by case; however, the most common can include broken bones, cuts and scarring from broken glass, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, nerve damage, anxiety and PTSD, and whiplash.

What to Do if You Are Stuck Behind A Slow Driver

It's important to remember that if you are stuck behind a driver who is driving too slowly in the fast lane, tailgating is illegal. The standard procedure for remedying the situation is to flash your headlights and if the person in front of you fails to speed up, follow at a safe distance until it is safe to move over.

If you feel the person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it is critical that you get yourself a safe distance away from the vehicle and call 911 to report your suspicion immediately.

If you have been injured as a result of the actions of a slow driver, you should contact an attorney right away. More often than not, the longer you wait to contact an attorney, the more difficult it becomes to achieve a full recovery. Moreover, each state maintains its own Statute of Limitations rule, which provides a timeframe for which an injury victim can file a claim to recover compensation for their injuries.

Check with your local personal injury attorney to discover your options for a successful recovery following a car accident. Most consultations will be free with no obligation, so there really isn't any reason why you should wait!