Is fast driving also safer driving?

Question

I know this sounds like a provocation, but I know people who swear it's the slow drivers who cause the accidents. I happen to be a slow driver, and I haven't caused any crashes at all in the past 32 years, but I do wonder whether there is more behind this than common sense.
Does anybody know of any studies or scientific findings that indicate otherwise?
I am taking so much flak these days for not speeding and not passing aggressively by my passengers that I am beginning to wonder if maybe I've got it all wrong.
Thanks for your answers in advance.

Answer 1

Driving at the same speed as others is, in fact, safer.

less people tailgate you, less people are driving faster than you, which means less variables to disable your car.

there are probably more reasons than that,
you could argue that driving slower is safer, but think

what happens when you see a slow person? you pass them, and passing is more dangerous than just driving and not passing. you're adding more danger when you pass someone so if you're driving on a one lane, i suppose it's ok to drive slower, but in a multi lane highway or free way, you go with the pack, there are more cars around and more ways and chances to get into a wreck by passing.

you don't want to go faster than them all, or slower than them all..

like the one above stated: "two objects going the same speed (velocity) never collide."

Answer 2

I personally think it is a bit safer, but you shouldn't be going so fast you're passing everyone up and trying to find ways around other cars. It's easier to swerve out of the way if something DOES happen when you're going at a higher speed, given you're not in a Hummer or some large vehicle. A knife is also said to be safer when it's sharper, that doesn't reall seem to make sense either, but when you start to think about it, then it starts to be a bit clearer. Plus not ALL wrecks are caused by slow drivers, don't let anyone make you think that, the wrecks are caused by the people going so far over the speed limit that they can't slow down for people who are actually taking the consideration of other people to obey the speed limit.

Answer 3

Driving too fast is as bad or worse as driving too slow.

I am guilty of having a lead foot most times, and I get annoyed by the driver that I consider to be too slow when they are in the passing lane. Why? Because it is the "passing" lane. You should do exactly that....get in the lane, go faster to pass the other vehicle, and then get out of the way for the next motorist.

But even so there are a few things I would suggest that you try to avoid:

1) Never go more than 5-10 miles faster or slower than the cars around you. If you are doing 35 or 40 in a 55 zone, you have to realize that there is probably a guy coming up from behind at 60 or 65. He will likely have to brake or swerve to avoid you, and hopefully if he is doing that speed, he is paying attention and not on the phone, having a taco, counting his change, or drinking!

2) Try not to honk, flash your lights, or give someone the finger when you encounter someone who is going too slow or too fast. With road rage the way it is, why would you want to lose your life just because some idot wants to pass you or you want to pass them. You will probably both get stuck at the next off ramp or light anyway.

3) Signal your intent to merge or switch lanes well in advance. From what I have seen here in my neighborhood, I think the signal lights must now be optional on new models of cars since I rarely see them. Someone is more likely to have an accident because another driver swerves into their lane unexpectedly rather than is driving too slow in the lane ahead of them.

And you should drive at the speed you are comfortable with. I feel safer driving at higher speeds on the highways because the cars flying up at my back window make me nervous as I think the guy behind me may hit me. Meanwhile, I have confidence in my driving that I can anticipate the actions of the people in front of me and the road ahead. On city roads, I'm the opposite...my driving is usually a few mph below the speed limit, as I can never anticipate when a child, bicyclist, or car door may pop in front of my route.

As others have said...do what you feel is right.

Answer 4

Well in Germany they have the Autobahn with someplaces where you can go as fast as you want. The wrecks are horrific let me tell you. Often involving more than 2 cars or trucks. Go the speed limit and dont let the passengers be "back seat drivers". If you havent wrecked or hurt someone yet you must be doing it right.

Answer 5

NO fast driving is not safer! the only concession to speeding you should make is to stay within two car lengths of area traffic. You are actually safer going at the posted speed because you have more reaction time to respond. Remember it takes two seconds for every ten MPH to react and safely avoid any accident.

Answer 6

I know of one relevant scientific finding: objects going the same direction at the SAME SPEED will never collide.
btw, you probably DID cause a crash or two: what about the driver stuck behind you who finally got by and then tried to 'make up time'?

Answer 7

Simple physics - going 70 mph instead of 55 mph not only is 15 mph faster, but it DOUBLES the impact of an accident.

Thinks about that next time someone asks you to press the gas.

Answer 8

reward of using rapid: often times get the place you're going a couple of minutes in the previous hazards of using rapid: extreme gasoline intake, pointless engine and tire placed on, rushing tickets, and in all likelihood loss of existence reward of using sluggish: good gasoline economic equipment, you get to relish the atmosphere, you have greater time to react to a distinctive driving force, much less placed on on the vehicle and tires hazards of using sluggish: greater time from element a to show b, could anger different drivers. New and green drivers could force the place all of us else drives, they could learn someway. previous drivers could be examined each year for their motor skills and reaction time. in the event that they are in a position to maintain up with the pass, then shop up, yet while the are going to creep alongside with fluffy interior the front seat - stay domicile!

Answer 9

It is the difference in speed that is most dangerous.. so if you are doing 50 and every one else is doing 70 ..yes driving slowly can cause accidents.. and believe me you can get run over on the interstates of the west if you are only doing 70mph.. watch your mirrors and don't make any sudden changes.

Answer 10

YOU TELL THEM THAT IS HOW MY MOTHER IN LAW DIED NOT FROM HER SLOW DRIVING BUT FROM HIS FAST DRIVING HE WAS PASSING PEOPLE LEFT AND RIGHT TOO FAST SO I DISAGREE ITS FAST DRIVERS WHO CAUSE ACCIDENTS BC THEY DO NOT HAVE TIME TO REACT TO THINGS. THAT ONE GUY NOT ONLY KILLED HER BUT OTHER PEOPLE HE WENT OVER TWO LANES AND KILLED THOSE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. HE MADE A FIVE CAR PILE UP. OH AND HE AND HIS WIFE ALSO DIED TOO. ONLY MY FATHER IN LAW AND TWO OTHER PEOPLE SURVIVED THE REST DIED. IT WAS ALOT OF PEOPLE IN THE ACCIDENT.
DRIVING FAST DOES NOT SOUND SO SAFE NOW DOES IT. I DONT THINK SO!