Why is driving much slower than surrounding traffic a safety hazard?
It disrupts the smooth flow of traffic, can cause congestion, and significantly increases the risk of rear-end collisions from faster-moving vehicles.
On a multi-lane highway, which lane is often referred to as the "fast lane" and what is the rule about driving slowly in it?
The far-left lane is for passing and faster-moving traffic. It is illegal in many states to drive slowly in the left lane if you are impeding the normal flow of traffic.
On a two-lane road, what should you do if you are driving slowly and a line of \(5\) or more cars forms behind you?
You are legally required to pull over at the next safe turnout or passing lane to let the other vehicles pass.
Can a driver receive a ticket for driving too slowly?
Yes. This violation is known as "impeding traffic." It is most commonly enforced on highways and in the left-hand passing lanes.
If your vehicle has mechanical trouble and you must drive slowly, what safety precautions should you take?
Activate your emergency flashers (hazard lights), move to the far-right lane, and exit the roadway as soon as it is safe to do so.
Is it ever permissible to drive below the posted minimum speed limit?
Yes. The Basic Speed Law applies here too. If poor weather, heavy traffic, or road hazards require a slower speed for safety, you should drive below the minimum.
If you plan to drive at or near the minimum speed limit on a multi-lane highway, which lane should you use?
You should always use the right-most lane, leaving the middle and left lanes available for faster-moving traffic and for vehicles that are passing.
What does the regulatory sign "SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT" command you to do?
It legally requires all drivers moving at a speed slower than the normal flow of traffic to drive in the right-hand lane to allow others to pass.
What is the purpose of a "MINIMUM SPEED 40" sign on a highway?
It establishes the slowest legal speed you can drive under ideal conditions. Its purpose is to prevent slow-moving vehicles from creating a hazard and disrupting traffic flow.
