California’s Stance on Traffic Flow and Speed Limits
The speed limit sign says 65 mph, and you’re keeping to that on the highway. But other cars are zooming past or lining up behind you. You wonder, is matching the speed of the other cars safer? And does it help avoid traffic jams? We got some advice from a driving teacher and a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer, and here’s what they said:
What’s the Speed Law in California?
California has a Basic Speed Law. It tells drivers they must adjust their speed based on weather, visibility, road conditions, traffic, and whether walkers or bikers are around. According to California Vehicle Code 22350, no one should drive a car on a highway faster than is safe. You should consider the weather, how well you can see, and how busy, wide and smooth the road is. Most importantly, you should never drive so fast that it could hurt people or damage things. So, even if the sign says one speed, you might have to drive slower or faster based on the conditions around you.
Henning Mortensen, who owns Bond Driving School, agrees. He said there might be times you need to drive faster or slower than the speed limit, like during bad weather, when getting on a highway, or when passing a big truck. But he acknowledged that going over the speed limit is up to the discretion of the police officer.
Can You Get a Ticket for Driving as Fast as Other Cars?
Officer Margarito Meza, a spokesperson for the CHP, said that speed is the main reason for most accidents. He advises driving the speed limit but also says you must consider the amount of traffic, weather, and road conditions. He says drivers should adjust their speed to match the flow in heavy traffic, which often means driving slower than the posted limit.
Going over the speed limit is illegal, and according to Meza, you might be stopped by a police officer even for going just one mph over the limit. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be pulled over every time; the officer can decide what action to take.
Regarding whether it’s safer to keep pace with other vehicles, Mortensen suggested that it can be safer, although it could also potentially result in a speeding fine. According to him, if traffic surpasses the speed limit, the best action is to switch to the right lane and maintain a legal speed that ensures safety.
As for situations where surrounding cars are speeding, Mortensen advised moving to the right lane. He stated that maintaining a consistent speed and distance from other vehicles can prevent traffic jams. He further added that habits like tailgating, frequent lane changes, and inconsistent speeds among drivers lead to traffic congestion. He recommended gaining a solid understanding of speed and space management for new drivers to ensure safety and enhance their driving experience.
The Dangers of Driving Above the Speed Limit
Driving above the speed limit poses significant risks to drivers and others sharing the road. Speeding diminishes a driver’s capacity to safely navigate around curves or obstacles on the road, lengthens the stopping distance required for a vehicle, and increases the overall distance the vehicle covers while moving. In contrast, the driver reacts to a dangerous situation.
High-speed crashes can cause severe injuries or even death due to the increased force of the impact. Beyond the physical dangers, speeding can also lead to legal consequences such as fines, license suspension, and increased insurance rates. It’s critical to understand that speed limits are set to ensure everyone’s safety on the road, and exceeding them can lead to disastrous outcomes.
The following video from the California DMV provides valuable tips on speed limits.
Northern California Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. Should you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a careless driver, don’t hesitate to contact our law firm at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. We offer free and friendly advice. Discover how our legal experts have secured fair verdicts and settlements for our clients since 1982.
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