Adhering to the Law: Should You Break the Speed Limit to Stay with Traffic Flow?

The question often arises when driving on a freeway: if the speed limit is set at 55 mph and surrounding traffic is averaging 70 to 90 mph, should you speed to keep up?

The Case Against Breaking the Speed Limit

It's important to understand that exceeding the speed limit is illegal and risky. If you or the other drivers are breaking the law, you could all receive tickets. The speed limit of 55 mph has specific reasons for being set at that level, such as narrow lanes, increased congestion, and curvy roadways. Drivers should respect these limits.

Speeding can lead to increased accidents and can be detrimental to traffic flow. Maintaining the speed limit is crucial for safety and overall traffic management.

Flowing with Traffic for Safety

While it's essential to stay within the legal speed limit, driving in concert with traffic flow is generally safer. If you're significantly slower than the rest of the traffic, it can hinder overall movement and increase the risk of accidents due to erratic driving.

However, if the surrounding drivers are breaking the speed limit excessively, staying within the legal limit is the best course of action. In most states, you can be ticketed for obstructing the flow of traffic, although this is rare. Keep in mind that if you're in the slow lane, you can still be part of the flow by staying as far to the right as possible, which is often the least crowded lane and provides better visibility and more space for merge.

Methods to Ensure Safe Driving

Here are some tips to ensure safe and lawful driving:

Stay in the Right Lane: The right lane is typically reserved for slow-moving traffic, so staying in this lane can help reduce the risk of accidents and keep traffic moving smoothly. Check the Rear-View Mirror: Regularly check your rear-view mirror to stay aware of the traffic behind you and make any necessary adjustments. Change Lanes Appropriately: If you find yourself in front of faster-moving traffic, consider moving to the right lane to let them pass. If you're in the right lane and unable to match the flow, it may be best to exit the freeway. Adapt to Local Conditions: Different states and cities have varying speed limits and traffic regulations. Always adapt to the local conditions and follow the prevailing traffic laws.

A Cop's Perspective on Speed Limit Enforcement

There are instances when traffic laws need to be adjusted in the interest of safety. For example, a police officer once recommended to me to drive with the flow of traffic. This advice was given in a specific situation where I was driving a truck that a police officer needed a ride home in. The officer explained that sometimes, they might stop a car traveling at the legal speed limit to clear the path for traffic. In this case, I was advised to go up to 70 mph on a highway that typically limited speeds to 50 mph in Honolulu.

Another instance occurred on a Wisconsin freeway where a single semi-tractor and passing vehicles caused me to nearly follow them closely. A fast-moving sedan and flashing lights alerted me to the presence of a cop who was strategically maneuvering to stop the vehicles safely. This example highlights the importance of staying within the speed limit and being aware of your surroundings.

These real-life scenarios emphasize the value of adhering to speed limits while still being mindful of traffic flow and safety. By understanding and complying with traffic laws, drivers can contribute to safer roads and more efficient traffic flow.