Slow driving can be considered negligent behavior in California if it creates an unreasonable risk to others on the road without a valid justification—such as poor weather or mechanical issues. But do slow drivers cause more accidents than other unsafe motorists? According to the National Motorists Association’s Speed Limit Fact Sheet, “the drivers most likely to get into accidents in traffic are those traveling significantly below the average speed.”
The fact sheet also cites a study by the Institute of Transportation Engineers, which found that drivers traveling 10 mph slower than the prevailing speed are six times more likely to be involved in a crash. In other words, driving below the speed limit can be considered unsafe and may lead to more accidents than speeding.
If you were involved in a car accident caused by a slow driver, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the damages you sustained. The California car accident lawyers at Megeredchian Law have the knowledge and experience to take on insurance companies and their attorneys. They will use every available resource to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf—nothing less.
Call (866) 359-0807 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. You’ll speak directly with an attorney—no call centers, no middlemen. Hablamos Español.
Do Slow Drivers Cause More Accidents Than Speeders? How?
Not necessarily. But while speeding in particular is a leading factor in the total number of traffic accidents and fatalities nationwide, research shows that driving significantly below the average speed of traffic may actually increase a driver’s individual risk of being in a crash.
Motorists who drive much slower than the flow of traffic are among the most likely to be involved in accidents, largely because they create unpredictable conditions that disrupt traffic patterns and force other drivers to brake or change lanes unexpectedly. Even though crashes caused by slow driving are less common than those involving speeding, they can still lead to serious injuries and fatalities.
Slow driving becomes a safety risk when it disrupts the natural flow of traffic, particularly on highways and multi-lane roads. On many California freeways, the left lane is designated for faster-moving vehicles or passing. When a driver remains in that lane while traveling well below the prevailing speed, it can force others to pass on the right—an action that’s statistically riskier and more likely to result in sideswipe or merging collisions.
Real-World Dangers of Driving Too Slowly
Traffic Congestions
A slow-moving driver in heavy traffic can create an unexpected bottleneck. If the driver brakes suddenly or slows even more, a distracted or inattentive driver behind them may not react in time, leading to a rear-end accident.
Confuse Other Drivers
Driving too slowly can also lead to driver confusion and overreaction. Other motorists may mistakenly assume that there’s a hazard up ahead and begin slowing down themselves, even when no danger exists. This chain reaction can increase the risk of multi-car pileups or erratic lane changes.
Retaliating Against Tailgaters
Frustration is another serious side effect of slow driving. Some drivers become irritated and attempt aggressive maneuvers to get around the slower vehicle. In worse cases, a slow driver may intentionally reduce speed to “punish” or control another motorist who is tailgating them—escalating tensions and increasing the likelihood of road rage or a collision.
Who Is More Likely to Drive Slowly?
Certain types of drivers are statistically more likely to drive slowly, and while this may sometimes be out of caution, it can also create hazardous conditions on California roads—especially on highways where maintaining the flow of traffic is essential.
Elderly Drivers
They are among the most common slow drivers. As people age, they often experience diminished vision, slower reaction times, and physical discomfort, such as stiff joints or poor posture. Many seniors believe driving slower enhances safety, but overly cautious behavior can disrupt the flow of traffic and increase the risk of accidents, particularly when merging or changing lanes.
New or Inexperienced Drivers
These individuals are often intimidated by fast-moving traffic, especially on freeways or in unfamiliar areas. Their lack of confidence can make them hesitate when merging or making turns, slowing down unpredictably and potentially causing rear-end collisions.
Distracted Drivers
They frequently drive below the speed limit without realizing it. Activities like texting, eating, adjusting the GPS, or even rubbernecking when passing an accident scene can reduce their focus on the road and their speed awareness. Although slow driving may seem safer to them at the moment, it can actually be dangerous when it interrupts the flow of surrounding traffic.
Impaired Drivers
This category includes people under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They commonly drive too slowly due to altered perception and delayed reflexes. These drivers may not recognize how slowly they’re moving and often swerve or cross lanes, increasing the risk of collisions even at lower speeds.
Commercial Vehicle Drivers
This group may appear to be driving slowly due to vehicle limitations- especially those operating large, heavy trucks. These vehicles often move slower on inclines, curves, or in low-visibility zones because of their weight, longer stopping distances, and mechanical governors that limit speed. While this is usually for safety, it can still frustrate other drivers and create risks in high-speed areas.
Are Slow Drivers Always At-Fault When an Accident Happens?
No. Slow drivers are not always at fault when an accident happens. As mentioned before, they can be held responsible if their driving behavior created an unreasonable hazard or violated traffic laws. In California, fault in a car accident is determined by negligence—meaning, did a driver fail to act with reasonable care, and did that failure directly cause the crash?
Driving below the speed limit is not illegal by itself. In fact, California law permits slower driving in the far-right lane. However, a slow driver can be considered negligent if they were impeding traffic, driving unreasonably slowly in the fast lane, or disrupting the normal flow of traffic in a way that contributed to a collision.
Example One: Slow Driver Found At Fault
If a driver is going 20 mph under the speed limit on a highway without valid reason—such as mechanical trouble or weather—and another driver rear-ends them, the slow driver may be partially or fully at fault.
Example Two: Speeding Driver Found At Fault
A fully loaded semi-truck is climbing a steep grade on a California highway. Due to its weight and mechanical limitations, the truck can’t maintain the speed of surrounding traffic. If an impatient driver swerved around it recklessly and caused a collision, the trucker likely wouldn’t be at fault—they were driving as safely as possible under the circumstances, while the other driver failed to exercise caution.
Each case depends on the facts. Sometimes the faster or distracted driver is more to blame—especially if they were tailgating or not paying attention. In many cases, fault is shared, and California’s comparative negligence system allows injured parties to recover damages even if they were partially at fault.
Whether you’ve been injured by a slow driver, or you were injured because you had to drive slowly, you can pursue compensation. Call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 and schedule a free consultation. Let us know what happened, and we’ll evaluate your case in a few minutes. Don’t miss the chance to obtain compensation for all the damages you received.