Slow Drivers - Traffic Obstruction and Driving Etiquette

Ash-Say on 20/02/2020 - 08:41
Last edited 20/02/2020 - 09:46 by 1 other user

During last few weeks, I have found quite a large number of slow drivers who are doing 20 to 30KM in 50KM zone. You can't cross them because it's single lane road with double solid line and then you are stuck behind them sometimes for 3 to 4Km.

Some observations about slow driving:

1) Mobile use
2) Old people
3) Trying to find house where they have to go
4) Learner Driver
5) Driver new to Australia ( my understanding)

Also noted that few people just stop next to car parked in kerbside so they are still half on the main road. They are either waiting for someone to jump in the car or dropping off passenger.

Is it just me or people generally slow these days and don't care about traffic behind them?

What would you do in this situation?

Poll Options

  • 281
    Blow the horn
  • 31
    Use high beam light
  • 123
    Suck it up and keep following them
  • 10
    I don't care and will cross double line as long as it's safe to do
  • 12
    Tailgate
Automotive

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 20/02/2020 - 08:52
    +1

    If some one is driving 20kmph under, I'd honk, high beam and tailgate until they speed up or pull over.

    They are either doing something stupid or no longer fit to drive. Either way, they're breaking the rules (the irony is not lost) and they need to get off the road.

    • iampoor on 20/02/2020 - 09:08
      +28

      Given that you are in Victoria the following applies:

      https://www.racv.com.au/on-the-road/driving-maintenance/road…

      So 20 kmph is unlikely to be breaking the rules, however the three actions that you are saying you will would break the rules.

      I get irritated by this as well since I pretty much drive at the speed limit, but getting aggravated and doing something that might land you with a fine would just make matters worse?

      • [Deactivated] on 20/02/2020 - 10:12
        +13

        getting aggravated and doing something that might land you with a fine would just make matters worse?

        You're not wrong but isn't it strange that distracted and incompetant driving laws aren't universally applied.

        If someone is distracted or driving too slowly, whatever the reason, we're just meant to cop it. If it is something that has been heavily marketed as being unacceptable we just jump on the bandwagon and condemn.

        • RocketSwitch on 21/02/2020 - 10:18
          +2

          Never understood the last part, I assume people secretly hate people and love it when bad things happen to them. The rage when someone cops a fine is insane.

          • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2020 - 10:43
            +1

            @RocketSwitch:

            I assume people secretly hate people…

            I used to think that way because I felt that way.

            I have since changed perspective. Because I have felt that way, I am sure someone else will but I feel better not carrying that negativity.

            Apathy. Give it a go.

            • RocketSwitch on 21/02/2020 - 11:47

              @[Deactivated]: Me too, I do not like to think this way. I try not to. But then, I get an angry soab tailgating me doing speed limit and tries to cut me off… so you see, my feelings become abrupt, real quick.

              • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2020 - 11:49
                +2

                @RocketSwitch: As long as you are not hogging the right lane at whatever speed, you are completely justified to be upset.

      • clubberlang on 22/02/2020 - 23:18
        -1

        Driving with my mother one time and a policeman on a motorbike came up alongside us and told us to speed up, she was doing 60 kmph in a 70 zone so yeah 20 kmph under the speed limit will have you in trouble with the police if they see it.

    • elgrande on 20/02/2020 - 09:54
      +20

      If you were honking, high beaming and tailgating I would drop to 30kmph under instead :D

      • [Deactivated] on 20/02/2020 - 10:02
        +15

        I don't think you would be inconsiderate enough to choke traffic to begin with.

        • elgrande on 20/02/2020 - 10:36
          +12

          You know me to well.

      • dcep on 20/02/2020 - 15:37
        +3

        drop 30kmph from 20kmph

        you meant reversing instead

        • nushydude on 21/02/2020 - 08:17
          +3

          he said "drop to 30kmph" not "drop 30kmph".

          • Ulysses31 on 22/02/2020 - 08:09
            +1

            @nushydude: MilesPerHour
            KilometresPerHour

            Don't cross the streams.

    • berry580 on 22/02/2020 - 20:40
      +4

      Tailgating makes you stupid.

      • Euphemistic on 22/02/2020 - 22:13
        +3

        Think you mean: Stupid makes you tailgate.

  • jjjaar on 20/02/2020 - 08:58
    +46

    There’s a difference between “blow the horn” and “use the horn gently as a reminder there are other people on the road”

    There’s no need to be aggressive toward them, but to alert them that others are around is different.

    • RM on 20/02/2020 - 09:25
      +10

      If they can conveniently forget there are other people on the road - it is okay to be a touch aggressive with the horn I guess.

      Pull over if something else is important…don't block others.

      • sobes on 20/02/2020 - 23:14
        +5

        Or just be a respectful human being and don't seek excuses to ramp up aggression without necessity 🤔

        • RM on 21/02/2020 - 08:42

          Respectful human being for someone who needs it….like incase of a breakdown…not for someone who is on their phone, which is not only rude but dangerous too. I nice reminder in the form of a honk appears appropriate.

  • Skramit on 20/02/2020 - 09:05
    +16

    i honk, flash my high beams, yell obscenities at my windscreen and generally get so angry that my neck hurts. it all helps.

    • Ryanek on 20/02/2020 - 09:32
      +10

      Honking your horn aggressively is a $161.19 fine.

      • pegaxs on 20/02/2020 - 10:15
        +6

        Flashing your high beams is also an offence that carries a fine.

        • arkie0 on 20/02/2020 - 11:00
          -1
          • only if you get caught
            ** only if you pay the fine
        • AbsX on 21/02/2020 - 09:45
          +1

          Maybe you can get a 2 for 1 special when you receive your fine

          • Munki on 21/02/2020 - 12:13

            @AbsX: That sounds like a deal!

        • RocketSwitch on 21/02/2020 - 12:32

          I flashed my high beams at the cops once on the freeway when they had the mobile speed gun. I didn't do it on purpose, but they didn't chase me. phew

          • pegaxs on 21/02/2020 - 12:34

            @RocketSwitch: Surprised that there was actual coppers out on the road in Victoria and not just more cameras.

            If in NSW, they would be on that like fat kids on cake. Gotta meet that quota.

            • RocketSwitch on 21/02/2020 - 12:37

              @pegaxs: It was during the New Year period. 9/10 they're never there, seriously, what I usually find is that they go where it's 50 or 40 in neighborhoods to get their quota. How can I tell? Why would a highway police car be there? LOL sigh

        • greencomet on 22/02/2020 - 14:50

          I flashed my lights at a cop car just the other day, he was coming the opposite direction down a 2 lane street with cars parked either side (basically making it one lane). I flashed at him a couple times to signal that I'll wait for him to come through, gave me a wave and off he went. It all depends on the context of flashing your high beams, if it's for a stupid reason then no shit you'll get fined.

      • Skramit on 21/02/2020 - 08:43
        -1

        worth it to show those slow drivers whos boss

      • trapper on 21/02/2020 - 13:30

        So don't do it in front of a cop genius

    • Ulysses31 on 22/02/2020 - 08:11

      Makes me want to play Road Rash & Carmageddon again.

  • skid on 20/02/2020 - 09:08
    +33

    If they're a learner, trying to find the house or otherwise non-local to the area (not counting new arrivals), give them a break. Surely they're not looking for the street for 3KM. Learners tend to pull over to let the drivers behind them pass too.

    All of the other situations that you've listed are inexcusable.

    Never cross a double line otherwise we'll see you post a new thread in the Automotive forum.

    • [Deactivated] on 20/02/2020 - 10:08
      +14

      Learners tend to pull over to let the drivers behind them pass too.

      If they do this, I always give them a thumbs up.

      Going slower is fine as long as these slow drivers are giving way when approached.

      • capslock janitor on 20/02/2020 - 18:05
        +2

        ya a good supervisor will know when to pull over, and when to let the Learner learn to ignore arse&oles pressuring them to do something stupid

        • [Deactivated] on 20/02/2020 - 18:37
          +1

          Lol. I think you should pull over and then type your response.

    • Austaurean on 20/02/2020 - 12:26

      Some states it's legal to cross double unbroken lines to provide safe overtaking space for pushbikes. Nice they change rules to suite… sore a pushbike rider blow off a red light today.

    • Islund on 20/02/2020 - 13:25
      +1

      Learners pulling over? hmmmm

    • skullster704 on 20/02/2020 - 19:09

      Never cross a double line otherwise we'll see you post a new thread in the Automotive forum

      But at least we’ll get some more quality MS Paint renderings 👍

    • Yotta0 on 22/02/2020 - 14:49

      QLD Learners can go the speed limit which is a godsend compared nanny state of NSW.

  • djones145 on 20/02/2020 - 09:17
    +1

    where's the option for bikies!

    you must be new to Australia and ozbargain

  • apsilon on 20/02/2020 - 09:19
    +2

    I used to regularly encounter a car (couldn't make out the driver in the dark) on my morning commute that would do this. 50km/h zone and they'd be doing 20 - 30. Single lane road with double lines and a large shoulder. People would honk, flash etc all to no avail so everyone just ended up over taking over the doubles (there was actually no reason for it to be doubles as it was as straight road with excellent line of sight, park on one side and golf course on the other) or down the shoulder. Haven't seen them for some time fortunately. Maybe it's the same car as OP has encountered LOL. Might moved house or jobs. Silver Mazda 3 by any chance?

    • crentist on 21/02/2020 - 16:28
      +4

      oh yea the silver mazda 3 i know that guy

  • Agarwal on 20/02/2020 - 09:29
    +16

    Driving slowly can be just as dangerous as driving fast. Best to run them off the road.

    • orangetrain on 20/02/2020 - 14:16
      +4

      "Slowness was a factor in the accident"

      • capslock janitor on 20/02/2020 - 18:06

        "I was close to being stationary, can't be wrong!"

      • ATangk on 21/02/2020 - 19:34

        Usually they dont say slowness but rather distracted by mobile phone or something else.

    • ConsumerAffairs on 21/02/2020 - 15:48

      Big enough truck and small enough car, entirely possible

  • Seraphin7 on 20/02/2020 - 09:37
    +2

    The poll only allows one choice. Mine include horn, lights, tailgating, gesticulating, "conversing" with the other driver via an open window.

    • RSmith on 20/02/2020 - 17:13
      +1

      There could be an option for sign language…

  • GG57 on 20/02/2020 - 09:51
    -2

    Yes, it might be annoying.
    But have you done the maths? It is only a couple of minutes difference. If you can't tell why they are driving slowly, maybe give them the benefit of the doubt and show some patience.

    Except if they are using their mobile; in this case, do everything you can to wake them up.

    • [Deactivated] on 20/02/2020 - 10:06
      +6

      But have you done the maths?

      Did you multiply that by the number of people inconvenienced?

      Also, if we excused certain actions based solely on the average outcome, we should also excuse shoplifters as the average losses do not justify security guards.

      • GG57 on 20/02/2020 - 11:05
        -1

        OP is the only person that has complained here about this incident, so it isn't really practical or relevant to extrapolate this to an unknown number of people.

        The impact to OP is easy to calculate in relation to time, but we don't know how it actually impacts on OP apart from that.
        Of course, OP could just leave for work 3 minutes earlier if it is that critical that they arrive at their destination precisely at a fixed time. That would, you know, allow for unforeseen events that may happen on the way, like a few pedestrians at a crossing, etc.
        The benefits of not stressing about this 'delay' probably outweigh the actual impacts.

        I'm pretty sure that some retailers do not have security guards as that cost is not comparable to any shop lifting costs that may be incurred.

        • Ash-Say on 20/02/2020 - 11:32
          +3

          It's not a one off thing on the way to work. Lot of the roads around my house are single lane with double solid line. It becomes increasingly frustrating if you are stuck behind slow driver who destination (school, shops or medical centre etc) is same as you.

          Incident from this morning: A guy is late 40's was driving Clarendon Homes car at 25KM/h in 50KM zone. I had no choice but to drive behind him for at least 2KM. When I reached the traffic light which eventually becomes 2 lane road, I found that he was talking on bluetooth and also eating so obviously quite distracted and oblivious of the surroundings.

          • GG57 on 20/02/2020 - 11:56
            -5

            @Ash-Say: Ok.
            The other driving being distracted is a problem.

            But what was the actual impact to you today?
            How long extra did it take you? As a result:

            Were you late for work? If so, will your pay be deducted?
            Did you miss an appointment or job interview that you now have missed out on?
            What happened?

            • Ash-Say on 20/02/2020 - 11:58

              @GG57: I missed my train so had to wait 10min to get next train. Little bit frustration there.

              No financial impact!

              • GG57 on 20/02/2020 - 12:15
                -7

                @Ash-Say: Ok.
                What did you do while you were waiting for your train?
                Listen to music, read, buy a coffee…?

                Or did you stand there fuming, getting more angry and upset, with your blood pressure rising…?

                Stuff happens; it is how we deal with it that is important.

          • Euphemistic on 20/02/2020 - 15:46
            +2

            @Ash-Say:

            It's not a one off thing on the way to work.

            Perhaps you are driving too fast. If it is so frustrating allow an extra minute or two for your journey. You’ll either be early or on time but not stressed.

        • [Deactivated] on 20/02/2020 - 12:39
          +5

          Your assumption that because only one person complaints about one car means that it has to only be limited to that is the same argument to say littering is not that bad. After all, how much destruction could one bag of rubbish cause?

          The issue doesn't suddenly become a problem just because a nominal number of offenders/affected is reached.

          Someone having to give up 3 minutes each way, everyday (assuming only one round trip a day) would end up forfeiting well over 30 hours a year. That is assuming only one person is affected by someone slowing traffic down on a regular basis.

          • GG57 on 20/02/2020 - 13:06
            -2

            @[Deactivated]: But, again, what was the actual impact?
            OP has stated below that they missed their train and had to wait 10 minutes for the next. Cool, but still waiting to hear how that 10 minute wait impacted on them.

            Imagine how much 'extra' they would have if they didn't have to wait for trains, pedestrian lights, crowds at the train station exits, etc. But what would that 'extra' be?

            By the way, we have probably all 'lost' more than that 3 minutes responding to OP's post.

            • [Deactivated] on 20/02/2020 - 13:31
              +4

              @GG57:

              By the way, we have probably all 'lost' more than that 3 minutes responding to OP's post.

              Voluntarily.

              Cool, but still waiting to hear how that 10 minute wait impacted on them.

              The 10 minutes is the impact. It is a very quantifiable impact. It is 10 minutes.

              • GG57 on 20/02/2020 - 13:42

                @[Deactivated]: Ok. Let's try this:

                What was the effect of that impact?

                • [Deactivated] on 20/02/2020 - 13:46
                  +3

                  @GG57: I don't think this line of questioning will end.

                  There is a measurable loss of time. It is as if someone said they got robbed for $1,000 but they are a billionaire. Your question is as valid there as it is here.

                  If OP said they felt bad, sure, we can argue along the lines of impact. 10 minutes is a measurable unit of time.

                    • arkie0 on 20/02/2020 - 14:21

                      @GG57: https://www.aaa.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/AAA-Conges…

                      Based on that that report, free flow speed (speed limit speed) drops 93% in Melbourne (going 55 in a 60 zone), Sydney 92% cost Australia as a whole 16.5 Billion.

                      • GG57 on 20/02/2020 - 15:53
                        -1

                        @arkie0: That is an interesting report.
                        If I'm reading it correctly, in the period 1/1/13 to 30/6/18, the Dandenong to City route increased in travel time by 3.7 minutes (page 32), as an example.
                        I've travelled that route consistently over that period. It is hard for me to be precise, but some days I get to work on time, sometimes early, but rarely late. Going home, I don't have a deadline or 'on time' goal.

                        The quoted figure of $16.5b sounds a lot of money; does anyone know what that would be in % terms in relation to a relevant measure.

                        • TheBird on 21/02/2020 - 17:37

                          @GG57: $16.5b is a whole lot of % more than you get paid each year.

                          Is that measurement good for you?

                    • [Deactivated] on 20/02/2020 - 14:21
                      +2

                      @GG57:

                      It is but if it didn't impact on OP, then it doesn't matter.

                      Far out dude. That is downright wicked (not the surfer dude lingo).

                      You can justify a lot of atrocities if you allow that to form your principles.

                      Even if you're not willing to reconsider your position on this specific issue, please examine the quoted statement above.

                    • Bargain80 on 20/02/2020 - 16:28
                      +3

                      @GG57: just because it doesn't have material impact to one driver doesn't mean it doesn't have material impact at all.
                      it slow down the whole traffic in the area.
                      With enough slow driver, it creates traffic jam, costing money like fuel or loss opprtunity, increase emission, some who work by hour might be docked because they're late, some are upset enough that they start risky maneuver (crossing line, speeding), etc.

                      So you have to see the big picture.

                      • GG57 on 20/02/2020 - 16:32
                        -2

                        @Bargain80: Yes, but OP's post didn't make any reference to the bigger picture, only to their own grievances.

                        • Bargain80 on 20/02/2020 - 16:34

                          @GG57:

                          Yes, but OP's post didn't make any reference to the bigger picture, only to their own grievances.

                          so?
                          there is still a bigger picture.
                          whether OP mentioned or not, not relevant.

          • Euphemistic on 20/02/2020 - 15:22

            @[Deactivated]:

            Someone having to give up 3 minutes each way, everyday

            It’s called traffic. Commute time is often significantly different to driving the same route on the weekend. If you can’t cope with 3min added to your daily commute because of traffic you need to move, quit or basically find an alternative.

            • [Deactivated] on 20/02/2020 - 15:47
              +1

              @Euphemistic: It is not 3 minutes.

              It is 3 additional minutes.

              Someone deciding to drive significantly below the limit, which is also against road rules, is not normal and hence considered additional to expected commute time.

              … also, I have quit and found an alternative. Seriously.

              • Euphemistic on 20/02/2020 - 17:39
                +4

                @[Deactivated]: I still think that OP is exaggerating for effect. I’d be very surprised if you actually encountered a slow driver that realistically you had to follow at 20-30k under the limit for 3-4km daily or even weekly.

                Sure, it might happen sometimes. And other times when OP encounters a slow driver their confirmation bias gets the mental juices all stirred up and they remember the last time and don’t realise that this times it’s only been 200m at 10k under the limit.

                Restating: if three additional minutes is that critical to to you (especially if it is increasingly common), you are doing it wrong.

                • [Deactivated] on 20/02/2020 - 17:50

                  @Euphemistic:

                  follow at 20-30k under the limit for 3-4km daily or even weekly.

                  Where I live is worse but thankfully, it doesn't affect my commute, only my fishing trips.

                • TheBird on 21/02/2020 - 17:39

                  @Euphemistic:

                  I’d be very surprised if you actually encountered a slow driver that realistically you had to follow at 20-30k under the limit for 3-4km daily or even weekly.

                  It'll depend on the route/time of day etc.

                  On some routes it'll happen with annoying frequency.

                  On other routes, maybe a coupe of times a week.

  • Mokr on 20/02/2020 - 09:56
    +2

    Some observations about slow driving:

    6) Hyper milling

  • Fergy1987 on 20/02/2020 - 10:02
    +7

    And we wonder why road rage exists.

  • pegaxs on 20/02/2020 - 10:33
    +7

    Because I like doing math, let's work out the inconvenience factor.

    Over this 4km distance in a 50km zone, providing you entered the zone doing the speed limit, remained at the limit and left at the limit, the time taken would be;

    (4/50) * 60 = 4.8 or 4min 48sec.

    At 30 and 20km/h stuck behind this driver;

    @30km/h = 8 mins (an increase of 3min 12sec.)
    @20km/h = 12 mins (an increase of 7min 12 sec.)

    As for your poll, in NSW, these are the associated fines and legislation;

    Rule 126 - Drive behind other vehicle too closely to stop safely - $457 and 3 demerits
    Rule 218 (1)(a) - Use/allow use of high-beam on vehicle in front - $114 and 1 demerit
    Rule 224 - Use/allow use of horn/warning device unnecessarily - $344

    • arkie0 on 20/02/2020 - 10:51
      -1

      and @30km/h = 8 mins (an increase of 3min 12sec.) x 5 work days = 12 mins

      48 work weeks x 12 mins = 433 mins = 4.6 hours a year wasted!

      • pegaxs on 20/02/2020 - 11:40
        +6

        3.2 x 5 = 12?? (it's actually 16)

        48 x 12 = 433?? (its actually 576)

        433 mins is 4.6 hours?? (it's actually 7.2)

        Your math is all over the place… Don't know how you got to those numbers…

        3.2 mins x 5 work days = 16 mins/week (one way traffic only or 2km delay each way)

        48 work weeks x 16 mins = 768 mins or 12.8 hours a year.

        And it's more than likely that it is once or twice a week and seldom in both too and from work directions. So it's probably closer to 3~3.5 hours per year than it is to the almost 13 you are suggesting.

        To put it another way, if you work it out as a wasted part of an average day, 8 hours sleep, 8 hours play and 8 hours work, if we only take it as part of the day that we can use, the 16 hours of play and work, the 3.2 mins of extra travel times wastes 0.85% of your entire awake time that day (or 1.7% if you cop the bad drivers both ways)

        • arkie0 on 20/02/2020 - 11:50
          +2

          I like doing maths too, unfortunately I was never any good at it… but doesn't stop me from troying!

        • Seraphin7 on 20/02/2020 - 13:07
          +3

          Yes, it's "only" 13 hours a year, or 0.85% of my awake time, or whatever the numbers are.

          Just give me somewhere to invoice for that time at my professional hourly rate and I'll be happy as Larry.

          Otherwise, kindly GTF out of my way and let me get on with activities that are either billable or enjoyable.

    • Mike88 on 20/02/2020 - 14:20
      +2

      Every additional red light you catch because they were driving below the limit also adds additional time. Over a 4km stretch of road there is likely a few intersections.

      • pegaxs on 20/02/2020 - 14:46
        +4

        What about all the ones you catch because we’re driving below the limit? That’s just swings and roundabouts.

        • Mike88 on 20/02/2020 - 15:24
          +2

          That may happen, but you can never be better off and you more likely to add additional time to your journey on top of the reduced speed.

          • Euphemistic on 20/02/2020 - 15:45
            +2

            @Mike88:

            but you can never be better off

            If you get a green and don’t need to stop and start up again you’ve saved fuel, brake pads and wear and tear on the vehicle.

            You light lose time, but fuel is expensive and that slow driver willsave you money.

            • Mike88 on 20/02/2020 - 15:50

              @Euphemistic: You wouldn't be anymore likely to get green light driving slower than if you were driving faster.

              • Euphemistic on 20/02/2020 - 17:20
                +1

                @Mike88: That’s back to the swings and roundabouts pegaxs mentioned. Sometimes you get the green, sometimes the red. It Can’t be predicted. It is why travel times vary by a few minutes depending on other traffic (which also causes lights to change)

              • pegaxs on 20/02/2020 - 17:48
                +1

                @Mike88:

                You wouldn't be anymore likely to get green light driving slower than if you were driving faster.

                Then your point above…

                Every additional red light you catch because they were driving below the limit also adds additional time.

                is absolutely moot.

                Catching a green or a red light is more down to random chance than it is up to the speed of the car in front of you. Because you could be going somewhere, driving at the speed limit and catch every single red light on the way through, while on a slow drive, you may get every single green light you pass.

                How many times have you been stuck in traffic while some idiot weaves in and out, trying to go faster and get ahead, only to be one car in front of you after 4 or 5 sets of lights?

                • Mike88 on 20/02/2020 - 20:31

                  @pegaxs: If you would have made the green light doing the correct speed limit but missed the green light because you were driving 20kms slower this clearly adds an additional red light.
                  However driving below the speed limit you can never gain time by making it through an intersection before a red light. You may not always necessarily lose time but you likely would.

                  • pegaxs on 21/02/2020 - 10:35
                    +1

                    @Mike88: But what if you got every red light because you were doing the speed limit? What if the lights were turning green as you approached while driving slower? Traffic lights are a random in nature. Sometimes you have a win, sometimes you have a loss, but the speed you drive at does not have any affect on the random nature of traffic lights.

                    You cant make a correlation that from how fast you were going, that's how many red lights you encountered. The two pieces of data are mutually exclusive. That's like trying to determine the colour of an apple by how hard you throw it.

                    One day, you could be doing 50km/h in a 50 zone and cop every single red light. The next day, you could be doing 30km/h in the same zone and get a string of good luck and every light is green.

                    And no matter how many times you neg me, it doesn't change the fact that traffic lights are, for the most part, a random act that the speed of your car has nothing to do with.

                • kabammi on 21/02/2020 - 14:25
                  +2

                  @pegaxs: I think another aspect that people aren't considering is the cascading effect this also has, due to traffic lights. At signposted speed (depending on what that speed is), a vehicle is more likely to enter an intersection when a light initially goes yellow because it's not safe to stop. However, if going substantially slower, it's safer for the vehicle to stop sooner because your travelling speed is reduced. Therefore breaking is not as hard, and it's safer. This is compounded by the fact that the yellow lights are on longer as the posted speeds increase. Therefore each sequence takes longer.
                  I travel mostly in a 80km/hr zone, so this is my experience when you come up behind a fred flintstone foot-powered car.
                  By going substantially slower in a higher speed zone, you get an even greater build-up of traffic from behind when this happens. Because otherwise, another one, two or three cars may have gone through. Then, take into account the achingly slow reaction times of the average driver, it compounds the problem because a lot of traffic simply wont get through the intersection.

                  So in effect, in this theoretical situation, you WILL get more red lights because you spend more time stationary.

    • trapper on 21/02/2020 - 13:39
      +2

      Rule 126 - Drive behind other vehicle too closely to stop safely - $457 and 3 demerits

      If he is only going 20 kmph you gotta be pretty damn close to be unable to stop safely.

      Rule 218 (1)(a) - Use/allow use of high-beam on vehicle in front - $114 and 1 demerit

      This is the only real risk imho, although I would be very surprised if you get done for this at low speed and during daylight.

      Rule 224 - Use/allow use of horn/warning device unnecessarily - $344

      Is this really 'unnecessary' use, you are alerting the driver that he is blocking the road.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join