One of the biggest problems on United States roads is the lack of responsible driving by drivers. We tend to think that exceeding the speed limit poses the greatest risk to road safety, but the reality is that slow drivers pose exactly the same threat.
Do you remember driving in the left lane and having to slow down abruptly to avoid an accident? Or that traffic jam that caused so much traffic on the highway you even missed a flight? In order to avoid these situations and the accidents that may result from them, it has been proposed to add to the State Legislation a new road regulation; whether you drive at speed or if you go as slow as molasses, you could receive a bill.
Road hazards
In recent times, the threat posed by road hazards and their consequences have forced states to take action. Although some may think that these measures are only aimed at raising money, the reality is that the focus is on saving lives and reducing accidents. If we think of safety on the roads, we associate it with speeding, but did you know that the same threat is to cross the limits as driving under them?
The most common is to see road safety campaigns where the outcome is fatal for those who exceed the speed limits, right? It is well known that the speed is directly proportional to the consequences of the accident, both in terms of mortality and the degree of injury. Well, then performing the same action but on the contrary also means a violation of road regulations and increases the risk of accidents.
Measures to reduce dangers
Measures taken by road safety professionals in the different states of the United States include speed cameras to detect speeding, substantial fines and, at the technological level, automatic driving assistance has been introduced. On the other hand, slow driving also has to be addressed. In these cases, the risk remains, since a car going at higher speed (or even to the permitted), would have to brake to reduce it in a sudden way, without having the appropriate reaction time and separation distance.
6 months life left for left lane
If approved, the proposed measures would enter into force on 1 December of this year. This is the case of North Carolina, which through Ray Picket, its State Representative, has put on the table a bill with which they intend to significantly fine slow drivers.
Picket argues that the minimum speed of 45mph and the maximum of 70mph have an excessive difference. “People think the left lane, even on interstates, is just a driveway, and they may not even be going the speed limit”. The objective of Bill 864 is to reduce this difference by increasing the minimum speed at 60 mph on interstate highways. However, no provision has been made for drivers driving below the minimum speed to be fined.
Other states join the initiative
No one is surprised that it is the state of North Carolina that is pushing for these new measures. However, Indiana and New Mexico have also joined. Both have bet on speed cameras with different purposes. In the case of Indiana, they want to combat the speeding that predominates among drivers, while New Mexico focuses on the speed difference of heavy vehicles.
Although these measures may not be attractive to all drivers, we cannot overlook the fact that their purpose is to protect us from fatal outcomes. Would you not prefer to drive on a safe road, with conscientious drivers who respect the traffic rules? To do this, it is necessary to take measures and maintain a certain order and respect for all drivers.
Learn about other infraccions for which you may be fined!
