What Is The Safe Speed To Drive Your Car

Last Updated on February 5, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim

The safest speed to drive your car is under 50 miles an hour (approximately 80 km/h) and ideally at speeds under 30 miles an hour (approximately 48 km/h). However, this is not always possible due to congested traffic conditions or other factors outside of your control.

Key Takeaways

  • Driving slower will mean that you’re less likely to cause a collision and can react more safely if one does happen
  • You should always drive at a speed that you can easily control and stop within a safe distance
  • Driving at a limited speed will allow you to immediately stop/control the car in various unexpected situations

Factors That Determine Safe Speed Limits For Car Or Bike Drivers

Factors That Determines Safe Speed Limits For Car Or Bike Drivers

There are many factors that come into play when determining the safe speed to drive your car. These include the type of roadway, weather conditions, and the number of other motorists on the road.

1. On highways with little traffic, drivers can almost always go above 55 mph without great concern for safety.

2. Safe driving speeds on highways with heavier traffic will be reduced to about 65 mph.

3. If you are driving on roads that are wet or icy, you should reduce your speed by 10 mph.

4. If you are driving on roads that are dry and clear, but in heavy traffic, you should reduce your speed by 10 mph.

5. On roads with sharp turns or blind spots, it is always best to reduce your speed by 10 mph.

6. If you are driving on roads with poor visibility, such as hills or curves, reduce your speed by 10 mph.

7. On roads that are slick due to rain or snow, reduce your speed by 10 mph.

8. If you are driving on a road with a lot of pedestrians, reduce your speed by 5 mph.

9. When turning onto a road from a side street or driveway, reduce your speed by 5 mph.

10. Always slow down for railroad crossings and busy intersections.

11. When approaching a school zone, you should reduce your speed by at least 10 mph.

12. If you are driving on a highway with a speed limit of 55 mph, you should reduce your speed by 5 mph.

13. When you are driving on a highway that is two-lane and there is a lot of traffic, it is best to reduce your speed by 5 mph.

Tips To Avoid Speeding

1. Speed awareness courses can assist the driver to gain the skills to control their speeding.

2. The PCE can be handed out to those who have been charged with speeding.

3. In order to avoid speeding, it is best to slow down, take turns safely, not pass, and give your full attention to the traffic situation.

4. Avoid driving at night

5. Do not get distracted by other things like GPS, radio, and conversation

6. Be aware of the distance between your car and the cars ahead. Try to keep a safe distance if possible.

7. Slow down in advance before a turn or an exit ramp. Slow down gradually and avoid braking and accelerating harshly.

8. Keep your eyes on the road and if you need to look away from it – do so for short periods of time only.

9. Be aware of any potential hazards ahead such as pedestrians, cyclists, and animals crossing the street.

10. Adjust your speed according to road conditions such as fog or heavy rain.

11. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.

12. Get enough rest before you drive.

13. Avoid multitasking while driving or talk to passengers about topics that do not require much focus, like discussing your day, directions, traffic updates, etc.

14. Drive with an empty bladder and avoid drinking alcohol before driving if possible because both decrease your ability to make quick decisions on the road and increase your risk of crashing or rolling over in an accident by 37%.

15. Have a designated driver if you are too tired to get behind the wheel; plan ahead so you don’t have to worry about finding a way home.

References:

https://www.quora.com/Subject-to-the-speed-limit-what-is-the-safest-speed-for-anyone-to-drive-at

https://dmv.ny.gov/about-dmv/chapter-8-defensive-driving