Slow drivers 'more dangerous than speeding’
According to Flexed.co.uk, the new regulations designed to prevent 'middle-lane hogs' on British roads are producing results (albeit in the form of fines going to government), but there's still some way to go to get the message across that sometimes slower isn't always safer.
"Slow drivers can be a menace on some roads," commented Flexed.co.uk spokesperson Mark Hall. "When drivers don't keep up with the prevailing road conditions, they become a mobile chicane and a danger to others."
Hall says that the new regulations designed to prevent 'middle-lane hogs' on British roads are producing results (albeit in the form of fines going to government), but there's still some way to go to get the message across that sometimes slower isn't always safer.
"Slow drivers can be a menace on some roads," commented Flexed.co.uk spokesperson Mark Hall. "When drivers don't keep up with the prevailing road conditions, they become a mobile chicane and a danger to others."
A number of professional drivers told Flexed.co.uk that it's the slower, unpredictable road user that they worry about the most, saying that most appear not to have conventional road sense that most others possess.
After interviewing lorry and van drivers, couriers and taxi owners, Flexed says there's appetite among road users not only to take speeding seriously, but also slow drivers who contribute to dangerous road conditions.
Studies have produced data that show slow drivers pose a significant risk on the roads, simply because they are more likely to be overtaken, and tempt other road users into risky manoeuvres.
"We had doubts over the lane-hogging law when it first came out, and while enforcement is patchy, it is certainly having an effect on motorways and other main roads," sayi Hall. "But the fact is, it took legislation to force people who thought they were driving safely and slowly to realise that this is not actually the case."
"This isn't a witch hunt against slow drivers", he added, "because heaven knows there's enough bad drivers with lead boots. What we're suggesting is that motorists are more aware of the traffic conditions, and drive accordingly. Speeding kills, but driving like a tortoise can sometimes be risky too."
Katie Beck
Katie joined Fleet World in 2012 as an editorial intern, following the completion of an English and American Literature BA from the University of East Anglia. She accepted a full-time position as an editorial assistant at the end of the internship period, and was promoted to the role of features editor in 2014. She works across the magazine and website portfolio, and administrates the social media channels.
