The network of highways and expressways in the country is continuously expanding and a large number of people use these roads for long distance travel. While driving on these roads, most people are cautious about the challan for overspeeding, but do you know that in some circumstances, driving slower than necessary can also cause problems?
While driving on the highway, the speed of the vehicle should be as per the road, lane and the rules applicable there. It is especially important to follow the prescribed speed limit on expressways. A vehicle driving too slowly without reason can pose a danger to other drivers and can also hinder the normal flow of traffic.
Minimum speed is not the same on every highway
It is important to understand that the same minimum speed limit does not apply to every highway or expressway in the country. Rules may vary depending on local traffic rules, vehicle class and road conditions on different roads.
Therefore, the driver must observe the sign boards on the road and the speed limit set by the concerned authority. If there is a minimum speed limit on a road, then driving at a speed much lower than that without any valid reason can come under the ambit of the rules.
Vehicles traveling behind at slow speed may face problems
The speed of vehicles on highways is higher than on normal roads. In such a situation, if a vehicle is suddenly moving very slowly, then the vehicle coming from behind may get less time to reduce its speed.
This risk may increase especially in conditions of night, rain, fog or low visibility. Therefore, keep the speed of your vehicle on the highway such that you maintain complete control over the vehicle and can drive safely with the surrounding traffic.
Slow driving in the wrong lane can increase the risk
Use of lanes on the highway is also important from safety point of view. The driver should drive his vehicle in the prescribed lane on the road and after overtaking, he should return to the concerned lane at the appropriate time.
If a vehicle continues to move unnecessarily slow in a lane of fast-moving traffic, it may cause difficulty in overtaking the vehicles coming behind. This can lead to situations like sudden lane change or wrong overtaking.
What to do if the car breaks down?
If the vehicle develops a technical fault on the highway and its speed reduces, then instead of panicking, the driver should try to take the vehicle to a safe place. If possible, remove the vehicle from the main part of the road and park it at a designated parking or safe place.
If you are forced to stop the vehicle on the road, turn on parking lights or hazard lights and use available safety measures so that vehicles coming from behind can be informed about it in advance.
Keep these things in mind to avoid challan
While driving on the highway, it is not enough to just keep in mind the maximum speed. It is also important to follow the speed limit, lane discipline and other traffic rules applicable on the road. Instead of driving unnecessarily slowly, maintain a safe speed according to the traffic conditions.
Also, the amount of challan and applicable provisions on any highway or expressway may vary as per the road and local rules. Therefore, instead of assuming a fixed amount of fine based only on general information, it is better to look at the official rules applicable on the concerned road.
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