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Benefits of Slowing Down
A common and often incorrect assumption made by some motorists is that driving aggressively, maintaining short distances between cars, constantly changing lanes, and accelerating from traffic lights will reduce your travel time.
In fact, the contrary is true.
Research suggests that in certain settings reduced speeds can actually lead to an increase in traffic flow and consequent reduction in congestion and delays. (Monash University Accident Research Centre Report 276 - The impact of lowered speed limits in urban and metropolitan areas).
This is because factors other than the speed limit slow drivers down. These factors include congestion, frequent stopping or slowing down for traffic signals at intersections; pedestrian crossings; rail crossings; and near schools and shopping zones; and roadway design.
Additional benefits of slowing down
From a safety perspective, the relationship between speed and crash outcome and severity is well established. We have also seen that reduced speeds can actually reduce travel times. Other benefits of slowing down are:
- reduced vehicle operating costs (with less 'wear-and-tear' and greater energy efficiency)
- less pollution (greater energy efficiency means less poisonous greenhouse gas pollutants - up to one quarter less than that of aggressive motorists)
- less noise.