Drivers going severely below the speed limit in high-speed areas like the interstate can be arguably almost as dangerous as going way above the speed limit.

To preface, just because I am saying driving too slow can impede traffic and potentially be dangerous does not minimize that doing the exact opposite is even worse, as we recently saw with a student hit in a crosswalk by what appears to be a rushing driver. 

On a road such as Dave Ward, it is understandable that someone who can’t see might go slower, but at least there is a second lane for those going faster to pass.

It is the roads with the lower speed limits with one lane where it gets a little ridiculous. No one should go 25 in a 35 zone, or even 15 in a 25 zone. 

Arkansas Law is not overly strict about going below the speed limit, but the only rule on the subject is, “No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with the law.”

If you’re on the interstate heading to Maumelle from the Oak St. ramp in Conway, the speed limit is 75 on that portion of I-40.

Let’s say you’re going the exact speed limit of that stretch the entire time, the left passing lane is super busy and you’re approaching someone going 55.

Hopefully, you are paying attention and can slow down at a reasonable rate of speed, but that is not always the case. Occasionally, you have to slam on the brakes, which is dangerous at such high speeds and could lead to pile up if the person behind you isn’t paying attention.

Many people assume slower drivers are older. If this is true, more should be done to ensure driver’s health every year. Some older drivers can also be resistant to giving up their licenses, especially in rural areas.

One way to avoid that issue is to create public transportation in smaller towns that need them. 

Some communities are mostly retired people, and I think they could benefit greatly from a form of public transportation.

We also need more accessible public transportation in the bigger cities that aren’t just Little Rock or Fayetteville size population-wise.

We have something like that in Conway called a microtransit system, but not many people know about it. It consists of vans that can fit seven people and users can book rides through an app.

However, the vans can’t carry that many people, and more robust public transit would be helpful. 

Making a service like that more accessible and well-known to the public might not be a bad idea.

Beyond safety, very slow drivers can be frustrating. Maybe you are trying to get to work or get to class, and someone is going so far below the speed limit it takes longer than it should to get to your destination. This uses more gas and wastes money. 

All this to say: follow the speed limit, stay off your phone and pay attention to your surroundings, whether you are a driver or a pedestrian.