Evaluating the Holiday Traffic Environment

In our state approved driver safety course, we cover driving in certain road conditions. We have a safety driving video that shows why you must never drive faster than is safe for the current conditions. No matter what the speed limit sign may say, your speed should depend on:

• The number and speed of other cars on the road.
• Whether the road surface is smooth, rough, graveled, wet, dry, wide, or narrow.
• Bicyclists, or pedestrians walking on the edge of the road.
• The weather conditions — including rain, fog, snow, ice, wind, or dust.

For example, if you are driving 45 mph in a 55 mph speed zone during a dense fog, you could be cited by a police officer for driving “too fast for conditions.”

And remember — even though you may think it is safe, you may never legally drive faster than the posted speed limit.