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What is the most important thing to consider when choosing your driving speed?
My friends and I got into an argument while on a road trip the other day about how fast we were driving. I said it was fine because the roads were empty. One said it wasn’t, because it was windy, and the other said the road was too bumpy to drive at full speed. What’s the most important thing to consider when determining how fast you drive?
Michelle Ballestrasse · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
So of course we’re going to remember that one of the most important things to consider is the
speed limit
. But the lead-footed out there should keep in mind that the speed limit is assuming that you’re driving in ideal conditions. So while you’ll obviously never exceed that limit, depending on the driving conditions, you may not want to reach it.Those driving conditions are the most important things to consider when choosing your driving speed. That means considering:
- Weather: Is it raining, windy, or overly bright?
- Time of day: Is it sunset while you’re driving west? Is it nighttime with limited light? Is it rush hour?
- Traffic: Are there lots of other cars on the road?
- Road quality: Is the road in poor condition, with visible cracks and potholes? Is it windy and narrow, or wide and straight?
- Your car’s condition: Is your car properlymaintainedwith all of its components in good working order?
- Your condition as the driver: Are you tired, distracted, or otherwise impaired in any way?
If your driving conditions as outlined are ideal, then by all means, hit that speed limit. But if not, exercise caution, and choose your driving speed with care.
And while you’re at it, be sure you’ve chosen your
car insurance
with care. That’s much easier to do with Jerry
on your side.As a fully-licensed app, Jerry is like an insurance broker on call 24/7, to help you find great coverage in minutes. Plus the average Jerry user saves $887 a year, and you can join them!
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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