What is a good rule of thumb for adjusting your speed to traffic flow?

Adjusting your speed to the flow of traffic is a crucial principle for safe driving. When you match your speed to the general speed of other vehicles on the road, you create a more predictable environment for everyone, which helps reduce the risk of accidents. This practice allows for smooth merging, lane changes, and overall better traffic management.

Driving too fast or too slow compared to the flow can lead to dangerous situations; for instance, moving too slowly can frustrate other drivers, prompting risky behaviors as they attempt to pass. Conversely, driving significantly faster than the prevailing traffic can lead to collisions, as it decreases the time available to react to sudden changes or obstacles.

The suggestion to focus solely on the speed limit can be misleading, as speed limits are not always appropriate given current traffic conditions. Similarly, following the car ahead too closely may not leave enough space to react in emergencies. Maintaining a high speed to keep up further increases risk without considering factors like road conditions, traffic density, and the behavior of other drivers. Hence, adjusting your speed to the flow of traffic ensures safer and more efficient travel.