How does driving considerably below the speed limit affect accident risk on interstate highways?

Driving considerably below the speed limit can increase the chance of an accident on interstate highways because it creates an unexpected hazard for other drivers. When vehicles are traveling at much different speeds, it can lead to confusion and misjudgment among drivers. This discrepancy causes other drivers to need to change lanes or brake suddenly to avoid a collision, which can lead to rear-end accidents or loss of control.

On high-speed roads, the flow of traffic is designed for vehicles to move at certain speeds that are considered safe under normal conditions. A vehicle moving significantly slower than the average traffic speed can disrupt this flow, leading to situations where drivers may react aggressively or unpredictably. This not only increases the likelihood of accidents but can also result in a chain reaction of collisions, as vehicles behind may not anticipate the slow-moving vehicle in time to react safely.

Therefore, maintaining a speed that is close to the posted limit is important for overall traffic safety and reducing accident risk.