Why do Houston drivers go so slow?

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Kare Bear

Are used to driving on the autobahn or something? I think Houston drivers drive fast compared to all of the other placed I have lived. I usually drive about 75mph and I am always passed.

William K

There are any number of reasons: traffic due to time of day, an accident, or the most common reason (cops). Since there are so many juridictions out there, you have no idea who will be radaring your section of highway. I see HPD on the tollway access road, Precinct 5 constables on the tollway, HPD and Harris County Sheriff on 59. HPD and the constables spend a lot of time on I-10, too.

You do get slow drivers as well. Some people, especially the "socially conscious" believe they're going fast enough for everyone, thank you very much, and hog the left lane. They fall into a few categories: sassy urban female, senior citizen in late-80s vintage Detroit iron, and guilt-feeling leftist. I was stuck behind a jerkweed on the tollway last week. He insisted on doing 62 in a 65 zone, in the left lane, and despite my polite signalling he refused to move (left blinker, not flashing high beams, and I certainly didn't tailgate). So when about ten car lengths of room opened up (he could have moved over at any time), I signaled right and went around him. He flipped ME off! Pity he had a company truck, and allowed me plenty of time to snap a pic of his license plate AND the sign on the passenger door. Yup, I called and thanked the owner for allowing this guy to drive a company truck and advertise for a service (IT connection and service) that I'll be sure to remember... and use a competitor.

Oh, one thing: Most of my commute is at speeds between 75 and 80. I'd go faster, but there are lots of places for cops to hide and zap you. This cruising speed allows my reflexes time to react to visual.

Here's a surprise, though. In Houston, a Prius driver will NOT hog the left lane. I've seen this syndrome on the west coast several times. I think these are the folks who suffer from "Smug" and need to show that they care more than you do.

Hey, have you ever noticed that Prius drivers never carpool? How weird is that?

Konswayla

Slow people (going the speed limit and under)should be in the far right lane and everyone should use the far left lane for passing. Isn't his common knowlege anymore? And I really hate the 'cheaters' who act like they don't know their exit is coming up then stop traffic until someone lets them squeeze in. They should be reported for holding up traffic every day at every main exit.

Texas Happy Horn

I don't know but it drives me CRAZY!!! Not to mention when there are a few raindrops, might as well be in a funeral line. URG!!!

Tx Island Girl

Yea it depends on the time of day, and where you are in houston. I've come across both slow pokes and speed demons. Nowadays more people are slowing down to preserve their gas, and they are also afraid of the po-pos(ok the police). I am both a slow poke and speed demon (more so a speed demon)So i understand that it is a pain when you encounter a slow poke that just refuses to move over, and instead goes slower! I extremely hate when you are going like 70 and someone gets in front of you and they go like 15miles per hour,and dont let it rain...oh thats like a accident waiting to happen.Anyways, it depends on the time, location and where you are trying to go.

Victoria

I think because of cops and now they can take pictures @ lights now to still give you a ticket

sweetmommy

One of my pet peeves, people who don't move to the right!
I don't know why as it makes so much more sense than having drivers zipping all over the place to pass someone who refuses to move over. My daughter took driver's ed last Summer to get her license and told me that they teach it in the classes.

â™¥STREAKERâ™¥Â©â„—â€

they want to be on the 5 oclock traffic report is my guess. You either come across the ones that are speed demons or you get stuck behind the slow pokes. You can't win for driving in houston.

LawrenceT

I got my first ticket. I've since drive the speed limit "most" of the time.

plus, the most efficient speed to drive is 60-65 mph. I used to blast it down 59 going 85mpg but those days are gone.

now, slow people on the HOV lane makes no sense.

Scimitar

How fast do you wants to go? I dont think they driving slow. its call traffic jammed

Choong Blood

so they won't have to waste their gas and see great sites of Houston.

ymmot ton

There's a definate DR. Phil influence going on down there in Houston.

mizzhollywood26

Houston is very slow paced unlike NYC.

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