Understanding Why Los Angeles Drivers Often Exceed the Speed Limit
Los Angeles is known for its frequent traffic congestion, but surprisingly, it also hosts a unique driving culture where many drivers tend to exceed the speed limit on freeways. This behavior is often misunderstood and seen as aggressive or dangerous by those unfamiliar with Los Angeles conditions. However, there are logical, if not legally sanctioned, reasons behind this phenomenon.
Legal and Practical Reasons for Exceeding the Speed Limit
For the legally acceptable reasons, if the current flow of traffic is traveling faster than the posted speed limit, it is permissible to drive at the same or similar speed to avoid obstructing traffic. Overtaking another vehicle requires accelerating to a safe speed that allows you to pass quickly and then return to a lower, safe speed. Driving at the speed of the majority in such conditions is a more practical and safe approach.
Passing briskly rather than slowly significantly reduces the exposure to potential accidents. Creeping along at 1-2 mph faster than the vehicle in front is risky. Passing at 5 to 10 mph faster is much safer and more efficient, though still requiring a momentary acceleration to complete the pass.
Why Los Angeles Drivers Tend to Drive Faster
Many Los Angeles speed limits are not practical or reasonable, leading drivers to disregard them. Speed limits like 55 mph throughout California were often politically motivated to save gas and lives, but in Los Angeles, the reality is different. Bay Area drivers regularly enjoy 70 mph limits, and passing by the same limit on the 405 freeway is a common sight.
Drivers in Los Angeles are generally skilled and accustomed to handling a high volume of vehicles. The weather in Los Angeles is generally good, and the roads are well-maintained, contributing to a steady, dense flow of traffic. There is less need to navigate through hazards, which is a common issue in other cities known for poor road conditions.
The high volume of vehicles on the 405 freeway, carrying over 300,000 cars daily in each direction, has surprisingly few accidents. According to data, Los Angeles freeways experience approximately 100 accidents per mile per year, and the 405, with 150 accidents per mile per year, is no exception. This relatively low accident rate is impressive, especially considering the high volume of traffic and speed.
Understanding the Driving Culture in Los Angeles
Many Quorans and out-of-state drivers imagine a constant state of bumper-to-bumper traffic in Los Angeles, which is far from the truth. While traffic can be heavy, the skilled driving habits and clear road conditions contribute to a smoother driving environment.
Fewer honks and a well-regulated merging process also contribute to a less stressful driving environment. The weather and road conditions in Los Angeles consistently maintain a high level of traffic flow, reducing the need to drive below the speed limit due to road hazards.
Driving faster is not only a matter of convenience or preference; it is also a practical decision based on legal and practical considerations. Drivers in Los Angeles are generally well-informed about the implied processes involved in driving on freeways, and this contributes to a relatively safe and efficient driving experience.
Conclusion: The frequent behavior of Los Angeles drivers to exceed speed limits is due to practical and legal reasons rather than reckless driving. The skilled driving habits, clear road conditions, and high volume of traffic create an environment where faster driving is not only permissible but also more efficient and safe. As a result, Los Angeles drivers often drive faster, contributing to a smooth and efficient driving experience for all.