Number of casualties caused by SLOW drivers up by nearly a third last year, figures show

Car crashes are often associated with driving too fast, but driving too slow can be just as dangerous.

The number of casualties from crashes caused by slow drivers on Britain’s roads increased by almost a third last year, figures show.

According to Department for Transport data analysed by the Press Association, 175 people were injured and two killed in accidents relating to people driving too slowly in 2017 – up 31% from the previous year.

The figures take into account crashes when someone is driving too slow for the conditions or a slow moving vehicle was a contributory factor.

The results prompted AA president Edmund King to remind motorists that “driving like a snail can be as dangerous as driving like a cheetah”.

He said too many motorway users hog the middle lane and drive “far below the speed limit” which can lead to undertaking, tailgating, congestion and road rage, and said he often sees motorists slow down and hesitate when joining a motorway rather than matching their speed to the traffic flow.

“I was in a queue of five cars joining the M3 recently when the lead driver was driving at approximately 25 mph,” he added. “It was incredibly dangerous.”

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A poll of 2,000 UK drivers commissioned by carmaker Hyundai earlier this year found “someone driving too slowly in front of you” is the seventh most common reason motorists swear when they are behind the wheel.

Minimum speeds are rare on UK roads, but do exist in some high-risk locations such as tunnels. These are displayed by a round blue sign with a white number.

Driving too slowly on any road can result in the motorist being penalised for careless driving, which normally carries a £100 fine and three points on a licence.

If a case goes to court the maximum penalty is £5,000, up to nine points on a licence and disqualification from driving.

A DfT spokesman said: “Careless driving including driving too slowly is an offence and anyone caught faces prosecution.”