Can You Be Liable for Driving Too Slowly in Tempe Traffic?

When people talk about dangerous driving, they usually picture speeding, tailgating, or blowing through red lights. But what about drivers who go too slow—especially on Tempe’s already congested roads? Believe it or not, driving well below the speed limit in the wrong context can cause accidents, disrupt traffic flow, and, in some cases, lead to liability.

If you're involved in a crash where the other driver was operating below a reasonable speed, or if someone accuses you of doing the same, it's important to understand how Arizona law handles these situations. The Tempe car accident attorney team breaks down when driving too slowly becomes a legal problem—and how fault is assessed in these tricky scenarios.

When “Too Slow” Becomes Dangerous

Arizona traffic laws prohibit drivers from going “so slow as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.” This doesn’t mean you’re required to go exactly the speed limit at all times, but it does mean that if your slow speed creates a hazard, you could be considered negligent.

Here are some situations where slow driving might be legally risky:

• Merging onto the freeway at a much lower speed than surrounding traffic

• Driving under the limit in the left-hand or “passing” lane

• Abruptly slowing down without reason or warning

• Driving far below the limit on a busy multi-lane road like Rural or University

• Blocking or disrupting traffic in construction zones or detour routes

When slow driving leads to a rear-end crash or sudden lane shifts by other drivers, courts and insurers will want to know whether your speed was reasonable under the conditions.

Why Slow Drivers Are Common in Tempe

Tempe has a unique mix of local commuters, out-of-town drivers, students, and tourists—all of whom drive with different habits and confidence levels. That leads to common slow-driving behaviors like:

• Unfamiliar drivers navigating campus near Meyer Park

• Tourists or elderly drivers hesitating at intersections in Downtown Tempe

• New drivers overcompensating for nerves on high-speed roads

• Rideshare drivers creeping along while looking for passengers

• Distracted drivers going under the limit without realizing it

In low-traffic neighborhoods, this might not cause much trouble. But on high-speed roads or during rush hour, it can set the stage for a collision.

Can You Really Be At Fault for Driving Too Slowly?

Yes—especially if your driving behavior was unreasonable for the conditions. While most people associate fault with speeding, insurance companies and courts can assign liability to a slow driver if:

• They were traveling significantly below the flow of traffic

• They failed to yield properly when merging

• They obstructed a lane or forced other drivers to maneuver unsafely

• Their slow speed created a hazard that directly led to the crash

Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning more than one driver can share fault. So if you were driving too slowly and someone rear-ended you, the court might assign partial fault to both parties depending on the details.

Common Accident Scenarios Involving Slow Drivers

Slow driving isn’t always reckless, but in the wrong place or time, it causes real problems. Here are a few crash scenarios where it plays a major role:

Rear-End Collisions

When a driver is going 15–20 mph under the flow of traffic, the risk of being rear-ended increases. While the following driver is typically assumed to be at fault, that assumption can shift if the lead driver was unreasonably slow.

Lane Change Crashes

Other drivers may swerve or merge abruptly to get around a slow vehicle, resulting in a T-bone or side-swipe collision—especially in areas like North Tempe where multi-lane roads are common.

Rideshare or Delivery Drivers

If a rideshare driver or food delivery vehicle slows excessively to look for an address or make a turn, they may be held liable if their actions trigger a crash. Learn more about these cases in our rideshare accident section.

What If You Were the One Driving Slowly?

If you're accused of being the slow driver in a crash, you’ll need to show that your speed was safe and appropriate. For instance, if weather conditions made slower speeds necessary—or if you were yielding to a pedestrian or emergency vehicle—your defense may be stronger.

Evidence that can help:

• Dashcam footage showing traffic flow

• Weather reports (rain, dust storms, etc.)

• GPS data showing your speed

• Witness statements supporting your version of events

• Police reports confirming hazards or road obstructions

Injuries Common in Low-Speed Crashes

Even if the crash didn’t involve high velocity, injuries still occur in slow-speed collisions:

• Whiplash and neck strain

• Back pain or aggravated spinal issues

• Minor TBI symptoms from abrupt stops

• Seatbelt bruising and airbag abrasions

• Soft tissue damage

Many of these injuries take hours or days to fully develop. That’s why it’s important to get checked out even if the impact seemed minor.

Final Thoughts

Tempe traffic doesn’t just demand awareness of speed limits—it requires smart pacing that keeps up with the flow of vehicles. Driving too slowly may seem harmless, but it can quickly spiral into a dangerous situation on busy streets or freeways. And under Arizona law, if your slow speed plays a role in causing an accident, you may share liability.

Whether you were hit by an unreasonably slow driver or someone is trying to pin fault on you for cautious driving, knowing your rights is key. Gather evidence, document road conditions, and avoid rushing to settle. Crashes aren’t always about speed—sometimes, it’s the lack of it that creates the danger.