If the speed limit is 45 mph but traffic is moving at 35 mph, what is the safest speed to drive?

The safest speed to drive in this scenario is 35 mph, which aligns with the speed of the traffic around you. When other vehicles are traveling at a certain speed, maintaining a similar speed is crucial for the safety of all road users. Staying at 35 mph helps to reduce the chances of collisions caused by sudden braking or unexpected behavior that can occur when vehicles are traveling at significantly different speeds.

Driving faster than the flow of traffic, such as at 40 mph, can create hazards as it may lead to tailgating, aggressive maneuvers, or increased risk of accidents. In contrast, driving significantly slower, like at 25 mph or 30 mph, could also be dangerous as it disrupts the normal flow of traffic, potentially causing frustration among other drivers and increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions. Therefore, keeping pace with the traffic speed of 35 mph is typically the safest approach.