What speed is considered low-speed driving?
2 Answers
Generally, speeds below 30 km/h are referred to as low-speed. Low-speed, also known as low gear, is a commonly equipped gear in automatic transmission vehicles, located at the bottom of the gear shift console, marked as "L" or "1", which essentially corresponds to the 1st gear in the transmission. Driving behavior that involves shifting into low gear to pass through waterlogged roads, speed-restricted roads, or icy and snowy roads is referred to as low-speed driving. The following are considerations for civilized driving: 1. Civilized driving: Drivers must strictly adhere to laws and regulations, always maintaining civilized driving and yielding to others. A qualified driver is not only skilled in technique but also possesses good driving manners, behavior habits, and moral cultivation, ensuring safe and civilized driving. 2. Obey traffic laws: Emphasize traffic ethics and professional ethics, drive civilly and courteously, strictly comply with traffic laws, and follow the instructions of traffic police. 3. Yield to pedestrians: When driving through crosswalks, near bus or train stations, or crowded and bustling streets, reduce speed or stop to give way. 4. Drive legally and in compliance with regulations: Do not run red lights, cross lines, drive under the influence of alcohol, engage in improper passing, change lanes improperly, misuse vehicle lights, or park haphazardly.
I've been driving for almost thirty years, and the concept of low-speed driving is actually quite flexible—it really depends on the situation. In congested urban areas, reducing speed to 20 to 30 kilometers per hour is definitely considered low-speed, like during rush hour when you're stuck in traffic. You have to stay alert to the vehicles ahead at all times, maintaining a distance of two to three car lengths to avoid fender benders. For manual transmission cars, shifting to second gear helps protect the engine, while automatic transmission drivers should avoid stomping on the accelerator. On weekend outings, slowing down to below 15 km/h on rural roads counts as low-speed, and you need to go even slower when turning or reversing to maintain control. Driving at low speeds for extended periods can lead to higher fuel consumption and faster transmission wear, so it's important to schedule regular maintenance and check the braking system to prevent potential issues that could compromise safety.
