Minimum Speed on the Highway: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

At MIGTRA, we are always talking about maximum speed and its associated risks, but have you ever wondered about the minimum speed on the highway and why it is equally important for road safety? Although many drivers focus on not exceeding the maximum speed limits, driving too slowly also carries significant risks and in this blog we will tell you what they are.

In Chile, the minimum highway speed is 70 km/h and in urban areas, this limit drops to 50 km/h. According to the decree of law promulgated in 1986, the speed on highways must be between 100 and 70 km/h. For trucks, articulated vehicles and vans, the minimum speed on highways and motorways is 60 km/h due to their potential danger, while on conventional roads it can be as low as 35 km/h, especially in areas near schools, hospitals, etc. These regulations are necessary to prevent dangerous situations where a vehicle traveling at low speed could compromise the safety of other drivers.

Driving at a very low speed without apparent reason, especially on fast roads like highways where other drivers can reach up to 120 km/h, is not only dangerous, but also obstructs the normal flow of traffic. However, there are exceptions: in adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, snowfall or ice, drivers may be advised to reduce speed below 70 km/h. Additionally, broken-down vehicles may travel at reduced speeds, as long as they leave the road as soon as possible and signal properly.

In addition to that, another factor must be taken into account: the higher the speed, the greater the safety distance between vehicles must be. A basic rule is to maintain a distance that allows at least 3 seconds to pass from when the vehicle ahead passes a point until you do.

Traffic flow is essential to avoid congestion and minimize accident risk. Did you know that according to CONASET studies, if everyone drove at the appropriate speed, a quarter of traffic accident deaths could be prevented?

Experience has shown us that reducing driving speed not only decreases the frequency of accidents, especially those involving pedestrians, but also reduces the severity of these incidents. However, it is not just about going slower. The goal is to find a balance, and this is where tools like MIGTRA's RAEV are invaluable for monitoring the speed of entire fleets, whether in cargo, passenger or hazardous materials transportation.

To read more about the other side of the coin, that is, about maximum speeds and their repercussions, we invite you to explore our previous blogs and visit our YouTube channel, where you will find more information about road safety and our technological solutions to improve transportation.