You may be asking yourself, What does the Basic Speed Law have to do with insurance? California has a Basic Speed Law. The Basic Speed Law means that you may never drive faster than it is safe for the current conditions.
You may be driving 45 mph in a 55 mph zone, but if it is foggy, this may be too fast for the conditions. This means that if you are in an accident and have violated the Basic Speed Law you will probably be found at fault for the accident and receive a rate increase from your insurance carrier. So, when you are driving you need to be aware of the number of cars on the road and their speed, whether the road has a smooth surface, rough surface, is graveled, is wet, dry, narrow or wide.
In addition, you must be aware if pedestrians, or bicyclists are walking on the road’s edge or crossing the street. Finally, you must adjust your speed for rain, fog, snow, wind or dust. This also means that if you are following to too close to stop, you have violated the law as well.
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This article(s) represents the views and opinions of Garrett Parkinson and not the Insurance Companies that he represents or illustrates in his articles.