From the days when we were kids to today, we hear almost daily about driving slower, but we seldom do. We all have our reasons, most of which are our own fault for not getting started sooner, but nevertheless probably good reasons in our own mind.

But, do we ever hear of good reasons for not driving so fast? Probably not too often, but here are a few to consider.

The most important reason is for safety. It’s a proven thing that speed kills — the faster a vehicle is traveling when crashing into another vehicle or stationary object, the greater the likelihood of a serious injury or death. At slower speeds, there is less chance of a collision, and if involved in a collision, the better the chance of avoiding injury or death.

All drivers have experienced the aggravation of following a slow poke. The faster we drive, the greater the chances of getting behind a slower driver. So, slowing down reduces the stress from following a slow poke and the added dangers from trying to pass. By driving just a few miles per hour slower than you normally do, you will come upon another slower vehicle significantly fewer times.

It’s a fact that every driver speeds, some only sometimes, others almost always. And, drivers speed more if they perceive the chance of being stopped and issued a ticket is low; conversely, drivers obey speed limits more when they think there is a fair chance of being stopped. For those drivers that drive slower, the chances of a ticket drop significantly.

Driving slower allows you to use cruise control for longer periods without having to slow down when catching up with a slower vehicle. And, using cruise control has the added benefit of keeping drivers with a lead foot from exceeding the set speed on the cruise control – another good way to avoid speeding tickets.

Slower speeds are more economical. It takes significantly more gasoline to drive the same mileage at 65 mph than at 55. You’ll save money!

Drive on interstate highways? Slower speeds reduce the need for constant lane changing and allow for better use of cruise control. Lane changing is more dangerous than keeping a steady speed in the right hand lane.

Driving is dangerous at any time, but in winter, it can be more so. Many crashes in winter are due to driver error — driving too fast for conditions. Driving slower just may allow you to avoid a skid and keep your vehicle under control.

Lastly, driving slower than you normally do won’t make you late for everything. If you are not going very far, you will arrive only seconds later; if you are traveling a longer distance, it will be a matter of minutes later. If you are speeding because you are going to be late for work, an appointment, or any reason, will another minute or two or even 10 make much of a difference? And, being stopped by enforcement, even if no ticket is issued, will make you significantly later than if you drive slower and avoid being stopped. It’s like Russian roulette — driving faster is like putting more bullets in the gun. It increases the chance of being killed or injured.

So, at this holiday time, try driving a bit slower than normal — you might actually enjoy the ride for a change.