Delaware Driver Education State Practice Test

Is it lawful to drive faster than a reasonable speed under specific conditions?

1. Yes, always

2. No, never

3. It may change depending on conditions

4. Only if there is no traffic

The correct answer is: It may change depending on conditions

Driving faster than a reasonable speed can indeed be lawful under certain conditions; therefore, circumstances such as road conditions, weather, and traffic can influence what is considered a reasonable speed. For example, on a clear day with little to no traffic, a driver may safely exceed the posted speed limit if it feels appropriate, such as when merging onto a highway. Conversely, driving at a higher speed in adverse weather conditions or heavy traffic would likely be deemed unsafe and unreasonable. Laws governing speed are designed to promote safety on the road, and adhering to the reasonable speed concept allows for adaptability to varying driving environments. This understanding underlines the notion that speed limits are not just legal benchmarks but reflections of safe driving practices that adjust to conditions encountered.