If heavy traffic is moving at 35 mph, and you could safely drive at 55 mph, what is the safest speed for your vehicle?

In heavy traffic conditions, the safest speed to drive is typically aligned with the speed of surrounding vehicles. If traffic is moving at 35 mph, driving at the same speed helps ensure that you maintain a safe following distance and reduces the risk of abrupt maneuvers that could lead to accidents. Cohesion with the flow of traffic promotes stability and predictability for all drivers.

Driving significantly faster than the surrounding vehicles, such as at 55 mph when traffic is at 35 mph, can lead to dangerous situations, including increased chances of rear-end collisions or difficulties in merging or changing lanes. Therefore, matching the speed of traffic, in this case, 35 mph, is the most prudent choice to ensure safety for yourself and other road users.