What is the safest speed to drive in an urban area?

Driving at the posted speed limit or slower, if conditions permit, is the safest approach in an urban area. This choice acknowledges that urban environments often contain various hazards, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and intersections with vehicles entering or exiting. Adhering to the posted limit ensures that drivers have enough time to react to unexpected situations while also balancing the flow of traffic.

Furthermore, being flexible with speed—slowing down when road conditions are poor, such as during rain or snow, or when visibility is reduced—enhances safety. This cautious attitude promotes a more defensive driving approach, reducing the likelihood of accidents in complex urban settings.

Other options suggest either driving below the speed limit without consideration of conditions, which may not be necessary and could disrupt traffic flow, or exceeding the speed limit to match traffic flow, which increases the risk of collisions and reduces the driver's reaction time.