Driving in Finland

Sometimes traffic in Finland drives me crazy. Especially when I am driving to work in the morning and happen to be in a hurry (doesn't happen very often but does from time to time). Why? Let me give you some background information.

Traffic in Finland outside bigger cities is close to none. Finns usually drive according to all speed limitations. That is great that they obey. But if the speed limitation is 40km/h why are they driving 30km/h? Or while driving on the highway with the speed limit of 100km/h why do they drive 80km/h? I am no Mss Perfect Driver nor any road pirate but I do realise that too low speed can hamper the traffic. During "normal" hours it is not such a big deal, but when the "rush 20min" starts in the morning or in the afternoon this becomes an issue for those who are sort of in a hurry.

Of course not all of the Finns drive too slow but this is something you may come across. I think it is also related to the fact that they are so punctual - most likely they leave for meeting/work/event with some extra safety time "in case". And because they have time they are not in a hurry and drive carefully, safely and slowly... So you have been warned in case you plan to drive in Finland ;)
The picture above shows "rush hour" according to standards of eastern and northern Finland. Picture from summer 2008.