Why speeding is a problem

While it’s tempting to accelerate that little bit harder to get to your destination quicker, speed limits are in place for a reason. Unfortunately, speeding is incredibly common in the UK, and driving too fast reduces the time you have to react to hazards and unexpected situations.

Speeding statistics
Speed limits are designed to reduce the chance of collision, injury, and fatal accidents. Exceeding these limits puts yourself and others at risk. Speeding is a critical issue for the safety of our roads, with excess speed being a contributory factor in 1 in 3 fatal road crashes.

Statistics show that five people die on UK roads every day, and many more suffer serious injuries. And, every 1mph increase in speed contributes to a higher crash frequency by 5%, making speed one of the biggest killers in the country.

THINK! released a campaign in 2006 titled “It’s 30 for a reason” showcasing the grim statistics of a pedestrian’s survival chances after being hit by a speeding driver. If you hit someone at 40mph, there’s an 80% chance the victim will die. If you hit them at 30mph, there’s an 80% chance they’ll survive.

Consequences of speeding
It’s no surprise that speeding comes with serious and potentially life-changing consequences. While you may receive a fine and/or penalty points, you could also be charged with more severe offences, including dangerous or careless driving, or manslaughter.

Injury solicitors, such as those at Bolt Burdon Kemp, are trying to help reduce the risk of accidents on the road. They work closely with road safety charity, Brake – a national charity dedicated to stopping road deaths and injuries.
That’s because those who suffer injuries can suffer extreme long-term pain, preventing them from going back to work and potentially having to receive ongoing care away from their usual lifestyles.

Unfortunately, speeding is the most common motoring offence and happens on our roads regularly. Those injured in road traffic collisions at no fault of their own will hope to receive compensation for the injuries they have suffered, whether that’s an amputation claim, brain injury claim, or personal injury claim.

Promoting safer driving practices
All road users must be made aware of how to practice safer driving habits. Not only can this reduce speeding on the roads, but it could also prevent the loss of a life.

There are several ways in which these habits can be promoted. These include increased police patrols, increased use of speed cameras, and stronger enforcement of serious penalties. Many vehicles now include speed-preventing technology, such as speed limiters and cruise control, so there really is no excuse.

However, the most important way to reduce speeding is through consistent education and awareness. The British public needs a constant reminder of the dangers of speeding and why sticking to the speed limit saves lives.

How to reduce speeding
Too many motorists don’t take speeding seriously, but the law definitely does. If you’re caught by cameras or traffic police, you’ll be expected to face the following:

3 points on your license
£100 fine
A potential court hearing should you wish to appeal

You might be invited to a speed awareness course, which can help you avoid certain penalties. However, you’ll still have to pay the same amount for the cost of the course that you would for the fine. This expense is unavoidable.
So, how can you reduce your speeding? If you always drive on the same roads, you should be completely familiar with their speed limits. Sticking to these limits is easier than when you’re driving somewhere unknown. Plus, you should be a lot more careful with roads you don’t know, especially if you’re greeted with a blind bend.

Many people also get caught speeding because they’re running late. Driving isn’t a race, and you’d much rather be late to your destination than seriously injured, or behind bars. Consider the consequences of your actions. The faster you’re driving, the more severe the impact is going to be.

Don’t just rely on the fact that you’re a “good driver” and you’ll get away with it. Speeding isn’t worth the risk or other people’s lives. Don’t feel pressured by passengers, either. You’re the one in the driving seat and you would have to take full responsibility should anything happen to you.

The article Why speeding is a problem first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.