Speeding

A good driver respects why speed limits exist and drives to the conditions of the road. There can be serious consequences if you decide to break the speed limit.

Speed is a factor in:

12% of all injury-causing crashes
18% of crashes resulting in a serious injury
28% of all fatal crashes.

Around 1,000 people are killed each year on our roads because drivers and riders travel too fast.

Most deaths and serious injuries occur on rural roads. Narrow and bendy roads mean limited visibility, combine that with speeding, and you have a huge risk of people getting seriously hurt or killed.

What’s The Honest Truth about the 30 speed limit?

The harsh reality of the 30 mph speed limit is, if a driver hits someone at 30, that person has a chance of surviving.

If a driver in a car hits someone at:

30 mph, two out of 10 pedestrians would be killed.
35 mph, five out of 10 pedestrians would be killed.
40 mph, nine out of 10 pedestrians would be killed.

What can you do to be a good driver?

Be the boss - Your car, your rules. Let your passengers know upfront that you’re not going to speed like a cheetah and if they’re in that much of a hurry they can find another ride.
Adapt - Good drivers understand situations and adapt. Drive to suit the road and the conditions.
Understand that as a driver you’re responsible for your vehicle and your actions. If you speed and something happens you’ll have to live with the consequences of that for the rest of your life.
Look into getting a black box. It will encourage you not to speed and could get you a better deal on your insurance.

What is the law?

You mustn’t drive faster than the speed limit for the type of road and your type of vehicle. The speed limit is the absolute maximum but it doesn’t mean it’s safe to drive at that speed in all conditions. Find out more.

What is the punishment?

The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and 3 penalty points added to your licence; unless you are given the option to attend a speed awareness course.
You could be disqualified from driving if you build up 12 or more penalty points within a period of 3 years.
If you’re within 2 years of passing your driving test, you’ll probably lose your licence if you build up 6 or more points.
If you’re stopped by the police for the speeding offence they can either fine you or send the case to court.
If you’re caught on camera, the vehicle’s registered keeper will be sent a notice of intended prosecution. If that’s ignored, it goes to court.
Possibly prison if you really hurt or kill someone. Police check phone records when investigating a fatal collision or serious injury.
Lots of employers ask about driving convictions on application forms, so it could mean that you can’t apply for a job you want.
If you hurt someone or kill someone, you’ll have to live with that for the rest of your life.