Staying within the speed limit makes you and everyone else safer

Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is urging all drivers to stay within speed limits on every journey. This, says GEM, is a key part of reducing collisions and casualties on our roads.

The advice comes as police officers join with colleagues across Europe for a week of enhanced speed checks, using a variety of enforcement tools.

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth said: “One of the most important things we can all do when at the wheel is to drive within the speed limit at all times on journeys. It’s a vital part of taking personal responsibility for our own safety – and that of others – when we are driving.

“That’s because research categorically shows that reduced speeds mean fewer collisions, and reduced severity of collisions. For example, an overall 1mph reduction in speed results in an average five per cent reduction in collisions.”

But driving within speed limits cannot make us safe on its own, according to Neil Worth. ”We need to ensure that we’re alert, observant and courteous at all times, that we use well maintained cars and that we always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. This can make all the difference, not only for us as drivers but also for those who share the roads with us.”

Top tips for slowing down

Don’t rush on a journey. Leave earlier and ensure you have plenty of time, with no reason to speed.

Keep a close eye out for speed limit signs, and watch for clues that the speed limit may soon be about to change.

Scan the speedometer frequently so you always know your own speed.

Always ask yourself: is my speed both legal and safe? After all, the speed limit is just that – a limit, not a target, and there will be circumstances when you will feel much safer driving below the limit.

Higher penalties

A ‘speeding ticket’ will result in three points on your driving licence and a fine of £100. However, the system of fining changed in April, so serious ‘speeders’ now face fines of up to 150 per cent of their weekly salary, with six penalty points and/or disqualifications of between seven and 56 days.