During Road Safety Week (16 to 22 November) it’s a good opportunity for everyone to reflect on how we use the roads, and what we can do to reduce risk. In a crash, just one mile an hour over the limit can mean the difference between life and death. With around 95% of road accidents caused by human error and vehicle speed playing a part in every event its worth reinforcing the importance of adhering to speed limits. Brake (road safety charity) during Road Safety Week also highlights the disparity between male and female drivers with more than a quarter (28%) of male drivers admitting they have driven above 100mph, more than three times the number of women (9%).
Ahead of Road Safety Week GEM provided a number of tips that are worth becoming more familiar with.
Make sure you always know the speed limit for the road you’re on. A quick look at speed limit information in the Highway Code is a great idea.
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. Why not call out the new speed limit as you drive past the signs.
Check your speedometer frequently so you always know your own speed. Expert drivers scan mirrors and speedometer systematically every few seconds, ensuring a glance down and around is part of a safe driving plan, not a distraction to it.
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.
