One of the biggest hazards for learner drivers taking lessons and drivers who have just passed their test is ensuring they keep within the speed limits.
Not driving at a safe speed is one of the ten most common reasons why drivers fail their driving test, and whilst it can be dangerous to drive too slowly, driving too quickly is more immediately harmful, particularly at the scales at which people are caught doing it.
According to data acquired by IAM Roadsmart, nearly a million drivers (939,519) were caught speeding, receiving a fine and three points on their driver’s license at a minimum.
As getting just six points within the first two years of passing your test will lead to your license being revoked, making sure you are mindful of your speed is a vital part of safely driving a car.
Why do people speed? Why are the rules so strict for new drivers? What myths should you avoid believing about speeding? And what tips can you learn to make it easier to maintain a safe speed limit?
Why Do Speed Limits Matter?
The speed limits are in place for a reason, and aim to balance the safety of pedestrians and motorists whilst ensuring cars are travelling fast enough to get where they are going.
The roads with the greatest risks of accidents have the slowest speeds, such as those in built-up areas and close to school crossings.
Breaking the speed limit, therefore, can add unnecessary danger to a journey, put pedestrians in harm’s way and can turn a collision or an accident from minor to significant.
According to data from 20’s Plenty, collisions at 20mph are between seven and ten times less likely to cause serious injury than collisions at 30mph, whilst the stopping distance is also halved, reducing the chance of impact at all.
This is why just a few extra miles per hour matter and why it can cause such harm. So why do people speed?
Why Do Drivers Break The Speed Limit?
There are a lot of reasons why people speed, but they can typically be divided into motorists who accidentally break the speed limit and those who intentionally do so.
The difference between the two is that the latter tends to reflect a particular kind of driving style or even personality type, whilst the former is often an issue with perception or understanding of the rules of the road.
Reasons why drivers accidentally speed include:
- Not paying attention to the speedometer
- Entering a flow state and not understanding that they have crept above the limit
- Influence from other drivers breaking the speed limit
Meanwhile, some reasons why drivers may intentionally break the speed limit include:
- Being in a hurry to get to a destination, especially if there is an emergency or high pressure to do so
- Enjoying the sensation of speed
- Either not caring or not understanding the level of danger speed puts them in
Why Are Speeding Rules So Strict For New Drivers?
Despite being so common, the fines and penalties for speeding can be significant, especially if they can cause issues with your job or your car insurance.
At a minimum, drivers will be charged £100 and receive three points on their licence. Penalty points can affect your insurance premiums as you are considered more of a risky driver, but if you get 12 points within three years, you will be disqualified from driving and must apply for a new licence.
For new drivers who have possessed a full driving licence for less than six months, if you get six points in two years, you lose your license entirely and need to start all over again, applying for your license and booking your tests.
Myths About Speeding You Need To Know About
Over the years, several misconceptions have emerged about speeding, and where there might be exceptions and loopholes to the rules. Here are some of the most common and why they are untrue.
The Ten Per Cent Plus Two Theory
There is a mistaken theory that speed cameras and police enforcement only enforce speeding infractions that are ten per cent plus 2mph over the speed limit, which would equate to 35mph in a 30mph zone, 79mph on a motorway and so on.
This simply is not true; whilst there has been guidance similar to this, it is not a rule, and speeding over the limit is an infraction.
Cameras Can See You Everywhere On The Road
Contrary to popular belief, speed cameras are designed and positioned to see both sides of the road, as well as cars moving towards and away from it.
Can You Speed In Order To Overtake?
Despite what some motorists believe, the Highway Code (Rule 125) is unequivocal that the speed limit is the absolute maximum. Overtaking is not an excuse.