What did 84 Drivers Recently Caught Speeding Say about their Behaviour?

(VIP Driving School Driver Safety Series Article #3, August 2018)

Today The Daily Telegraph newspaper published an article about new research into why drivers speed. The article detailed the results of a survey of 86 drivers who were caught low-level speeding over the past year, giving us worrying information about the state of drivers today.

Low-level speeding is driving up to about 10 km/h above the posted road speed limit.

The key points found were:

• The participants believed it is socially acceptable to speed on a low-level scale.
• More than half of those surveyed believed speeding is not dangerous.
• Almost 90% of the participants said they would continue to speed.
• Most male participants revealed they believe their ability and experience allowed them to speed safely.
• Most female participants believed it was okay to low-level speed if other drivers were, and also felt pressured by time factors and running late.
• Most participants believed it is okay to speed if it is late and there are no other drivers on the road.
• Most participants believed it is okay to exceed the speed limit to complete an overtaking manoeuvre.
• Many participants failed to return to their prior speed after overtaking and continued their excessive speed until realising sometime after the manoeuvre is completed.
• Many participants who were young males showed an attitude they were sufficiently experienced and skilled enough to regularly speed.
• Most participants felt that having a passenger, whether a friend or family member, motivated them to slow down and stay within the posted speed limits as they did not want to risk injuring someone else.

These survey results paint a disappointing picture of many drivers’ attitudes toward speeding and driving safely.

Drivers should always remain within the speed limit while driving to the conditions, no matter what other drivers are doing around them. Drivers should not feel pressured or bullied into driving faster by someone driving too closely behind them and should not “go with the flow” if the flow is moving in excess of the speed limit.

Even though there may be no other vehicles driving on the section of road you’re on, and no visible pedestrians or cyclists, animals or police or camera cars, it does not give anyone a valid reason to speed. Posted speed limits are to be obeyed 24/7. The road may be empty, but anything can happen at any time, and you may be passing two houses every 1.5 to 2 seconds. Consider the families safe inside their homes, and the potential danger your vehicle can become.

Road trips, even the most frequent trips along the most familiar routes like to and from work every day, need to be properly planned and sufficient time allowed for the journey. Do not risk your safety by speeding to make up for poor personal planning or unforeseen circumstances.

Those waiting for you at work, your appointment or at home will rather you be safe than sorry, or worse.

The Daily Telegraph is promoting a “Think and Drive” scheme. We agree – think about what you’re doing behind the wheel.

Link to the original article:

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/rms-research-shows-speeding-motorists-rarely-think-of-the-danger-and-will-keep-doing-it/news-story/2e48332cff1c072cdcade438f7972cfd#itm=newscomau%7Chome%7Cv2-homepage-topstories%7C5%7Cheadline%7Chomepage%7Chomepage&itmt=1534833069896