Are you guilty of speeding? You are not the only one. Each year, the courts and police issue a new order. Millions of driver bans, fixed penalties, fines, and license endorsements are available for motorists who drive too fast.
What is the reason for this clampdown on speeding violations, and why is insurance for convicted drivers so expensive? Let’s look closer at speeding, and what can happen if you get caught.
Why speed limit signs are important?
It is possible to believe that the driver’s judgment should decide the speed of travel, especially on roads you are familiar with. You might also believe that driving faster should be possible when roads are less crowded, such as at night.
You should obey the speed limit sign at all costs for your safety and that of others on the road. Weather conditions can also have an impact on a road surface, so you may not always know a road as well as you think you do.
You never know what might be around the corner, whether it’s a stationary vehicle, an animal that has lost the road, a pedestrian, or a cyclist.
Driving errors and accidents
It is a fact that driving too fast can lead to an accident. You are less able to control your vehicle and have less time to react. Your braking distance also increases. While speeding, other errors can be magnified, like driving while fatigued or too close to the vehicle in front.
Accidents are more likely to occur if you travel at high speeds. When driving at a safe speed you give yourself time to stop. Additionally, it reduces the impact of your vehicle hitting another one if you’re not able to stop on time.
Penalties and Speeding Infractions
There are many types of speeding offenses, depending on what type of vehicle you have (for example, heavy goods or passengers vehicle) and the category of the road (for example, motorway or road).
Infractions are also graded based on how high they go above the limit. You may be offered a speed awareness class if you are caught driving slightly above the speed limit. Although this does not constitute a conviction, you should still inform your insurance provider.
Be careful of the hidden penalties for speeding, such as insurance increases, license suspensions, and demerit points. Even though paying a fine can be difficult, it is not the worst penalty for speeding. Once a driver pays a fine, it will stay on their driving record for 3 years. The insurance company may penalize the driver with increased rates due to this ticket, each year.
How does it impact my insurance?
A speeding conviction can result in a fine and a loss of income. Your insurance premium will likely rise as a result. Insurance companies know that speeding drivers are more likely to get into expensive accidents. Insurance premiums for drivers who have been convicted of speeding will be higher than those for drivers who follow the speed limit.
A simple speeding ticket penalty might not cause a significant impact on your bank account, but more serious offenses could lead to your insurance costs rising significantly or even leaving you unable to get coverage. Remember that when your speedometer starts to rise.
What speed is safest to drive?
You should always keep in mind that a speed limit is not a target, but a maximum. It may be safer to drive at 40, or lower, even if it says 50. It depends on many factors including:
Weather conditions
Check for warnings about ice in the colder months. Rain can reduce your visibility and braking distance. Fog can cause visibility and braking distance to be reduced so make sure you have your fog lights on. Watch out for media warnings from police, for example, if they warn against all travel other than essential, it is likely they mean it!
The road itself
Take a slower speed if you are driving along a winding road. No one can see around corners.
Other traffic
You should slow down for bicycles, horses, and other slow-moving vehicles. Do not be aggressive or honk your horn because they also have the right to be there.
Pedestrians
Reduce your speed if there are more pedestrians, such as in a busy area or near a school.
Final thoughts
Driving slower than the flow of traffic is much safer than speeding, although it can cause some issues. If you observe the speed limit, it means you’re driving far safer than the other drivers around you. Accidents can be prevented by simply following the rules on the road.