18. Use of Speed (NS 4.2.2)

It is rarely acceptable to break the speed limit. A culture of speeding is prevalent nowadays and often justified on the grounds of “well he is doing 40 in a 30 limit so why can’t I” or “I was late for my meeting” etc.

Speeding is potentially dangerous and is always the number one reason why road users are killed and seriously injured. You must always drive at a speed which is appropriate for the road and traffic conditions and never over the speed limit. However, there may be the odd exception. For instance, you are overtaking a long vehicle on a dual carriageway/motorway which is traveling at 60-65 mph.

So as not to spend too long overtaking and travelling in the vehicle’s blind area, accelerating up to  say 75 mph may be acceptable on the grounds of safety. There are many occasions when driving at the speed limit could be unsafe.

For instance:

• Approaching a blind bend on a narrow road.
• In heavy traffic.

The list is almost endless!

Exercise 3:

List ten situations where driving at the speed limit could or would be dangerous (please complete the sheet in your workbook)

As an “advanced” driver, you must find the balance between driving safely, anticipating hazards ahead, driving within the speed limits AND keeping traffic flowing by making good progress avoiding undue hesitancy.