Stick to the limit - right up to it

25/06/2007 by Lee.

The advertising campaign tells us that the speed limit is “30 for a reason“. This has been deemed the safe and acceptable speed to travel on these roads. Fair enough, nothing wrong with that. So the same could be said for 60 mph. Where the speed limit is 60, that is because it has been decided that 60 is a fair and safe speed to use on that road. So why the hell do some people seem to think that 35 is a better option? What are they thinking at this point, ”I know the limit is 60, but frankly they don’t know what they’re on about and it should be 35. I will therefore impose this limit myself on the ever growing train of traffic behind me.”

If you feel unsafe driving at anything approaching the speed limit then either pull over or stop driving. Nobody wants you to crash, the limit is set for a reason and if you need to slow down then there is a variety of signs and road markings to advise you of this. The word “Slow” on the street is an advisory not an instruction, you do not have to brake when you see it. Whilst we’re on the subject, how about learning the different limits for a start?

It’s often the guy doing 30 on the fast roads that can cause the problem. Too often I’ve been driving along the motorway (without speeding of course) and come across the 40 mph guy. Suddenly you’re on top of them, you struggle to get out because you’re now doing half the speed of every other road user. Whilst Mr 40 mph thinks he’s driving safely, he’s actually causing problems. Although he has never had a crash they always seem to happen in his mirror for some reason.

Motorways imparticular should have a minimum speed, and the 70 mph limit is now too low. This limit was first put in place in 1965 and has not changed since. The average car in 1965 had a top speed of about 85 mph and very poor brakes by todays standards.

There is an argument (albeit tongue in cheek) that limits should actually be increased through road works. Those of you familiar with the physics of passing water through a pipe will know that the only way to get the same volume of liquid (or cars) through a narrower pipe (or contraflow) is to increase the speed of the water (or cars) through the narrower section.

Don’t try this defence in court though.

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