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Towards Zero Together

Vehicle travel speeds have a significant impact on road safety. The speed at which we drive affects the risk of being involved in a crash as well as the severity of those crashes. It is crucial to address this issue and work towards reducing travel speeds for the benefit of everyone on the road.

Why is speeding a problem?

If we all drive within the speed limit, lives can be saved, and serious injuries can be prevented. Even a small reduction in average travel speed can have a significant impact on road safety. For example, a reduction of just 5 km/h in average travel speed would result in a 30% decrease in rural casualty crashes and a 25% decrease in urban crashes.

speed risk on 60k road
Source: Travelling Speed and the Risk of Crash Involvement, NHMRC Road Accident Research Unit, The University of Adelaide, November 1997

Stopping distance

One crucial factor in the relationship between speed and crashes is stopping distance. Stopping distance consists of two components: the distance traveled by the vehicle during the driver’s reaction time and the distance traveled once the brakes have been applied.

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The impact of speeding on crash risk

Driving over the speed limit significantly increases the risk of being involved in a crash. The risk of a casualty crash doubles approximately with each 5 km/h increase in speed on a 60 km/h speed-limited road, and with each 10 km/h increase on higher speed rural roads. It is essential to remember that driving above the speed limit is illegal and can have severe consequences.

speed risk on rural roads
Source: Travelling Speed and the Risk of Crash Involvement on Rural Roads, Road Accident Research Unit, The University of Adelaide, July 2001

Driving over the speed limit not only increases the likelihood of being involved in a crash but also reduces the time available to react and stop the vehicle, thus increasing the severity of any resulting injuries.

Affects on travel time

Contrary to popular belief, speeding often saves very little time, especially on short trips. For example, on a 10 km journey, increasing your average speed from 60 km/h to 65 km/h would only save you about 46 seconds. Additionally, driving at higher speeds consumes more fuel and contributes to air pollution.

Maintaining the speed limit, especially in urban areas with traffic congestion, can actually help improve traffic flow and reduce overall congestion.

Force and risk of fatality

Extensive research has shown that reducing speeds is crucial in areas where there is a possibility of conflicts with pedestrians and cyclists. Ideally, speeds should be below 30 km/h in such areas. Similarly, speeds should be less than 50 km/h when the risk of side-impacts is present and less than 70 km/h in head-on collision scenarios. Driving at appropriate speeds allows for better reaction time and shorter stopping distances, reducing the likelihood of collisions.

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Speed Alcohol risk
Source: Travelling Speed and the Risk of Crash Involvement, NHMRC Road Accident Research Unit, The University of Adelaide, November 1997

Remember, exceeding the speed limit not only puts yourself at risk but also others around you. It reduces your ability to react to emergencies and increases the distance required to come to a stop.

FAQs

Q: Why is it important to follow the speed limit?
A: Following the speed limit is crucial for road safety. It reduces the risk of being involved in a crash and decreases the severity of any resulting injuries.

Q: How much time does speeding actually save?
A: Contrary to popular belief, speeding often saves very little time, especially on short trips. The time saved is often negligible compared to the risks involved.

Q: What are the consequences of driving above the speed limit?
A: Driving above the speed limit is illegal and can result in penalties such as fines and license suspensions. Moreover, it significantly increases the risk of being involved in a crash and can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.

Conclusion

Reducing travel speeds is of utmost importance for road safety. It is crucial for all drivers to abide by the speed limits and drive at appropriate speeds for the conditions. By doing so, we can all contribute to preventing accidents, saving lives, and making our roads safer for everyone.

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