Focus on Inappropriate Speed
At higher speeds,we have less time to identify and react to hazards. It takes longer to stop. If
there is a crash, it is more severe, causing greater injury to the occupants and any pedestrian or
rider we hit.
Excessive speed contributes to 26% of collisions in which someone is killed, 18% of crashes resulting in a serious injury and 12% of all injury collisions. This means that around 900 people are killed each year on our roads because drivers and riders travel too fast, and over 6,000 are seriously injured.
About two-thirds of crashes in which people are killed or injured happen on roads with a speed limit of 30 mph or less.
At 30 mph, a car travels 44 feet (3 car lengths) every second. Even in good conditions, the difference in stopping distance between 30 mph and 35 mph is an extra 21 feet, more than 2 car lengths.
Even a small amount above the limit makes a big difference.
- Hit by a car at 20 mph, 1 out of 40 pedestrians will be killed
97% will survive
- Hit by a car at 30 mph, 2 out of 10 pedestrians will be killed
80% will survive
- Hit by a car at 35 mph, 5 out of 10 pedestrians will be killed
50% will survive
- Hit by a car at 40 mph, 9 out of 10 pedestrians will be killed
10% will survive
Unfortunately, most drivers exceed the speed limit at some time. In one study, over 70% of drivers admitted speeding; other studies have found even higher figures – up to 85%.
Drivers who speed are more likely to be involved in crashes. They are also more likely to commit other offences such as close following, red-light running, and drinking and driving.
Drivers’ perception of what is a safe speed on a particular road will often differ to that of pedestrians, pedal cyclists and horse riders using the road.
Further Information
| www.rospa.com/roadsafety click on 'Driving' and then 'Speed' |
www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk click on ‘Road Safety Campaigns’, then ‘Slow Down’, then ‘Printed Media’ and then 'Speed: Know Your Limits' |
| www.rospa.com/roadsafety click on 'Employers' and then ‘Driving for Work: Safer Speeds’ |
www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk click on ‘Road Safety Campaigns’, and then ‘Slow Down’ |
| www.stoppingdistances.org.uk | www.rospa.com/roadsafety click on ‘Top Ten Tips’ |
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RoSPA is a registered charity: Registered Charity No: 207823 Patron: Her Majesty the Queen RoSPA Head Office: Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK |
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