Observing The Speed Limit

Speeding is a serious offence in the UK and can carry severe penalties. To avoid prosecution and speed-related accidents (which will also affect your No Claims Discount), drivers should take care to observe the speed limit and speed-related laws.

Many drivers think of the speed limit as a frustrating inconvenience, even more so with the advent of further law enforcement, such as speed cameras. Fines and penalty points for speeding can even result in a total driving ban if they are accrued over several offences.

Yet UK speeding laws are designed for drivers’ safety. They give all drivers the same speed limits, on the same types of roads. Breaking the speed limit is not only inconsiderate and confusing for other drivers but the Department for Transport’s Think Road Safety campaign estimates that it also contributes to 40,000 serious injuries and 1,000 deaths in the UK – every year. Even a minimal breach of the limit can have a deadly impact; for example, driving at 35mph is twice as likely to kill someone as driving at 30mph.

Swot up on safe speeds

All drivers who have passed their driving test should be aware of the correct speed limit. For cars and motorcycles (including car derived vans up to 2 tonnes maximum laden weight) the speed limit is 30mph in built up areas, 60mph on single carriageways, and 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways. The 30mph limit applies to all traffic on all roads in England and Wales (only Class C and unclassified roads in Scotland) with street lighting, unless signs show otherwise. For other vehicles and also if you are towing, it is important to note that the speed limits may differ slightly. These are general rules and drivers should always look out for the maximum speed signs whilst driving.

Be aware of the driving conditions as well as the speed limit

What some drivers forget is that the Highway Code also impresses that while the speed limit is the absolute maximum you can drive, it does not mean that it is safe to drive at that speed irrespective of conditions. Driving at speeds too fast for the road and traffic conditions (even when within the limit) can be dangerous.

For example, you should slow down if the road layout presents a hazard such as a sharp bend, or if you are sharing the road with pedestrians or cyclists or motorcyclists, or if you are driving at night and it is hard to see other road users. Driving too slowly for traffic conditions can also cause accidents so it is important to be aware of this, and if others are driving too slowly, as well. Just because you are within the speed limit doesn’t mean that you are correctly observing traffic conditions.

Stopping distances also need to be taken into account alongside speed. The Highway Code outlines safe stopping distances and precautions you should take. For more in-depth advice try the THINK! Road Safety Website’s downloadable Know your speed limits PDF document.

If an accident should happen…

Accidents can happen even when you take the utmost care to observe the law and road conditions. Unfortunately, what you can’t do is control someone else’s speed! With Direct Line Car Insurance you can have some peace of mind by knowing that you are covered against such an eventuality. We have three levels of cover, which are Comprehensive, Third Party Fire & Theft and Third Party Only. Our Uninsured Driver promise also means that you are covered if an uninsured driver causes an accident. Plus we offer an extra legal protection option that will cover you and your passengers for any personal injury caused by an accident.

If you do have an accident you have access to our Accident Helpline to help you deal with the situation.

For more details on Direct Line Car Insurance, including full terms and conditions, you can consult our policy documents online.