Research shows that even a small decrease in speed significantly reduces the likelihood of a crash. If a crash does occur, slower speeds limit the severity of injuries. According to the Monash University Accident Research Centre, reducing speed by 11 per cent would reduce road deaths by 40 per cent.
Several factors increase the risk and severity of crashing when speeding. These include:
- Less time to notice and react to potential hazards
- A higher likelihood of losing control of your vehicle
- An increase in the distance required to stop your vehicle.
Research has shown that:
- A driver crashing at an impact speed of 80 kilometres per hour is twice as likely to be killed as a driver crashing at 60 km/h.
- The probability of a pedestrian being killed in a collision involving a vehicle increases rapidly if the speed at impact is above 40 km/h.
Types of speeding
All types of speeding are dangerous and place drivers and pedestrians at risk.
Speeding can be divided into three categories:
Low-level speeding
Research shows that the majority of motorists engage in low-level speeding, where the driver travels at a speed marginally over the posted speed limit, typically by around 5 km/h.
Even speeding at 5 km/h above the speed limit increases both the likelihood of a crash occurring and the severity of driver and pedestrian injuries in the event of a crash. Be aware of the speed limit at all times and monitor your speed accordingly.
Inappropriate speeding
In difficult driving conditions, certain speeds, even within the legal limits, may be inappropriate. Wet weather and other influences may mean that driving at the speed limit is inappropriate and dangerous. Be aware of conditions altering your vehicles response time and stopping distances, and adjust your speed accordingly.
Excessive speeding
In certain cases drivers deliberately exceed the speed limit. Doubling your speed requires four times the distance to stop.
