The modern world appears to be a constant sprint, with an endless array of tasks and priorities competing for our attention. We are told we are working harder and longer hours than ever before, and yet we still try to cram in as much activity into our lives as physically possible.
Unfortunately, all that rushing is posing a significant threat to road safety, with recent data from Click4Reg finding that more than half of drivers (58.3 per cent) admit to speeding when they are running late for work.
The research, of which over 3000 UK drivers were surveyed, also found that two-thirds of people speed because they “like the thrill of driving fast”.
Managing Director of Click4Reg Elie Fakhoury said it was disappointing that government imposed penalties weren’t enough to stop drivers from taking unnecessary risks on the road.
“Despite good intentions from the Government by increasing the speeding penalties, shockingly, the financial cost doesn’t seem to be a harsh enough deterrent for some drivers,” she said.
“This is something that must be amended by the Government to attempt to put an end to the rising speeding fines and number of fatalities from exceeding the speed limit.”
Perhaps more interestingly the study also analysed the time drivers actually saved by exceeding the speed limit.
When travelling in a 30mph zone, the average 14-mile commute would take 28 minutes. If a driver exceeded the speed limit by 10mph, they would save seven minutes.
At 70 mph (around 110 km) the difference dropped to just 1 minute and 30 seconds, showing that the minimal time savings are not at all worth the serious increase in risk.
Data from the Transport Accident Commission has concluded that the risk of a collision resulting in death doubles for every 5km/hr increase in speeds abover 60km/hr.
How can motorists avoid speeding in the future?
Fleet managers have a responsibility to educate their drivers on the dangers of speeding, and to impose a zero-tolerance culture throughout their organisation.
It is important to consider the following suggestions for your drivers while they are on the road:
Know Your Speed
Keep a regular eye on your speed and make use of your cruise control on highways or longer drives. Speed limits can constantly change within certain inner city roads, so keep on top of these at all times.
Don’t feel pressured to follow other drivers
Just because other drivers on the road are speeding, doesn’t mean that you also have to. Stay in the left lane and drive at a speed that is safe and suitable for the road conditions.
Allow yourself extra time to get to your destination
Anticipate delays, especially during peak driving periods and allow yourself ample time not to feel stressed or rushed. Use a sat-nav or your smartphone to remain aware of live traffic updates.
Reduce unnecessary travel
Can an upcoming meeting be rescheduled as a phone or video conference call? Consider ways to group your regular errands into logical routes to reduce vehicle spend and to allow greater productivity.
Be a considerate driver
See your driving as a give-and-take scenario. The more courteous you are to other drivers on the road, the safer and more considerate they will likely be to you and other drivers. In all things remember that speed limits are limits, not targets.
For more details on the Click4Reg survey click here.
