Find out why there’s no need for speed

It’s Road Safety Week (16-22 November) and the theme for the 2020 campaign is “no need for speed”.'

Organised by the road safety charity Brake, it offers opportunities for everyone to reflect on how they use the roads, and what they can do to reduce risk.

“In a crash, just one mile an hour over the limit can mean the difference between life and death,” said Neil Worth, chief exec utive of road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist.

“With someone injured on a UK road every four minutes, and vehicle speed playing a part in every crash, the Brake team say it’s time to come together with the clear message that there is No Need to Speed.”

Choice of speed is so important on a road journey because of the potential consequences of going above the speed limit  or too fast for the conditions, according to Neil.

“The higher the speed, the longer the stopping distance, the harder the crash and the greater the risk of death and injury,” he added.

“Brake’s No Need to Speed message is a reminder to everyone of how the speed they travel affects other people.

“Every time we’re on the road we need to consider what speed is appropriate to keep ourselves and others safe.”

GEM Motoring Assist has these speed safety tips:

• Make sure you always know the speed limit for the road you’re on. A quick look at speed limit information in the Highway Code is a great idea.
• Don’t rush on a journey. Leave earlier and ensure you have plenty of time, with no reason to speed.
• Keep a close eye out for speed limit signs, and watch for clues that the speed limit may soon be about to change. Why not call out the new speed limit as you drive past the signs.
• Check your speedometer frequently so you always know your own speed. Expert drivers scan mirrors and speedometer systematically every few seconds, ensuring a glance down and around is part of a safe driving plan, not a distraction to it.
• Always ask yourself: is my speed both legal and safe? After all, the speed limit is just that – a limit, not a target, and there will be circumstances when you will feel much safer driving below the limit.