Motorway Speed Limits: Targets or Limits?

A recent survey by the RAC reveals that a staggering seven in ten drivers view motorway speed limits as targets rather than maximum limits, contributing to a rise in dangerous driving behaviors and posing significant challenges for road safety.

Are motorway speed limits targets or limits? A recent survey by the RAC has raised significant concerns about the way drivers perceive speed limits on UK roads. According to the survey, seven out of ten drivers (72%) view speed limits as targets to aim for, rather than maximum limits to adhere to. This mindset has led to a worrying trend of excessive speeding, with more than half of drivers admitting to frequently or occasionally exceeding speed limits.

The survey, which polled 2,691 drivers, revealed that 58% of drivers admitted to speeding on motorways, a slight increase from 57% in the previous year, says Yahoo News. The figures were even higher for other road types, with 50% of drivers admitting to speeding on 20mph roads and 42% on 30mph roads. This trend is particularly alarming given that exceeding the speed limit was a contributory factor in 21% of all fatal collisions in 2023, according to Department for Transport (DfT) figures.

Rod Dennis, a spokesperson for the RAC, expressed his concern about the findings: “It’s concerning that our research indicates excessive speeding has become so commonplace because the consequences are very severe – a fact borne out by government data showing it contributes to 21% of all fatal collisions. It is particularly worrying that so much excessive speeding observed by drivers appears to take place on 20mph and 30mph roads as this is where the greatest number of vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter riders, are.”

The survey also highlighted a cultural issue among UK road users, with 55% of respondents believing that it is acceptable to speed. This perception has contributed to the normalization of speeding, making it a common sight on roads across the country.

The RAC’s report suggested that increased use of average-speed cameras was the most popular measure to tackle the issue, supported by 39% of drivers. Radar-activated signs displaying the speed limit against drivers’ actual speed were also favored by 36% of respondents.

The government is currently working on the country’s first road safety strategy in many years, and it is hoped that tackling excessive speeding will be a priority. The RAC emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address the issue, including better speed limit signage, sat-nav alerts for speeding, and more severe penalties for offenders, says The Standard.

All in all, the RAC survey has shed light on a worrying trend of excessive speeding on UK roads. With a significant proportion of drivers viewing speed limits as targets and admitting to breaking them, there is an urgent need for measures to change this mindset and improve road safety. The government’s upcoming road safety strategy will be crucial in addressing these issues and ensuring the safety of all road users, wouldn’t you agree?

Picture of jamjar.com

jamjar.com

Sell your car with jamjar - Get instant offers now.

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

Car Buying:

Popular:

EV:

Read More

More Articles