Treat speed limits with suspicion

ROAD safety champion GEM Motoring Assist (formerly the Guild of Experienced Motorists) has issued a stark warning about driving to the speed limit whatever the road conditions just because it is considered to be legally permissible.

Chief Executive of GEM David Williams said: “Even those that consider themselves to be good law-abiding road users are putting themselves and others at risk as they consider the speed limit, be it 30, 50, 60 or 70 mph, to be the right way to make progress. Very often this is just not true.

“The speed limit is an enforceable legal requirement, not an indication of what is safe and correct whatever the road conditions, whatever the weather is doing or whatever is happening on the road around you.”

He said the truly safe driver had to constantly take into account the surrounding environment before making a judgement as to what was a safe speed.

He says the police driver’s handbook Roadcraft places great emphasis on the message: “Drive so that you are able to stop safely on your own side of the road in the distance you can see to be clear.”

David adds: “Whatever the pressure to drive faster you must always drive within your real capabilities. The skill of driving safely at speed is not easily acquired. Every driver has their own speed limit, this is the highest speed at which they are safe and comfortable, and that may vary according to the road and weather conditions or the area they are driving through – perhaps a dark winter’s afternoon with children returning from school.”

He said: “There are times when speed limits should be ignored – not to break the law and exceed them but to pace yourself within that signed limit so that driving is pleasurable and safe. You do not have to do 70 mph just because the limit is set at that level.”

GEM produces a series of free booklets on safe driving, personal safety and challenges such as driving abroad. It also provides a selection of outstanding support services for drivers. More details are available at motoringassist.com or call 01342 825676.