Friday, August 24, 2012
Speeding on the decrease
There are often reports on the news about car accidents, and some of those collisions have occurred because of speeding. It always makes me sad to think that if the individual had just stuck to the limit, the incident probably wouldn’t have taken place. However, I have some good news. The number of people breaking the speed limit has decreased!
According to a report by the RAC Foundation and the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, only 46% of people were breaking 30mph limits in 2010 compared to 69% in 1998.
Moreover, only 49% of drivers in 2010 were going over 70mph on the motorways, while this figure stood at 57% in 2003. Perhaps we don’t need the limit to go up to 80mph after all?
Want some more good news? Generally, throughout England and Wales, the number of fixed penalty notices, convictions, and written warnings being handed to road users for speeding offences has lowered significantly since a big increase in the 1990s.
When I read about these statistics I was really pleased, and I hope you are as well, reader. After all, fewer speeding motorists on the roads make them safer for all those drivers who stick to the rules and navigate the highways in a considerate manner.
Photo © amandabhslater via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: 30mph, 70mph, car accident, driver, motorway, Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, RAC Foundation, speed limit, speeding
Friday, December 9, 2011
Getting onto the motorway
When I was taking my driving lessons I found ‘A’ roads frightening enough to tackle with my instructor next to me, so I can well imagine that there is some merit in the new scheme coming into effect next year.
Apparently, road safety minister Mike Penning has stated that soon learner drivers will be allowed to go onto motorways as long as they have a qualified instructor with them. The aim of this initiative is to familiarise learners with the 70mph (perhaps eventually 80mph) speed limit and the motorway layouts, so that their risk of suffering an accident on these roads once they pass their practical test is reduced.
The head of road safety at the AA stated, “This is good news. It will end the ludicrous situation where people can live near a network of motorways and pass their test without ever having been on one.”
I have to say I agree. The first time I went onto the motorway I had to take my dad with me for support and almost missed my exit because I suddenly forgot how to change lanes through fear of the high speed I was traveling at.
Exactly when this scheme will begin hasn’t been reported, but I have a feeling learner drivers will really appreciate the experience. I know I would have.
Photo © Firing up the quattro… via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: 70mph, AA, accident, driving lessons, learner drivers, motorway, road, road safety, speed