No need for speed – why better driving conditions should not lead to faster driving

Serious injury lawyers are warning of the perils of speeding on roads across the country, with research revealing speed is viewed as the most likely cause of collisions.

With the clocks going forward this month bringing about the return of longer daylight hours, coupled with the onset of better weather, many drivers spend longer on the roads and undertake longer journeys than they would have during the winter months.

But with the upturn in conditions comes the increased likelihood of speeding – and with it, a greater risk of collisions. In research from law firm Slater and Gordon, it reveals that 50% of people believe speed is the main cause of road collisions – the biggest proportion of factors believed to be involved in crashes.

Government statistics show that 44% of car drivers admit to exceeding the speed limit on motorways, and 43% do not adhere to the limit on 30mph roads – which serious injury lawyers warn increases the risk of collisions.

Slater and Gordon’s research also reveals that 44% of people feel pressured to speed by other drivers – and 35% admit to speeding in an attempt to beat a sat nav’s predicted arrival time.

The law firm, which supports people across the country following road collisions, and also partners with a number of road safety charities, is an advocate of all aspects of safer driving.

“Speeding massively increases the potential for road collisions and very significantly raises the risk to other road users – all too often, we see the impact of speeding through our work as serious injury lawyers, and the consequences can be life-changing and even fatal,” says Tracey Benson, Head of Serious Injury (South) at Slater and Gordon.

“With the more favourable driving conditions, the likelihood of people speeding does increase – but we would urge all drivers to resist the temptation to drive faster than they need to and stick to designated safety measures. Attempting to beat a sat nav’s predicated arrival time, or feeling pressured to speed by others, are not excuses in any circumstances, and we would urge drivers to be responsible – both for their own safety, and that of others too.”