Slower Derbyshire

Many drivers seem to think speeding a "little bit" over the speed limit does not really matter. They appear to think that "it doesn't matter because it isn't hurting anyone". But it does matter and it actually does hurt someone! At the end of the article I will demonstrate how you can prove this to yourself (but only if you are brave enough).

Some of the Government's adverts that are designed to slow drivers down can mistakenly be interpreted to mean that speed limits exist only to prevent road deaths. Of course the major reason for speed limits is to prevent unnecessary loss of life, serious injury or slight injury on the roads. But they also exist to ensure that all road users feel safe on the roads. Just because you managed to complete a journey without obviously injuring someone does not imply that you drove the route safely. Vulnerable road users passed closely at speed can feel intimidated. The faster and closer the vehicle is the greater the likelihood of intimidation. A similar fear is felt by pedestrians encountering fast moving bicycles on the pavement. This means that if you routinely speed then you are likely guilty of intimidating other road users - especially if you pass them closely.

The sole responsibility of a driver is to drive their vehicle safely. This entails keeping the occupants of the vehicle safe. But it also entails ensuring that people external to the vehicle are safe too. If a driver can not comprehend that truth then they should not be driving. Other activities such as listening to the radio or talking to the occupants of the vehicle should only be carried out so long as they do not interfere with the safe driving of the vehicle. Although the use of a hands free mobile phone whilst driving is legal it is not a recommended practise. Research has shown that using a hand held or hands free mobile phone whilst driving impairs the driver's reactions so badly that they drive less competently than a person who is legally drunk¹,². A sobering thought.

Many people believe in the so called golden rule "treat others as you wish to be treated". This rule may be applied to all aspects of one's life including influencing how one drives. Some translations of the Bible render First Corinthians 10:24 as "seek the other person's advantage". This seems to be even stronger than the golden rule. This principal implies that drivers should be far more concerned for the safety and well being of vulnerable road users (along with other road users) ahead of their concern for their own journey. If all drivers applied these rules the roads would be full of law abiding courteous drivers! It would mean that communities would not be divided by roads where speed and vehicle size rule. Any one who considers themselves a Christian or even just a humanist might like to ponder on the import of the above principals and their own driving in the light of such principals.

Many people (even some motoring organisations) argue against large scale or universal speed enforcement. Their argument is that if drivers are constantly worried about being caught speeding they will then spend all their time looking at their speedometer instead of the road. This argument is utter nonsense! If learner drivers are expected to adhere to posted speed limits to obtain a license in the first place why should sticking to the speed limit be more difficult for more experienced drivers? It is a specious argument designed to prevent the universal rollout of speed enforcement. If the argument were true then there would be many more accidents occurring along the sections of road where average speed enforcement occurs (e.g. motorway roadworks and accident prone A-roads). The evidence shows the exact opposite to be true - i.e. there are far fewer accidents in such average speed enforcement locations! The Department for Transport stated that drivers are expected to adhere to all posted speed limits at all times. The police are free to enforce speed limits on any road at any time - overtly or covertly!³ This means that drivers should be driving as if their speed could be checked at any time - with or without signs indicating such enforcement.

So if you think that speeding doesn't really matter how can you prove to yourself that it really does matter? It is quite simple really. You just need to be brave and go for a cycle. The route isn't a pleasant route but it provides examples of busy roads that cyclists encounter every day. The route is about 3 miles in length and is only comprised of what are supposedly 30mph and 40mph roads. It is a busy route so please be careful - wear a helmet and high visibility clothing.

The route is the following: start at Markeaton Island, proceed along Kingsway (A38) towards Kingsway Island, turn left at Kingsway Island onto Manor Road (A5111), proceed along Manor Road until Uttoxeter New Road (A516), turn left onto Uttoxeter New Road, proceed along Uttoxeter New Road until Uttoxeter Old Road, turn left onto Uttoxeter Old Road, proceed along Uttoxeter Old Road until Ashbourne Road (A52), turn left onto Ashbourne Road and proceed along Ashbourne Road until back at Markeaton Island.

If you do try this route and it alters your perceptions of whether speeding matters then please let me know via the website.