Reading The Road: Step 2 - Safe Speed

1. Advancing Your Driving Skills:
Introduction

2. Reading the road:

1. Introduction
2. Safe Speed
3. Safe Space
4. Location

5. Time
6. Other Road Users
7. All Weather
8. Try Not To Stop!

9. Limit Point
10. Cornering
11. Project

3. Eco Driving:
Overview

4. Sat Nav:
Sat Nav Use

5. Overtaking:
Safe overtaking

6. Dual-Carriageways:
2. Introduction
2. DC v Multi-Lane

7. Motorways:
1. Introduction
2. Smart Motorways
3. Defensive Driving

DRIVING HOME PAGE

Safe speed

Having come this far through this course you will be aware of the need for speed limits.

We could probably fill a page with reasons for speed limits and the dangers of breaking them, but if you normally exceed speed limits, reading the page would be unlikely to stop you. You might slow down for a couple of journeys but would soon be back to going too fast and justifying your speed with comments like "I was only a few miles per hour over the limit" or "The road was clear".

Telling learners or experienced drivers that they should not speed is usually a waste of time; you need to help them to understand the reasons - and you must set a good example by keeping within limits and driving at a safe speed for the conditions.

The speed limit project is designed to 'get you thinking'.

When working as an instructor you will need ensure that your customers understand the importance of speed limits. Bear in mind that if you go on to work on speed rehabilitation courses or to help drivers to prepare for extended tests after disqualification you will meet some people who are very sceptical about speed limits - even some learners will question the need for some limits. Before you can convince your customers, you must convince yourself. You can only do this by observation and thought.

Have you ever broken a speed limit? Or thought that a limit on a particular road was too low?

This project will probably make you even more aware of the conditions that dictate the imposition of limits and of the dangers of non-compliance with these limits.

The complexity of the project will depend upon the amount of driving that you do. Over the next ten days we want you to keep a record of speed limits that you encounter, making a note of the place where the speed limit was shown and whether it was compulsory or advisory and how drivers responded to the limit.

Note the area where the limit was in force and write a brief description; for example, 'Built up area with school and residential roads'.
Whilst staying within the speed limit, note how many vehicles are travelling more quickly than you are and consider the level of danger/risk that they incur in doing this.

Your ADI tests

This project has two major examination benefits.

By raising your awareness of speed limits you will find it easier to recognise and keep within the limits during Part-Two.
By thinking about the need for limits you will broaden your understanding and thus be well placed to discuss the link between speed and risk in Part-Three... This is a factor in virtually every lesson.

Next: Safe space