All contents copyright ©, Drive and Stay Alive, Inc., 2003 onwards, unless specified otherwise. All rights reserved.

IMPORTANT: click here to read the DISCLAIMER

Speeding is Scary Rather Than Sexy, Say Partners

(February 12, 2004)

Survey results released today by the U.K. Department for Transport's Think! Road Safety campaign show what we really think of our other half's driving - and many of us are scared and angered when our partners speed.

The study reveals that among passengers over 60% believe that driving too fast increases the chances that their partner will crash. And emotions run high:

• 24% have felt angered by their significant other's speeding, which they think is 'irresponsible and stupid';
• 20% are scared, and concerned that they and the driver could be killed or injured;
• 14% worried about the safety of other road users.
• 25% admit to pressing on an imaginary foot brake; and
• only 1% wanted their partners to drive faster.

The results of the study come as Think! Road Safety launches a new poster campaign, in association with Safety Camera Partnerships around the country, to highlight the correct speed limit on specific road types. The first of these posters will remind drivers that, unless otherwise signed, the speed limit on street lit roads in built up areas is always 30mph.

Driving just a few miles over the limit vastly increases the risks if you crash.

If a driver hits a pedestrian at 20 mph, the pedestrian has a 95% chance of survival. At 30 mph the survival chance is 80% and if a driver hits a pedestrian at 40 mph, the pedestrian's survival chances fall to just 10%.

And speeding increases the likelihood of an accident as well - an average car travelling at 35 mph will need an extra 21 feet (or six metres) more to stop, than one travelling at 30 mph.

As David Jamieson, Minister for Transport said:

'We know that two thirds of all accidents in which people are killed or injured happen on built-up roads, and speed plays a part in a great many of these crashes. Sticking to the speed limit makes the roads safer for everyone.

'I'm pleased that there will be a national poster campaign to remind people of the speed limits. Knowing and sticking to them will improve road safety and reduce the number of people who are caught by speed cameras.'

The Think! Road Safety campaign has the following tips to help drivers keep an eye on their speed at all times, ensuring they are safely within the speed limits:

• Make sure you know the limit on the road you are using - missing the sign is no excuse.
• Look for the signs - if there are none but there are street lights, the speed limit is 30mph, and that includes dual carriageways.
• Keep glancing at your speedometer at regular intervals throughout your journey - regular checks will not affect your concentration.
• Remember that speed limits are a maximum, not a recommendation. In some conditions the safe speed will be less than the limit - amend your speed accordingly.
• Built up areas can be especially unpredictable; children or animals might run into the road, or a car might pull out in front of you - stay alert and check your speed.
• Remember that it is every driver's responsibility to know the speed limits and remain within them at all times.