Speed limits are not mere suggestions. They are critical safeguards put in place to protect lives on roads that stretch from Tokyo to Tuscany.
For mature travellers, who often bring years of driving experience onto foreign roads, respecting these boundaries is a pivotal aspect of global road safety. So, let’s take a look at how respecting speed limits can save lives.
Telling Global Stats About Speeding
According to Brake, a staggering 1.35 million road deaths occur around the world every year. One leading cause of those road accident fatalities is speeding.
Here are some sobering statistics gathered from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
- 55% of road traffic fatalities among pedestrians in the E.U. were caused by speeding in 2019.
- 79% of U.K. motorists admitted to driving above legal speeds, according to a 2017 survey.
- 33% of drivers involved in fatal crashes in Spain in 2015 were speeding.
- 29% of fatal crashes in Canada in 2017 involved speeding as a contributing factor.
- 26% of all road accident fatalities in the U.S. in 2019 were related to speeding.
The Insurance Information Institute, NHTSA and Bureau of Transportation Statistics provide some informative statistics about speeding and road accidents in the U.S. For instance:
- Approximately a third of all road fatalities are due to speeding.
- Most drivers spend approximately half their time driving at 10 m.p.h. over the speed limit, which increases the risk of being involved in an accident by 9.1%.
- Young adults who are aged between 16 and 20 are more likely to speed than other age groups.
When it comes to continents, Africa has the highest rate of road deaths by far (according to the WHO), many of which are caused by speeding. Following Africa, the most dangerous global regions for traffic fatalities are the Eastern Mediterranean, the Western Pacific, Southeast Asia, the Americas, and then Europe.
The Role of Personal Responsibility in Road Safety
Whether you’re driving in Madrid, Nairobi or Texas, you can lower your risk of being injured in a speeding accident by sticking to the speed limit and maintaining caution, such as slowing down or moving lanes, when you notice speeding cars in your vicinity.
Indeed, personal responsibility is the compass by which travellers navigate the complexities of road safety. Mature explorers, with seasons of experience behind the wheel, bear a heightened duty to set an example on international roads. Respecting speed limits isn’t just about self-preservation; it demonstrates consideration for local communities and their norms.
Staying alert, acknowledging variances in road culture, and conforming to regulations bridge gaps between nations. Ultimately, each turn of the wheel guided by responsibility adds strands to the web of global safety.
Navigating International Roads with Care
As you traverse the globe, preventative measures against speeding-related incidents should be as integral to your travel plans as your passport and luggage.
Here’s a primer on how to uphold safety standards when driving abroad:
- Familiarise Yourself with Local Laws. Before setting off, research the area’s specific traffic regulations.
- Use Technology Wisely. Leverage GPS systems which can alert you to speed limits and changes.
- Drive Defensively. Stay vigilant and anticipate the actions of others, especially in regions where aggressive driving is more prevalent.
- Road Condition Awareness. Adjust your speed for adverse weather or poor road conditions.
- Schedule for Safety. Allow ample time for travel to reduce the urge to speed.
Implementing these steps doesn’t just assure compliance; it fosters peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. You will also play a pivotal role in lowering global accidents that are caused by speeding.