Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine

June 18, 2015

Do you have a “magic number”? Are you that driver that sets your cruise three, five or eight miles an hour over the posted speed limit? Unfortunately, you’re not alone. A very high percentage of drivers believe they can’t or won’t be ticketed if they drive within a certain “buffer zone” above the actual posted speed. Truth is, you can get a ticket for any speed you are driving that is higher than the posted speed.

Law enforcement officers are stepping up enforcement all over and especially targeting speeders in school zones, residential neighborhoods and on secondary roads. Don’t let that make you think you’re home-free on the major roads though. They are there and you are going to get caught. The first goal is to reduce the number of speed related crashes and the ultimate goal is to eliminate injuries and fatalities on the roadway. Just remember the posted speed limit is THE LAW. Slow down!

The definition of speeding in most jurisdictions is, driving in excess of the posted speed or driving too fast for conditions. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) considers a crash to be speed related if the driver was charged with a speeding-related offense as defined above. Speeding is dangerous and carries consequences. Some of the reasons you should slow down are listed below:

• Higher speeds reduce a driver’s ability to negotiate curves or maneuver around obstacles
• Speed extends the distance a vehicle will travel before it can stop
• Speed increases the distance a vehicle will travel while a driver reacts to a hazard
• It increases the risk of crashes and injuries
• Speeding reduces fuel efficiency
• Slowing down increases the likelihood of surviving a crash
• Driving no faster than the posted speed will save you a ticket
• Speeding can cause you to get a ticket, which cost money in fines and increased insurance rates

There are all sorts of “excuses” for speeding. None of them are justifications, they are simply an excuse for someone breaking the law and driving in an unsafe manner. Slow down, buckle up, drive safe and help save lives.