Observing the Speed Limit

A fine that is suffered for speeding is like a tuition payment. It's something paid to learn a lesson. However, as drivers we seldom learn our lesson for long. Perhaps it has something to do with others who overtake us while we are trying to be good to such an extent that we find ourselves being sucked along with the flow.

Now and then we encounter a speed policeman who is a stickler for observing the law to the letter of the law and one kilometre over the limit will be cause for sanction. It can also happen because the officer is not given any discretion, so where the limit is 120, the fine will be 100 euros if you are clocked doing 121, or (up to) 150. You won't lose points if you stay within this bracket, so go for it.

Obviously it's much better to stay under 120 and avoid the problem altogether, but in for 1 or in for 39 will be the same thing.

In most cases where a crash or someone has been knocked down the element of speed will be involved; usually too much speed. That includes those stretches of roadway where speed needs to be reduced. Where road works are taking place it is the responsibility of the driver to take extra care not to hit the workmen who are busy. Therefore, where the limitation is only 30 that is for a very good reason.

It could be said that with people working in the area the driver who powers through at 50 kilometres is committing a far more serious offense because of the likelihood of injuring someone. However, he will suffer the same punishment as the driver on the motorway where traffic is scarce, and who is travelling at 150.

I am good at driving at the higher limits and staying within the set limit. I have found that the optimum speed to travel long distances is 100kph. That speed lets me stay relaxed and is best for fuel use. When I increase to 120 the wind resistance against the car works the engine to such a greater extent that fuel use increases beyond the 20% speed increase and I become tense.

Where I have problems is with those signs that require a reduction in speed. The signs seem to be somebody's idea of a joke. They are placed so close together that in order to slow down from one to the other we have to practically stand on the brakes.

The police don't help matters either by being there with their radar to record your speed because if we are slowing from 100 to 40 we can not be moving any faster than forty when we reach the sign.

The big change in the law now means that we may be penalised for being only one kilometre over the limit. Previously discretion played a part but apparently, not any more.

So, fellow drivers we must be vigilant and assume the radar is just up ahead or around every corner. We are usually such soft targets we have to start pushing back but that means becoming more observant of the rules.

Practise makes perfect!

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael