What is speeding?
Speeding is driving too fast for the conditions without full regard for the vehicle condition and driver ability. It is not simply driving above the signed speed limit.
Always drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance that you can see to be clear. Driving too close to the car in front, even below the speed limit, is dangerous. It is a good idea to reduce your speed when sharing the road with pedestrians and cyclists.
How many people speed?
According to the Office of Road Safety 40 to 45% of drivers regularly drive or ride above the posted speed limit.
Who are the main culprits?
Those most commonly involved in speed related crashes are males aged 17-39.
How many people have died due to speeding?
Excessive speeding is a leading cause of fatalities on WA roads. In 2006, nearly 30% of fatalities in Australia occurred due to speeding.
What is the penalty for speeding?
For cars, motorcycles and other vehicles of less than 22.5 tonnes, driving not more than 9 km/h over the limit will incur a $75 fine. Driving more than 9 km/h but not more than 19 km/h over the limit will incur a $150 fine and 2 demerit points. Driving more than 19 km/h but not more than 29 km/h will incur a $300 fine and 3 demerit point penalty.
If you travel more than 45 km/h you can be charged under the anti-hoon legislation for reckless driving, your car may be impounded and your driver’s licence may be suspended or even cancelled.
How fast does the law say I can go?
The driver/rider of a motor vehicle is permitted to go up to 110km/h in designated areas. A learner driver and a person towing a trailer, caravan or boat may only drive up to 100 km/h.
Am I still driving safely if I’m driving 5 km/h over the limit?
Speed limits are allocated according to the traffic level, the type of environment and the size of the road. Speed limits are set to ensure that all road users are kept as safe as possible. By driving 5 km/h more than the limit you reduce the amount of time you have to stop or slow down in the case of an unexpected event. Driving over the speed limit by any amount is not considered to be a safe driving practice.
5 km/h over the speed limit doubles your chances of being involved in a crash.
What is the stopping distance of a car travelling at 60 km/h?
The stopping distance of a vehicle includes the reaction time and the braking distance. The following speeds and their respective stopping distances are:
|
Speed |
Stopping Distance |
|
50 km/h |
35 metres |
|
60 km/h |
45 metres |
|
80 km/h |
69 metres |
|
100 km/h |
96 metres |
What can increase the stopping distance?
Wet weather can increase the stopping distance as can worn brakes and driving while tired or under the influence.
What is the safe speed threshold for different road types?
As outlined in Western Australian’s Towards Zero Road Safety Strategy, there are speeds that have been identified as being safe for particular road environments. If there is a chance of a collision between a car and a pedestrian or cyclist, the safe speed is identified as being 30 km/h. If there is a chance that cars may be involved in a side-on impact, the safe speed identified is 50 km/h.
What sort of damage occurs to a car and its occupants in a head-on collision?
|
Speed |
Damage to car |
Injury to occupants |
|
40km/h |
Car wheels will be pushed in, cracks may appear in the windscreen and front doors may be damaged. |
Minor bruising may occur. |
|
60km/h |
Engine will move significantly, windscreen frame will be distorted, wheels knocked out of alignment. |
Occupants may suffer lower limb injuries, fractures to ribs or collar bone. |
|
80km/h |
Cars engine and wheels displaced. Windscreen, dash and gearbox cracked and damaged. |
Severe injures and fractures. |
|
110km/h |
Front passenger compartment destroyed. Massive damage to dashboard and foot well area. |
Severe chest and facial injuries. Risk of death. |