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Use of speed
Do you think you’re going to pass your driving test by driving too cautiously? Or like Michael Schumacher? No you’re not. So you’ve got to judge when to speed up and when to slow down. Here are some very simple rules to follow:
When you have a straight, clear, and safe road in front of you and the conditions and road surface allow it, drive at or near to the speed limit.
When you are approaching any kind of hazardous situation, or where there is less space to move, check your mirrors and slow down.
Kill your speed before the bend, instead of killing yourself on the bend.
If the road surface or weather or any other factoring conditions change or if a bend is approaching, then check your mirrors and consider slowing down. Read ahead, spot the problems early, and always always:
Never drive any faster than you can stop in the distance you can see to be clear. If you can't see clearly 20m ahead, don't exceed 20mph.
Check your mirrors regularly, and if you have a clear road in front of you and a queue of traffic behind you then you are probably driving too slowly. Maintain safe progress by following the rules above and do not infuriate other drivers by holding them up when the conditions allow you to drive at the speed limit. Driving too slowly leads to road rage and may cause other drivers to take unsafe risks, endangering you or other people. But, approaching hazards too quickly also endangers people, including yourself, so read the road ahead and slow down in plenty of time.
If the weather changes to fog, or rain, or dazzling sunlight, or ice or snow, then check your mirrors and slow down. Remember that stopping distances double in the wet and are multiplied ten times in snow or ice. Keep your distance from the vehicle in front and always allow a safe distance to be able to stop.
Speed limits are there for a reason, and you must adhere to them. Even if you don’t agree with them. A learner or newly qualified driver will lose their license much more easily, as the number of penalty points allowed is halved in your first two years. Do not be pressured by other road users into breaking the speed limits. Providing you are making safe progress at, or near to, the speed limit, and there are no hazards ahead, you will not be holding people up. If the rep in the BMW, or van man wants to break the speed limit then it’s up to them, it’s their license.
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