There are times when you can be driving within the law, but also inappropriately.
Driving at an inappropriate speed increases the risk of having an accident, but when we say ‘inappropriate’, it isn’t just about breaking the speed limit.
There are times when you can be driving quite legally within the speed limit, but you’re going too fast for the conditions – such as driving in high winds, severe rain, fog, ice or snow. And it isn’t just ‘bad’ weather that can be hazardous. Driving in extremely bright sunlight can also lead to reduced visibility with drivers dazzled by glare.
The fact is - the faster we drive, the less time we have to react. And the harder we hit, the more likely the outcome will be death or serious injury.
As a leading business insurer, we know all too well that driving at an inappropriate speed is one of the key contributory factors to road accidents, especially ‘hit third party in rear’ – where a vehicle collides with the one in front of it (also known as a rear end shunt).
Driving too close to the vehicle in front and driving when tired or distracted are also magnified by inappropriate speed. This is because drivers have less time to recognise and react to hazards happening around them.
Driving at an inappropriate speed increases the risk of having an accident, but when we say ‘inappropriate’, it isn’t just about breaking the speed limit.
There are times when you can be driving quite legally within the speed limit, but you’re going too fast for the conditions – such as driving in high winds, severe rain, fog, ice or snow. And it isn’t just ‘bad’ weather that can be hazardous. Driving in extremely bright sunlight can also lead to reduced visibility with drivers dazzled by glare.
The fact is - the faster we drive, the less time we have to react. And the harder we hit, the more likely the outcome will be death or serious injury.
As a leading business insurer, we know all too well that driving at an inappropriate speed is one of the key contributory factors to road accidents, especially ‘hit third party in rear’ – where a vehicle collides with the one in front of it (also known as a rear end shunt).
Driving too close to the vehicle in front and driving when tired or distracted are also magnified by inappropriate speed. This is because drivers have less time to recognise and react to hazards happening around them.
What causes us to drive inappropriately?
There are many reasons that can affect how we drive, such as:
• Tardiness - you’re running late for a meeting or to make a delivery and don’t mind taking a few chances.
• Familiarity - you drive the same route every day and feel that you could drive it blindfolded.
• Behaviour - another driver has just cut you up at the traffic lights, so you want to teach them a lesson.
• Over-confidence - you’ve been driving for years and feel confident (or over-confident) that you can handle any road conditions.
Whatever the reason, it’s important for drivers, fleet and risk managers and senior management to recognise and understand the pressures that are affecting driver behaviour behind the wheel.
There are many reasons that can affect how we drive, such as:
• Tardiness - you’re running late for a meeting or to make a delivery and don’t mind taking a few chances.
• Familiarity - you drive the same route every day and feel that you could drive it blindfolded.
• Behaviour - another driver has just cut you up at the traffic lights, so you want to teach them a lesson.
• Over-confidence - you’ve been driving for years and feel confident (or over-confident) that you can handle any road conditions.
Whatever the reason, it’s important for drivers, fleet and risk managers and senior management to recognise and understand the pressures that are affecting driver behaviour behind the wheel.
What’s the answer?
Figures from The Department for Transport show 1,782 reported road deaths in 2018 – that’s around 150 people killed per month. As well as over 160,000 injuries.
It’s estimated that up to 95% of road accidents are due to driver error.
Education and raising awareness are essential to reduce inappropriate
speed related accidents. Studies show that drivers are encouraged to drive at safer speeds when they understand that excessive and inappropriate speed greatly
increases the risk of being involved in a serious or fatal accident. For example, pedestrians who are struck by the front of cars travelling at 30 miles per hour or above, are much more likely to sustain serious injuries or be killed.
1,782
reported road deaths in 2018
Figures from The Department for Transport show 1,782 reported road deaths in 2018 – that’s around 150 people killed per month. As well as over 160,000 injuries.
It’s estimated that up to 95% of road accidents are due to driver error.
Education and raising awareness are essential to reduce inappropriate speed related accidents. Studies show that drivers are encouraged to drive at safer speeds when they understand that excessive and inappropriate speed greatly increases the risk of being involved in a serious or fatal accident. For example, pedestrians who are struck by the front of cars travelling at 30 miles per hour or above, are much more likely to sustain serious injuries or be killed.
1,782
reported road deaths in 2018
There are a number of resources available to drivers and business managers to help improve safety, including:
• Technology: Embrace the technology that’s available, such as telematics, cameras and vehicle inspection software to help monitor speed and driving styles and to ensure all vehicles are in a roadworthy condition.
• Training: Invest in ongoing driver education and training courses, as well as in-vehicle devices and apps to keep safety a number one priority.
• Policies: Have clear company policies around the use of alcohol and drugs at work and ensure that everyone is aware.
• Regular feedback: Technology and reporting can show which drivers have the safest driving record and where there are any potential problems. You could perhaps use this as an opportunity to reward the safest drivers.
Most of us like to think that we’re good drivers, but if you recognise that there’s a weakness or a generally poor attitude towards driving, don’t ignore it. It could be an accident waiting to happen.
And finally, remember, it’s a speed LIMIT, not a target or requirement.
There are a number of resources available to drivers and business managers to help improve safety, including:
• Technology: Embrace the technology that’s available, such as telematics, cameras and vehicle inspection software to help monitor speed and driving styles and to ensure all vehicles are in a roadworthy condition.
• Training: Invest in ongoing driver education and training courses, as well as in-vehicle devices and apps to keep safety a number one priority.
• Policies: Have clear company policies around the use of alcohol and drugs at work and ensure that everyone is aware.
• Regular feedback: Technology and reporting can show which drivers have the safest driving record and where there are any potential problems. You could perhaps use this as an opportunity to reward the safest drivers.
Most of us like to think that we’re good drivers, but if you recognise that there’s a weakness or a generally poor attitude towards driving, don’t ignore it. It could be an accident waiting to happen.
And finally, remember, it’s a speed LIMIT, not a target or requirement.
In the event of an incident
Hopefully you won’t experience any problems, but if you’re involved in an incident and need to claim on your insurance, it’s important that you report it early, ideally the same day.
Reporting a claim early can reduce the time dealing with the claim and can help you to receive any claim payments faster.
QBE Risk Solutions
Lowering premiums and improving claims experience through risk engineering.
Tell me more
Hopefully you won’t experience any problems, but if you’re involved in an incident and need to claim on your insurance, it’s important that you report it early, ideally the same day.
Reporting a claim early can reduce the time dealing with the claim and can help you to receive any claim payments faster.
QBE Risk Solutions
Lowering premiums and improving claims experience through risk engineering.
Tell me more
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