Why is Driving at 70 in a 60 Zone Dangerous?

Driving within the speed limit is imperative to ensure road safety. However, some drivers tend to exceed the maximum speed limit allowed on the roads, which poses a severe threat to themselves, the passengers, and other road users. One of the most dangerous driving behaviors is driving at 70 in a 60 zone. In this article, we’ll discuss why driving at 70 in a 60 zone is dangerous and why you should avoid it.

The Importance of Speed Limits

Speed limits are not just arbitrary figures created to cause inconvenience and slow traffic down, rather they are imposed based on various factors such as the road’s layout, infrastructure, frequency of accidents, visibility, and pedestrian activity. The purpose of these speed limits is to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians by minimizing the risk of accidents.

The Dangers of Speeding

Exceeding the speed limit can have fatal consequences, both for the driver and other road users. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding was a contributing factor in 26% of all traffic fatalities recorded in 2018 alone. The faster you go, the more time it takes to stop, and the higher the impact of a collision, leading to severe injuries and fatalities.

Impact on Stopping Distances

Speeding can adversely affect stopping distances. At 70 km/h, a driver requires at least 6 meters more to stop their vehicle than when driving at the 60km/h speed limit. This distance can be the difference between avoiding an accident or crashing. Moreover, when driving at 70 km/h, there’s a high probability that the driver would not respond in time to stop the vehicle before a collision; as a result, the driver crashes into vehicles ahead of them.

Increased Risk of Collisions

When driving above the speed limit, the driver has reduced time to react to various factors on the road, such as a pedestrian crossing the road or a car making a turn. The driver might not notice such obstacles in time or misjudge the speed needed to make the turn safely, leading to a collision. Additionally, driving at high speeds can affect the driver’s perception of distance, and they may be unable to judge their speed correctly, leading to misjudgment in overtaking vehicles, increasing the risk of a collision.

Risk of Traffic Violations

Driving at 70 in a 60 zone is not only dangerous but also illegal. If you’re caught infringing the speed limit, you’ll receive a penalty notice and a fine. If you accumulate enough infringement offenses, you may lose your license, leading to inconvenience and costs to reinstate it. It’s important to abide by speed limits to respect road rules and ensure your safety.

Conclusion

Driving at 70 in a 60 zone is dangerous and can lead to fatal accidents, including injuries and fatalities. The speed limit is set to ensure road safety and must be followed for the wellbeing of all road users. Always remember that speed kills, and it’s not worth risking your life and that of others by over-speeding. Follow the speed limits and practice safe driving habits for a secure and pleasant experience on the road.

Speech tips:

Please note that any statements involving politics will not be approved.