The Costs of Speeding

Speeding is becoming a bigger problem on today's roads with more people admitting to exceeding the speed limits on a regular basis. A driver is completely responsible for their own actions so if they want to speed and face the consequences then why not? This article will look at the cost of speeding not to the motorist who is breaking the law but the other road users around them.

The cost of speeding to other road users

Cost of speeding to other motorists - When a motorist takes the conscious decision to break the speed limit it is a documented fact that they are more likely to be involved in an accident. The problem for the other motorists on the road is the fact that even if they are obeying all the rules of the road they are at risk of being in an accident with these unreasonable road users. This can result in damage to their car through no fault of their own. Due to the fact that they are not in the wrong then hopefully they will not have to pay out for these repairs but the hassle and emotional stress can be a major cost of speeding. Also the fact that when you are involved in an accident you run the risk of injury or the biggest cost of speeding death, this is a scary thought considering it is out of your hands and in the hands of the speeding motorist.

Cost of speeding to vulnerable road users

Cyclists - There are many other people that use the road who opt for pedal power rather than motorised power. Cyclists are a major user of the road and the fact that they are hard to see as well as slow moving makes them vulnerable to speeding cars. Hitting a cyclist can result in severe or even fatal injury but add the fact that the car with which the accident occurs is speeding then the odds of the injury becoming a fatal one raises dramatically.

Motorbikes - Motorcyclists are also vulnerable road users as again they are hard to see whilst on the road due to their size. Some people suggest that motorcyclists don't help themselves by skipping in and out of traffic but this is a minority and in reality a car driver should stay alert to this to help reduce the chance of collision. A speeding motorist gives them self less time to see a motorbike, which is observing all the rules of the road and therefore increases the chances of accident. The cost of speeding for the motorcyclist due to the fact that these machines can also travel at high speeds can be fatal.

Horses - A horse is an unpredictable animal and can often be spooked by passing cars. These animals are common users of the more rural minor roads around the UK's countryside, just the place where a lot of motorists believe speeding is acceptable. These animals are slow and hard to see so the cost of speeding to both the animal and the rider can be severe. If you hit a horse whilst traveling in excess of the speed limit not only could you severely damage your car and kill the horse but the chances of severe or even fatal injury to the rider and yourself are greatly increased.

Pedestrians - Pedestrians are probably the most vulnerable road user of them all as there are such a high number, especially in built up areas. If a pedestrian is struck by a car at 30mph then they stand a good chance of only incurring minor injury. The cost of speeding to the pedestrian however is the fact that a car exceeding the speed limit by as little as 10mph can increase the risk of severe injury or death dramatically.

In closing the cost of speeding to other road users is a major issue as these road users have no control over what you are doing in your performance car. Could you live with the consequences of your actions if those actions not only effected you but others road users as well? Could you live with the death of another person on your conscience just for the sake of traveling that little bit faster? The content of this article should make us all take a good look at the way we drive and follow the speed limits as they are there for a reason.