DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT AND WHAT TO DO WHEN OTHERS DON’T

According to an article in the New York Times titled “No Respect for Speed Limits” when it comes to speeding, many American motorists don’t worry about safety. They just worry about getting caught.

As a driver instructor teaching new drivers especially 16 and 17 year olds the rules of the road and driving safely, one of the rules I point out is obeying speed limits (in normal driving conditions). Speed limit signs are not a suggestion..they are set for a reason and must be followed. Many times during a lesson a car behind us will over- take the student vehicle or I will witness drivers clearly speeding on the roads. For new drivers who are not as experienced are already nervous when driving and this can be particularly challenging for them.

According to a Purdue University survey of 1000 motorists about speed limits and driving habits it found that many drivers don’t regard the safety benefits of driving within speed limits. Many think they can drive safely while speeding as long as they don’t get caught.

What do I do as a driver when faced with other drivers who disregard speed limits? I stay calm and remind myself that I am driving the posted speed limit. If the speed limit is 25 I try to stay as close to 25 as possible-sure sometimes I approach between 25-28 but I try to stay right at 25. In New Jersey, if you are driving 1-14 miles over the limit it is a 2-point ticket. 15-29 over the speed limit is a 4-point ticket. Is it really worth getting caught and paying that consequence? Did you really need to speed to get to where you are going?

According to NJ Traffic Law Center a good rule is to keep up with the flow of traffic at any legal speed. So when someone says I was just following the flow of traffic if everyone is speeding you are breaking the law along with them.

New Jersey law sets top speed limits for any given road, street, highway or freeway.

SPEED LIMIT ROADWAY

25 Business or residential districts and school zones

35 Suburban business and residential areas.

50 All other roadways

55 Certain highways

 

So to students who are just learning to drive-try to stay calm and know that you are obeying the traffic laws. According to kidshealth.org some defensive driving strategies include staying focused and alert. Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front. If a vehicle is showing signs of aggression try to slow down or pull over to avoid it.  Also,Parents can be role models for their teenage son/daughter. Kids learn from watching their parents.

Corso Driving School takes the safety of their students seriously. Feel free to email me any questions or concerns. Thank you.