Stopping Distances and Speed

Stopping distances:

When we are driving we leave a gap between us and the vehicle ahead

useing the 2 seconed rule

The highway code gives us a general guide for stopping distances which is very useful to know which doubles in wet weather and can be up to 10 times as long in snow/icy conditions.

 Speed Limit Signs:

Speed limit signs are round - these are order signs. You should always keep your speed below the maximum speed limit for the road you are driving on.  Although you are not legally obliged to drive at the maximum speed limit, if it is safe to do, you should try and drive at a speed that at least approaches the required speed.

Driving too slowly can be as dangerous as driving too fast.  The driver who drives along a 60mph road at 30mph causes a tailback of traffic and can be frustrating for other road users.

Speed in itself is not dangerous, inappropriate speed is.  Always take into account the weather and the road conditions.  Driving at 60mph on a 60 road when icy or heavy rain is dangerous and inappropriate. As is driving on a dual carriageway (national speed limit 70mph) at 40mph when the weather is fine.

The general speed limit rules for cars are:

For built up urban roads with street lighting the national speed limit is 30mph

For single carriageway roads the national speed limit is 60mph

Dual carriageways and motorways the national speed limit is 70mph

These speed limits apply at all times, but occasionally may be different, so keep looking when you enter any new roads for changes. There may be changes where there are road works.

 Speed Limits car and motorcycles:

                                      National Speed Limit Single Carriageway 60 mph

                                       National Speed Limit Dual Carriageway 70 mph

                                                               Motorway 70 mph

                                                            Built up Area 30 mph