Speed limits - please explain

[wherestheaircon]

You're driving through the country roads. You're in a 30mph zone going through a school - fair dos - best not to risk any kids running into the road so let's stick to the limit. HOWEVER. You drive another mile or so and pass a clearly labelled "40"mph but you carry on doing 30 - sometimes you even dip down to 25, and break randomly with no reasoning (to add, I'm keeping a very reasonable and safe distance between our vehicles). The roads aren't that busy - couple of cars here and there but it's definitely safe to go up to 40mph otherwise they wouldn't put that restriction on.

So why in the world are you STILL doing 30 when you've entered a 40 zone??!!! You even drive through a 60mph zone and creep up to 40mph but no further than that. I am being so genuine when I ask that, if this sounds like you, why? I'm sure if there's a reasonable explanation I will be ok...

And?? Numerous websites from driving schools, the RAC, the AA say exactly the same thing as "a shop". The law is the law after all.

The point is you're in complete denial about the facts and will continue to pootle along way under the speed limit cos it suits you - sod everyone else and the fact cars are dangerous weapons - we should ALL be pursuing road safety and considering other drivers.

@MonkeyToesOfDoom keeping close to the speed limit ergo their advice isn't what you were advocating though was it 😂😂😂

You were basically saying you will drive at whatever speed you want to, and the reaction from other road users is their own fault.

Typical arse hole driver.

This is a road I drive about 4 times a week. It is a prime example of a NSL road that is absolutely safe to drive at 60. It's straight, there is good visibility, it is a normal road width. And yet about 70% of the time I'm stuck behind someone going 45. That is just bad driving.

@DappledThings but according to @MonkeyToesOfDoom driving under the speed limit is totally fine, you getting frustrated is your own fault. How dare you.

You were basically saying you will drive at whatever speed you want to, and the reaction from other road users is their own fault.

Was I? Really?
Well seeing as I can't control other peoples reactions, be a bit daft if I tried wouldn't it my auld chum?

I know Gummy. I suppose it's sort of comforting that the 40mph bimblers are selfish rather than incompetent but it's a fine line.

@MonkeyToesOfDoom i pity the drivers who must get stuck behind you on a daily basis.

So many selfish people with low IQ's on the roads. .

"This thread has been quite eye-opening. I have often wondered about the people bimbling along at 40 in a 60 on wide, clear roads and whether they really are just utterly selfish and think their comfortable speed is appropriate. It appears in many cases that is what is happening. That people really don't think they have a responsibility to drive at the speed expected on the road because they really don't care about any other drivers. How depressing."

This exactly.

Hang on, can't type, just changing lanes...
This one handed typing is rough.. but I'm.guessing most speedy drivers know about doing things one handed.. 😋

Our roads are terrible though, full of deep potholes, maybe the roads are better in different parts of the country so you can go at 60 on country roads and not risk going down one at speed.

*Gummybear11

will continue to pootle along way under the speed limit cos it suits you - sod everyone else and the fact cars are dangerous weapons - we should ALL be pursuing road safety and considering other drivers.

It's staggering that you cannot comprehend that some of us drive slower than the speed limit when we have recognised it's the safest thing to do.
It's scary that you cannot comprehend that you are also sharing the road with learners, with newly qualified drivers who have yet to build their confidence.
There are near-miss you didn't see, people with a new car they are getting used to, there are so many reasons why the sign is not a target.

If you want to speed, go on a track - DH and I go regularly because we do enjoy speeding but we are not manic drivers.

If you feel you are safe enough to drive on a public road, chill and adapt your speed to your surrounding and don't go into a rage because someone is 5mph below the speed limit.

thedayofthethreeMagnums

It's funny isn't it?
Every person I've ever known that's sped and crashed has considered themselves a good driver. My brother was a fantastic driver, according to him... Till he hit that dear at 65 on a 60, flipped the van twice, hit a tree and his neck snapped. He's not such a fantastic driver anymore.

@DappledThings exactly the types of road I'm on about, unless conditions are bad there is no need to go overly slow. Seriously! It is so annoying.

“If you cannot be on the road without going into road rage because someone doesn't reach what you have decided is the correct speed”

Um, not quite sure how to tell you this but none of us decide what is the correct speed. It’s actually a law that tells us. HTH

Tippexy

Um, the law doesn't tell you that you MUST reach the speed LIMIT, if anything you are being told that it's the speed you must not EXCEED.

HTH

You’ve missed the point (again).

MonkeyToesOfDoom

it's scary isn't it.

Tippexy

no, you are (again).

just read the thread again, your point has been answered and explained several times.

In my opinion about 25% of those with licences should not have them. Some for misconduct, some for medical reasons.

I wonder if many of those driving significantly below the speed limit are those who are aging or have some medical condition, who are sadly not in health robust enough to really be driving, but are continuing nevertheless.

All drivers should have regular medicals, not just lorry and bus drivers.

Making no effort to get up towards the speed limit in good conditions is just selfish.

And would be grounds for failing your driving test.

Going too slow causes just as many accidents as speeding because it forces other drivers to either drive too close or overtake in dangerous places.

Because they don't know the roads and are hesitating because country roads can suddenly curve and your car isn't very responsive and has a small engine.

It can be annoying though, I used to live on one of those roads and it was frustrating but there were sudden bends so I tried to swear quietly

I love the fact that a couple of posters are accusing anyone who is pointing out how dangerous slow drivers are of being 'speeders'. I always stick to the speed limit thanks.

Also missing the points where we've said "driving way under the speed limit in FAVOURABLE conditions" so why keep bringing up dodgy/bendy roads. We're not talking about that.

And surely we all presumed that learner/new drivers with their L plates on, extreme weather, potholes and blind bends are an exception, yet you're using these hazards to excuse the drivers we are talking about - people who go way under the speed limit for NO GOOD REASON.

I agree with both your last posts Gummybear11 but I'll probably get accused of being a sock puppet again now!