Speeding
Speeding is defined as driving over the posted speed limit or at a speed that is inappropriate given the driving conditions (e.g. rain, fog, traffic volume, traffic flow).
Speeding is one of the major killers on Queensland roads. During 2012 there were 59 fatalities as a result of speed-related crashes representing more than 1 in 5 road deaths (21.1%) in Queensland. More than 1000† people are either killed or injured in speed crashes every year.
It is not safe to speed in any circumstance as it increases stopping distances and your risk of a crash. Driving within the speed limit allows you more time to react to things out of your control such as:
- the actions of other road users around you (vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists)
- changes to the road environment itself (such as pot holes and obstacles).
Speeding consequences include:
- receiving a fine
- losing points or your licence
- killing or injuring yourself, loved ones or other road users.
Speed limits are set and enforced to save lives and reduce crashes. Following speed limits will allow you and other road users the best chance of survival in a crash.
Speed related social costs
Speed crashes cost the community in the form of:
- hospital and health care costs
- lost productivity in the workplace
- the cost of using emergency services.
Every fatality that occurs on Queensland roads results in estimated social cost of $2.7 million‡. Every hospitalisation results in estimated social costs of $238,935‡.
†Five years 2005–2009 fatalities and all injuries, including hospitalisations for crashes involving a speeding driver or rider.
‡The above social cost figures are provided in 2010 dollar value using the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) 2006 social cost estimates.
More information about speeding
