Road safety is a serious issue. Nearly 4,000 people die every day because of road accidents, and this is raising some alarm bells around the world.
If we don’t do something about it, we’re definitely staring down the barrels of a driverless car future, although who’s to say they’ll be any safer?
That’s why GEM Motoring Assist, a road safety and breakdown organisation, have issued some simple tips for you to make sure you’re not flooring your way to a tragic end.
And it’s not just collisions and casualties they’re looking to reduce, but also the extra pollution that comes with higher speeds. Gear heads look away.
You can be fined up to 3000 AED if you’ve exceeded a speed limit by 80 km/h or more. That’s 3000 big ones you could have put towards performance mods or fuel, so yeah, be smart, people.
Small changes, big difference
According to research, if you drive slower, there’ll be fewer crashes, and if there are crashes, they may be less severe. Makes sense right? Just to put this into perspective, if people generally drive 2 km/h slower on average, you can expect collisions to reduce by 5 per cent. That’s a lot of lives saved.
The next time you feel compelled to channel your inner Lewis Hamilton and break the speedo, think twice. You may feel that you’re in control of your car, but there are things outside of your control that can influence what happens next. A stray deer. Rogue driver. You name it.
It’s really important to keep an eye on your mirror and speedo, so you can stay aware of the speed you’re going at, and your car’s position on the road, as well as what’s happening around you.
With that in mind, here are 5 great tips from GEM on sticking to safe speeds.
1. Know the code
If you’re heading out for a long drive, you may want to check the Highway Code ahead of time to wise up on any speed limits.
That way, when you do see the 60 km/h road signs, it won’t take you by surprise, and you can begin the deceleration in anticipation.
2. Don’t rush
There’s a Swahili proverb. It goes “Haraka Haraka Haina Baraka.” Loosely translated, it means slow your ass down. Or to put it less crudely, hurry hurry has no blessing.
Seriously, what’s the point in zipping down busy highways in the rain? Yes, we agree that sometimes a toilet emergency’s on the cards, but plan your journey ahead of time and you may not need to rush.
GEM recommend leaving earlier than anticipated and ensuring you’ve got plenty of time, so you’ve got absolutely no reason to speed.
3. Look for signs
No, we’re not talking about omens. Although if you do see a rising fog, don’t take the plunge. Wait until that ish clears up.
You’ll want to keep an eye out for speed limit signs. Watch for clues that these limits may soon be about to change, and give yourself enough time to execute.
Here’s an exercise for you: every time you drive past a speed limit sign, call it out loud so you can reassert it to yourself.
4. Watch the Speedo
This one may sound counterintuitive, especially if looking at the Speedo means you’re taking your eyes off the road.
These days, though, thanks to HUD and other bits of tech, it’s become increasingly easier and safer to keep track of your speeds.
Any experienced driver will tell you that they regularly scan their mirrors and the speedo. A glance down and around will get you home safe and sound.
5. Ask yourself the question
What is the Matrix?
Okay not that question. This question: Is my speed both legal and safe? Remember that a speed limit isn’t a benchmark for you to flirt with. It’s the absolute limit that you can drive at.
Now granted you don’t want to be pulled over for under speeding a la Ross Geller, but this is where the old common sense kicks in.
If the speed limit’s set at 120 km/h, but you feel safe going at 100, then stick to the 100. Don’t move into the fast lane, and don’t be overwhelmed by driver’s blowing past you.
It’s not a race. And even if it is, didn’t you see what happened with the hare and the tortoise? Slow and steady wins the race, people!
There you have it, 5 great tips from GEM to stay safe on the road. Read it and don’t weep.
Speaking of weeping, if the message hasn’t sunk in, take a look at this commercial.
