Brake release shocking head-on collisions facts
A survey undertaken and collated by Brake and Direct Line, just released, has shockingly revealed that almost half of drivers are overtaking at lethal speeds on single carriageway rural roads with disregard for the consequences.
Of 942 drivers surveyed, 47% admitting to speeding at more than 60mph to overtake on country roads at least once in the past year, with 23% confessing doing this at least once a month. In Britain in 2009, 749 deaths occurred on single carriageway roads with a speed limit of 60mph – that’s a third of all road deaths. The results suggest that drivers continue to feel a false sense of security on rural roads, misguidedly believing that it is safe and enjoyable to drive at high speeds when in reality, drivers are much more likely to die on a rural road than any other type.
Ellen Booth, Brake’s campaigns officer, said: “It’s high time we tackle this irresponsible and downright dangerous love of speed on our roads. Speeding down a country road isn’t the epitome of freedom; it’s the epitome of stupidity. Drivers who overtake at speed on country roads aren’t just risking their own lives – they are selfishly endangering their passengers and anyone coming the other way.”
Andy Goldby, Director of Motor Underwriting at Direct Line, said: “Two people die on single carriageway roads every day, and these deaths could be prevented. Our own data suggests that young drivers and their passengers are even more likely to die on this type of road. Drivers should remember that patience is a virtue, when it comes to deciding to overtake another vehicle at speed, as it could be a life saver.”
Brake is calling on the Government to act to tackle the problem of drivers who overtake irresponsibly and speed on rural roads by reducing the default speed limit on single carriageway roads to 50mph or lower, where there are particular risks.
Brake’s advice for drivers regarding country roads is that they often have speed limits that are far too high and have dangerous sharp bends, and unexpected hazards, therefore you should never risk overtaking on rural roads unless you are overtaking a very slow moving vehicle such as a tractor, the road is clear and straight, and you won’t have to drive at excessive speeds or above the limit to do it. Otherwise, just hang back from the vehicle in front and enjoy the journey. You won’t get there much quicker by overtaking, and you might not get there at all.
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1 Comment
What a silly implication to make from a survey of drivers.
As a bike rider it is safer to execute an overtake as QUICKLY as possible and safe.
This USED TO BE accepted that an overtake on a clear country road may mean you exceed the posted limit for the overtake. After all you DONT want drivers/riders looking at a speedo when overtaking. They must concentrate on the road, vehicles and surroundings. An overtake is a dangerous move at any time and the less time spent in the “danger zone” the better – within reason. So how many of those they said “speeded” did so TO BE SAFER ?
“Reason” however seems to be lost on those who perceive a NUMBER brings safety.
It’s knowledge and attitude that determines safety and the sooner the focus is on training and the application of SENSIBLE laws the better.
Peter
February 4, 2011, 12:26 pm.
