Speed is a factor in a significant number of collisions. Reducing inappropriate and excessive speeding is key to reducing deaths and injuries on our roads. 

Driving or riding at inappropriate speeds is one of the most significant risks your staff face - and may pose to others - during work-related travel. Many drivers unintentionally exceed speed limits, often without realising it. Modern vehicles are powerful and offer a smooth, quiet ride, which can make it difficult to judge speed accurately. Some drivers even believe it’s hard to maintain just 30 mph on roads with a 30 mph limit.

While drivers are ultimately responsible for the speeds they choose, there are simple, practical steps they can take to stay within the limits more easily. The Scottish Road Safety Alliance (ScORSA) recommends the following tips to help prevent speeding:

Top 10 tips to avoid speeding

• Check your speedometer regularly, especially when leaving high speed roads
• Know the limits - look for signs, especially at junctions
• Assume lamp posts mean 30 mph, until signs say otherwise, but remember it could be 20 mph
• Remember, speed limits are a maximum, not a target
• 20's plenty when kids are about - and may even be too fast
• Try no higher than 3rd gear in a 30 mph limit
• Recognise what makes you speed - keeping up with traffic, overtaking or being tailgated
• Concentrate - distracted drivers speed
• Slow down when entering villages
• Give yourself time - there's no need to speed and you won't get there any quicker.

For further information on what businesses can do to help, download our free factsheet, produced in association with the Scottish Road Safety Alliance.