Through its current campaign, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) is reminding drivers and motorcyclists of the devastating impact speed can have; not only increasing the risk of a collision but the severity of the impact at higher speeds.

This week, Police forces across the country have been sharing messages across social media encouraging the motoring public to slow down and save lives. From Monday 25^th May, visible speed enforcement activity will increase.

The NPCC reports, “On average 17 people are killed and 126 are seriously injured every month in the UK, where speed is believed to have been a significant factor.

“The distance required to stop safely significantly increases at higher speeds. At 30mph, vehicles are travelling at 44 feet per second (about 3 car lengths). Even in good conditions, the difference in stopping distance between 30 mph and 35 mph is an extra 21 feet (more than 2 car lengths). This could make all the difference in avoiding a collision.

The speed at which you ride is one of the most significant factors in determining your risk of being involved in, or causing a collision – the faster you travel, the less time you’ll have to identify and react to what is happening around you. It will take longer to stop and any resulting collision will be more severe, causing greater injury to yourself and anyone else involved.

Speed is largely a choice and being a good rider requires you to ride at a legal speed that is appropriate for the conditions.

Remember the golden rule: Ride so you are able to stop safely on your own side of the road in the distance you can see to be clear.

Visit our Slow Down During Lockdown blog post for more on the penalty implications of speeding.

Riding within the speed limit makes our roads safer. Please slow down and reduce risk.