Speeding - What can we do?

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RoadPeace and the Peril of Speeding: A Call for Safer Roads

Speeding remains one of the most persistent and deadly problems on our roads today. Despite advancements in vehicle safety and infrastructure, excessive speed continues to claim thousands of lives each year and cause devastating injuries. One organisation working tirelessly to combat this epidemic is RoadPeace, the UK’s national charity for road crash victims.

RoadPeace: Advocating for Victims and Safer Roads

Founded in 1992 by Brigitte Chaudhry, following the tragic death of her son, RoadPeace provides support for people bereaved or injured in road crashes and campaigns to reduce road danger. The charity offers emotional and practical support to victims, raises awareness of the consequences of road collisions, and pushes for justice and safer streets.

At the heart of RoadPeace’s mission is the belief that road deaths and injuries are not mere accidents—they are preventable incidents often caused by risky behaviour, including speeding.

The True Cost of Speeding

Speeding contributes to roughly a third of all road fatalities. According to the World Health Organisation, the risk of death for pedestrians hit by a car increases dramatically with speed. A person struck at 30 mph has a significantly higher chance of survival than someone hit at 40 mph. This difference of just 10 mph can be the line between life and death.

Speeding:

Reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden hazards.

Increases the severity of injuries in a crash.

Narrows the field of vision (also known as “tunnel vision”).

Lengthens stopping distances, making collisions more likely.

For vulnerable road users—such as children, the elderly, and cyclists—speeding poses an even greater risk.

Speeding Is a Choice

While some drivers view speed limits as suggestions rather than rules, they exist to protect everyone on the road. Choosing to exceed them is a conscious decision that can have irreversible consequences.

RoadPeace works to shift public perception of speeding, advocating for it to be seen not as a minor infraction but as dangerous and socially unacceptable behaviour. They support campaigns for lower speed limits in urban and residential areas, especially near schools and parks.

Justice and Accountability

Another pillar of RoadPeace’s mission is to ensure that victims of road crimes—like those caused by speeding—receive justice. The charity highlights the disparity between road deaths and the often lenient legal penalties that follow. They argue that stronger enforcement and tougher sentencing are necessary to deter dangerous driving and recognise the true harm it causes.

What Can Be Done?

RoadPeace encourages everyone—from individual drivers to policymakers—to take responsibility:

Obey speed limits: Even going slightly above the limit can have fatal consequences.

Support 20 mph zones: Especially in areas with high pedestrian activity.

Advocate for change: Push for better enforcement and road safety legislation.

Support victims: Recognise the long-lasting trauma faced by those affected by crashes.

A Future Without Road Deaths

RoadPeace envisions a future where road deaths are rare and road crime is taken seriously. Through public education, victim support, and policy change, the organisation continues to push for roads that are safe for all users.

The dangers of speeding are clear. Every life lost is a tragedy, and every crash avoided is a victory. By supporting RoadPeace and committing to safe driving habits, we can all play a part in making our streets safer.

For more information or to support RoadPeace, visit www.roadpeace.org.

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