Driving above the speed limit, or at speeds that are inappropriate for the conditions, brings extra risk, not just to the driver, but to anyone else who may be sharing the same road space at the time. By ensuring you use legal speeds, you will avoid the increased risk – and cost – of being caught and fined, says GEM.
The advice comes as police forces begin a national week-long operation targeting speeding drivers and riders.
GEM chief executive Neil Worth commented: "If you're sometimes tempted to drive above the speed limit, this is a good week (started Monday 2 August 2021) to make safer choices, as police across the country are running a week of enhanced checks and enforcement.
"The speeds we use are entirely our own choice. No one else controls the speed of the vehicles we drive. We can all therefore make the decision to drive at legal speeds, at the same time reaping the benefits: for our safety, for our frame of mind and for the environment, as well.
"Even modest reductions bring lower fuel costs and reduced emissions. Slowing down gives you more time to anticipate and plan when you're driving, as well as more time to react to hazards and to stop safely if necessary.
"Reducing the speed you use will lower the stress on journeys. By leaving a bit earlier, you will be less tempted into the sort of high-risk manoeuvres seen by some drivers as vital for clawing back precious seconds when they're late on journeys.
"We don't have any control over the traffic around us; we ARE the traffic. So there really is nothing to be gained from trying to go faster – and trying to make others go faster or forcing them out of the way."
A 'speeding ticket' will result in three points on your driving licence and a fine of £100. However, fines changed in April 2017, when a three-band system was introduced. Serious 'speeders' (with Band C offences) now face fines of up to 150 per cent of their weekly salary, with six penalty points and/or disqualifications of between seven and 56 days.