SPEEDING KILLS

The difference of a few miles per hour can mean the difference between life and death. The faster someone is driving, the less time they have to stop if something unexpected happens.

The speed limit is a limit not a target
Traffic flow, road conditions and driving through fog and rain mean that even driving at the speed limit could be too fast.

Country roads often have sharp bends. Stay in control and give yourself time to react to unexpected hazards by braking before the bend, not in it
Be aware that there may be unexpected hazards, such as blind bends, vehicles coming out of junctions and animals on country roads. There are speed limit signs placed in various places around the Island – they are there for your safety and the safety of others.

Driving too fast for the conditions is bad driving
Driving too close to the car in front, undertaking and failing to signal are widely accepted as examples of bad driving. However, some drivers fail to accept that driving too fast is also poor driving despite the fact that this is a contributory factor in accidents.

The aim of this article is to make drivers and habitual speeders aware of the risks of driving too fast.

We the Police are responsible for enforcing the Road Traffic laws and keeping everyone safe on our roads is a key priority.

We aim to fulfil a wide variety of roles that will make a positive contribution to road safety. During our campaign, Police Officers will be carrying out speed checks.

Driving is part of everyday life for our people and with the increasing number of vehicles on our roads it is important that drivers remain focussed and drive safely.

Key messages

  • Don’t assume it’s safe to break the speed limit on roads because there is less traffic
  • With a clear road ahead you may be tempted to put your foot down -THINK before you accelerate on all roads – junctions or bends can mean you don’t see another vehicle until it’s too late if you’re driving too fast
  • Be responsible, don’t drink and drive
  • Maintain your vehicle to a high standard
  • Don’t exceed the speed limit
  • Road courtesy is needed to make our roads pleasant and safe for everyone’s use

Road traffic statistics for April to December 2016 show a total of 74 road traffic collisions, of which nine were alcohol related and 11 persons received injuries.

Of the 74 road traffic collisions dealt with during this period, 55 were related to speeding.

For your own good, observe the law on Road Traffic Safety.

Respect Speed Limits.

‘It is better to lose one minute in life than to lose a life in a minute.’

Police Constable, Prudence Joshua
SHG
11 April 2017

St Helena Government Communications Hub

Telephone: 22470
Email: kimberley.peters@sainthelena.gov.sh