“Have you ever noticed anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster is a maniac?” said George Carlin, American stand-up comedian, actor, author, and social critic.
Or as Einstein put it more succinctly, time is relative. If you’re in a hurry (or just enjoy leaning on the accelerator), everyone else is a slow poke and in your way. And to them, you’re just a dangerous blur.
But does your speeding along really get you there any faster?
Most of us, at some time or other, have probably suffered from a heavy foot when running against the clock. But, there’s actually very little evidence that driving faster saves you much time on a journey.
When you factor in traffic lights and traffic congestion, speeding isn’t going to get you there any faster. In fact, speeding on any trip that’s under 500 miles will only save you 12 minutes, at most. What speeding will get you, however, is an expensive ticket and some penalty points.
Take it to the limit
You might have a need for speed, but breaking the rules of the road is not only dangerous, but could mean saying goodbye to your freedom on the road. Regardless of if you’re a [new driver](https://www.axani.co.uk/articles/driving/safe-driving-reminders-for-newly-qualified-drivers/ t) or have years of driving experience make sure you understand the speed limit before taking to the road.
Basic Northern Ireland speed limits for cars
| Speed Limit | Type of Road | | ---------- | ---------- | | 30mph | Near schools or areas with pedestrians | | 30mph | Built up area | | 60mph | Single Carriageways | | 70mph | Motorways & Dual Carriageways |
This Freight Transport Association table breaks it all down even more into special categories for sub sets of vehicle.
Who decides on speed limits?
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and the PSNI use levels of traffic, road alignment, levels of traffic, number of crashes and potential effects on the community and other motorists to work out individual speed limits.
Anyone can ask for a change to a speed limit in Northern Ireland. Ask at your local Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Roads Division Section. They’ll consult the PSNI and assess each case on its merits.
Being heavy-footed may seem thrilling and the only way to get where you’re going, but what you lose could be more than what you gain when you get a ticket. Stick to the speed limits on the road and keep yourself, and other drivers, safe.
