GEM urges greater speed awareness

Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is supporting a national police operation targeting speeding drivers by urging motorists to slow down.

The police campaign runs until 30 October, and GEM is backing the initiative by warning drivers that excessive speeds bring additional risks, not just to the driver, but to anyone else who may be sharing the same road space at the time.

It says that by sticking to the legal speeds, drivers will avoid the increased risk – and cost – of being caught and fined, says GEM.

GEM chief executive Neil Worth said: “If you’re sometimes tempted to drive above the speed limit, this is a good time to change your mind and make safer choices, as police across the country are running enhanced checks and enforcement throughout the operation.

“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. If you leave a bit earlier, you’ll be less tempted to take unnecessary risks to recover precious seconds when you’re late.

“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,” Worth added.