Speed doesn't kill, but nor does going slower
Discussion
Like most of you, I love cars, like speed, and think that the Government's
obsession with "Speed Kills" is demonstratably false. But, I also want to share
a couple of thoughts that have occurred to me over the last few months.
Like all of you, I am a brilliant driver, more than capable of handling speeds
that the law considers dangerous on the motorway, dual carriageways, etc.
My wife, however, is not so convinced of my brilliance, and we have had dozens
of screaming, shouting, relationship-ending arguments when I've been going "far
too fast" round corners, overtaking, etc. So, one day, out of spite, I decided
to sit in the inside lane, doing 69mph, just to show her how terrible that is.
And do you know what? It wasn't that terrible. More importantly, I didn't get
to my destination vastly slower. I'm not going to just boldly make that
statement and insist you accept it, though, I'm going to get technical on your
asses.
Our average journey length is probably in the region of 45 minutes, or 0.75 of
an hour. At an average speed of 75mph, I would travel 56.25 miles (0.75 * 75).
I imagine my range of speeds within that average would be probably 65-85 or so -
I don't have exact figures, I'm afraid. If I raise my average speed to 85mph,
with a range of probably 75-90+, the I would travel 63.75 miles (0.75 * 85), or
7.5 miles. At my average of 75mph, that would take me another 6 minutes to
complete. That's all, 6 minutes. Yet those 6 minutes could mean the difference
between not having to chat with a police officer at all, and having to stand up
in front of the beak and explain why I was breaking their laws.
The legal benefits notwithstanding, it's actually a more pleasant way to travel.
Obviously there's a reduction in driving-related arguments - we've had none
since me slowing down, and have had to find other things to argue about, like
the kids - but I tend to find I arrive fresher, calmer, happier and more in-tune
with the world. We drove to Germany the weekend before last, got lost in
Cologne with only 10 minutes to go until a friend's wedding began, and were
actually laughing about it. Normally one of us would have been dead by that
point.
So, in summary, instead of thinking "If I go faster, I'll get there faster", actually
have a think about how much faster, and whether it's really worthwhile. Slowing down might not actually be
as bad as you think.
Or I could just be getting old.
obsession with "Speed Kills" is demonstratably false. But, I also want to share
a couple of thoughts that have occurred to me over the last few months.
Like all of you, I am a brilliant driver, more than capable of handling speeds
that the law considers dangerous on the motorway, dual carriageways, etc.
My wife, however, is not so convinced of my brilliance, and we have had dozens
of screaming, shouting, relationship-ending arguments when I've been going "far
too fast" round corners, overtaking, etc. So, one day, out of spite, I decided
to sit in the inside lane, doing 69mph, just to show her how terrible that is.
And do you know what? It wasn't that terrible. More importantly, I didn't get
to my destination vastly slower. I'm not going to just boldly make that
statement and insist you accept it, though, I'm going to get technical on your
asses.
Our average journey length is probably in the region of 45 minutes, or 0.75 of
an hour. At an average speed of 75mph, I would travel 56.25 miles (0.75 * 75).
I imagine my range of speeds within that average would be probably 65-85 or so -
I don't have exact figures, I'm afraid. If I raise my average speed to 85mph,
with a range of probably 75-90+, the I would travel 63.75 miles (0.75 * 85), or
7.5 miles. At my average of 75mph, that would take me another 6 minutes to
complete. That's all, 6 minutes. Yet those 6 minutes could mean the difference
between not having to chat with a police officer at all, and having to stand up
in front of the beak and explain why I was breaking their laws.
The legal benefits notwithstanding, it's actually a more pleasant way to travel.
Obviously there's a reduction in driving-related arguments - we've had none
since me slowing down, and have had to find other things to argue about, like
the kids - but I tend to find I arrive fresher, calmer, happier and more in-tune
with the world. We drove to Germany the weekend before last, got lost in
Cologne with only 10 minutes to go until a friend's wedding began, and were
actually laughing about it. Normally one of us would have been dead by that
point.
So, in summary, instead of thinking "If I go faster, I'll get there faster", actually
have a think about how much faster, and whether it's really worthwhile. Slowing down might not actually be
as bad as you think.
Or I could just be getting old.
mikeg996 said:
Yet those 6 minutes could mean the difference
between not having to chat with a police officer at all, and having to stand up
in front of the beak and explain why I was breaking their laws.
Or those 6 minutes could make the difference between falling asleep with boredom or actually enjoying the drive..between not having to chat with a police officer at all, and having to stand up
in front of the beak and explain why I was breaking their laws.
mikeg996 said:
So, in summary, instead of thinking "If I go faster, I'll get there faster", actually
have a think about how much faster, and whether it's really worthwhile. Slowing down might not actually be
as bad as you think.
Or I could just be getting old.
You're getting old. have a think about how much faster, and whether it's really worthwhile. Slowing down might not actually be
as bad as you think.
Or I could just be getting old.
I don't drive fast because I'll get somewhere quicker (unless it's a long drive, where the minutes DO add-up...), I drive fast because it's FUN!!!
There is indeed a lot of sense in this.
However it does have to be properly exectuted.
I generally cruise motorways at an indicated 85mph allowing for speedo error etc this means a likely 78mph actual speed which given I slow to an indicated 70mph for cameras and follow the restrictions when inducated for roadworks or average speed jobbies means I can cruise along like this without the likelihood of getting a ticket and at the highest speed sensibly available to me.
(given 70+10%+2mph = 79mph.
Driving like this means I can watch ahead for obstacles and manouvre in plenty of time my speed also means I can overtake the lorries without being stuck next to them for too long or without holding faster traffic up for too long.
However when I have driven at an indicated 69 as in the OP and I have found this to be more difficult.
An indicated 69 means you only really are doing about 63mph which makes overtaking lorries a longer more protracted and dangerous affair you will also hold fastr following traffic up longer.
You also at that speed have to spend an equal amount of time observing behind yourself as you do in front meaning you are more at risk if traffic ahead suddenly slows you will also find that you get boxed in more often when wishing to overtake lorries from your lane 1 position when even indicating in advance doesn't seem to make following drivers change their lanes to help you accomodate your manouvre.
On Balance I would say I prefer to be marginally quicker for the SAFETY reasons I have described.
I drive a diesel so I still get 45mpg at an indicated 85mph and as you say it doesn't make a significant difference to your journey time.
However it does have to be properly exectuted.
I generally cruise motorways at an indicated 85mph allowing for speedo error etc this means a likely 78mph actual speed which given I slow to an indicated 70mph for cameras and follow the restrictions when inducated for roadworks or average speed jobbies means I can cruise along like this without the likelihood of getting a ticket and at the highest speed sensibly available to me.
(given 70+10%+2mph = 79mph.
Driving like this means I can watch ahead for obstacles and manouvre in plenty of time my speed also means I can overtake the lorries without being stuck next to them for too long or without holding faster traffic up for too long.
However when I have driven at an indicated 69 as in the OP and I have found this to be more difficult.
An indicated 69 means you only really are doing about 63mph which makes overtaking lorries a longer more protracted and dangerous affair you will also hold fastr following traffic up longer.
You also at that speed have to spend an equal amount of time observing behind yourself as you do in front meaning you are more at risk if traffic ahead suddenly slows you will also find that you get boxed in more often when wishing to overtake lorries from your lane 1 position when even indicating in advance doesn't seem to make following drivers change their lanes to help you accomodate your manouvre.
On Balance I would say I prefer to be marginally quicker for the SAFETY reasons I have described.
I drive a diesel so I still get 45mpg at an indicated 85mph and as you say it doesn't make a significant difference to your journey time.
Or those 6 minutes could make the difference between just staying ahead of the rush hour jams building up all along your route, or losing even more time getting caught up in them somewhere.
Or those 6 minutes could make the difference between being able to set out on your journey after visiting the kitchen, or having to dash out the door and spend the whole journey with the distraction of a growling belly.
Or those 6 minutes could make the difference if you're trying to catch a ferry/flight.
Or...
A few minutes here or there might not make any difference to some people at any time, or to other people some of the time, but it can make quite a difference to some people some of the time.
Or those 6 minutes could make the difference between being able to set out on your journey after visiting the kitchen, or having to dash out the door and spend the whole journey with the distraction of a growling belly.
Or those 6 minutes could make the difference if you're trying to catch a ferry/flight.
Or...
A few minutes here or there might not make any difference to some people at any time, or to other people some of the time, but it can make quite a difference to some people some of the time.
yes - I can see the logic on that first point as well. When I am on the M25 in the morning, I drive as fast as possible to stay ahead of traffic jams that are building behind me, as well as being able to get off that horrible road quicker before you get solidly jammed.
Leaving home at the same time to go to Heathrow for a flight, when I take a taxi it takes me almost an hour longer as he drives along at 65-70 and at every junction 1000's of cars are joining where you get stuck behind whilst if he was moving along faster those queues would be behind you ...
Leaving home at the same time to go to Heathrow for a flight, when I take a taxi it takes me almost an hour longer as he drives along at 65-70 and at every junction 1000's of cars are joining where you get stuck behind whilst if he was moving along faster those queues would be behind you ...
Mr2Mike said:
mikeg996 said:
Yet those 6 minutes could mean the difference
between not having to chat with a police officer at all, and having to stand up
in front of the beak and explain why I was breaking their laws.
Or those 6 minutes could make the difference between falling asleep with boredom or actually enjoying the drive..between not having to chat with a police officer at all, and having to stand up
in front of the beak and explain why I was breaking their laws.
On occasion I've been really very sleepy after an enforced 40 section (average speed cameras are the worst - nothing to look out for and aiming for exactly 48mph or similar).
Even drubbing along at 70mph on occasion - cruise control helps a lot but often that's not an option (in the car).
After a particularly long and pointless 40mph section in norfolk a couple of years ago, almost a deserted road when I was one there, I passed the ambulance attending to some guy who'd driven straight into a post of one of those big roadside dual post signage boards.
I understood exactly how he'd done that, the wave of fatigue that arrived at the end of the 40zone was immense. I'd have been much much safer at 80mph to be honest, and he'd have been at home.
Germany however - never ever felt sleepy there
Its sad how many pathetic excuses get wheeled out to justify speeding really... Makes petrol heads look very pathetic... The simple reasons are that its more fun, and if it can be done safely, which it often can, there's nothing wrong with it..
"It stops me getting bored and falling asleep at the wheel.." bo
ocks, if your attention span is that short, or you're that tired, you shouldn't be driving
As for getting there quicker... On a long journey, you don't... I regularly make a 270 mile trip, realistically, thats 3 to 3.5 hours... The most I stand to gain is about 15 min by driving at an indicated 90 ish... 15 minutes is nothing.
So, how about us all admitting the real reason we do it? We enjoy it, and done with responsibility, its safe...
(as an aside, i tried a maximum lepton approach for the length of the m6 toll... it made my journey slower, on account of having to stop for fuel)
hd
petrol head/speed freak
"It stops me getting bored and falling asleep at the wheel.." bo
ocks, if your attention span is that short, or you're that tired, you shouldn't be drivingAs for getting there quicker... On a long journey, you don't... I regularly make a 270 mile trip, realistically, thats 3 to 3.5 hours... The most I stand to gain is about 15 min by driving at an indicated 90 ish... 15 minutes is nothing.
So, how about us all admitting the real reason we do it? We enjoy it, and done with responsibility, its safe...
(as an aside, i tried a maximum lepton approach for the length of the m6 toll... it made my journey slower, on account of having to stop for fuel)
hd
petrol head/speed freak
Heebeegeetee said:
hairydave-hd vti said:
"It stops me getting bored and falling asleep at the wheel.." boocks, if your attention span is that short, or you're that tired, you shouldn't be driving
hd
petrol head/speed freak
Oh well, 10 posts before it got silly, average i s'pose.ocks, if your attention span is that short, or you're that tired, you shouldn't be drivinghd
petrol head/speed freak
They call it geschwindigkeit over there though...Speed doesn't kill, nor does speeding.
These days, the cars are more than capable of cruising at 80-90 and still stopping in less distance than the highway code says (I note the highway code doesn't account for the Grandma/Micra combination to extend the stopping distance from 60mph to 2.6 miles to allow her time to see a problem - this is the first 1.3 miles, press the brake pedal, and then actually slow to a halt).
These days, the cars are more than capable of cruising at 80-90 and still stopping in less distance than the highway code says (I note the highway code doesn't account for the Grandma/Micra combination to extend the stopping distance from 60mph to 2.6 miles to allow her time to see a problem - this is the first 1.3 miles, press the brake pedal, and then actually slow to a halt).
To my mind, the safest conditions on the motorway are in light or moderate traffic when there is a spread of speeds maxing at about 90 mph. So it really doesn't matter if you go faster or slower, so long as you don't hog the overtaking lanes and don't pass vehicles with too little or too much speed differential, keep it up folks 
Adding my little bit.
I regularly drive from Farnham to Rock in Cornwall. This os a 227mile journey which takes in the A303, yay. When I had my Astra I could do the journey between 3 hours and 15 mins and 3hours and 45 mins depending on traffic. Now I have defender 90 I drive everywhere at 65 – 70mph. I do the journey in 4 hours almost all the time give or take 10 mins.
Now you see here is the interesting point, this is the different between last order and bed with no pint! So if you want last orders and want a fun journey, buy and Astra, or something that will get above 80 without you going death!
I regularly drive from Farnham to Rock in Cornwall. This os a 227mile journey which takes in the A303, yay. When I had my Astra I could do the journey between 3 hours and 15 mins and 3hours and 45 mins depending on traffic. Now I have defender 90 I drive everywhere at 65 – 70mph. I do the journey in 4 hours almost all the time give or take 10 mins.
Now you see here is the interesting point, this is the different between last order and bed with no pint! So if you want last orders and want a fun journey, buy and Astra, or something that will get above 80 without you going death!
twister said:
Or those 6 minutes could make the difference between just staying ahead of the rush hour jams building up all along your route, or losing even more time getting caught up in them somewhere.
Or those 6 minutes could make the difference between being able to set out on your journey after visiting the kitchen, or having to dash out the door and spend the whole journey with the distraction of a growling belly.
Or those 6 minutes could make the difference if you're trying to catch a ferry/flight.
Or...
A few minutes here or there might not make any difference to some people at any time, or to other people some of the time, but it can make quite a difference to some people some of the time.
Different people are in different levels of "hurry". For some, 6 minutes (or whatever it might be -- I'm often doing 2-hour drives not 45-min ones) makes the difference between being on time for an important meeting or being late. For others, as long as they get there sometime today it doesn't matter. The idea that "everyone arrives more quickly on average" when the limit is reduced takes zero account of this.Or those 6 minutes could make the difference between being able to set out on your journey after visiting the kitchen, or having to dash out the door and spend the whole journey with the distraction of a growling belly.
Or those 6 minutes could make the difference if you're trying to catch a ferry/flight.
Or...
A few minutes here or there might not make any difference to some people at any time, or to other people some of the time, but it can make quite a difference to some people some of the time.
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