4 Reasons to Maintain the Speed Limit
Speed limits can be bothersome to drivers for many reasons. For example, you may need to get somewhere as soon as possible, and maintaining your vehicle at the legal speed limit can be frustrating. Perhaps you are obeying the speed limit, but other cars are zooming all around you and giving you dirty looks as they pass by. It seems as though you cannot win when it comes to speed limits. Before you grow too frustrated with speed limits as you cruise around town and beyond, consider the many benefits associated with driving at the legal speed limit.
Avoid Accidents
Speed limits vary considerably across the country based on the road type, the population and state requirements. While there are differences, the speed limits are designed to keep you and other passengers safe. When you obey the speed limit, you may avoid many car accidents. The speed limit enables you to operate your vehicle more safely given the road conditions. It also enables you to react to other drivers if you need to take defensive action. Auto accidents can be costly and may cause significant personal injury, and the simple step of obeying the speed limit is one of the leading steps that you can take to avoid many accidents. Remember to drive below the posted speed limit when bad road conditions are present, such as from rain, ice, fog or other weather conditions.
Eliminate Speeding Tickets
In some areas, law enforcement officials may have unofficial leeway to accommodate drivers who are traveling a few miles per hour over the speed limit. However, this is not universal, and you may legally be ticketed for driving even one mile per hour over the speed limit. Leeway is less likely to be given in construction zones and school zones. Keep in mind that pacing and radar guns are not the only sources of information that law enforcement officials may rely on when issuing speeding tickets. For example, you may receive a speeding ticket if you are involved in a high-speed car accidents. Fines can be expensive, and they typically must be paid within a relatively short period of time. If you fail to pay the fine on time, you may go to jail.
Enjoy Lower Auto Insurance Rates
Speed plays an important role in car accidents and moving violations, and these are factors that will be listed on your driving record. Auto insurance companies determine your premium amount partially by reviewing your driving history. When you maintain a safe speed limit, you are more likely to have a good driving record and to qualify for a lower premium. Keep in mind that some auto insurance companies now use tracking devices to monitor your speed on the road, and these devices may also help you to qualify for a lower car insurance rate if you obey the speed limit.
Safeguard Your Vehicle
Driving at an excessive rate of speed can damage your car in multiple ways, and these damages can dramatically increase the cost of ownership and cause many other stressors. The most obvious damage that driving at high speeds may cause is related to car accidents, and wear and tear on the vehicle is also a leading concern. When your car travels in high speeds, it also may need to make sudden stops more quickly. Everything from damage to the engine and related powertrain components to extra wear on the tires, brakes, rotors and more can occur. In addition to the cost of repairs, you may feel stress related to breakdowns that otherwise may have been avoided. You may also decrease the longevity of the vehicle and endure the impact of reduced trade-in value in some cases.
As you can see, it makes sense to obey the posted speed limit at all times. A smart way to avoid feeling rushed and inclined to drive faster is to simply leave earlier. You cannot control traffic conditions, but you also may know that traffic issues can occur at almost any time of day if you live in a suburban or urban area. With this in mind, get in the habit of leaving a few minutes earlier than you need to, and you can feel more relaxed as you cruise down the road at the posted speed limit.
