Speeding during lockdown . . .

[AleNod]

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/...s-drivers-a9589821.html?utm_source=reddit.com

Okay, I know increased speed is a dangerous thing, reduces available reaction times, makes the possibility of an accident and the potential severity of an accident that much higher. No arguments from me. Really.

But to see such a marked increase is staggering and unprecedented in modern times. 70%. Isnt it ?

But Q: what happened to the accident rate ?

Asking for a freind . . . (and prepares to duck from one or two forum members, being aware of their current and previous occupations).

Okay, I am being a little flippant on a very serious subject. But there is a serious point here, what is the accident / death rates with such a marked increase in speed ?

Thoughts ?

 

[Davyhoogy]

I guess as the roads havent been as busy, there also hasnt been many pedestrians walking around.

I've noticed the increas in speeding though it's been so bad in my area. I'd say less than 20% of cars do the speed limit along my nearest main road

 

[t-tony]

By far the worst culprits past our house speed wise have been bikers. Simple fact.

Tony.

 

[Pingu]

If you want to have seen speed on the motorways during lockdown, you should have driven at night on the sections that don't have cameras.

At least one car doing 140+ per night and no accidents seen.

 

[andyglym]

Loads caught doing well over treble figures on the M6 Northbound J36-40.

 

[Z Victor 1]

I actually experienced a first the other day. A motorcyclist actually rode along behind me for several miles observing the speed limits. At other times during the day it was the normal situation, I'm observing the various speed limits, but I'm constantly being caught and passed by bikers going way over the limit.

 

[AleNod]

Complex isn't it.

I have always wondered how bad it would be if we went for autobahn type rules . . .

 

[Toby]

If you want to have seen speed on the motorways during lockdown, you should have driven at night on the sections that don't have cameras.

At least one car doing 140+ per night and no accidents seen.

How about the Audi doing 200+ mph - he did eventually get caught though. Another trying for similar speeds too.

 

[Redline]

I’ve, not out of choice, had to do a number of longer journeys over recent weeks as lockdown restrictions have eased.
In the first few weeks, apart from the odd hooligan driving at dangerously high speeds, the quality of driving has been excellent. Almost everyone driving at or more often below the speed limits. Most cars, vans and lorries driving at 60mph or below on motorways. However, as weeks have progressed, the standards ave dropped back to original levels, more tailgating middle lane hogs, drivers not anticipating what’s happening and vastly more driving at 90 and above, including some driving well in excess of 120!

To answer the question, it isn’t speed itself that kills, it is the rapid deceleration (upwards of 100g) when vehicles come to a rapid halt when they hit something that is stationary, such as walls, bridges, street furniture, parked vehicles etc. Motorways because of excellent design and construction are generally inherently safe places with many of those things surrounded with barriers, even at speed. Local roads are way more dangerous and unforgiving.

The overall death and injury rate is likely to have dropped over recent months due to fewer accidents, but, if you are involved in such and accident, I can guarantee if you have the accident, especially on busier roads that your injury rates are 100% and your death rate is very close behind.
Plenty of racing circuits available if you want the high speed buzz.

 

[andyglym]

I’ve, not out of choice, had to do a number of longer journeys over recent weeks as lockdown restrictions have eased.
In the first few weeks, apart from the odd hooligan driving at dangerously high speeds, the quality of driving has been excellent. Almost everyone driving at or more often below the speed limits. Most cars, vans and lorries driving at 60mph or below on motorways. However, as weeks have progressed, the standards ave dropped back to original levels, more tailgating middle lane hogs, drivers not anticipating what’s happening and vastly more driving at 90 and above, including some driving well in excess of 120!

To answer the question, it isn’t speed itself that kills, it is the rapid deceleration (upwards of 100g) when vehicles come to a rapid halt when they hit something that is stationary, such as walls, bridges, street furniture, parked vehicles etc. Motorways because of excellent design and construction are generally inherently safe places with many of those things surrounded with barriers, even at speed. Local roads are way more dangerous and unforgiving.

The overall death and injury rate is likely to have dropped over recent months due to fewer accidents, but, if you are involved in such and accident, I can guarantee if you have the accident, especially on busier roads that your injury rates are 100% and your death rate is very close behind.
Plenty of racing circuits available if you want the high speed buzz.

Good old kinematics in action mate. Car stops, you stops, internal organs keep going. Brain bounces off your skull, C Spine detatches, and the remainder of your internal organs turn to a mush post rattling off your rib cage. The End. In modern cars 100mph feels like 60mph. In a Roadster (of our vintage) 70mph feels like 100mph, result.

 

[Pingu]

It's not speed that kills - it's proximity that kills.

Condorde at 60,000ft was perfectly safe doing 1400mph. It wouldn't be safe doing the same speed at 100ft.

 

[Lee]

Been lovely having clear motorways at night, really given me the chance to clear out the cobwebs

 

[andyglym]

It's not speed that kills - it's proximity that kills.

Condorde at 60,000ft was perfectly safe doing 1400mph. It wouldn't be safe doing the same speed at 100ft.

Or as in one Concorde case, 19 unaccounted bags in the rear hold, a wheel stabilisor not fitted after servicing, full fuel tanks (17%) over the recommended maximum, a small piece of aircraft debris on the runway and an engine closed down without the authority of the Captain (even a failing engine provides thrust) resulting in said Concorde not being able to reach and maintain flight speed.

 

[andyglym]

Been lovely having clear motorways at night, really given me the chance to clear out the cobwebs

I concur. 2 x Italian Tunes, M6 J36-38. Policedar on full alert

 

[mwpe]

Or as in one Concorde case, 19 unaccounted bags in the rear hold, a wheel stabilisor not fitted after servicing, full fuel tanks (17%) over the recommended maximum, a small piece of aircraft debris on the runway and an engine closed down without the authority of the Captain (even a failing engine provides thrust) resulting in said Concorde not being able to reach and maintain flight speed.

That was French, enough said.