“Speed limit isn’t a target” – Hampshire cops crack down on speeders
Hampshire and Thames Valley’s Roads Policing Unit are sending a blunt message this week: the speed limit is a limit, not a challenge. From now until Sunday 22nd April, officers are joining forces with squads across the UK and Europe to tackle speeding—the biggest killer on our roads.
Speeding kills: Shocking stats revealed
Speeding or driving too fast for conditions is behind 20% of deaths and 12% of serious injuries on Hampshire and Thames Valley roads. The faster you drive, the worse the damage in a crash—for you and everyone else.
“People need to realise it’s a speed limit and not a target,” said Sgt Rob Heard. “It may be safer to drive slower depending on road conditions.”
Sgt Heard warned that familiar routes often lead to complacency. “Just a few mph over the limit can cause life-shattering collisions. Families suffer deeply when loved ones are killed or seriously hurt.” Speed also slashes your reaction time and adds to stopping distances.
Speeding’s deadly impact on pedestrians
Hitting a pedestrian at 40mph gives them just a 10% chance of survival. Slow down to 30mph and that jumps to 80%. Sgt Heard urged drivers: “It’s simply not worth the risk.”
Hard facts on road deaths and speed
- Speed is a top factor in fatal crashes
- Pedestrians are four times more likely to die if hit at 40mph vs 30mph
- Rural A-roads see four times more deadly accidents than urban ones
- Cutting speeds by just 1km/h could save 1,300 lives annually
- 60% of fatal crashes happen on rural roads, with ‘loss of control’ the main cause linked to speed
- Young men aged 21-29 are the most likely to speed dangerously
Despite scrapping the Isle of Wight’s Roads Policing Unit, Hampshire remains committed to cracking down hard on speeders. Sgt Heard warned: “The speed limit is not your target. Drive for the conditions or pay the price.”
