A new survey by Co-op Insurance has found that many motorists do not know the speed limits on Britain’s roads, with 36% not able to say what the national limit is on a dual carriageway – 70mph.
Researchers also found that one in eight motorists were wrong about he speed limit on motorways – also 70mph. Several motorists thought that the speed limit on a motorway was 80mph – there have been calls for the speed limit to be raised to 80mph.
The researchers found that young motorists – who generally have a higher risk of road accidents than older drivers – were more likely to be able to give the correct answer about speed limits.
However, motorists in London were the least likely to be able to say what the speed limit is for a particular type of road.
In built-up areas, all vehicles are meant to keep within a 30mph speed limit, which makes it easier to stop in an emergency – and also potentially reduces the severity of injuries or risk of death in a road accident, or if a vehicle hits a pedestrian.
Spokesman for Co-operative Insurance, Steve Kerrigan, said:
“These figures show that all too often, drivers are getting into their cars and driving with no real awareness of the speed limits in place.
“It’s interesting that younger drivers – so often thought as being more dangerous – are much more aware of national speed limits than older, often more experienced drivers.”
Speed limits can vary on some roads, according to the type of vehicle a motorist is driving.
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