Speed is the single biggest road safety issue in New Zealand today. Last year, 100 people were killed in speed related road crashes.

Speed was a factor in 16 per cent of injury crashes in Auckland between 2004 and 2008 and accounted for 22 per cent of all serious and fatal accidents.  The majority of these were the result of drivers taking corners and bends  too fast.

The faster you drive the more likely you are to crash and the more severe any injuries from that crash are likely to be.  This is physics and is relevant to all drivers, no matter how skilful a driver you are.

People who regularly drive too fast for the conditions pose a serious risk to other road users, particularly passengers, children, the elderly, and cyclists.

Young drivers are most at risk from causing and being victims of speed related road crashes.

Male drivers aged 15 to 19 years are approximately seven times more likely to crash than male drivers aged 45 to 49 years. Female drivers aged 15 to 19 years are approximately six times more likely to crash than female drivers in the 45 to 49 age group.

If you exceed the speed limit you risk licence suspension or a fine. Fines range from $30 to $630 for more severe infringements.

How does speed affect road safety?

The faster you drive on the road, the more likely you are to crash. As your speed increases:

• The distance you need in order to stop increases

• There is a greater probability that you will be going too fast if you meet an unexpected change in road conditions

• There is a greater chance that other road users will misjudge how fast you are travelling.

The severity of injuries resulting from a crash is directly related to the impact speed of the vehicle - whether or not speeding was a factor in the crash. 

What happens when a speeding vehicle crashes?

When a vehicle crashes, it undergoes a rapid change of speed. However, the occupants keep moving at the vehicle's previous speed until they are stopped - either by hitting an object or by being restrained by a safety belt or airbag. 

Human bodies are not designed to be hurled against objects at speed, and the faster the speed, the more severe the injuries. 

Risks to pedestrians

If a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle, the severity of their injuries is related to the impact speed. The probability of death for a pedestrian rises steeply from 10 per cent at an impact speed of 30 km/h to 70 per cent at 50 km/h.  

The risks for vulnerable pedestrians, such as the elderly and young children, are higher.