Controlling your speed

Below are some tips on how to control your speed.

Do not treat speed limits as a target. Often it is not appropriate or safe to drive at the maximum speed limit.
Check your speedometer regularly. It only takes a fraction of a second and should be as automatic as checking your mirrors.
Always drive safely within the legal speed limit and at a speed suitable to the conditions. You should always reduce your speed when:
- the road layout or condition presents hazards, such as bends
- sharing the road with pedestrians and cyclists, particularly children, and motorcyclists
- weather conditions make it safer to do so
- driving at night, as it’s harder to see other road users.
Select a lower gear before you reach a long downhill slope – this will help to control your speed.
Keep your distance. Count two seconds between you and the car in front and leave even more space/time in wet conditions.
As you see a lower limit approaching, begin to reduce your speed.
Take care when overtaking and stay within the speed limit.
Make sure you know your speed limits.
Be alert to all the signs – they are there to help you.