How to Avoid Speeding: Practical Tips for Safer Driving
Speeding is not limited to drivers who deliberately travel far above the posted limit.
A driver may gradually gain speed without noticing, miss a speed-zone sign, accelerate downhill or travel too quickly for rain, traffic or poor visibility.
The posted speed limit is the maximum permitted speed under good conditions. Drivers may need to travel more slowly when road, traffic or weather conditions make the posted limit unsafe. anage your speed consistently.
1. Check Your Speedometer Regularly
Make speedometer checks part of your normal observation routine.
You should continue looking at the road and checking your mirrors, but take brief and regular glances at the speedometer, particularly:
- After turning onto another road
- After accelerating
- When travelling downhill
- After leaving a traffic light
- When the road becomes wider
- When traffic becomes lighter
- When entering a new speed zone
Do not stare at the speedometer. A quick check is normally enough to confirm your speed before returning your full attention to the road.
2. Look for Speed-Zone Changes
Speed limits can change several times during a journey.
Watch for speed signs when:
- Entering or leaving a built-up area
- Approaching a school zone
- Passing through roadworks
- Moving from a main road to a residential street
- Entering a motorway
- Leaving a motorway
- Approaching shopping and pedestrian areas
Do not rely only on what you remember from a previous trip. Signs and traffic conditions may change.
When you are unsure of the applicable limit, reduce your speed safely while looking for the next sign.
3. Drive to the Conditions
Remaining below the posted limit does not always mean you are travelling at a safe speed.
Reduce your speed when:
- The road is wet or slippery
- Visibility is poor
- Traffic is congested
- Pedestrians are nearby
- You are approaching a blind corner
- The road surface is damaged
- You are passing roadworks
- You are unfamiliar with the road
- Your view is blocked by parked or larger vehicles
Transport for NSW recommends slowing down in wet weather and whenever road or traffic conditions make the posted speed inappropriate. me
Running late can create pressure to drive faster, take unsafe gaps or become impatient with other road users.
Plan your trip before leaving and allow extra time for:
- Traffic congestion
- Roadworks
- Parking
- Poor weather
- Missed turns
- School-zone traffic
- Public events
Arriving late is better than risking a crash or speeding penalty.
5. Ease Off the Accelerator Early
Look well ahead and respond early to developing situations.
If you see traffic lights, a roundabout, congestion or a lower speed zone ahead, ease off the accelerator before you reach it. Early speed adjustment is smoother and safer than harsh braking at the last moment.
Travelling downhill may cause the vehicle to gain speed even when you are not pressing the accelerator. Check the speedometer and use gentle braking where needed.
6. Use Vehicle Technology Correctly
Some vehicles have cruise control, adaptive cruise control or a speed-limiter function. These systems are not all the same.
Cruise control attempts to maintain a selected speed, but it may not prevent the vehicle from exceeding that speed in every situation, particularly when travelling downhill. A speed limiter may help prevent acceleration above a selected setting, although the driver must still pay attention and remain in control.
Read the vehicle handbook and learn how the system works before relying on it.
Avoid using cruise control when traffic is heavy, roads are slippery or conditions require frequent speed changes.
7. Do Not Let Other Drivers Pressure You
Another driver may follow too closely because they want you to travel faster.
Do not exceed the speed limit or drive faster than conditions allow. Maintain a steady speed and increase the space in front of your vehicle so you have more time to slow down gently.
When safe and legal, allow the impatient driver to pass. Do not brake suddenly, argue or respond aggressively.
Special Speed Rule for NSW Learner Drivers
NSW learner drivers must not drive faster than 90 km/h, even when the posted speed limit is higher.
Learners must therefore remain at or below 90 km/h on roads with a 100 km/h or 110 km/h limit. They must still travel more slowly when conditions require it.
P Management
Good speed control requires observation, planning and regular practice.
During professional driving lessons, your instructor can help you recognise changing speed zones, select an appropriate speed for the conditions and develop a reliable speedometer-checking routine.