Chapter 7 - Speed and Maintaining a Safe Following Distance Flashcards
What is the normal maximum speed in a built-in area?
The max speed limit speed is normally 50km/h, unless a sign indicates a different speed limit, e.g. 70km/h
Note - Obviously you may encounter specifc section in a built-up area where the speed limit is lower –> 30km/h zone and 15km/h on private premises/play street
What are the normall speed limits on motorways, trunk roads and all other roads outside a built-up area?
Motorways - 130km/h
Trunk road - 100km/h
All other roads - 80km/h
Note - this is just a rule of thumb –> if signs/electronic board indicates something else you must take the given value as the max speed limit.
Is the maximum speed on motorways always 130km/h?
The standard max speed is 130km/h
But…
In many places there is a lower maximum speed in force –> this is indicated by electronic/road signs.
Sometimes the lowering of max speed occurs for a specific time period –> e.g. during peak hours
What is the max speed for microcars within and outside built-up areas?
Speed limit for microcars within and outside built-up areas is 45km/h
The same applies to motorised handicapped vehicles
Keep this in mind when approaching such vehicles
What is the max speed on all roads outside built-up area when driving with a trailer or caravan?
80km/h
Note - if you maximum permitted mass of your trailer or caravan is below 3,500kg –> your speed limit on motorways and trunk roads is 90km/h
What are recommended speed signs?
Recommended a certain speed –> if you drive at these speeds you will normally be fine
Why is it important to stick to speed limits/recommended speed apart from safety?
Allows for smooth flow of traffic –> you might benefit from a green wave of traffic lights
Important circumstances when you just be aware and adjust your speed?
- Around schools –> children may cross roads unexpectedly
- Weather conditions
- Condition of the road –> not always in good repair
- Level of fatigue
- Unfamiliarity of the situation
What should you do before slowing down?
Before slowing down, look in your mirrors to observe the distance between yourself and traffic behind you.
Why is driving quicker not always a good idea?
In order to gain time you need to drive quick for a long period –> often not the case as there is traffic
Plus…
- Higher petrol consumption
- Greater risk of an accident
What are the risk of driving at the maximum speed furing a long journey?
Misleading habituation
Drive too long on the motorway and then enter the built-up area –> you will have a tendency of driving too fast
What does it mean to maintain a safe following distance? What is the rule of thumb?
Law states - you must drive in a way that allows you to stop within the distance of the road which is free ahead of you –> in practise this is not possible
General rule of thumb –> 2 second rule –> The distance between yourself and the vehicle infront should be equal to the distance you drive in two seconds.
Easy way to calculate the rule of thumb for safe following distance?
Divide your speed in km/h by 2 and add 10%
Example when driving at 80km/h
80/2 = 40 + 10% = 44 metres
Important thing to remember when someone pulls in front of you or overtaking?
Make sure you apply the two-second rule to ensure that the vehicles around aren’t too close
Under what circumstances should you increase the safe-following distance?
- When there is a risk of aquaplaning –> basically too much water on the road surface
- Wintry conditions
- Driving down a steep hill
- Driving in fog
- Driving a heavily loaded vehicle
- You are tired