If you adjust your speed to match traffic, visibility, road conditions, and your vehicle and personal condition, it means
This is considered the perfect speed for safety. It means your being responsible and adapting to real-world driving conditions.
When you do not adjust your speed to the driving conditions
This is dangerous because it ignores current conditions, even if your driving under the speed limit. It increases the risk of accidents.
If you exceed the posted speed limit on a road.
Exceeding legal speed limits is illegal and increases stopping distance, reduces reaction time, and raises the chance of serious crashes.
When you drive faster than the law allows for a particular road
The speed limit is the maximum legal speed. Its set for safety under ideal conditions and must never be exceeded.
If you slow down because of fog, rain, traffic, or other hazards
Reduced speed is necessary in dangerous conditions to maintain control and visibility. Its a safety precaution, not a sign of weakness.
When you drive slower than this value under normal conditions
The minimum speed keeps traffic moving steadily. You should only drive below it when absolutely necessary.
If you drive below the minimum speed without a valid reason
This is only legal if justified (e.g., breakdown, fog). In such cases, you must keep to the right lane or shoulder to avoid blocking traffic.
When the road is designed to handle a specific top speed safely in good conditions
Design speed is used in engineering to build safe roads, curves, and slopes. Its not a speed limit but represents the roads intended safe capacity.
If you drive at a high speed
The faster you go, the less you see on the sides. Your focus narrows, making it harder to spot hazards.
When you drive faster than necessary
High speeds increase tension and reduce your alertness over time, which raises accident risk.
If you are speeding
At high speeds, small steering or braking actions can lead to loss of control, especially in emergencies.
When your speed is too high
The faster you go, the less time you have to make decisions and respond to sudden dangers.
If your near children, the elderly, blind people, or animals
These groups are more vulnerable and unpredictable; driving slower gives you more time to react.
When approaching an unregulated pedestrian crossing
You must be able to stop if someone steps into the road unexpectedly.
If you are entering intersections, roundabouts, or level crossings
These areas are conflict zones; slowing down increases control and safety.
When driving in bad weather or on slippery roads
Rain, ice, and glare reduce visibility and traction, requiring more cautious driving.
If you exceed 50 km/h on urban roads
At over 50 km/h, pedestrian fatality rates rise to 50%. At over 80 km/h, it’s almost 100%.
When you go over 90–100 km/h on conventional roads
Limited visibility and unexpected road users make overtaking more dangerous.
If you drive at 120 km/h on motorways or dual carriageways
High speeds reduce your ability to respond and increase crash severity.
If a school transport vehicle is on an intercity road
Extra caution is required due to the vulnerable passengers on board.
When transporting dangerous goods in urban or interurban areas
Hazardous materials increase the consequences of an accident.