Speeding

Ian · Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Posts: 5 Location: Linslade

I have just lost my driving license for speeding. I was driving around 40k last year.

I was done for doing 38 in a 30, 45 in 40 and, 47 in a 40 and, 83 in a 60 over a 2-year period.

Before I went to Court I joined the IAM with a view to improving my driving skills. I accept that they need to improve and that I should be punished for speeding.

When I went to Court last month I told the Judge that I had signed up to the IAM. To my horror, however, he did not seem to be aware of the IAM and he gave me the same sentence as everybody else six months.

Two of my friends, one an ex police officer and the other an ex Gold Rospa driving instructor think I have been unlucky.

But have I? I could of got 12months.

I told the Judge that I have never been in an accident in 11 years of driving and that I am an Locum Optician that drives all over the country.

It has taught me a lesson.

I welcome your views. I do not condone speeding and I am not making excuses for speeding.

Ian

ROG · Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 870 Location: LEICESTER

The IAM do not usually accept anyone who has over 6 points.
The question is - WHY did you break the speed limits

Judges will not usually take into consideration what type of credentials you aspire to or hold BUT are likely to come down a little harsher on those that SHOULD know better Exclamation

_________________
Roger Ewens
Civilian Advanced Driver
Senior Observer
Leicester Group of Advanced Motorists
UNEMPLOYED LGV instructor

Big Err · Joined: 02 Jul 2006 Posts: 566 Location: Kinross, Scotland

ScoobyChris · Joined: 01 May 2006 Posts: 969 Location: Andover, Hants

Being caught 4 times inside 2 years is unlucky, but in the spirit of treating everything as a learning experience, I'd be asking the following questions a) was the speed inappropriate for the conditions, b) was it conscious or unconscious speeding and c) why was I caught?

I'm guessing that you weren't consciously speeding and to help overcome that, the IAM will encourage you to use a lower more flexible gear to prevent the speed drifting, eg 3rd for 30mph, 4th for 40mph. They'll also help focus on observational skills (aka why was I caught?) so that you throw your vision as far into the distance as possible and work your way back prioritising hazards.

Chris

dth · Joined: 13 Oct 2007 Posts: 379

martine · Joined: 17 Oct 2005 Posts: 1234 Location: Bristol, UK

Welcome Ian - I admire your honesty - shame your convictions got you to this website (if you see what I mean) rather than coming across us in more pleasant circumstances - but your here now! We're a friendly bunch and I think you're find any genuine question is answered with respect however simple or complicated.

To be honest I don't think you were 'unlucky' - 4 times in 2 years means you must have been speeding pretty habitually. The margins may seem small but remember your indicated speed on the speedo is going to be that much greater - I would guess your speedo was saying 50 (for the 47 in a 40) for example.

Hopefully the IAM course will help you in a number of ways and at least get something positive out of your unpleasant experience. Look at your court appearance from the judge's perspective - if you came across someone with your history would you not think that it's just too easy to sign up for an IAM course (at a mere £99) in an attempt to impress the judge?

In answer to ROG: anyone with 12 points or less (providing they are not banned of course - you can have 12 points and not be banned exceptionally) can sign up for a Skill for Life course. You have to have 8 points or less at the time you actually take the test though.
_________________
Martin - Bristol IAM Group Senior Observer and Secretary.

TPAC · Joined: 03 May 2008 Posts: 9

I'm with Big Err Ian. Camera jobs don't discriminate between ,safe, appropriate, and otherwise. Having said that, once caught in a 30 or a 40, it should be enough to keep you wary. Without knowing the circs, I may be judging too harshly, but it sounds like obs are the best thing you'd improve form ADI: Are there cameras around? Hazards? Police? Look out for these and you will be more alert all round. And with the training you might find you actually WANT to take it slower at times.
_________________
Any opinions expressed are mine and not those of my employer.

Gareth · Joined: 15 Apr 2006 Posts: 1078 Location: Berkshire

I often think this country deals very harshly with people who break the rules and yet have not injured anyone. To my mind the consequences of the punishment seem disproportionate to the problem. This kind and scale of punishment has become a lot more frequent as technology has been increasingly employed, and measurement has surplanted judgement.

As others have said, the OP's situation points as much to a lack of observation as anything else, and the sad reality of driving today is that an extra awareness and precision in keeping to speed limits needs to be developed, instead of just being in the right ball-park for the conditions which, more often than not, used to be good enough for most drivers.

The numbers really don't tell enough of the story though. As those who've met me will testify, I think most drivers don't slow down enough for hazards and for areas of high hazard density. It's hard to say whether the speed was inappropriate or only illegal. I would urge the OP to continue with the plan to improve his driving skills when the licence is regained, because the additional awareness developed will help him select an appropriate speed for varying driving conditions.
_________________
there is only the road, nothing but the road ...

Horse · Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 459 Location: Darkest Berkshoire

MGF · Joined: 29 Jun 2006 Posts: 700 Location: Warwickshire

martine · Joined: 17 Oct 2005 Posts: 1234 Location: Bristol, UK

crr003 · Joined: 11 Sep 2005 Posts: 1102 Location: Wirral

7db · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1595 Location: London

martine · Joined: 17 Oct 2005 Posts: 1234 Location: Bristol, UK

jont · Joined: 07 Jul 2006 Posts: 710 Location: Bristol

<edit> Double post