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Can someone be driving too fast if they’re under the speed limit?

If you suspect the other driver’s speed was a contributing factor to a crash, you may feel frustrated if cameras show they were not above the legal limit.

Does that mean you need to rule out speed as a factor? Not necessarily.

Sometimes the speed limit is too high

While there are arguments that certain stretches of roads should have lower limits, they won’t help you win your case. Instead, you need to look at how the current limit relates to conditions at the time of your collision,

While drivers are expected to stay within the speed limit, they are also expected to drive appropriately for the conditions. Here are some occasions when driving at the legal maximum speed may be inappropriate:

When the visibility is poor

Thick fog, driving rain, a low sun and the darkness of the night all reduce visibility, making it harder to spot other road users.

When the road surface is slippery

Whether due to fallen leaves in autumn, snow and ice in winter, a spring downpour, or resurfacing works in summer, slippery surfaces make braking take longer and make skids more likely if you brake hard.

When there is heavy traffic

Sometimes even 30 mph is too fast, yet some drivers will still try to reach it by weaving through the traffic.

When there are special events

Halloween might be an example or the local school parade. If there are lots of people walking alongside the road and crossing it, then it’s reasonable to expect drivers to take more care by slowing down.

Seek help understanding your legal options if someone speedy has injured you in a crash.

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