There is a speed limit for a reason. The difference of a few miles per hour can mean the difference between life and death. The faster someone is driving, the less time they have to stop if something unexpected happens. Consider the consequences if you kill or seriously injure someone whilst speeding, you will have to live with the long-term emotional consequences as well as the legal ones.

In some road conditions, including fog, rain and traffic flow, even driving at the speed limit could potentially be too fast. Use your judgement.

Country roads are often narrow and have sharp bends. Stay in control and give yourself time to react to unexpected hazards by braking before the bend, not in it. Be aware there may be unexpected hazards, such as blind bends, vehicles coming out of junctions and animals on country roads.

Driving too fast for the conditions is simply bad driving. Driving too close to the car in front, undertaking and failing to signal are widely accepted as examples of bad driving.

The top speed limit in Jersey is 40mph, in Guernsey it is 35mph but much lower limits are also in place around the Islands, particularly in built-up areas. There are many ‘part-time’ 20mph zones around schools, and in Guernsey certain coastal areas have a 25mph speed limit. Our green lanes in Jersey have just a 15mph speed limit – although this in only an advisory limit in Guernsey.