A new campaign is warning drivers in Scotland that ‘there’s no excuse for speeding, even if it’s just a little bit’.
Statistics show travelling too fast for the conditions or excessive speed is reported in 21% of fatal collisions.
That’s why the new campaign has been launched by the Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland, who say that exceeding the speed limit on all road types is ‘surprisingly common’.
Some 33% of respondents to a recent survey admitted to exceeding the speed limit by 5mph in 30mph zones at least once in the past year – while the comparative figure for 20mph roads was 31%.
Running across multiple platforms including radio and digital, the campaign highlights some of the excuses commonly used by drivers to justify their speeding behaviours, such as running out of petrol, the road being quiet, trying to beat the rush hour and knowing the road well.
It also reminds those behind the wheel that, if they’re caught, they could face severe penalties.
By repeating the words ‘a little bit’ over and over, the ad creative emphasises that ‘it doesn’t matter that you’re only slightly over the speed limit – you know there’s no excuse for speeding’.
Jenny Gilruth, Scotland’s minister for transport, said: “Speeding remains a factor in a number of fatal and serious collisions every year. That’s why I welcome this campaign to tackle this serious issue and deliver a clear message to drivers.
“A collision involving speed can have far-reaching consequences, not only affecting the driver but also their family, the victim’s family, emergency services, and people who witness the incident.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re only slightly over the speed limit – however you try and justify it, there is no excuse for speeding.”
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