A leading motoring lawyer believes the news that more than 2000 drivers were caught doing in excess of 100pmph last year should act a sobering reminder to motorists to be vigilant when it comes to their driving habits.
Catherine Junor, a specialist in motoring law at Midlands based law firm, Higgs & Sons believes that thanks to modern technology, it is now easier than ever for motorists to fall foul of the law.
"Modern cars are capable of speeds far in excess of the UK's national speed limit," explains Catherine. "They are also so well designed in terms of comfort and safety that drivers may not be aware that they have inadvertently exceeded the speed limit."
"Speeding, just like any other motoring offence can never be condoned and safety is of paramount importance, of course. However these latest figures seem to highlight the fact that on occasions, drivers may be unaware just how fast they are travelling."
The Transport Research Laboratory which studies driver behaviour, identified two groups of people who are most often caught driving at very high speeds. One of these groups was men in their 40s and 50s who own luxury cars and may do a lot of driving for their work.
"These figures are interesting as they may point to the fact that hours spent behind the wheel cocooned in an environment specifically designed to insulate drivers from the noise and disturbances associated with excessive speed, may result in drivers becoming less aware of the speed at which they are travelling.
"It is a phenomenon one psychologist has referred to as being 'carcooned' in one's vehicle."
Catherine recommends that anyone caught driving at excessive speed should always seek advice from an experienced solicitor with expertise in motoring cases.
"Driving at speeds over 100 mph could, result in disqualification. Where there are mitigating circumstances however and dependent on the driver's licence, penalty points may be imposed.
"The best guidance we can give, of course, is that drivers should always be aware of the speed at which they are driving to ensure their own and others' safety. But if mitigating circumstances have contributed to them exceeding the speed limit, it is vital they receive prompt, specialist advice."
Article date: 08/03/2016The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
