Safety Manager Tip of the Month: Speed Limits

If you think that everyone is driving faster these days, you are correct. Speeding is a national health problem and a big reason why the United States is increasingly lagging behind other countries on road safety. More than one in four fatal crashes in the U.S. involve at least one speeding driver.

There is no trick to how speed limits work. If a sign reads that the maximum speed limit is 50 miles per hour and you drive 51 miles per hour or more, you have violated the law. Although traffic may be racing ahead of you, it is always best to follow all posted speed limits. You may feel pressured to try to match the flow of traffic. However, doing so could put you at risk for a speeding ticket, and a speeding ticket is never just a speeding ticket for professional drivers.

Your CSA score will be affected if you receive a speeding ticket while operating a commercial motor vehicle or your personal vehicle. Understanding the CSA scoring system can mean the difference between a clean or a suspended commercial driver’s license. Review the CSA points system below:

• 1 to 5 miles per hour over speed limit: 1 CSA point
• 6 to 10 miles per hour over speed limit: 4 CSA points
• 11 to 14 miles per hour over speed limit: 7 CSA points
• 15+ miles per hour over speed limit: 10 CSA points and potential license disqualification

Always read posted speed limit signs while driving and check your speedometer to make sure you are complying. Every trucker on the road should lead by example and follow posted speed limits.