To most, it will be a self-evident truth that reducing speed limits will enhance safety (“Horror on the highways”, March 30). However, it seems to be a truth that eludes the government. Perhaps my observational evidence of the safety benefits of a reduced speed limit may assist its understanding.
In 2004, we became regular users of the stretch of SH1 between Wellsford and Warkworth, a 10km section of which was the notorious accident black spot, the Dome Valley. This section of road had some 28 moderate to severe curves and a range of other hazards that made driving challenging. Despite that, the speed limit throughout was 100km/h. The high speed limit and natural hazards resulted in 164 crashes over a four-year period, including 43 involving injury and seven fatalities. We regularly experienced “near misses” where oncoming vehicles crossed the centre line.
