When It’s Safe and Legal to Increase Speed While Driving

In Australia, driving above the specified speed limit is illegal, no matter which state or territory you’re in. Isn’t that what you learn from day one in your driving lessons? Most Sydney driving schools also stress the importance of obeying the speed laws in programs like the Safer Drivers Course. However, sometimes drivers may be required to speed up due to special circumstances. During such times, speeding is not just safe and legal but also expected. Confused? Here’s a quick rundown of the times and situations when you can accelerate safely and legally on Australian roads.

Safe and Legal Times to Speed Up

Here’s a list of the many times while driving when a driver is legally allowed to speed up safely:

Merging onto Highways:

When merging or joining a highway, drivers should be extra careful. Merging lanes is tricky, but it’s also when you can legally speed up. You should match the legal speed limit of the road you’re merging into. Even if you’re driving at a slower speed, if the flow of traffic is faster, you can speed up to match your speed to the traffic, but without exceeding the speed limit.

Overtaking Another Vehicle:

Often considered one of the most challenging aspects of driving, overtaking has specific rules that drivers must follow. While exceeding the speed limits is still prohibited, drivers are allowed to speed up briefly to overtake a slower vehicle in their lane. They must, of course, move back to their lane quickly, too.

Avoiding Hazards:

If, while driving, you encounter an obstruction or face a sudden hazard of some kind, you can speed up to avoid it. Speeding up to save yourself from the potential danger of a hazard is not illegal or punishable. However, drivers must make sure not to exceed the speed limits or be ready to justify their behaviour if challenged by the authorities.

Adapting to Traffic Flow:

Just like obeying the speed limits, it is also important to adapt your speed to the flow of traffic on the road. When you’re entering a road with a higher speed limit than your current speed, you can speed up to match the prevailing traffic speed. However, this does not mean you can cross the speed limit of that road. No, you must stay within the speed limits even when accelerating.

Exiting a Low-Speed Zone:

Certain areas are designated as low-speed zones, like school zones or construction areas. Speeding up in these zones is not just illegal but also dangerous. Drivers are required to slow down and follow the speed limits of these zones. However, when leaving these zones, if you need to increase your speed, you can do so slowly. Increase your speed gradually to avoid hindering others on the road.

Driving on Inclines:

When driving uphill, vehicles need acceleration to climb upwards at a steady pace. So, if you’re driving up a steep hill, you can speed up to maintain momentum and keep climbing at a steady pace. It also prevents you from blocking traffic with your slow pace and annoying other drivers.

Following the speed rules is not just for legal compliance; it also helps keep the roads safe. So, drivers should always remember to drive safely and within speed limits.

Conclusion

While it may look and sound thrilling, speeding is illegal and also dangerous. The Australian law strictly prohibits speeding, no matter where you’re from. However, certain scenarios like driving on inclines or overtaking another vehicle may require the driver to speed up to maintain the flow of traffic and avoid crashes and unnecessary traffic congestion. In such cases, it is safe and legally acceptable to increase your speed. However, even then, you must stay within the specified speed limits of the road. Following these rules requires road awareness and good control of the vehicle. These skills are what most driving school focus on developing in new learners right from their first driving lesson. At Onroad Driving Education, we pride ourselves on delivering quality education with an excellent and professional team. We offer a wide array of driving courses, including specialised programs about safe driving and defensive driving, like the Safer Drivers Course. Book a driving lesson today at our Sydney Driving School and take your first steps towards safe and responsible driving.

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