> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.carexplore.com.au/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Why WA Drivers Shouldn't Speed - URL: https://www.carexplore.com.au/why-wa-drivers-shouldnt-speed/ - Published: 2025-06-23T01:13:01.000Z - Updated: 2025-06-23T01:13:01.000Z - Description: Higher speeds increase crash risks. Learn how speed, stopping distance, and road conditions directly impact road safety and injury severity. - Author: Dylan Anderson - Tags: Car News, Western Australia Speed significantly affects both the likelihood and severity of road crashes. As speed increases, so does the risk of a crash and the severity of any resulting injuries. Adjusting speed based on road conditions is essential for safety. [WA’s Bold New Speed Cameras Start NowWA’s new safety cameras hit Great Southern roads, detecting speeding, phone use, and seatbelt offences with advanced tech.![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-2716.ico)CarExploreDylan Anderson![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/New-WA-Speed-Mobile-Cameras.webp)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/was-bold-new-speed-cameras-start-now/) ### When to Adjust Speed Drivers should reduce speed in the following situations: - **Weather Conditions:** Wet roads or reduced visibility (e.g., fog) require lower speeds. - **Presence of Pedestrians and Cyclists:** High foot or cycling traffic areas demand extra caution. - **Location:** Residential zones or highly congested traffic areas increase risk. - **Road Type:** Unsealed or congested roads require slower speeds. - **Other Situations:** Any condition that raises the risk to occupants or other road users. Reducing speed in these situations creates safer, more liveable communities. ### Speed and Stopping Distance The faster a vehicle travels, the longer it takes to stop. Stopping distance includes both reaction time and braking distance. - Higher speeds increase total stopping distance. - On wet roads, stopping distances increase even further. - Longer stopping distances raise both the likelihood of a collision and the severity of any crash. ### Injury and Fatality Risks Increased speed correlates with greater injury and fatality risk: - Each 1 km/h increase in average speed raises the chance of a crash causing injury by 3% and a fatal crash by 4-5%. - Pedestrians are especially vulnerable. Even modest increases in speed sharply elevate the fatality risk if struck. - Some crash types become significantly more dangerous at higher speeds, regardless of initial speed level. [WA Drivers Prepare for 40km Speed LimitsWA may cut speed limits on 1,800+ roads in 2025 as part of a major road safety trial targeting high-risk regional areas.![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-2717.ico)CarExploreDylan Anderson![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/SA-Drop-Speed-Limits-40km-1-2.webp)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/wa-drivers-prepare-for-40km-h-speed-limits/) ### The Push for Lower Speed Limits Internationally, there is growing support for 30 km/h limits in residential areas, city centres, and other locations with high pedestrian traffic. Lower limits are seen as a critical tool for: - Preventing injuries - Saving lives - Creating safer neighbourhoods ### Is Driving at the Speed Limit Always Safe? While obeying posted speed limits is mandatory, it may not always be the safest speed. Drivers should reduce speed below the limit when: - There are vulnerable road users nearby - Visibility is poor - Road conditions are hazardous Increasing the following distance between vehicles further reduces crash risk, especially in wet weather or dense traffic. ### Key Data Sources This fact-based article is based on research by the Western Australian Centre for Road Safety Research at the University of Western Australia, supported by the Road Safety Commission. --- [WA’s Bold Plan To Cut Speed LimitsWA plans major speed limit reductions on over 1800 roads in the South West as part of a safety trial to curb the state’s rising road toll.![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-2718.ico)CarExploreDylan Anderson![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/WA-Bold-plan-to-cut-speed-limit-7.webp)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/was-bold-plan-to-cut-speed-limits/) [WA Driver Arrested InstantlyA Perth man was arrested after allegedly pointing a gun at police and fleeing at 200km/h. He now faces multiple charges following a dramatic police chase.![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-2719.ico)CarExploreDylan Anderson![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/WA-Driver-Arrested-5.webp)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/wa-driver-arrested-instantly/)