Got caught speeding - sentenced to Speed Awareness course

m33r4

Early in the summer I got caught speeding (48mph in a road that has a 40mph for 500 yards while passing a village then jumps up to 50mph then dropping down to 40mph again at lights!)

My sentence was to either pay a fine and get points on my licence OR attend an AA and Derbyshire Constabulary jointly run Speed Awareness course that lasted 4 hours.

Verdict =

Plus points:

• I got no points on my licence and no fine
• learnt and was made more aware of the effects of speeding even by 5mph over the speed limit
• Made me realise nobody is untouchable when it comes to speeding
• The average age of attenders at this course was 42 - phew! I was worried I would be in a room of young freshly passed drivers
• Shown the effects of fatalities even when doing the speed limit if weather/visibility conditions impaired or if near schools or in "blind" spots
• Got complimentary refreshments and biscuits:D

Bad points:

• boring 4 hours when it could have been a more concise 2.5hrs - 3hrs instead
• Course costs £70
• Didn't get a car sticker at the end of it to warn tailgaters to back off "I ain't going any faster!";)

During the session, each participant (about 30 of us) was given a chance to explain why they were speeding. Here is what I remember was said:

• Car so quiet didn't realise was speeding.
• Distracted by thoughts/timetable for the day/passengers.
• Didn't realise the speed limit on that road.
• Rushing to get deliveries in time slot (business delivery drivers).
• Was lost and trying to find my way and not careful of what speed I was doing.

Since the course, I have been a lot more careful about my speed but the tailgaters remain relentless! I try not to get phased by them but so wish I had a sticker for my rear windscreen to say back off I ain't going any faster! - any offers?

Gloomendoom

I know how you feel. Years ago I got stopped for doing over 100 in a 60 limit. The cop let me off with a severe talking to. For about a year after that I always kept a few mph below the speed limit and I'm still very careful.

Paradigm

m33r4 wrote: »

My sentence was to either pay a fine and get points on my licence OR attend an AA and Derbyshire Constabulary jointly run Speed Awareness course that lasted 4 hours.

You haven't been "sentenced" at all... you opted for an SAC!

You therefore have no conviction, no points & no sentence.... be careful out there

m33r4

Paradigm wrote: »

You haven't been "sentenced" at all... you opted for an SAC!

You therefore have no conviction, no points & no sentence.... be careful out there

I used the word "sentenced" loosely as in "paying for":D

sarahg1969

With a clean licence, I'd personally go for the 3 points and £60 penalty.

sarahg1969

"Shown the effects of fatalities even when doing the speed limit if weather/visibility conditions impaired or if near schools or in "blind" spots"

Intersting, then, that you are only allowed to attend a SAC if you are driving a little over the limit. The really "dangerous speeders" are given points and a penalty, but no talking to. Strange really, isn't it?

Coveredinbees!!!!

yea but easy money, fines go to government, money for speed awareness doesn't.

basill

sarahg1969 wrote: »

"Shown the effects of fatalities even when doing the speed limit if weather/visibility conditions impaired or if near schools or in "blind" spots"

Intersting, then, that you are only allowed to attend a SAC if you are driving a little over the limit. The really "dangerous speeders" are given points and a penalty, but no talking to. Strange really, isn't it?

There is more than one version of the course, the OPs one was designed to show drivers who speed by a "few" mph the error of their ways. There is another version of the course for more hardcore speeders, this is longer, more expensive and can involve an observed drive with an instructor.

After that it is just a fine
B

m33r4

basill wrote: »

There is more than one version of the course, the OPs one was designed to show drivers who speed by a "few" mph the error of their ways. There is another version of the course for more hardcore speeders, this is longer, more expensive and can involve an observed drive with an instructor.

After that it is just a fine
B

Spot on!

Yes he did mention a different course for "dangerously fast" drivers whereby I think it was more than a day's duration course. I also think as well as the course they get some form of points on their licence - correct me if I am wrong.

m33r4

sarahg1969 wrote: »

With a clean licence, I'd personally go for the 3 points and £60 penalty.

Which means your insurance payments will go up.

ailuro2

OP I'm sure they could have made the course a good bit shorter, but there's an element of making you not like it therefore you won't want to do it again, don't you think?

I too would have a sign saying I brake for tailgaiters / I ain't going any faster if I could find one...;)