The Wairarapa Road Safety Council, in collaboration with Wellington District Police, has launched a new road safety campaign titled "Know Your Speed - Know Your Limit." Running through September and October, this initiative aims to dispel the dangerous belief that driving slightly over the speed limit is acceptable.

The campaign highlights the critical importance of adhering to posted speed limits to ensure the safety of all road users. Key messages include reminders to respect urban speed limits (50 is 50), the necessity of slowing down to 20km/h when passing stationary school buses (20 is 20), adherence to reduced speed limits in school zones (40 is 40), and reinforcing speed limits on State Highway 2 and other rural roads (80 is 80).

Over the past three years, Wairarapa has witnessed numerous injuries and fatalities due to speed-related crashes. These statistics highlight the severe consequences that even minor increases in speed can have. Key messages of the campaign emphasize that a 5% decrease in speed can lead to a 10% reduction in injuries and a 20% reduction in fatalities. Posted speed limits are not targets, and there is zero tolerance for speeding. Small increases in speed endanger everyone, especially pedestrians and cyclists, and higher speeds reduce reaction time to unexpected situations. Adhering to speed limits helps reduce road harm and ensures safe arrivals.

Holly Hullena, Projects Coordinator for the Wairarapa Road Safety Council, stated, "Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. It’s crucial that we travel at safe speeds to protect each other and reduce unnecessary harm. We've seen what speeding can do—slow down and make our roads safer for everyone."

Bradley Allen, Road Policing Manager for Wellington District, added, "Just a few kilometers over the speed limit might not seem significant, but it can be the difference between life and death. Small decreases in speed can lead to substantial reductions in injuries and fatalities. Let's all commit to driving within the speed limits and making our roads safer."

The Wairarapa Road Safety Council urges all drivers to embrace this campaign. Remember, "Know Your Speed - Know Your Limit." By adhering to speed limits, you contribute to the safety and well-being of everyone on the road.