EROAD
EROAD wanted to challenge the common belief that speeding meaningfully reduces travel time. Using evidence-based analysis, the goal was to quantify the real-world effect of exceeding speed limits on trip duration and provide robust evidence to promote safer driving behaviour.
Approach
- Trip Data Analysis – Examined telematics records from a large set of Auckland trips, segmenting travel into periods of exceeding, meeting, or travelling below posted speed limits.
- Speed Impact Calculation – Measured the effect of speed variation on end-to-end travel times, factoring in real-world constraints such as intersections, signal phases, and traffic conditions.
- Data Interpretation and Reporting – Produced a concise research paper outlining the findings in a clear, accessible format for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Key Findings
- Minimal Time Savings – Speeding yields negligible travel time benefits due to frequent interruptions in urban traffic flow.
- Negation by Impediments – Traffic lights, congestion, and junction delays erased most of the time gained during higher-speed segments.
- Evidence Against Speeding Myths – Provided quantifiable evidence to counter the perception that speeding is an effective means of shortening trip durations.
Impact
- Support for Safety Initiatives – Gave EROAD compelling evidence to integrate into road safety campaigns and educational materials.
- Policy Influence – Provided data that could be used by policymakers to strengthen messaging and enforcement around speed compliance.
- Public Awareness – Delivered a strong, evidence-based narrative to shift driver attitudes towards speed and safety.