⚡ Appropriate Speed - Adjusting Speed Correctly

Maintaining the right speed is one of the most important skills for a safe driver. Speed should always be adjusted according to prevailing conditions.

Speed limits in Sweden:

• Motorway: 110-120 km/h
• Country road: 70-90 km/h
• Urban area: 30-50 km/h
• Near schools and playgrounds: often 30 km/h

When should you reduce speed?

• Poor visibility (fog, rain, snow)
• Slippery road (ice, snow, leaves)
• Heavy traffic
• Near schools and residential areas
• Darkness
• Road works

Braking distance and reaction distance:

• Reaction distance = speed ÷ 10 × 3 (meters)
• Braking distance = (speed ÷ 10)² (meters on dry road)
• At 50 km/h: about 15m reaction + 25m braking = 40m stopping distance
• At 90 km/h: about 27m reaction + 81m braking = 108m stopping distance

Consequences of excessive speed:

• Stopping distance increases dramatically
• Harder to handle unexpected situations
• More serious injuries in accidents
• Fines and points on license

Tips for right speed:

• Read traffic situation in advance
• Keep eyes far ahead
• Be prepared for the unexpected
• Double speed = quadruple braking distance