Overtaking debate erupts after police bust 'myth' in social media post
Police in Western Australia have sparked a debate among motorists who are adamant speeding is acceptable while overtaking – despite it being against the law.
The Cranbrook Police shared a post to their Twitter and Facebook accounts on Saturday dispelling the myth that it was okay to speed in order to overtake.
“People think it’s okay to speed in an overtaking lane,” the post, which had an accompanying picture of a waiting police patrol vehicle fitted with speed radar, said.
“Your reflexes don’t get any quicker, stopping distance shorter or car safer just because you’re in the right lane, not the left. If you speed you are fair game, regardless of lane.”
Based on the responses to the social media post, it appears some drivers share the view the speed limit did not apply while overtaking.
“I’ll speed for my safety when overtaking thanks. It’s the one time you need to get it done quickly,” one motorist wrote.
Another man agreed saying: “Safety first. I will continue to overtake at a speed I deem necessary so as to carry out the manoeuvre safely. This is revenue raising plain and simple.”
One man suggested the law should be changed to make it legal to exceed the limit by 20km/h while overtaking.
But some disagreed, siding with law enforcement on the debate.
“The posted speed limit is the maximum, if you can’t get past without going over then don’t overtake,” one man suggested.
Another agreed, responding: “It’s not rocket science hey.”
One man admitted he had become the victim of road rage many times with other motorists tailgating and abusing him for not speeding while overtaking slower vehicles while maintaining the speed limit.
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