The head of the traffic police, Mikhail Chernikov, has again voiced support for Russian motorists who advocate raising the speed limit on the country’s roads.
There is a belief that speed should be managed with clear separation of traffic streams. Some argue that Russian roads, with fewer sharp curves and more long, straight stretches, could safely accommodate higher speeds, up to 150 km/h, provided that traffic is well separated and weather conditions are favorable. On toll roads, there are indicators to show changing conditions, which is a factor in considering such changes.
The author aligns with the views expressed by the head of the traffic police, yet notes that there are nuances to consider.
What hinders faster driving?
During a recent road trip across Russia, the writer logged more than 7,000 kilometers, tracing a route from Moscow to St. Petersburg, then to Petrozavodsk, Murmansk, Vologda, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Kirov, and Perm. The journey revealed some unusual features in how traffic is organized.
First, numerous traffic cameras dot the roads. These cameras do not always appear in popular navigation apps, so drivers often rely on two or more apps at once. Sometimes a camera appears in one app but not another, and occasionally it is visible in both yet remains silent for a time. Even with alerts from multiple apps, drivers can still receive fines in certain circumstances.
Second, cameras are frequently placed in sections that are well lit, where the road expands, and clear markings invite faster driving. In these stretches, a speed limit of 70 km/h can be enforced just after a warning, causing a sudden slowdown in the car ahead, which is not always safe. It also seems odd when a vehicle slows drastically in an otherwise empty area. In contrast, long stretches through wooded, poorly lit regions may have no cameras for tens of kilometers.
Third, there is a long-standing issue with speed limit checks. At times a speed limit of 70 km/h or even 50 km/h appears briefly, and then the restriction is removed just as abruptly, leaving drivers puzzled. The system appears to encourage aggressive driving in stretches without cameras. In theory, drivers could reach 150 km/h on many sections, yet face a few 70 km/h segments equipped with cameras, which makes the trip less predictable and potentially less safe.
What should be done?
Consensus suggests a consistent speed limit across the entire road length would reduce confusion and improve safety. The question then turns to the maximum permissible speed and the reliability of road conditions, particularly in toll networks. The Avtodor Group of Companies is noted for maintaining constant speeds on certain toll roads, which helps reduce fatigue and improve driving comfort. In contrast, the M-4 Don highway still shows many temporary restrictions, which can make driving tiring and increase the likelihood of mistakes for a tired driver.
When the M-11 highway opened, many motorists were surprised by the smoother ride and more predictable limits. A steady speed, paired with good road quality, tends to reduce exhaustion. Data from high-speed roads indicate fewer accidents compared with more abrupt speed changes such as 90-40-90 km/h cycles that disrupt steady driving.
In this context, a prominent statement from Mikhail Chernikov is highlighted. He noted that improving street and road network design could allow higher speeds on certain routes, up to 150 km/h, without compromising safety. Increased road capacity would help reduce driver aggression, since drivers would not feel compelled to push beyond safe limits on camera-free sections. The practical takeaway is to seek harmony between allowed speeds and road design, ensuring that drivers experience a smoother, safer ride rather than constant speed fluctuations.
In summary, if traffic authorities can raise the speed limit where appropriate, it would be wise to address the irregular gaps in high-speed segments and the camera placements that disrupt flow. The goal remains straightforward: safer, more predictable driving with fewer abrupt changes in velocity.
- Motorists report any rule violations to the traffic police hotline.
- Driving updates can also be accessed via messaging services.