Reasonable Speed Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Reasonable Speed, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Reasonable Speed?

(n) Reasonable speed is the speed at which a prudent driver is expected to drive a vehicle, in the absence of any external influences like alcohol, insanity, absence of mind, medical urgency etc taking in to account the condition of vehicle, circumstances and rules prevailing there in.

History and Meaning of Reasonable Speed

The term "reasonable speed" has been used in legal definitions for many years. It refers to the speed at which a reasonable and prudent driver would operate their vehicle in a given situation. The key factors that should go into determining a reasonable speed include the condition of the vehicle, weather conditions, traffic conditions, and any other factors that could impact the driver's ability to safely operate their vehicle.

Examples of Reasonable Speed

  1. On a clear and sunny day with little traffic, a reasonable speed might be determined to be the posted speed limit.
  2. In heavy rain or snow, a reasonable speed would likely be lower than the posted limit due to decreased visibility and increased risk of sliding or hydroplaning.
  3. In a residential area with lots of children playing outside, a reasonable speed would be lower than the posted limit to ensure the safety of pedestrians.
  4. On a narrow, winding road with poor visibility, a reasonable speed would be much lower than the posted limit to ensure the driver can safely navigate the turns.
  5. When approaching a curve, a reasonable speed is one that allows the driver to complete the turn without losing control of the vehicle.

Legal Terms Similar to Reasonable Speed

  1. Duty of care: Similar to reasonable speed, duty of care refers to the responsibility of a driver to operate their vehicle in a safe and reasonable manner.
  2. Negligence: Negligence is a legal term used to describe a failure to take reasonable care to prevent harm to others.
  3. Prudent person standard: This legal term is often used as a benchmark for determining whether someone has acted reasonably. It refers to the standard of care that would be expected of a reasonably prudent person in the same situation.