A recent international study has found that Finnish motorists exceed speed limits more often than their European counterparts. According to data from the ESRA3 survey conducted by the Finnish Road Safety Council, three out of every four drivers in Finland admitted to driving above the speed limit at least once during 2023, both within cities and on rural roads. This rate significantly surpasses the average in other participating European countries.
The survey highlights a cultural acceptance of speeding in Finland. Speed measurements from automatic cameras, as reported in Fintraffic’s Driving Speeds on Roads 2023, suggest widespread routine speeding, regardless of season or road type.
From a road safety perspective, the difference between driving at 30 km/h and 40 km/h can be drastic. According to Assistant Police Commissioner Pasi Rissanen, a driver travelling at 30 km/h who reacts after one second can halt safely, whereas a driver at 40 km/h would still be moving at over 30 km/h when attempting to stop, significantly raising the risk of fatal collisions involving vulnerable users such as pedestrians, cyclists and e‑scooter riders.
In response, an increasing number of Finnish municipalities have lowered speed limits, especially in urban centres. However, police emphasise that setting limits is a responsibility of road authorities, while enforcement falls to law enforcement agencies.
Research confirms that reducing speed can offer powerful safety returns. The World Health Organization estimates that a 5% cut in average traffic speeds may reduce traffic fatalities by up to 30%. Slower driving also supports sustainability goals by reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
The VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland’s Safe Traffic 2025 programme cautions that even minor increases in average speed can considerably worsen accident statistics. Authorities emphasise that intensifying enforcement should be paired with preventive measures to instil awareness about the dangers of even small amounts of speeding.
Finnish police are urging drivers to adhere strictly to posted limits. Enhanced awareness, they say, can make roads safer for everyone.
HT