We should be aware of speed limits on our streets, roads and highways. We should be familiar with them because they are posted on regulatory signs (black letters on white background). Of course there are exceptions, but most of us know that villages and cities have a maximum speed limit of 30 mph, rural roads and highways in New York State have a maximum limit of 55 mph, and on interstate highways the maximum speed limit is 65 mph. Some sections of interstates, especially in congested areas, have lower speed limits.

Recently a friend of mine was cited for a violation of Vehicle and Traffic Law section 1180(a), “Speed Not Reasonable and Prudent.” That section states: “No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.”

The translation of this section is simple: the posted speed limit might be too fast by law for a great deal of conditions. For example, you can be ticketed if you lose control of your vehicle on snow and ice, even if you are going well under the posted speed limit. If you are convicted of this violation, fines are between $45 and $150 plus surcharges, and up to 15 days in jail for the first offense. It also includes three points against your license.

With the onset of winter weather, there are associated driving difficulties. Every time we get hit by even a small amount of snow, the next day’s media reports tell of numerous vehicles going off the road because drivers lost control on snow or ice.

Although this can be a common violation, some other examples include driving too fast in the vicinity of pedestrians, driving in or through an intersection at an unreasonable speed, and many more.

Driving is not as “rote” a task as we think it is. It takes intelligence to recognize hazardous conditions and experience to know just how slow one must travel to remain in control. It also requires total attention to the task of driving, and not doing other things that take your mind off the driving — distractions such as fiddling with controls, eating and drinking, primping and even talking on a hands-free cell phone.

Take responsibility for your own driving. Do not blame it on anyone or anything else if you lose control — you are responsible for your vehicle. Most drivers say they are a better driver than average. Now prove that you are!