What should the driving speed be controlled at when passing through a narrow bridge?
4 Answers
When a motor vehicle passes through a railway crossing, sharp curve, narrow road, or narrow bridge, the maximum driving speed shall not exceed 30 km/h. The following are relevant introductions: 1. Regulations: When a motor vehicle is driven on the road, it shall not exceed the maximum speed indicated by the speed limit signs. On road sections without speed limit signs, a safe speed shall be maintained. Driving at night or on road sections prone to danger, as well as under weather conditions such as sandstorms, hail, rain, snow, fog, or icy conditions, the driving speed shall be reduced. 2. Situations with a speed limit of 30 km/h: When entering or exiting a non-motor vehicle lane, passing through a railway crossing, sharp curve, narrow road, or narrow bridge; when making a U-turn, turning, or going down a steep slope; when encountering fog, rain, snow, sandstorms, or hail with visibility within 50 meters; when driving on icy, snowy, or muddy roads; when towing a malfunctioning motor vehicle.
When crossing a narrow bridge, I always keep my speed under 30 kilometers per hour. Why? Because the limited space on a narrow bridge makes accidents more likely at higher speeds. I remember once on an old stone bridge in the countryside, I slowed down to around 25 km/h, and thankfully the oncoming vehicle gave way—otherwise, we might have collided. Narrow bridges are typically just wide enough for two vehicles side by side, and higher speeds can make steering unstable, increasing the risk of scraping the guardrails. For safety, I usually start slowing down to 30 km/h about 50 meters before the bridge. If the bridge surface is wet or uneven, I reduce it further to 20 km/h. Checking the bridge structure and visibility is crucial—I’m extra cautious in rain or fog to avoid losing control. New drivers should pay special attention to this: the slower the speed, the more reaction time you have, preventing many potential issues. Maintain a steady speed while crossing, avoid sudden braking, and prioritize safety over haste—narrow bridges aren’t the place to rush.
From my years of driving experience, the best speed for crossing narrow bridges is between 20 to 30 kilometers per hour. Last week, I drove my SUV over a bridge less than three meters wide with a speed limit of 30 km/h. I maintained around 28 km/h, which felt quite steady. Going too fast can easily cause the car to skid when turning, especially on curved bridges or those with potholes. Every time I cross, I slow down in advance and watch for oncoming traffic. If there's no clear speed limit, I judge based on the bridge width—for example, reducing to 25 km/h on particularly narrow bridges. Personally, I think larger vehicles like trucks should go even slower, around 30 km/h is enough, otherwise, it's hard to control the direction. Slower speeds also reduce noise and vibrations, protecting the vehicle's suspension. This experience is especially useful on rural roads or scenic narrow bridges—plan your route ahead and avoid accelerating suddenly.
According to traffic regulations, the speed when crossing a narrow bridge should be lower than the normal speed limit for road conditions. Typically, the speed limit ranges between 30 to 40 kilometers per hour, depending on the bridge's width and location. When driving, I check the signage; if there are no signs, I maintain around 30 km/h to ensure safety. The regulations emphasize reducing speed in narrow sections to minimize risks and prevent head-on collisions or bridge accidents. In practice, I adjust based on my driving experience—for instance, slightly increasing speed on wider bridges but strictly adhering to the 30 km/h limit on truly narrow bridges. Checking the bridge's condition, such as for any damage, helps determine the appropriate speed. Ultimately, combining rules with practical considerations, maintaining a low speed is the golden rule.
