The trouble is that speeding ISN'T the biggest cause of accidents, by any means!
Transport Research Laboratory figures for the UK (compiled from Police accident reports) show that speed was only a factor in 7.1% of accidents. How this compares with France, I don't know, but from my own experience driving there, I feel safer/happier on French roads than those in the UK!
If anyone's interested in more details, I hope I'm allowed to mention the Association of British Drivers site
http://www.abd.org.uk which has a lot more information.