Speeding Is A Factor In 26 Percent Of Fatal Car Crashes

Of the many types of driver error that contribute to the millions of car accidents that occur in the U.S. every year, speeding is perhaps the most common. More than simply a bad driving habit, speeding can cause serious car accidents. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that speeding contributes to more than 25 percent of fatal accidents on U.S. roads.

Speed Limits Help Prevent Car Accidents

Speed limits represent the fastest speed at which vehicles should travel in optimal conditions. These numbers are chosen based on a variety of factors, including:

• Whether there are any sharp turns in the road;
• Whether there are blind hills or curves;
• How many other roads connect to a particular stretch of the road;
• The road’s condition; and
• Whether the road is near residential areas.

Traveling faster than the recommended speed can result in serious dangers, not only for the occupants of the vehicle, but anyone else who is driving, cycling, or walking on the roadways.

Speed limits also make it easier for other drivers to predict each other’s behavior, allowing them to more effectively predict when they will arrive at a preset destination. By exceeding these limits, on the other hand, a driver makes it a lot more difficult for others to realistically predict whether they can safely make a left turn at an intersection, merge onto the freeway, or change lanes safely.

The Dangers of Speeding

Speeding increases not only a person’s chances of being involved in an accident, but also makes it more likely that one of the parties involved will suffer a serious injury. This is because the faster a vehicle travels, the more time a driver will require to respond to a hazard on the road, whether that involves stopping abruptly, or swerving out of the way of an obstacle. Higher speeds also mean more intense collisions, which in turn, results in more serious injuries.

Preventing Speed-Related Accidents

Many people have grown accustomed to exceeding the speed limit. To break yourself of this habit, consider taking the following measures:

• Leaving with time to spare, so that it is not necessary to rush to a destination;
• Using your cruise control, which can help drivers avoid speeding up unintentionally, especially on long road trips; and
• Leaving enough following room between your car and the vehicles of others, with three seconds generally encouraged.

It’s also important to exercise caution when driving in poor weather conditions by giving yourself extra time to reach your destination and driving slower than the speed limit. Unfortunately, even drivers who properly control their own rates of speed could end up struggling with other speeding drivers who are not so conscientious. In these instances, consider allowing speeding drivers to move around you and pass on, and giving everyone plenty of room to share the road.

The Legal Representation You Deserve

Working with a qualified Florida car accident attorney who has a history of helping clients recover maximum compensation can give you a meaningful advantage when filing your own claim. For more information on how our experienced legal team could help with your own case, call Boone & Davis at 954-566-9919 today.

Sources:

nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding

flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2020.pdf