The Connection Between Speeding and Fatal Accidents
Speeding is a pervasive issue on our roads. It’s so common that you’re less likely to see a car traveling the speed limit than you are to see a speeding car. However, driving too fast comes with consequences. There is a direct link between speeding and traffic fatalities, and the statistics that have come out of this research may make you think twice about hitting the gas pedal.
Have you suffered a car accident because of a speeding driver? You may be entitled to compensation. It’s time to talk to the team at Reeves & Mestayer to learn more. Call us at 1-855-558-2977 to set up a consultation now.
Reckless Driving Costs Lives
It’s no secret that reckless driving causes crashes and traffic fatalities. There’s a reason that you can be ticketed for the vague term of “reckless driving”—it gives officers the freedom to ticket those who are a clear and obvious danger to others on the road. Reckless driving, per the NHTSA, includes:
- Drunk driving
- Drugged driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving without a seatbelt
- Speeding
- Drowsy driving
While all of these behaviors can have a negative impact on crash and fatality rates, speeding has a particularly strong effect on fatalities.
It’s Not Just About the Speed Limit
When discussing speeding, it’s important to realize that this doesn’t just mean driving above the speed limit. The speed limit is a good starting point, but it assumes clear skies, no wind, and limited traffic. The actual safe speed may be considerably lower if there is inclement weather, heavy traffic, or debris on the road. Speeding refers both to driving above the speed limit and driving the speed limit when you should be driving slower.
How Speeding Contributes to Crashes
The NHTSA released a report based on 2020 statistics, and the numbers are jarring. In 2020, 28% of all fatal crashes were speeding-related. In addition, 13% of injury-causing crashes and 10% of property-damage crashes were caused by speeding. In total, this caused over 11,000 fatalities in 2020 and over 308,000 injuries.
The two groups most likely to be the speeding party in a speeding-related fatal crash were male drivers aged 15 to 20 years and female drivers aged 15-24 years. Another surprising statistic: 32% of the speeding drivers in these crashes did not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the crash, indicating that reckless driving may be a habitual problem with these drivers.
The Inherent Dangers of Speeding
The link between speeding and fatal crashes is clear, but why does speeding cause so many fatalities? There are several reasons that speeding ramps up your risk of a fatal crash:
- Makes you more likely to lose control of your vehicle
- Lessens the efficacy of seatbelts and other safety equipment in the vehicle
- Longer stopping distance when you notice an obstacle in the road
- Crashes involving speeding have more severe injuries, naturally affecting the rate of fatal injuries
- Often caused by rushed or distracted driving, further complicating the likelihood of a serious crash
Staying Safe on the Road
Seeing these statistics, it’s clear that one of the easiest ways to keep yourself safe on the road is to drive at a safe speed at all times. Remember, statistics show that speeding only saves you a couple of minutes when it comes to your total travel time. Even if you’re running late, the few minutes you save are not worth the increased risk of a fatal accident.
On top of that, you’ll also want to avoid other drivers who are obviously driving dangerously. When you see other drivers swerving in and out of traffic, braking and accelerating randomly, and changing lanes without a turn signal, leave plenty of space between you and them. In heavy traffic, that may mean dropping back and slowing down until you are no longer near them.
Start Your Claim with Reeves & Mestayer
Have you been injured by a reckless driver? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. It’s time to talk to the team at Reeves & Mestayer and find out what your options are. Call us at 1-855-558-2977 or send us a message online to set up a consultation right now.
