According to a study, even going slightly above the speed limit can increase your risk of an accident.
Speeding is something that we all do from time to time: we may be slightly late for a meeting, or perhaps our foot gets a little heavy on the gas pedal without us noticing. Whatever the reason may be, most Americans go at least slightly over the speed limit at some point in our lives. Yet according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), going even a little bit over the speed limit can lead to a car accident.
According to the NHTSA, speed was a contributing factor in 28% of all fatal accidents in the United States in 2014. Over 9,000 people were killed in crashes involving speeding that year. Because speeding is a choice that drivers make, that means that each of these deaths was preventable.
Driving a fast car can be fun, but it is also dangerous. Speed limits are not random or arbitrary; they are based on road conditions, the surrounding areas, and a number of other factors determined by traffic engineers. When you speed, you are putting yourself and other people in great danger. Speeding makes it much harder for you to maintain control of your vehicle. You have less opportunity to correct mistakes, and you will need greater stopping distance in the event of an emergency. Think of it this way: if you are going 65 miles per hour in a 45 zone and the light turns red, it will be a lot harder to stop in time and will require a lot more distance for you to stop than if you had been going 45 miles per hour. You are much more likely to run the red light or skid through it if you are going 65 than if you had been going 45 or even 50 miles per hour.
Going over the speed limit also reduces the effectiveness of protective equipment such as seat belts and airbags, and increases the probability of more severe injuries — including death. On the practical side, if you speed, you increase the amount of fuel that your car consumes, as well as wear-and-tear on your vehicle.
It can also be dangerous to speed because of unfavorable weather conditions. While California and Arizona rarely get snowy or icy weather, other weather like fog, rain, or even dust can impact your ability to drive safely. Uneven roads, bad lighting and other factors can also require you to drive more slowly than the posted speed. Going over the speed limit in these conditions can result in accidents, especially in the road is slick and you lose control of your vehicle.
Ultimately, going over the speed limit is not worth the risk. Plan ahead so you don’t need to speed. Leave a few minutes early, and take your time. By driving the speed limit, you can reduce the risk of an accident — and increase the odds that you will get to where you need to be safely.
If you have been involved in a car accident involving a speeding driver or any other type of negligent driver, contact the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 or info@larryhparker.com. We offer free initial consultations, where we will explain your legal rights and options. We never charge a fee unless we get money for you!
