Most drivers break the speed limit. This may not be something they do consistently, but they do it from time to time. Of course, there are also drivers who speed almost every time they get behind the wheel, so it just becomes part of their driving habits. They don’t think about it seriously and they consider it a relatively minor issue – save for when they get a speeding ticket.
But it isn’t a minor issue, and speeding does increase danger on the road. Here are two ways that it does so.
1. Making injuries more severe
Speed increases the energy in a crash, which also increases the severity of the injuries. Someone who gets into an accident at 25 miles an hour has very low odds of passing away, although it is technically possible. But someone who gets into a car accident at 85 miles an hour is very likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries. Even if the accident is otherwise identical, the crash that takes place at a higher rate of speed will be more dangerous for all involved.
2. Cutting back reaction times
Additionally, speeding makes it harder for drivers to avoid car accidents. It negatively impacts their reaction times. Someone who is driving at the speed limit may have three or four seconds to stop if there are unexpected road conditions ahead of them. But someone who is driving well over the speed limit may only have a second, and they just can’t maneuver or stop the vehicle fast enough to avoid the crash.
Have you been injured in an accident caused by a speeding driver? You may be able to seek compensation for medical bills and more.