It’s not uncommon for teenagers to speed when driving because they fail to realize just how dangerous it is or because they think they’re invincible. However, speeding is not limited just to teens and not all teens do it. There are adults who have a “lead foot” too.
“Speeding endangers everyone on the road: In 2018, speeding killed 9,378 people. We all know the frustrations of modern life and juggling a busy schedule, but speed limits are put in place to protect all road users,” according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Speeding Involved in One-Third of Crash Fatalities
For over 20 years, speeding has played a role in approximately one-third of motor vehicle fatalities, NHTSA reports. “In 2017, speeding was a contributing factor in 26% of all traffic fatalities,” the agency states. It may seem like the worst part of speeding is getting a ticket, but it’s much more than that; speed affects your safety and the safety of other roadway users, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
When you drive too fast for conditions; for example, while it’s raining or when the road is being prepared or when you’re driving at night and you can’t see as well as during daylight hours, your risk of crash increases.
Speeding not only endangers your life and safety, but it endangers everyone around you, including people on foot, and people on motorcycles and motorized scooters. Here are some of the potential consequences of speeding according to NHTSA:
- You have a higher chance of losing control of your vehicle
- The effectiveness of the occupant protection equipment reduces
- Increased stopping distance after you realize there’s a danger
- Crash severity and the likelihood of serious injuries increase
- Higher economic implications due to speed-related crash
- Fuel consumption will increase and cost more
Why do people speed? NHTSA describes speeding as “aggressive driving behavior,” and the factors behind it include traffic, running late, a sense of detachment to others while behind the wheel, and a disregard for others and the law.
While you should avoid speeding at all costs, you should also file a car accident claim if you’re in a speed-related crash that was not your fault. To get started, contact The Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC today.
Next: Texas’ Seat Belt Laws
