High speeds play a role in many motor vehicle collisions, and drivers must realize how prevalent this problem actually is. Aside from increasing the probability or a crash, speeding also increases the chances of victims sustaining debilitating injuries or losing their lives.
Even on rural roads, speeding remains a major problem. Drivers have to understand the various reasons why many people continue to go too fast and take action in the wake of a serious collision.
Statistics on speed-related accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that speeding played a role in 29% of all traffic crash deaths over the course of 2020. During 2020, more than 11,250 traffic fatalities occurred as a result of drivers going too fast, and 35% of these fatal accidents involved male drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 going over the speed limit.
Understanding the impact of speeding
NHTSA data shows that speeding increases the probability of drivers losing control of their vehicles and reduces the efficacy of protective equipment. Furthermore, accidents that occur at high speeds have a higher chance of causing more devastating injuries. A driver who is ignoring the speed limit could have greater difficulty controlling their vehicle and it could take longer for them to come to a stop or avoid other vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.
From lost wages to medical bills, funeral costs, immobility and mental trauma, high-speed accidents disrupt the lives of victims and their loved ones in many ways. Drivers who cause accidents due to their disregard for traffic safety guidelines must face consequences for their actions.
