Why Speeding Increases Your Chances of a Car Accident
While distracted driving has been one of the fastest growing causes of car accidents in the last decade, speeding has been causing car wrecks since the invention of the automobile. Many drivers see an open road and can’t help themselves. However, driving conditions can change swiftly and speed limits are set for a reason. The bottom line is that speeding and car accidents are definitely related, but many people are unaware of how speeding increases the chances of a car accident.
To help you understand the relationship between speeding and car accidents, the personal injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group explain why excessive speeding can be so dangerous. Remember, if you or a loved one have been injured by a speeding driver in Kansas, Missouri, or Oklahoma then call us at (816) 920-0000 for immediate legal assistance.
Facts About Speeding and Car Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 11,258 died in traffic accidents caused by speeding in 2020. That accounts for 29% of all crash fatalities that year and a rate of more than 30 speeding deaths per day.
Additionally, the NHTSA claimed that 53% of speeding drivers in fatal crashes did not wear seat belts. The agency also reported that males between the ages of 15-20 were more commonly involved in fatal crashes caused by speeding, accounting for 35% of those involved.
Why Speeding Can Be Dangerous
There are many reasons why excessive speeding can lead to a car crash. Factors that some drivers do not realize include:
- Faster Speeds Mean Less Reaction Time: The faster you’re driving, the less time you have to react to dangerous road conditions. Whether it’s a reckless driver swerving in front of you or a tree that suddenly falls down due to inclement weather, there may be times when you’ll need to react quickly to road hazards. In many cases, the difference between a car crash and a near-miss can be a second or two.
- Speeding Cars Are Harder to Control: The faster you’re driving, the more difficult it is to steer a car precisely. There is a reason why NASCAR drivers are highly paid after all. For those of us lacking Joey Logano’s skills, staying within the speed limit translates into a safer drive.
- Faster Speeds Mean Increased Stopping Distance: In addition to giving you less time to react, excessive speeding also increases your stopping distance. That means you’ll need to hit the brakes earlier to avoid an obstacle. The combination of decreased reaction time and increased stopping distance is a big cause of rear-end collisions caused by speeding.
In addition to speeding being a contributing factor to car accidents, it also increases the severity of car crashes. The faster you’re driving, the greater your force of impact. A collision at low speeds can result in a fender bender, while a collision at high speeds can lead to a total wreck.
Contact Patterson Legal Group
The car accident lawyers at Patterson Legal Group hope that this blog has given you a better understanding of the relationship between speeding and car accidents. Our staff urges you to stay within the speed limits for your safety and the safety of your passengers. Unfortunately, some motorists speed excessively, which can be considered negligent and reckless driving. If you’ve been injured by such a driver then contact us for immediate assistance.
You can reach the personal injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at (816) 920-0000 or online through LiveChat. Our attorneys have more than 75 years of combined experience successfully representing injury victims in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Between our long track record of great results and our “no win, no fee” promise, we’ve become one of the most trusted law firms in the Midwest. Give us a call today and you’ll quickly find out how we’ve earned that reputation.
