Speeding is a dangerous driving habit that can lead to fatal accidents on the roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released new data showing that speeding-related fatalities have reached a 14-year high in 2021, making up almost one-third of all traffic fatalities. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has also reported that dangerous driving behaviors, including speeding, red-light running, drowsy driving, and driving while impaired by cannabis or alcohol, have all increased. This article will provide a comprehensive study of how speeding causes accidents, its impact on road safety, and how to avoid dangerous driving habits.
How Speeding Causes Accidents
There’s no doubt that speeding causes accidents. According to the NHTSA, speeding accounts for nearly one-third of all fatalities on the roads, putting everyone at risk, including people in other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and people with disabilities. Speeding not only endangers the driver but also other road users, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
Research has shown that speeding reduces the amount of time drivers have to react to unexpected situations, increases stopping distances, and reduces the effectiveness of safety features such as airbags and seat belts. Speeding also increases the severity of crashes, making it more likely that injuries sustained in accidents will be serious or fatal.
Causes of Speeding
Speeding can be caused by various factors, including driver behavior, road conditions, and vehicle characteristics. Drivers who are in a hurry or late for appointments may feel the need to speed to make up for lost time. Some drivers may also speed due to poor time management skills, lack of patience, or feelings of frustration.
Road conditions can also contribute to speeding. Drivers may speed on straight, open roads, or when traffic is light. Conversely, drivers may speed when traffic is congested, hoping to find an open lane or avoid being stuck in traffic.
Vehicle characteristics can also play a role in speeding. High-performance cars or sports cars may tempt drivers to test their limits and push their vehicles to higher speeds. However, it is important to remember that speed limits are set for a reason and that exceeding them can have severe consequences.
The Dangers of Speeding
Speeding increases the likelihood of accidents and can result in severe injuries or even fatalities. The NHTSA has reported that speeding-related fatalities increased by 8% from 2020 to 2021, with 12,330 people killed in 2021 speeding-related crashes. This represents 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2021. Speeding causes accidents involving other road users, including pedestrians and bicyclists.
Speeding can also lead to other dangerous driving behaviors, such as impaired driving. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the number of drivers who admitted to getting behind the wheel after drinking enough to feel they were above the legal limit increased by nearly 25% over the past two years. Impaired driving can further increase the likelihood of accidents, particularly when combined with speeding.
How to Avoid Dangerous Driving Habits
Avoiding dangerous driving habits is critical to reducing the risk of accidents. Here are some tips to help you avoid dangerous driving habits:
Be Mindful of Your Driving Habits
One of the best ways to avoid dangerous driving habits is to be mindful of your driving habits. Consider signing up for AAADrive, which gives real-time feedback and provides resources that promote safe driving and reduce dangerous activities.
Be Prepared in the Event of a Crash
Being prepared in the event of a crash can also help reduce the risk of accidents. Keep an emergency kit with first-aid and roadside visibility items (e.g., flashlights, flares) in your car. You should also keep a copy of your proof of insurance (plus a pen and paper) in your glove box and add your insurance company’s phone number and your policy number to your phone.
Know What to Do When a Crash Occurs
Knowing what to do when a crash occurs can also help reduce the risk of accidents. Check for injuries, call 911, and remain at the scene. If no one is injured and your vehicle is drivable, turn on the hazard lights and safely move it to an emergency lane or parking area. If the vehicle can’t be moved, turn on the hazard lights and go to a spot safely away from moving traffic until emergency services arrive. You should exchange information with all parties, take photos of the location, people involved, and damaged vehicles, and notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
Move Over for Me
If you see flashing lights ahead and are driving past a crash or disabled vehicle, slow down and move over a lane to give the stranded motorist and first responders the space to be safe on the roadside.
Speeding Causes Accidents, Deaths and Injuries
Speeding is a dangerous driving habit that can lead to fatal accidents on the roads. The impact of speeding on road safety is significant, and it is critical to avoid dangerous driving habits to reduce the risk of accidents. Remember that dangerous driving habits like speeding are a form of driver negligence, and if you’ve been hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, talk to an Orlando car accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm. Call 866-506-3286 for a free consultation. Offices throughout Central Florida.
