People who drive too fast put themselves in danger and put other drivers at risk of getting hurt. Posted speed limits are set after careful consideration by engineers who consider factors like road capacity, weather, and curves. Driving at high speeds takes less time to react and harms your vehicle’s occupants more severely if a crash happens. Learn more about the reasons why car speeding is dangerous.
Risk of a Crash
When a driver speeds, they put themselves and others in danger. The most common cause of a collision is speeding, which frequently causes serious injuries. The risk of injury escalates with higher speeds because the car travels more quickly and has less control. The center of gravity is also more likely to shift at higher speeds, increasing the likelihood that the vehicle could roll over. A crash at a lower rate may leave minor bruises, but the force of impact can be debilitating or life-changing at higher speeds.
Drivers speed for many reasons. Running late to work or appointments, frustration with traffic, or disregarding the law are common causes of speeding. Some drivers are just thrill seekers who enjoy the feeling of the wind in their hair as they drive fast. Unfortunately, speeding comes with a high price that includes frequent traffic tickets, increased insurance rates, lawsuits and the cost of fuel. It can also increase wear and tear on the vehicle.
Risk of Injuries
A driver exceeding the speed limit increases their risk of injury in a crash. They have less time to react to a risky situation, their vehicle’s stopping distance increases, and their ability to be protected in a collision by road safety features like guardrails, median dividers, and crash cushions lowers. In addition to losing control of the car, driving too quickly can happen when negotiating corners or on slick or slippery roads. It may cause harm to pedestrians, passengers, or other drivers.
There are many reasons why people drive too fast. Some are simply in a hurry and want to get where they are going more quickly than usual. Others may be distracted by a conversation with a passenger, fiddling with the stereo, eating or drinking, or thinking about something other than the road ahead. Other factors can include feeling stuck in traffic or becoming impatient after passing an accident scene. In extreme cases, speeding can signify aggressive or street rage behaviors.
Risk of Death
The old cliche that “speed kills” is all too true. Even modest speed increases dramatically increase the risk of death in a car crash. Vehicles traveling at high speeds have less time for a driver to react and require more distance to slow down or stop. In addition, high-speed collisions produce tremendous energy that can kill drivers and passengers. It is important to always drive at or below the speed limit.
Even if you are not the one to cause a car accident, speeding can still be dangerous for other drivers on the road and pedestrians. It also reduces the effectiveness of road safety structures such as guardrails and concrete median dividers, which can be damaged or destroyed in a high-speed collision. A high-speed collision is also more likely to cause fatal injuries than a low-speed crash.
Risk of Financial Loss
Along with the risk of financial loss, speeding increases the likelihood of a major accident or death. For example, if you get caught speeding and cause a crash that causes damages to other drivers or passengers, you could face expensive repairs and other financial losses. People speed for many reasons, including social pressure to keep up with traffic flow, a desire to reach their destination sooner, and a lack of attention to the road.
Additionally, many people speed when distracted by something, such as a cell phone, music, or conversations with passengers. When you notice a driver driving recklessly, move away and give them plenty of space. Doing so can help you avoid aggressive behaviors and a potentially dangerous road rage incident. If you see a speeding driver tailgating you, change lanes to allow them to pass. It can prevent a rear-end collision. You can also call the police to report reckless driving behavior.
