Speeding is a common bad habit among many drivers, but what happens when it causes a serious accident? The National Highway Traffic Safety Commission asserts that speeding caused over 25% of road accident fatalities in 2017 and killed almost 10,000 people in 2018.
Not only can speeding cause accidents, but the severity of driver and passenger injuries may increase depending on the top speed during the point of impact as well, causing life-threatening physical trauma and severe property damage.
Loss of control
When you speed, you increase the risk of losing control of your vehicle. At higher speeds, your car’s tires may lose contact with the road and result in several circumstances that may cause serious injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Brain injuries
- Soft tissue trauma
Speeding during rain or snow may heighten the risk of losing control of your vehicle.
Reduced stopping distance
Speeding can cause you to tailgate other drivers, and if they need to stop suddenly due to an emergency or a sudden change in traffic conditions, you drastically reduce your ability to brake in time and avoid hitting the car in front of you. This may cause serious neck and spinal injuries to the passengers and driver in the other vehicle and to yourself as well, especially if you are not wearing a seat belt. Obeying the speed limit at all times can prevent this.
Aggressive driving is often a major contributing factor to speeding. Allowing the additional time to reach work or another destination and practicing the rules of the road can reduce the urge to speed and reduce the risk of injury or death while behind the wheel.