Seven Dangers Of Speeding

Everyone leads a hectic life from time to time, and it is easy to get caught up in our busy schedules. Consequently, many drivers find themselves in a rush behind the wheel to reach their destinations on time. Regardless of how late you are, avoiding driving faster than the speed limit is crucial. Speed limits are posted for the safety of everyone on the road. Driving too fast will not only put you in danger but also others in the area, such as your passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and occupants of other vehicles. 

Reasons Why Speeding Is So Dangerous 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding played a significant role in about one-third of all fatal collisions over the last two decades. In a recent year alone, speeding claimed the lives of nearly 11,300 victims. In addition to these tragic speeding statistics, below are seven reasons not to speed:

1. Alongside Distracted and Drunk Driving, Speeding is One of the Primary Causes of All Car Accidents: Speeding led to 26 percent of all deadly traffic collisions in a recent year. 
2. Speeding Heightens the Risk of Your Vehicle Losing Control: Speeding will significantly reduce the handling of your vehicle. If you cannot effectively maneuver your car, your chances of crashing drastically increase. 
3. If a Hazard Suddenly Appears, You Might Not Have Sufficient Reaction Time: At higher speeds, your reaction time decreases considerably, and you may not be able to swerve fast enough to avoid crashing. Additionally, the faster you drive, the longer it will take you to stop.
4. Speeding Increases Your Danger of Rolling Over: Driving around a curve fast generates more centrifugal force. This force can shift your vehicle’s weight to one side, causing it to lose control or rollover. 
5. You are More Likely to Sustain Serious Injuries: Due to physics, vehicles traveling faster have more kinetic energy. Consequently, driving just 5 mph over the speed limit can radically increase your risk of being severely injured or even killed in the event of an accident.  
6. You Risk Getting a Ticket: If you get pulled over by the police for speeding, the issued ticket can have serious financial consequences. 
7. You Could be Sentenced to Jail Time: For speeding 11 to 30 mph over the limit, especially in a school or construction zone, a judge could sentence you to serve up to 15 days in jail. A second offense within 18 months could result in up to 30 days in jail.  

If you need more than the above to convince you never to speed, contrary to common belief, driving fast hardly ever saves time. One recent study found that speeding only saved the average motorist about two minutes per week. Should you, or someone close to you, find yourself in a car accident caused by a speeding driver, Jed Dietrich, Esq. would be honored to help you pursue the justice you deserve. Kindly contact us now for your complimentary, no-obligation case evaluation. We are available 24/7 at 716-839-3939 or by completing the online consultation form.