Most people recognize that they should not speed when driving. However, many think of the possibility of a traffic ticket as the largest potential risk of doing so. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one-third of fatal motor vehicle accidents occurring over more than the last two decades involved speeding.
An aggressive driving behavior, it benefits people to understand the dangers of speeding.
Too fast to handle
Traveling at high rates of speed sometimes causes handling issues. Due to speed, drivers may have an increased risk of losing control of their vehicles, potentially causing auto accidents. The increased speed generally leads to increased crash forces, which may lead to serious injuries or death.
Too fast for occupant protection equipment
At high rates of speed, the equipment included in vehicles to protect occupants sometimes loses effectiveness. For example, this includes seatbelts and airbags meant to limit the impact of motor vehicle collisions on drivers and their passengers.
Too fast for the road conditions
Sometimes weather conditions and other such factors affect traffic. Failing to slow to heed the effects of such conditions may lead to crashes. For instance, on a road wet from rain, a driver traveling at an excess speed may not have the control or traction needed to maintain the safe operation of his or her vehicle.
When drivers speed and, as a result, cause accidents, they, their passengers or those with whom they share the road may suffer serious injuries or death. Those injured in such cases may have a right to pursue compensation for their accident-associated losses. This includes, for example, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.