Slow Down for Safety: How Speed Impacts Car Accidents

Several reasons contribute to car accidents, with reckless driving and negligence at the top. In particular, speeding plays a role in a significant number of collisions. In 2022, 29% of all recorded traffic fatalities were due to speeding. Drivers might think they can get away with pressing down on the gas pedal when feeling impatient but doing so increases the number of hazards. Drivers who emphasize safety when they travel on the road may find the reasons why speed impacts accidents informative.

Speeding and Collision Impact

Speeding can lead to greater injuries and higher fatality rates because a vehicle traveling at excessive speeds will generate more force on impact. This does not suggest that people can walk away unscathed when involved in a collision at a lower speed, but the chances of worse injuries increase when traveling above posted speed limits.

Seatbelts and airbags can only do so much. If a vehicle collides with an object or another car while traveling at unsafe speeds, the risks of injury and death increase immensely.

Drivers and High Speeds

Drivers undermine their ability to reduce accident risks when speeding. Vehicles traveling at excessive speeds present several dangers that make accidents more likely.

When driving at excessive speeds, reaction time diminishes. An animal could dart in front of a car, or another vehicle might make an ill-advised turn. Defensive drivers who travel within the speed limit may be able to avoid a collision because they might see the object soon enough to apply the brakes or move out of the way. Swerving to avoid a crash at the last minute might prevent a speeding driver from hitting one car, but swerving might result in hitting another vehicle or an object, such as a tree or utility pole.

Braking distance also increases, so there might not be enough room between a speeding driver’s car and the car in front of them to stop safely. Drivers might also be unable to stop at a stop sign or red light without entering the intersection. Even partially crossing the intersection line might result in hitting another car, pedestrian, or bicyclist.

Other Concerns about Speeding

Full-size SUVs have greater mass, which means they can cause more significant damage upon impact. Additionally, the larger size results in a longer braking distance to stop. The added mass of these larger models means they could inflict even more severe damage on impact.

A driver risks losing control when speeding — the chances of losing control increase when driving in inclement weather. Slowing down during rainy conditions seems advisable, but reckless drivers may increase speed.

Conclusion

Speeding drivers present enormous dangers to themselves and others. Speeding does not just mean exceeding the posted speed limits. Most states, such as Oklahoma, have laws that all drivers must operate at safe speeds dependent on traffic, road surfaces, weather and any other factors to maintain safety and the ability to stop. Reckless drivers who cause accidents by ignoring speed limits might face substantial claims from injured victims after a crash.