Whether you drive, ride a bicycle or even walk near traffic, you need to remain alert at all times. Careless drivers cause many accidents each year, such as those who fail to follow traffic safety guidelines and stay within the speed limit.
Not only does speeding increase the likelihood of an accident, but it can also affect the severity of a crash.
The consequences of speeding
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic accidents involving speeding claimed the lives of over 9,300 people during 2018. In fact, this accounted for 26% of motor vehicle accident deaths over the course of 2018. Speeding can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and reduce the efficacy of protective equipment.
Even when victims do not die, many struggle with debilitating injuries. In fact, the NHTSA reports that speeding increases the severity of traffic collisions and victims are more likely to suffer a devastating injury.
Reasons why drivers speed
Drivers go over the speed limit for a host of reasons. Sometimes, drivers ignore speed limits because they are late for work or try to rush to an important appointment. In other instances, reckless drivers speed because they have no regard for the safety of other people (or their own personal safety). Sometimes, road rage and aggressive driving result in speeding, and some even participate in unlawful street races or attempt to show off by speeding.
If a speeding driver caused you or a loved one to suffer an injury, look at all of your options as you work through the recovery process.
