Some drivers are frustrated when they get speeding tickets. They feel like it’s just a way for the police department to make money and that it doesn’t serve any practical purpose. After all, they still felt like they were in control of their vehicle.
The way that speeding relates to car accidents, though, is twofold. First of all, it can make accidents more common. It can also make the accidents that happen more severe. This is why speeding is illegal, as it’s an effort to keep people safe. Let’s look at how this works.
Reduced reaction times
Not only is a speeding driver more likely to lose control of their vehicle, but they don’t have very much reaction time if something changes ahead of them. Someone who is driving at 90 miles an hour may feel like it’s safe when there aren’t any other cars around. But if traffic suddenly slows down ahead of them or an animal runs into the road, they just don’t have time to react properly due to their high rate of speed. This makes it more likely that they will get into an accident that another driver could’ve easily avoided.
Increased injuries
Next, speed has been shown to increase the severity of the injuries that people suffer in car accidents. If someone hits their head in an accident at 25 miles an hour, they may have a concussion. If they hit their head in an accident at 75 miles an hour, they may suffer a traumatic brain injury and pass away. The accident is the same, but the speed makes the injury more serious.
Have you been injured by a speeding driver? Be sure you know how to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more.