On the road, you need to keep an eye out for reckless drivers at all times. Sometimes, drivers use alcohol behind the wheel or drive while they are too tired. Moreover, many drivers speed and it is vital to realize how dangerous speeding is. Even if a driver is very cautious, they could become involved in a tragic crash because of another driver traveling at high speeds.
When someone drives too fast, others on the road have less time to react and the likelihood of an accident is even higher. Moreover, the consequences of accidents are often far worse when drivers travel at high speeds.
The impact of speed-related accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that speeding played a role in 26% of all deadly traffic accidents during 2019. Over the course of this year, more than 9,400 people lost their lives due to speeding and even more sustained serious injuries in these accidents.
The NHTSA reports that speeding not only increases the odds of an accident, but also the severity of the collision. Drivers who speed are more likely to lose control of their vehicles and it is more difficult for them to bring their vehicles to a stop and avoid hazards.
Looking at reasons why drivers speed
Whether someone is late for work or they fail to respect traffic safety guidelines, drivers speed for many reasons. Road rage and aggressive driving also contribute to many speed-related accidents and some drivers do not even recognize that they are going over the speed limit. However, there is no excuse for speeding and negligent drivers must answer for the consequences of an accident.