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Does speeding really cause more accidents?

On Behalf of | Jan 19, 2021 | Car Accidents |

You are running late for work on a Monday morning. You need to get there quickly to prepare for a big presentation you have to make. You decide you can push the speed limit and drive 70 miles per hour nearly the entire way there. You know you’ll technically be breaking the law, but will you really put yourself and other drivers in more danger?

The link between speeding and accidents

There is a link between increased speeds and accidents. According to the World Health Organization, increasing your speed by even 2 miles per hour more can increase your chance of an accident by 3%. Speeding also increases your chance of causing a fatal accident by up to 5%. If you happen to hit a pedestrian or bicyclist at 45 miles an hour instead of 30 miles per hour, a pedestrian or cyclist is much more likely not to survive the crash. The faster you drive, the more force is involved when you are in an accident, leading to more serious injuries.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that speeding is the second leading cause of traffic fatalities, only behind drunk driving. Drivers who speed also are likely to engage in other dangerous driving activities, such as not wearing their seatbelt.

What happens when drivers speed

When drivers speed, they increase the chances they will lose control of their vehicles. They reduce the distance between themselves and vehicles in front of them. That can lead to a devastating accident if another vehicle stops quickly. Also, when a driver speeds, their vehicle’s protective equipment isn’t as effective.

Other reasons drivers should consider avoiding speeding include:

  • A speeding ticket can cost between $150 to $1,000.
  • Multiple speeding tickets can increase your auto insurance rates.
  • Speeding increases your vehicle’s fuel consumption, so you will have to fill up more often.

Speeding on your way to work likely won’t result in you arriving there much more quickly. Instead, you can drive the speed limit and keep yourself and others safe on Oklahoma roads.