Speeding remains a leading cause of road accidents and deaths in 2023. Even though the dangers are well publicized, and the law is absolutely clear, it still happens at an alarmingly frequent rate. The consequences are severe, and the aftermath is difficult to navigate. What role does speeding play in accidents and why is it such a big risk factor out there on the roads?
Stopping is Harder
Bringing a vehicle to a complete stop is never easy when an emergency situation is taking place. It has happened to every driver out there going along their route. Something up ahead, or a sudden intrusion means that you need to brake and do it quickly. If you aren’t speeding, this is always going to be easy as long as you feel confident to carry out an emergency stop. For drivers who are going too fast, stopping in time is just not an attainable thing. They won’t be able to react quickly enough or put their foot on the right pedal in time to make the necessary adjustments. There is an increased chance that their vehicle will hit another, or the hazard they were trying to avoid.
The Ability to Control the Vehicle is Impacted
The next point is about control. A fast car going at ridiculous speeds is difficult, or impossible to properly control. Safety should always be a priority, yet if there is a bend in the road, or you need to weave away from something minor like debris, it just won’t be possible. Losing control is easier than you think when in charge of a speeding vehicle. It is harder to turn the wheel without overextending, and there is no way at all to maneuver around things without veering too far or too hard. This means a crash is likely, regardless of whether there is another person involved or not.
You Will Miss Things
A big part of safe driving is about being aware of all the things around you. Having a good perception of your driving environment is non-negotiable. If you want to stay crash-free, then you have to know what is happening outside of your vehicle. This means taking note of pedestrians, animals, stop signs and other traffic management systems, construction zones, buildings, turns, and more. There are so many things that require your attention and if you are exceeding the legal speed limit, you just won’t notice them. Therefore, the risk of an incident occurring is significantly larger. Any vehicle accident lawyer will tell you the same thing, you have to be aware, it is your duty of care.
The Vehicle Won’t Respond
Your car is designed in a very specific way. It has taken years of expertise and precision to pull it together, and the engineering behind it is extremely intricate. This means that if you push it outside of its comfort zone, things will start to fail. Speeding is a primary factor behind malfunctions, and if your car breaks or doesn’t do what is expected at top speeds, then a crash is bound to occur.
Speeding Is Against the Law
Every state in the country has a law against speeding and every car accident injury lawyer knows it. If a driver is found to be breaking the law, they risk hefty fines and even a ban from driving. Yet, these facts alone are not enough of a deterrent because these accidents keep on happening regardless. Make sure you know what the limits are in your area so that you don’t end up hurting yourself or someone else while driving about.
Other Road Users Can’t Respond Safely
When a vehicle is traveling fast, it is impossible for other road users to respond safely. This means their life and vehicle are put in harm’s way and there is very little that they can actually do about it. Speeding causes so many accidents because people can’t get out of the way, and this is extremely unjust. It is never acceptable for another car user who is driving safely and legally to become the victim of someone who isn’t playing by the rules. Even if they react in good time and spot the hazard, it could still be all too late because the other vehicle is simply traveling too fast to be able to do anything in a timeframe that matters.
Don’t Give In
Never give in to speeding drivers. If they are breaking the law, and you get hurt, our expert team can help by providing you with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer or road accident attorney. This will be essential when trying to move forward with your life after the accident is over and done with. You may be feeling a range of impulsive emotions, and while that is completely normal, there is value in stepping back and assessing what the best course of action could be. If you are a victim of this action, you are able to seek out damages and file a compensation claim against the offending party. Talk to our team today to see what is required.
The Sum Up
In short, when a compensation claim is first filed, it will be observed and acknowledged by the opposing party. An insurance party will want to see concrete, irrefutable evidence that speeding was the cause if that is what you are stating. You will need to show how you have been negatively impacted and represent the facts for what they are.
Car accidents are always a major event, regardless of what caused them. Yet, when speeding plays a part, the impact can be even more devastating. It makes it so much harder to stop, and more likely that a driver flees the scene if they manage to come out of the accident unscathed. Whatever the case may be, there are paths forward if you turn to the right line of support.
Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys are here for you. Visit us at our LA office, or find us in California, Nevada, and Texas as well. Don’t delay your visit any longer.
