If you encounter a reckless driver on the road, they could cause a collision that shatters your life. Negligent driving takes different forms, and some drivers break multiple laws behind the wheel. For example, someone could drink alcohol while driving and drive too fast, posing a significant threat to others. Sadly, data shows that far too many deadly speeding accidents take place.
It is essential for drivers to realize the ways in which high speeds cause traffic collisions, the prevalence of these crashes and the fact that speeding increases the severity of a collision.
Statistics on fatal speeding crashes
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s site covers fatal speeding accidents, and they report that more than 11,250 people lost their lives due to these collisions in 2020. In addition, the NHTSA points out that male drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 accounted for 35% of speeding drivers involved in deadly collisions over the course of 2020.
In fact, speeding played a role in 29% of all traffic accident deaths throughout 2020.
The impact of speeding
According to NHTSA research, speeding increases both the likelihood and severity of a traffic accident. Speeding can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, interfere with the efficacy of protective equipment and increase the distance it takes for drivers to stop. Speeding is particularly dangerous when it occurs during inclement weather and poor visibility.
Drivers speed for numerous reasons, from running late to road rage, but there is no excuse for this behavior. When speeding accidents result in the loss of life, reckless drivers must face consequences.
