Speeding as the Leading Factor in Fatal Crashes
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 11,948 fatalities from car accidents are caused mainly by driving too fast for the conditions or driving in excess of posted speed limit.
In fact, 21.5% of the overall car crash victims died because of speeding. Racing, driving faster than the posted speed limit or simply going too fast for road conditions comprises the second highest cause of death in fatal crashes according to the NHTSA.
The faster the speed of a vehicle, the greater the risk of an accident. A Federal Highway Administration study found that high-speed roads such as freeways, increased speed limits generally resulted in higher traffic speeds and more crashes.
Most speed-related crashes involve speeding too fast for the conditions rather than in excess of the posted speed limit. Common examples of speeding as a cause of car accidents is driving fast with limited visibility or reduced road traction, or during heavy snow fall.
Driving at the speed of 55 mph is also a danger zone: 30 percent of fatalities occur at 55 or above.
California has a “Basic Speed Law.” California Vehicle Code section 22350 states that "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable... and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property."
This law means you may never drive faster than is safe for current condi¬tions. Regardless of the posted speed limit, your speed should depend on:
- The number and speed of other vehicles on the road.
- Whether the road surface is smooth, rough, graveled, wet, dry, wide, or narrow.
- Bicyclists or pedestrians walking on the road’s edge.
- Whether it is raining, foggy, snow¬ing, windy, or dusty.
Speeding kills - the facts and figures adequately show that. While it certainly cuts down the travel time, especially if you’re in a rush, it also puts the driver, his passenger and other motorists in danger of cutting their lives short.