Speeding Remains Common Cause Of Car Accidents
Understanding the dangers of speeding and efforts to prevent crashes.
Speeding drivers continue to be one of the leading causes of car accidents, as highlighted by crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Even with advancements in vehicle safety, speeding remains a significant threat on the roads. This month, the NHTSA is prioritizing driver education on the dangers of speeding through its nationwide Speed Prevention Campaign.
Fatal car accidents caused by speeding
Nationwide, the NHTSA sponsors an annual Speed Prevention Campaign in July to raise awareness about speeding. However, despite these efforts and other educational programs, the number of car crashes caused by speeding drivers continues to rise year after year.
In 2021, fatalities in car accidents caused by speeding increased by 5 percent compared to the previous year. According to NHTSA statistics, the situation was even more alarming in 2020, with a dramatic 17 percent increase in car accident deaths attributed to speeding drivers compared to 2019.
Tragically, a staggering 11,258 people died in speeding-related car accidents across the country in 2021. Speeding was a contributing factor in 29 percent of all fatal crashes nationwide, as reported by the NHTSA.
Florida grapples with a serious speeding problem
Florida has witnessed an alarming surge in speeding-related car accidents in recent years. In 2021, the state experienced the highest number of speeding fatalities in over a decade. According to NHTSA crash data, 391 people lost their lives in crashes in Florida that year, marking a 32.5 percent increase compared to 2020, when 295 speeding fatalities occurred.
How speeding causes severe and fatal accidents
Speeding exacerbates the severity and consequences of car accidents in numerous ways. When drivers exceed the speed limit, their ability to maneuver and respond to unexpected situations is greatly compromised.
Increased speed reduces the available time for drivers to react, leading to a higher likelihood of collisions. Moreover, the force of impact significantly intensifies as vehicles travel at higher speeds, causing more extensive damage to the vehicles involved and increasing the risk of severe injuries or fatalities.
Additionally, speeding reduces the effectiveness of safety features and systems designed to protect occupants, such as seatbelts and airbags, as they are less capable of mitigating the impact's destructive force.
The combination of reduced control, diminished reaction time, amplified crash forces, and compromised safety measures underscores the dangerous nature of speeding and its detrimental impact on the outcome of car accidents.
Preventing crashes caused by speeding
According to the NHTSA, preventing crashes caused by speeders requires a two-pronged approach: educating drivers about the dangers of speeding and strict enforcement of existing speeding laws.
Parents also play a crucial role in curbing speeding-related car accidents, as young drivers are often involved in high-speed crashes. A recent traffic safety study conducted by ValuePenguin revealed that more than 44 percent of car accidents caused by teenagers involve speeding. The same study ranked Florida as the 17th deadliest state nationwide for car crashes caused by drivers under 20 years old.
Holding negligent drivers accountable
While accident claims involving speeding may initially appear straightforward, they often turn into complex legal cases. The at-fault driver may deny any wrongdoing, and their insurance company may try to downplay or deny your accident claim to protect their own bottom line.
At the Law Offices of Brent C. Miller, P.A., our experienced Central Florida car accident lawyers are committed to fighting for the compensation crash victims deserve. Let us handle the insurance company while you focus on your recovery.
Learn more about your legal rights. Contact our law firm and schedule a free consultation. Our offices are in Tavares, Inverness, Clermont, and The Villages.
