It has been confirmed with years of research that serious injuries occur because of a driver’s speed. The faster drivers go, the more likely it is that someone will die in a crash. Increased speeds decrease the odds of surviving a car accident.
The decreased odds of survival and increase odds of serious injuries during a high-speed crash exist for several reasons including:
- Decreased reaction time – at higher speeds, a vehicle travels farther during the time it takes the driving to react
- Further stopping distance – the faster a vehicle is going, the further it will travel before coming to a stop even when the driver slams on the brakes
- Greater energy at impact – when cars are traveling at higher speeds, they will hit each other at greater speeds with greater energy
Speeding and Reaction Time
If we are honest, we will admit that most drivers exceed posted speed limits. Many drive at the speed at which they think they won’t get a ticket. That typically means that drivers go about 5-10 mph over the posted limit. On Texas highways, that means many drivers are going anywhere from 75-90 mph.
Reaction time behind the wheel is how long it takes a driver to both see a hazard and the time it takes the driver to recognize and process the danger. As your speed increases - so does the distance traveled while your brain is processing and reacting. Also, as speed increases so does the time it takes to stop.
The average time it takes for most drivers to react to a dangerous situation on the road is 1.5 seconds. The response time is longer when the driver is distracted.
Serious Injuries Result from a Driver's Increased Speed
Speed can contribute to the severity of a crash. Since there is less reaction and stopping time at higher speeds, cars will collide at higher speeds. Also, speeding can increase the risk of losing control of the car either before or during a crash.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates vehicles for frontal crashworthiness based upon test collisions at 40mph. Most cars fare well at this speed. However, when accidents occur at 65 to 85 mph, the crashworthiness of a vehicle is unsure.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer for Help
Another driver’s failure to follow the speed limit can harm others on the road. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured because of another driver speeding on the road, you may have a claim. Contact Chelsie King Garza today for a free consultation.
