What Are the Dangers of Speeding?

What Are the Dangers of Speeding?

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Does Speeding Cause Accidents?

Yes. Driving too fast decreases the amount of time drivers have to respond to the actions of other drivers or changes in the road, or to avoid any impediments or hazards in the road. Also, speeding reduces a driver's control over the vehicle, and many accidents occur because a driver leaves the road or collides with other vehicles in other lanes.

Even if speeding is not the direct cause of the accident, excessive speed adds to the violent forces of the crash, and it can result in more serious injuries that can prove fatal.

Speeding doesn't just include driving over the speed limit. It also includes other behaviors, such as driving too fast for current road conditions. For example, bad weather accidents may occur if drivers speed when it is raining or if there is ice on the road. Driving too fast for conditions also includes excess speed in heavy traffic and in construction zones. Other dangerous forms of speeding include street racing and “showing off.”

Why is Speeding Dangerous?

Besides potential tickets and criminal consequences, speeding can create hazards and dangers for passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians, including:

Extended Stopping Distances

It takes longer for a speeding car to stop. An average vehicle traveling at 30 mph will need about 110 feet to come to a complete stop. In comparison, a car moving at 60 mph will need over 300 feet to stop. This is almost the entire length of a football field!

Increased Occurrence of Rollovers

Speeding increases the risk a vehicle can roll over during a crash. A rollover caused by excessive speed can also be the cause of the crash. For instance, if a speeding driver tries to negotiate a curve or swerve to avoid a collision, their vehicle may roll over. Large commercial trucks (especially those with trailers), SUVs, jacked-up pickups, and other vehicles with high profiles are more prone to rollover accidents due to excessive speed.

Loss of Control

Speeding increases the risk a driver will lose control of their vehicle. Most typical passenger vehicles are not designed to remain stable at high speeds, and a driver may not know how to respond if their vehicle starts drifting or shaking.

Reduced Reaction Time

Speeding decreases the time a driver's reaction time if something goes wrong. A speeding driver may also not be able to avoid another vehicle, a pedestrian, or something else in the road, leading to serious consequences.

More Serious Crashes and Injuries

Increased speed greatly increases the severity of a crash. A high-speed crash is more likely to result in serious injuries or death than a low-speed collision. Many fatal crashes occur because of driving at excessive speeds. 

Additional dangerous behaviors behind the wheel can exacerbate the accident risks posed by speeding. For example, rear-end collisions commonly occur when a driver follows another vehicle too closely while speeding. In addition, pedestrian accidents are more likely when drivers speed in areas with a high volume of foot traffic.

Other extreme examples of speeding include road rage and aggressive driving behaviors. In these situations, the driver effectively uses speed as a weapon to intimidate or harass other drivers. Strong emotions often push aggressive drivers past the point of caution. As such, road rage accidents carry a high likelihood of serious injury or death.

Unfortunately, despite the many dangers of speeding, drivers still choose to drive too fast. If a speeding driver caused a crash that seriously injured you or killed a close family member, you should contact an experienced car accident attorney immediately for help getting compensation.

Speeding Accident Statistics

Nationwide, speeding was a factor in nearly 30% of all traffic-related fatalities. More than 12,000 people lost their lives in the U.S. in a recent year due to car crashes involving high-speed collisions--which equates to more than 33 people each day.

However, the number of serious injuries and fatalities due to speeding could be much higher. Analysts only use speeding in their reports if the driver was ticketed or arrested for a speeding violation or if the police report notes the posted speed limit as a contributing factor.

Speeding and Other Dangerous Driver Behaviors

Speeding exacerbates other dangerous or careless behaviors drivers do behind the wheel. Some common examples include:

Speeding and Distracted Driving

When drivers are distracted, they are more likely to exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for conditions. In Connecticut, distracted driving accidents resulted in 8 documented fatalities in 2022.

Speeding and Driving Under the Influence

Excess speed may also be a factor in drunk driving accidents, which resulted in 73 fatalities in Connecticut last year. Intoxicated drivers may not realize how fast they are traveling. They may also fail to notice or read speed limit signs clearly, as well as not recognize how close they are to other vehicles.

Speeding and Teen Drivers

Teenage drivers are another demographic for whom speeding is a concern. In 2022, Connecticut saw 113 injury accidents and 26 fatal accidents involving teen drivers.

Research suggests that teenage speeding behavior increases over time, possibly due to them gaining more confidence as they spend more time behind the wheel. Teen drivers should be especially aware of their driving speed in bad weather, on winding roads, and in other difficult driving conditions.

Dealing With Speeding Drivers

Drivers who exceed the speed limit and cause accidents are generally found to be at fault for the crash. However, the at-fault driver may attempt to argue that you had fault in causing the accident as well. Regardless, it’s best to avoid an accident with a speeding driver if at all possible. The following steps can help you avoid speeding drivers and reduce the risk of accidents:

• Let tailgaters pass if they are following too closely.
• Give speeding drivers more space on both sides as you share the road with them. As mentioned, drivers are more prone to lose control at higher speeds.
• Alert local authorities when safe if you observe a car driving recklessly or posing a danger to drivers or pedestrians.
• Don’t intentionally aggravate speeding drivers or attempt to communicate with them while on the road.

It is also important to take steps to manage your own speed when you are behind the wheel. Some common reasons drivers speed include:

• Running late: This is one of the most common reasons for speeding. Even if you plan ahead, traffic and other issues can cause delays. It’s best to remain calm and not speed to try and make up for lost time.
• Traffic: A feeling of being “stuck” often contributes to speeding. People may be especially prone to speeding right after an accident clears or once they pass an accident scene, which can lead to yet another accident. This is why you often see another accident scene right after you pass a crash. Be especially mindful both before and after any traffic stalls.
• Road rage/aggression: Drivers may sometimes express their anger or frustration by speeding, turning wildly, or other dangerous maneuvers.

No matter what issues a driver is dealing with, speeding or using a vehicle as a weapon is never a good answer to the problem and may likely lead to even more serious issues. Speeding creates unnecessary risks and places the lives of other people in danger. Crashes that involve speeding may cause more serious injuries and property damage than other types of vehicle collisions. A speeding driver found liable for causing a fatal accident can face severe legal consequences, particularly if convicted of road rage or driving under the influence.

What You Should Do Following a Crash a Speeding Driver Caused

Accidents caused by speeding drivers can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what steps to take next. While your health and safety are the top priorities, taking appropriate actions can protect your rights and strengthen your case if you decide to seek compensation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the aftermath of such an accident. 

1. Ensure Safety at the Scene

Your immediate safety comes first. If possible: 

• Move to a safe area away from traffic. 
• Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. 
• Avoid standing near the roadway, especially if traffic is heavy or visibility is low. 

2. Check for Injuries and Call for Help

Assess your condition and check on others involved: 

• If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to get emergency medical assistance. 
• Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical attention to rule out underlying conditions that may not be immediately apparent. 

When contacting emergency services, remain calm and provide clear information about the location and nature of the accident. 

3. Notify Law Enforcement

Having an official police report is crucial for documenting the crash: 

• Describe the events objectively, sticking to the facts. Avoid speculating or admitting fault. 
• Request a copy of the police report for your records. 

Police documentation often includes details about the speeding driver’s actions, which can strengthen your claim. 

4. Gather Evidence at the Scene

If it’s safe, collect as much evidence as you can: 

• Photos and Videos: Capture images of vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, road signs, and any visible injuries. 
• Contact Information: Exchange details with the other driver, including name, phone number, insurance provider, and license plate number. 
• Witnesses: Ask witnesses for their contact information and statements about what they saw. 

5. Seek Medical Attention

Prompt medical care is vital, even if you feel fine immediately after the crash: 

• Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away. 
• Medical records can serve as key evidence linking your injuries to the accident. 

Be sure to follow through with any recommended treatments or follow-up appointments. 

6. Report the Crash to Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurer about the accident as soon as possible: 

• Provide them with accurate details of what happened. 
• Avoid providing a recorded statement or signing anything until you’ve consulted with a legal professional. 

Your insurance company may offer guidance on the claims process, but their priority is often limiting payouts, so proceed cautiously. 

7. Consult an Attorney

A legal professional can be a valuable ally after a crash caused by a speeding driver: 

• They can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation. 
• An attorney can handle communication with insurance companies, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. 

Many personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, so it’s worth exploring your options early in the process. 

8. Document Everything

Keeping detailed records will help you stay organized and support your claim: 

• Save medical bills, repair estimates, and receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses. 
• Keep a journal of how the accident and injuries have impacted your daily life, including pain, emotional distress, or missed work. 

9. Avoid Discussing the Accident Publicly

Be mindful of what you share, especially on social media: 

• Avoid posting details or opinions about the accident. 
• Insurance companies may use your posts to undermine your claim. 

10. Understand Your Compensation Options

If a speeding driver caused the crash, you might be entitled to compensation for: 

• Medical expenses 
• Lost wages 
• Property damage 
• Pain and suffering 

An attorney can evaluate your case and estimate the potential value of your claim, helping you pursue the justice you deserve. 

Dealing with the aftermath of a crash caused by a speeding driver can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect your rights and position you for a successful recovery—both physically and financially. Whether you need guidance or advocacy, reaching out to a trusted attorney can provide clarity and support during this challenging time. 

Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer for a Speeding Accident Case

Car accident cases require an in-depth examination of liability, causation, damages, and other complex legal concepts. They also require knowledge of Connecticut laws and an understanding of how to deal with insurance companies. Insurance companies typically do not want to pay on claims and will try methods to place blame for the accident on you or minimize the severity of your injuries.

You need an attorney to gather all the evidence you need to support your claim and file your claim for you so you don’t make mistakes or do something that would cause the insurance company to deny your claim. A car accident attorney can also ensure the insurance company honors their policy and cover all your injuries and losses. If the insurance company responds with a low settlement offer, your lawyer can negotiate with them to get a higher amount.

Although most car accident injury claims settle outside of court, you may have to take your case to trial and sue for the money you need. If so, you will need an attorney to file your lawsuit and fight for you in court to help you get the money you need. Connecticut allows you only two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in court, so you need to get started immediately to ensure you can pursue compensation.

If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a car accident in Connecticut, it is crucial to contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

The attorneys at The Flood Law Firm have helped clients recover damages in hundreds of jury trials and thousands of personal injury settlements. Our results speak for themselves, and we can help you pursue just compensation for the losses you and your family have suffered due to the negligence of a speeding driver.

Please contact The Flood Law Firm by calling (860) 346-2695 today for a free consultation. Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout Connecticut from offices in Middletown, Danbury, Bridgeport, and Waterbury.