Speeding remains a significant factor in severe injuries and roadway deaths in Maryland. In fact, excessive speed of some type was involved in nearly 30% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents nationwide, and over 30 people a day lose their lives due to speed behind the wheel, while many more suffer serious injuries. Some of the injuries that can result from an auto accident include concussions, broken bones, organ damage and an assortment of lacerations and soft tissue damage.
Speeding escalates the level of danger
Speeding itself contributes to causing car accidents as well as increasing their severity. Of course, many drivers find themselves in slow-moving traffic, behind a slower vehicle or in a rush to their destination, and the urge to speed up can be powerful. However, the greater the speed at which a vehicle travels, the greater the impact in the event of a collision. The level of force transferred to the people in a crash is escalated significantly when the vehicle is going at a high rate of speed. Of course, the same is true for occupants of other vehicles that are hit by a speeding car, even if their own vehicle is at a standstill.
Speeding inhibits driver ability
In addition to producing more severe injuries and a greater risk of fatalities, speeding can also impede a driver’s skill. When a driver speeds excessively, they have less time to react to obstacles and concerning situations ahead. This is one reason that speeding is often a factor in cascading motor vehicle accidents, where a subsequent driver is unable to stop to avoid a crash ahead. Speeding vehicles take more time and distance to stop and may be more likely to damage medians, guardrails and other structures.
Victims of accidents caused by speeding may face extensive medical bills or be forced to take time away from their jobs due to their injuries. They may face ongoing rehab or long-term disabilities that hinder their earning power or enjoyment of life. This means that reducing crashes caused by speeding is a financial as well as a public health imperative.