Understanding How Speeding Increases Crash Severity – Guest Post

An oft-repeated and observed reason for crashes and their severity in injury is speeding. Rude and outrageous behavior on the road is fairly common now, and often speeding is cited as the reason, trying to be on time, avoiding rush-hour traffic, anonymity, or simply a lack of regard for fellow passengers. Numerous safety campaigns have highlighted the dangers of speeding, and yet it is still one of the riskiest behaviors observed on the road in the United States.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) listed speeding as a contributing factor at 29% for all traffic fatalities in 2021. To recover legally and financially, the collision victims need to work with a speeding accident lawyer familiar with the complexities of such accidents.

The Physics of Speed and Crash Severity

It is essential for drivers, communities, and policymakers to understand how speeding results in crash severity as they work towards road safety. The speed of the travelling vehicle determines its kinetic energy. When the crash occurs, this energy is absorbed by the involved vehicles, the environment, and the human body.

• Impact Force: The force of an accident increases exponentially; in fact, it quadruples.
• Less Reaction Time: As the speed of a vehicle increases, the reaction time the driver has to avoid potential accidents decreases.
• Longer Stopping Distances: Vehicles traveling at high speeds require increased braking distances; therefore, drivers find it hard to avoid accidents despite being alert.

Increased Risk of Fatalities and Severe Injuries

High-speed vehicles are deadlier in addition to causing accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has reported an estimated 37,000 additional deaths caused by speed in the past 25 years (IIHS).

The victims of the crash experience:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
• Multiple fractures and internal organ damage
• Fatalities, particularly among pedestrians and cyclists

Additionally, pedestrians are also at high risk.

The Role of Environmental and Behavioral Factors

Often, speeding is accompanied by behaviors such as impaired driving, distracted driving, or aggressive driving. Additionally, environmental conditions add to the risks of crashes.

• Wet or icy roads increase the risks of skidding.
• Poorly lit or curved roads reduce visibility and maneuverability.
• Urban areas with high pedestrian activity.
• Roads that are poorly maintained, inadequate signage, inexperienced drivers, or high-performance vehicles also result in risky behaviors.

Economic Costs of Speeding-Related Crashes

Speeding and accidents result in medical expenses, lost productivity, property damage, and emergency services. It has far-reaching consequences for the community besides personal loss. The financial burden of recovery can pose an immense burden to the individual and their families. Financial implications extend to hospital bills, rehabilitation, income loss, and long-term care, amounting to thousands of dollars.

Preventing Speeding-Related Collisions

To bring awareness regarding the dangers of speeding requires a multi-pronged approach that includes public policy, road design, enforcement, and behavior, all playing a vital role.

1. Enforcement of Speed Limit: Consistent enforcement using speed cameras helps in reducing speeding and related crashes.
2. Safe Road Design: Design components such as roundabouts, speed humps, and narrow lanes help slow down traffic.
3. Educational Campaigns: Educational drives regarding the dangers of speeding help build awareness.
4. Advanced Vehicle Technology: Most modern vehicles are equipped with smart systems such as speed limit recognition and intelligent speed assistance systems.

Conclusion

Speeding is a grave traffic violation. It is a major public safety concern that increases the likelihood of accidents, as well as grievous injuries and fatalities. Speeding results in low reaction time, making high-speed collisions destructive and even fatal in the United States, accounting for one-third of its traffic fatalities.

This has highlighted the requirement for a collective effort from drivers, policymakers, and communities alike. The victims of these accidents need to work with an experienced lawyer to recover from the legal and financial challenges that these incidents throw their way.