Why Does Speeding Lead to So Many Fatal Accidents?

There are many reasons why fatal accidents occur on the roads across America, but most of them are due to drivers’ behaviors. It has been a long-term goal of the federal and state government to determine why fatal accidents happen on highways, interstates, and local roads as well as how to prevent them. One of the main findings has always been speeding. Therefore, if we are able to combat speeding, we may be able to save a lot of lives every year.

According to Oklahoma Public Safety’s Highway Safety Crash Facts Book, there were 1,372 speed-related crashes in Oklahoma City and almost 8,000 crashes in the entire state of Oklahoma in 2020. The National Safety Council Injury Facts states that speeding was a reported factor in 29 percent of all fatal crashes in 2020, and an average of 30 people per day were fatal victims to speeding. These statistics are alarming, but it is important to realize that speed-related accidents are caused by the actions of drivers and are typically 100 percent avoidable.

The correlation between speeding and fatal accidents

Driving can be considered a dangerous activity. Most people do not realize when they are operating a vehicle, their life and other people’s lives around them can be at risk if they do not drive carefully. In fact, it only takes one simple mistake, and a fatal crash can happen within seconds. The reason for this is because you must be able to control the vehicle properly, slow down, and stop within a decent amount of time. When you are speeding, this can be almost impossible.

The following are a few ways that speeding can lead to fatal car accidents:

• Speeding may cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
• Speeding may increase the amount of time needed to stop the vehicle.
• Speeding may decrease the amount of time the driver needs to react to certain situations or instances.
• An accident that occurred from speeding will most likely result in serious injuries, such as whiplash, spinal injuries, brain injuries, and neck injuries.
• Vehicle safety features such as seatbelts and airbags may not work as well when a driver is speeding.

As you can see, speeding can cause fatal accidents in various ways. People may be under pressure to make it somewhere during a certain timeframe, but it isn’t worth it if it means someone may lose their life. When an individual speeds, it is a disastrous situation waiting to happen, and most of these accidents can be prevented if the driver follows the speed limit.

What exactly causes speed-related accidents in Oklahoma City?

A lot of people assume that speed-related accidents are only caused by excessive speeding. However, this is not always the case. There are different types of scenarios that commonly occur on the roads across the nation that lead to speed-related accidents, including the following:

Driving a few miles over the speed limit

People think that if they drive 5 to 10 miles over the speed limit that they are not speeding. However, even driving a few miles over the speed limit can lead to a deadly accident. It is more common to see excessive speeding leading to fatal accidents, but any type of speeding can have serious consequences.

Driving below the speed limit

Driving too slowly can have the same consequences as driving too fast. While city streets usually have lower speed limits, interstates around Oklahoma have an average speed of 70mph, and parts of the Turnpike are set at 80. If you drive 10-15 miles under the speed limit, you could be hit by another driver who is distracted, trying to pass, or is aggressively attempting to “encourage: you to speed up.

Not maintaining speed

It is recommended that people maintain a certain speed when driving, within a couple of miles per hour in each direction. Significantly changing the speed at which you travel can affect how other drivers behave. (It is also a sign of drunk or distracted driving, so even if you aren’t in an accident, you may find yourself getting pulled over.)

Failing to take weather and other conditions into account

Although there are speed limits posted every few miles on roads, drivers should take weather, construction work, and unpredictable conditions that may occur into consideration when driving. If it is raining or foggy, a driver should drive slower than the posted speed limits to remain cautious.

How our Oklahoma City car accident lawyers can help

Our Oklahoma City car accident lawyers at Cunningham & Mears know from experience that speeding can cause many auto accidents. If you choose our team to help you with your accident, we will work tirelessly to make sure you understand what is happening with your case and the steps that you should take to proceed.

When individuals speed, they are not saving themselves much time and are only putting themselves, other drivers, and their passengers in extreme danger. Our car accident attorneys in Oklahoma City have the training, education, and knowledge to help clients navigate the legal process and get the results they desire.

If you have recently been injured in a car accident that involved speeding and need a great attorney to stand behind you, Cunningham & Mears would be glad to help you. We will analyze your case, provide advice on the legal steps you should take, build a strong case against your defendant, and prepare to represent you in court.

Our injury attorneys understand that this is a tough time in your life. Therefore, we will guide you through the process and ensure that you receive the justice you deserve. Please call us today for a free consultation or fill out our contact form.