HOW DRIVING SPEED CONTRIBUTES TO AUTO ACCIDENTS IN FLORIDA AND GEORGIA
There are many causes for auto accidents on the road—however, speeding remains one of the leading cause of crashes. Speeding refers to driving a vehicle faster than the speed limit or driving too fast for certain conditions, such as bad weather or road construction. While it may not seem like a big deal in the moment, speeding on the road can cause serious accidents in just the blink of an eye.
Driving too fast is hazardous for a variety of reasons; it can cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle, increase stopping times and cause certain safety features to not work as effectively. Furthermore, when you choose to speed, you are not only putting yourself at risk but also the other drivers on the road around you.
3 Ways Speeding Can Cause an Accident
- Driving at higher speeds increases the chance of losing control of your vehicle
When driving at high speeds, drivers are more likely to unintentionally swerve into traffic or oncoming barriers. If a sharp turn or curve approaches and the driver is going too fast, it is easy to lose control and put themselves and others at high risk of a collision. - Speed will increase stopping time and distance Even the smallest increases in speed will have an impact on a vehicle’s stopping distance. Stopping distance refers to the distance the automobile travels while coming to a complete stop once the brakes have been applied. The faster the car is traveling, the greater the stopping distance. For example, when a driver is speeding and suddenly notices debris in the road or that cars have come to an abrupt stop ahead, it is likely that they will not have enough time or space to brake, typically resulting in an accident.
- Car safety features may not function as well when traveling at high speeds
Air bags, safety belts and other restraint devices are designed to protect drivers and their passengers from getting injured in the event of an accident. Many cars now have advanced driver-assistance systems which do help reduce road fatalities by minimizing human error. However, driving at high speeds reduces the effectiveness of these features, putting passengers in greater danger of serious injury.
Factors That Cause Speed-Related Auto Accidents
- Hazardous weather or road conditions – Wet roads can make driving more hazardous, especially when traveling at high speed. Speed limits are set to notify drivers what the appropriate driving speed is at normal conditions. However, when the weather is bad and road conditions are not normal, it’s always recommended to take extra caution—slow down and stay alert by looking for any potential hazards.
In 2019, speeding was a factor in fatal crashes for:
- 16% of drivers on dry roads
- 19% on wet roads
- 40% on roads with moving or standing water
- 41% on roads with mud, dirt, or gravel
- Driving too fast – Speeding is not limited to driving excessively fast. Even going 5 to 10mph over the speed limit can still cause vehicle accidents and injuries. The chances of significant injuries due to a speeding accident will double every 10mph over 50mph that a vehicle travels.
- Driving too slowly – Just as driving too fast can cause accidents on the road, so can driving too slowly. Slow drivers are known to interrupt the steady flow of traffic, causing approaching drivers to decrease speed suddenly or change lanes to get around the slow vehicle. Therefore, interstates and other roadways often have both maximum and minimum speed limits.
What To Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Speeding Crash
If you have been involved in a speeding-related accident, it is normal to be overwhelmed and in shock at first. After an accident has occurred and you have been injured, it is important to remember to call the police, seek medical attention, and gather contact information from any witnesses. All of these steps should be a priority after the initial car accident to ensure you are safe and receive the treatment you need for a healthy recovery. Remember that in both Florida and Georgia, car accident lawsuits can hold speed violators accountable. This is why it is recommended to contact an experienced accident attorney who can help you build your case and receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact Barnes & Cohen for Auto Accidents in Florida and Georgia
At Barnes & Cohen, our team of professional accident attorneys fight for full compensation of medical costs, lost income and other damages for victims of auto accidents and other personal injuries. We provide consistently successful outcomes in auto accident cases Jacksonville, St Augustine, Fernandina Beach, Yulee, Lake City and the surrounding areas in Northeast Florida, as well as Southeast Georgia including Kingsland, St Marys, Camden County, Folkston, Woodbine, Waycross, and Brunswick. If you’re looking for an experience personal injury lawyer, we encourage you to contact our office for a free consultation.