Every time we drive, we are making decisions that impact the lives of others and ourselves. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t take the risks of speeding seriously enough. Not only does excessive speed make the driver more likely to lose control, but it increases the risk of a deadly and destructive accident. Sadly, too many families suffer irreversible loss as a result of this preventable behavior. By understanding the role that speed can play in fatal car accidents and consciously avoiding excessive speed, we can help save lives and make our roads safer.
Speeding is a Leading Cause of Fatal Crashes
Speeding consistently ranks as one of the leading causes of deadly car accidents in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding contributed to 29 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2022, resulting in over 12,151 deaths.
Excessive speed puts the driver, their passengers, and everyone else on the road in danger. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that one-third of all fatal crashes caused by speeding also involved pedestrians, cyclists, or occupants of other vehicles. It is extremely important for driver’s to be aware of the dangers they put themselves and others in when they choose to speed.
If you or a loved one was killed as a result of a driver going over the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions, contact a local car accident lawyer to discuss your legal rights.
Why Excessive Speed Is So Dangerous
Speeding leads to more fatalities because of:
- Reduced reaction time. At higher speeds, drivers have less time to react to obstacles in the road or sudden changes in traffic, increasing the risk of single-vehicle accidents.
- Increased stopping distance. A car traveling at 60 mph requires nearly twice the stopping distance of one going 30 mph, increasing the risk of rear-end accidents.
- Force of impact. The energy released in a crash doubles as the speed surges, significantly increasing the chances of severe injuries or fatalities.
Road conditions combined with speed further increase these risks. For instance, wet roads or gravel make it even harder to maintain control at high speeds.
The Role of Speed Limits
Speed limits are carefully calculated to reduce the risk of accidents. Driving above the speed limit, especially in areas with tight curves, pedestrian crossings, or reduced visibility, can lead to deadly accidents. The Federal Highway Administration notes that speeding increases crash severity regardless of whether a driver is over the posted speed limit or simply driving too fast for road/weather conditions.
Bellingham Man Killed in Single-Car Crash with Excessive Speed Cited as Factor
As reported by Whatom-News.com, a 40-year-old man from Bellingham was killed in a single-car accident near the Clinton ferry dock on Whidbey Island on the morning of November 26, 2024 at approximately 8:50 a.m.
According to a Washington State Patrol (WSP) press release, the man was driving a black 1995 Nissan Maxima southbound on State Route 525 at high speed when he veered off the road and hit a tree. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. His female passenger, who was wearing a seatbelt, escaped without injuries.
Excessive speed was identified as the cause of the accident. Investigators are still determining if drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing people injured in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County, and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
