Car accidents can occur in Ohio for a variety of reasons. One of the biggest factors in more serious crashes that often result in fatalities is speeding. These are ways that putting the pedal to the metal can significantly increase the risk.
Speeding is more common than you think
Although many drivers aim to be careful while sharing the road with others, some do the opposite. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is the number one cause of fatal motor vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, there’s been a trend of drivers who travel significantly over the legal speed limit, putting everyone on the road at risk. A crash raises the chances of fatalities when drivers speed up to 80 miles per hour.
Why speeding is so dangerous
Speeding makes it more difficult to safely maneuver through curves in the road. Gravity can take over and make a vehicle weave; this can cause a collision with another vehicle.
When a driver speeds, their ability to safely control the car is compromised even when traveling straight. If a person has to slow down when there are signs of danger, they may not be able to and cannot stop in time to avoid it. This includes dense traffic, pedestrians, obstacles in the road and weather conditions.
Speeding can also cancel out the effectiveness of a vehicle’s safety equipment. For example, if a driver is traveling significantly higher than the legal speed limit and has an accident, their seatbelt might not work as intended upon the impact of a high-velocity car crash.
Speeding is a problem that doesn’t only cause crashes; it increases the risk of rollover accidents, which often result in fatalities. These accidents are so deadly because when the vehicle flips on its side or back, the occupants can be crushed.
Anyone can accidentally drive over the speed limit; however, staying mindful and traveling within the legal limit is the best way to prevent a tragedy.