Although many drivers take the highest precautions while traveling in Minnesota, others behave recklessly. Sadly, this can put everyone around them at risk of a crash, and many of these accidents are caused by speeding. These are the devastating effects of such incidents.
Why speeding is so dangerous
Speeding significantly increases the risk of fatal motor vehicle accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, speeding accounted for an uptick in fatal crashes in recent years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also reported that speeding is the top cause of car accident deaths. There are many reasons for this problem. One is that when drivers travel at significantly higher speeds than the legal limit, it compromises their ability to steer, slow down or stop when necessary.
Although modern vehicles have safety features designed to save lives, speeding decreases their effectiveness. If a high-impact crash occurs, seatbelts, airbags and other safety devices may not engage in the way they were meant to, rendering them useless.
Statistics on speeding accidents
Young male drivers are more likely to speed than older people and females. These drivers are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors behind the wheel that extend beyond speeding. According to the NHTSA, over the past decade, male drivers accounted for 29% of all fatal crashes. Those in the 25- to 34-year age group have the highest rate of fatal speeding crashes. Motorcycles were also more likely to be involved in such accidents with a rate of 36%.
The most common time of year for speeding-related accidents to occur is the holidays. Labor Day weekend accounted for the majority of these crashes over 10 years. Also, although weekdays saw the highest number of accidents, weekends accounted for 5.5% more crashes involving speeding.
You can’t control what other drivers do, but you can take precautions on the road. Being alert at all times and using defensive driving might save your life.