When it comes to placing blame for auto accidents, there are few issues that receive more attention than speeding. Given how common it is for people to drive above the speed limit, though, not everyone understands why it is considered such a big deal. What makes speeding such a big deal when it comes to auto accidents, and why does that matter to regular drivers?

What is Speeding?

In legal terms, speeding is when someone driving a motor vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit on a given road. It is by far the most common form of traffic violation, with 42 million speeding tickets being issued throughout the United States every year. Speeding is especially common among young drivers between 16 and 20 years old, who are the most common group to engage in speeding.

How Does Speeding Affect the Chances of an Auto Accident?

Put simply, speeding is one of the biggest factors seen in auto accidents. In fact, about a third of automobile fatalities involve at least one driver who was driving over the speed limit at the time of the accident. The more someone speeds, the higher the likelihood of getting into an accident, and the more likely it is for anyone involved in the accident to be seriously injured or killed.

Why is Speeding So Dangerous?

There are three major reasons speeding is so dangerous. The first issue is a simple matter of physics: a vehicle that is travelling faster creates more of an impact when a collision occurs, increasing the amount of damage done to anyone or anything that gets hit. The second issue has to do with reaction time, since the faster a vehicle is going, the harder it is to react to a potential hazard and avoid it. Finally, the faster a vehicle is going, the harder it is to slow down to avoid crashing into someone else, due simply to how long it takes for the vehicle to stop.

What Should You Do to Protect Yourself From Speeding?

The easiest way to protect yourself from the dangers of speeding is to do your best to stay at, or below, the legal speed limit. You should also be on the lookout for anyone who is going significantly over the speed limit, and especially avoid anyone who appears to be driving erratically. You should also make sure to give anyone in front of you at least a two-second gap so that you can safely slow down in the event that you need to suddenly brake.

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at (615) 444-2900 or visit our contact page.