Speeding is a major contributor to car accidents in Georgia, and the consequences of this reckless behavior can be severe. It puts everyone on the road at risk. In fact, according to recent statistics, speeding was the second leading cause of all traffic fatalities in Georgia.
So why does speeding result in such catastrophic accidents? In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons behind these devastating collisions and provide tips for protecting yourself from dangerous drivers on our roads. Any Fayetteville car accident lawyer at Wade Law has seen firsthand the devastating effects of speeding accidents. Thus, we urge you to read on and stay safe out there!
Speeding Accident Statistics
Speeding is a common driving behavior that can lead to serious car accidents. In Georgia, speeding-related crashes are responsible for over 25% of all traffic fatalities. The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reports that in 2021, 369 people lost their lives in accidents caused by speeding.
This is a slight decrease from 380 fatalities in 2020, but the overall trend shows an increase in speed-related deaths from year to year:
- 260 in 2019
- 268 in 2018
- 248 in 2017.
These sobering statistics serve as a reminder that we must take responsibility for our actions while driving. By slowing down and adhering to posted speed limits, we can help prevent devastating accidents from occurring on our roads.
Now, let us explain the reasons why speeding results in such devastating car accidents.
Increased Stopping Distance
One of the major dangers of speeding is that it increases your stopping distance. Stopping distance refers to the amount of time and distance required for a vehicle to come to a complete stop once the driver applies the brakes. The faster you are driving, the longer it will take for your car to stop.
Additionally, road conditions such as wet or icy roads can further increase stopping distances and make it more difficult for drivers to brake effectively. This is why it’s crucial for drivers to adjust their speed according to weather and traffic conditions.
It’s important for all drivers on Georgia roads to understand just how dangerous increased stopping distances can be when they’re behind the wheel. By obeying posted speed limits and adjusting their driving behavior based on external factors, motorists can help prevent accidents caused by excessive speeding and keep themselves and others safe on our roads.
Higher Risk of Rollovers
Speeding not only increases the likelihood of a collision, but it also puts drivers at a higher risk of rollovers. This is because when vehicles are traveling at high speeds, they become more difficult to control and maneuver. As a result, even small obstacles on the road can cause cars to flip over.
Rollover accidents are one of the most dangerous types of car accidents as they often lead to severe injuries or fatalities. SUVs and pickup trucks are particularly susceptible to rollover accidents due to their higher center of gravity compared with smaller passenger cars.
In addition, seat belts may not provide adequate protection during rollover accidents since passengers can be thrown around inside the vehicle. This highlights another reason why it’s so important for drivers to obey speed limits and drive responsibly on Georgia roads.
Reducing speed reduces risks – including those related to turning too fast or experiencing an obstacle that results in flipping over – making everyone safer on our highways!
Reduced Time to React
One of the most significant dangers of speeding is reduced time to react. When a driver is traveling at high speeds, they have less time to react to sudden changes on the road, such as obstacles or other vehicles.
In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the stopping distance for a vehicle traveling at 80 mph is twice that of a vehicle going 60 mph. This means that speeding drivers may not be able to stop in time if an unexpected obstacle appears in their path.
Moreover, when driving at high speeds, drivers are more likely to misjudge distances and fail to anticipate potential hazards. This can result in rear-end collisions or side-swipe accidents where innocent victims are caught off guard.
Loss of Control Over the Vehicle
When a driver speeds, they increase the risk of losing control over their vehicle. This can happen for several reasons, including poor weather conditions or sudden obstacles on the road. When a driver is traveling at high speed, it becomes more difficult to make quick decisions and maintain control.
One of the main issues with speeding is that it reduces a driver’s ability to maneuver their car safely. For example, if a driver suddenly needs to swerve to avoid an obstacle in front of them, they may not be able to do so effectively if they are traveling too quickly. The same goes for trying to brake suddenly – at high speeds, stopping distance is significantly increased and this can lead to devastating consequences.
Additionally, speeding can cause drivers to become overly confident and underestimate the risks involved with driving fast. They may take turns too sharply or ignore other traffic signals because they believe that their driving skills will compensate for any mistakes made along the way.
How to Protect Yourself From Speeding Drivers on the Road
As a prudent driver, you can take several steps to protect yourself from reckless drivers on the road.
First and foremost, always wear your seatbelt. Seatbelts have been proven time and again to save lives during car accidents. They keep you secure in your seat, preventing ejection from the vehicle or being tossed around violently inside the cabin.
Secondly, do not react angrily when you meet a speeding driver on the road. Even if they are honking or making other maneuvers to provoke you, don’t aggravate them.
If you notice a driver who is exhibiting signs of aggressive driving such as tailgating or weaving through traffic at high speeds – stay clear of them and give them more space on both sides of your car. And, as soon as it is safe to do so, call the authorities to alert them about the reckless driver.
Injured in a Speeding Accident? Talk to an Experienced Fayetteville Car Accident Lawyer!
Despite your best efforts and precautions, you may suffer injuries after a speeding-related car accident caused by another driver’s recklessness. In this situation, you should contact a Fayetteville car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
At Wade Law, we have a combined experience of over 70 years in handling these types of cases. We have recovered over $10 million for our clients.
We offer every new client a free case review, so you don’t have to worry about legal fees. Since the statute of limitations in Georgia is only 2 years after the date of your accident, you should not let too much time pass before you start protecting your legal rights. Call us at 770-282-1188 to schedule an appointment!
