Excessive speeding occurs when you are traveling at least 10 mph over the posted speed limit. This type of reckless driving behavior poses tremendous safety risks for the driver and other drivers on the road. Let’s talk about the hazards of excessive speeding while a driver is behind the wheel.
What Are the Hazards of Excessive Speeding?
There are different hazards associated with excessive speeding. Let’s look at the most common hazards and the possible outcomes of these hazards.
Increased Chance of Rollover Accidents
Speeding increases the likelihood of a rollover accident during an auto accident. The higher the speed, the more unstable vehicles become, making sudden maneuvers result in an accident.
Loss of Control
Driving at high speeds makes it easier for you to lose control of your vehicle. When you’re speeding, your ability to react to different driving situations appropriately is greatly reduced, increasing your risk of being involved in an accident.
Increased Likelihood of Severe Crashes
Speeding increases the likelihood of you being involved in a severe crash. When an auto accident involving high speed occurs, the force that is exerted in the collision will have an increased risk of injuries that are sometimes fatal or can result in extensive property damage.
Increased Stopping Distance
Traveling at high speeds means you’ll require more space to come to a complete stop. You’ll also need more time to stop to avoid an accident. Even if you’re not coming to a complete stop, it will take longer to slow down, and the slightest maneuver can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Decreased Reaction Time
You may not think you’re going fast until it’s time to react to a situation on the road. Avoiding obstacles and objects, such as other vehicles is dramatically decreased when you’re speeding. You can’t always predict what another driver’s next move is going to be, and if they merge into your lane without proper notice, such as using turn signals, you won’t have time to avoid crashing into the back of the vehicle.
Failing to Yield
Failing to yield in any driving situation can have catastrophic results. If you’re speeding, it will be easy to neglect to yield the right of way, which can result in an accident. Engaging in aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding, contributes to the risk of failing to yield, running a stop sign, and other instances, that can cause an accident.
Why Do Drivers Ignore Many of the Dangers of Speeding?
Great question! Most drivers are tempted to rev their car’s engine and travel at the speed of light. However, we wouldn’t recommend it. Some drivers speed because they are running late to a meeting, work, or another event. It’s normal to want to put the pedal to the metal to make up for lost time, but acting on these impulses has severe consequences.
How to Deal with Aggressive Drivers
If you’re like most drivers, you’re instantly aggravated and stressed by drivers who are speeding. However, never engage in speeding or other aggressive driving behavior to prove a point to other drivers. Instead, you can use the following expert tips to deal with aggressive drivers:
- Adjust your speed to maintain your safety, regardless of the actions other drivers are taking (such as speeding, and other reckless driving behaviors)
- Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles in case the driver loses control of their vehicle
- If you’re driving in the left lane, and an aggressive driver wants to pass you, safely move to the right lane and allow them to pass.
- Never get out of your vehicle and confront an aggressive driver
- If you are being followed or harassed by another driver, pull into a public parking lot and call the police
You should never allow the bad behavior of other drivers to dictate your common sense. If other drivers are driving unsafely, continue to set a good example, and don’t try to address them on their driving behavior.
Why Do Drivers Choose to Speed?
As a driver, you may be wondering why other drivers speed. There are different reasons why drivers speed, but the most common answer is that some drivers don’t believe speeding limits are necessary, or they don’t think they will be caught. Other reasons drivers speed include the following:
- Drivers don’t believe the speed limit is necessary
- Drivers don’t think they’ll be caught
- Drivers are running late and they want to reach their destinations quicker
- Police officers don’t usually stop drivers who exceed the speed limit by 5 or 10 mph
- Drivers are confident that their driving skills allow them to drive over the speed limit
- Some drivers don’t care about traffic laws
- Some drivers can be impatient or in a bad mood
- Some drivers aren’t aware of how dangerous speeding is and how serious the results can be
- Drivers aren’t monitoring their speed
- Drivers want to experience their high-speed performance car
- The flow of traffic is going faster than the posted speed limit
- Drivers are engaging in aggressive driving practices
- Some drivers feel pressured to keep up with other drivers
Different Tips to Help You Reduce Injuries and Fatalities Caused by Speeding
Speeding can have fatal results, but a lot of drivers don’t realize they’re speeding. It’s easy to become distracted and get caught up in the flow of traffic before realizing you’re speeding. Use the following tips to help you avoid speeding and be a safer driver.
Use Cruise Control
Using the cruise control feature can save energy and effort while you’re traveling at a consistent, safe speed. By using cruise control, your vehicle will maintain the speed you set, which is great to use when there is little traffic and you’re venturing on a long road trip.
Give Yourself Enough Traveling Time
Speeding often occurs when you’re rushing to get to or from a destination. Although leaving your home early may not be something you want to do, it will be worth it. If you leave your home at least 10 minutes early, you won’t feel rushed, and won’t have to speed to reach your destination on time. However, if you’re already late, call or send a text message to let people know you’re running later than expected, and you won’t have to rush.
Take Notice of Speed Limits When You Drive
When you’re driving, make sure you pay attention to the speed limit. As you pass through rural and suburban areas, the speed limit will likely change. Some scenarios will allow you to increase your speed while other areas will require you to decrease your speed.
Don’t Try to Keep Up with Other Vehicles
Driving is not a race, so you don’t have to keep up with or get ahead of other drivers. Remember that although you may be following the speed limit, other drivers may not. Don’t allow other drivers to influence your driving behavior.
Don’t Let Tailgaters Intimidate You
Being tailgated can give you an uneasy feeling, but don’t let tailgaters intimidate you! Some drivers tailgate other drivers to intimidate them and make them drive faster. Don’t let this be you. Always maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles and avoid speeding. You can move over to a different traffic lane and allow them to pass you, and merge back into the lane.
Watch for Speeding Vehicles
It’s not difficult to spot speeding vehicles. When you spot vehicles that are going over the speed limit, get out of their way. Stay alert and avoid them when you can. Even if you have to pull over to the side of the road, do so. Drivers who are speeding are a road hazard, and you want to put as much distance as possible between their vehicle and your vehicle.
Be Mindful of the Tunes You’re Playing
Believe it or not, fast-paced music can influence your driving habits, causing you to drive faster than you should. We won’t tell you what music you should listen to when you’re driving. However, be aware of your mood as you drive.
Choose Your Vehicle Wisely
If you purchase a performance vehicle that was built for speed, you likely purchased the vehicle with speeding in mind. Having a standard vehicle could be a better option to help you avoid unnecessary tickets and fines. Although all vehicles are capable of speeding, it will take a standard vehicle longer to reach high speeds than a performance vehicle.
Go With the Flow of Traffic
Going with the flow of traffic can be a gift and a curse. Speed limits are set to allow traffic to flow at a safe rate. However, if everyone on the road is driving excessively over the speed limit, you may feel you don’t have a choice but to do the same. It’s best to let these drivers pass you and continue on your way.
Be Aware of Different Situations and Your Surroundings
One of your responsibilities as a driver is to remain alert, be aware of different situations, and notice any changes in your surroundings. For example, if you see traffic slowing down in front of you, there’s a reason, and you should also decrease your speed.
What Are the Penalties for Speeding?
Although each state has specific laws regarding the penalties associated with speeding, remember there are also local regulations you must adhere to. Check out some of the standard penalties for speeding violations.
Fines
Speeding is an infraction that has a penalty of paying a fine that can range from $25 to more than $350. The specific amount you are required to pay depends on your speed and the posted speed limit.
Points on Your Driving Record
In a lot of states, if you receive a speeding ticket, you will also get points on your driver’s license. Having too many points on your record can cause you to receive more penalties, such as having your driver’s license suspended or an increase in your auto insurance premiums.
License Suspension or Revocation
Excessive speeding or continuous traffic violations can lead to your license being suspended or revoked. If you lose your driving privileges, it can be difficult to get from one location to another, such as work or school.
Increased Auto Insurance Premiums
Getting speeding tickets, even if it’s only one speeding ticket, can increase your auto insurance premiums. Auto insurance carriers view speeding tickets as risk factors, which makes you more of a liability. Having a history of traffic violations can result in high auto insurance premiums and could even cause you to be denied auto insurance coverage.
Driving Classes or Traffic School
Some states will require you to attend driving classes or traffic school if you accumulate one or more speeding violations. Driving classes and traffic school courses are educational programs that are designed to help you improve your driving behavior and prevent future traffic violations.
Imprisonment
Imprisonment may become a penalty for speeding if you are convicted of reckless speeding or endangering others on the road. Imprisonment can also be a reality if you were speeding and caused an accident that resulted in severe injuries or fatalities.
Remember that speed limits are set to keep everyone safe while traveling on the road. In addition to drunk and distracted driving, speeding is a common cause of auto accidents. Do your part as a responsible driver by following all traffic laws and avoiding speeding. Stay safe and happy driving!