Speeding is a common occurrence on our roads today. Often, drivers succumb to the temptation to press harder on the pedal, especially when running late or on seemingly empty highways. However, this act of speeding poses significant dangers that are often overlooked.
If you are involved in an accident due to speeding or any other kind of negligence of the driver, you can be entitled to compensation. A car accident lawyer in New Jersey can help you understand the legal side and fight for the deserving compensation.
This blog post aims to highlight these dangers and hopefully inspire safer driving habits.
- Increased Risk of Accidents
The most immediate danger of speeding is the increased risk of accidents. Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway. It extends the distance required to stop a vehicle and increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a dangerous situation. In essence, speeding leaves less room for error and less time to react, making accidents more likely.
- Severity of Accidents
Not only does speeding increase the likelihood of accidents, but it also intensifies the severity of those accidents. The faster a vehicle is moving, the more kinetic energy it has. When a crash occurs, this energy is released in ways that cause damage and injury. Simply put, the faster you’re going, the harder you hit, and the more damage you cause.
- Reduced Effectiveness of Safety Equipment
Vehicles come equipped with various safety features like seat belts, airbags, and crumple zones designed to protect occupants in the event of a crash. However, these safety features are designed to work optimally within certain speed limits. When you speed, you may exceed the limits of this protection, rendering your vehicle’s safety features less effective.
- Legal Consequences
Speeding can lead to severe legal consequences. If caught, you could face hefty fines, loss of your driving license, or even imprisonment, particularly if your speeding leads to an accident. Moreover, your insurance rates may increase, adding financial strain.
- Increased Fuel Consumption
While this may not seem as severe as the other dangers, it’s worth mentioning. Speeding reduces your car’s fuel efficiency, leading to more frequent and costly trips to the gas station. This is going to contribute to the loss of money as well.
