Injured by a Speeding Driver

March 12, 2021

As a responsible driver focused on safety, you are likely well aware of the risks speeding carries. Unfortunately, every day at our law firm, we see the damage caused by dangerous driving behavior, and speeding certainly falls into that category. We understand the pain accident victims experience at the hands of drivers traveling at unsafe speeds, and we want to do everything we can to stop speeding. In today’s post, we’re going over the concerning statistics around this dangerous driving behavior and what you can do as an informed driver to reduce your risk of injury should you encounter a driver who is speeding. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury at the hands of a reckless driver, please reach out to us. Keep reading to hear more about speeding risks from the perspective of an accident lawyer in Charleston.

Speeding Statistics

The statistics tell a stark story about the consequences of speeding. A recent AAA survey found close to half of drivers admitted to going 15 mph above the speed limit on a freeway in the past month. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) breaks down the numbers around speeding:

There were 9,378 speeding-related deaths in 2018
48 percent of speeding drivers in fatal crashes in 2018 were not wearing seat belts
In 2018, 30 percent of men who were driving and involved in fatal crashes were speeding

Why Do Drivers Speed?

NHTSA cites several factors that may contribute to speeding, which they describe as an aggressive driving behavior. Not surprisingly, traffic congestion is on their list. We often see an escalation in aggressive driving when traffic is heavy. When a person is running behind schedule, they may also make the unwise choice to speed. NHTSA also included anonymity and a “disregard for others and the law” as possible factors.

What Can You Do?

To reduce the likelihood of being involved in a collision with a driver who is speeding, put these tips from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety into practice:

Leave ample room between yourself and other drivers, especially when merging
Limit time in the left lane and safety exit to make room for other drivers
Don’t engage an aggressive driver
Contact the police if you feel you may be in danger

Injured by a Speeding Driver

Speeding Statistics

Why Do Drivers Speed?

What Can You Do?

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