Speeding - a Contributing Factor in 1/3 of Fatal Auto Accidents

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics, speeding was a contributing factor in approximately one-third of all fatal traffic accidents in the United States in 2008. This statistics reinforces the idea that speeding is a dangerous practice - for everyone on the road. Not only does it claim lives, but it is estimated to cost society approximately $40.4 billion every year, according to nationwide statistics from the year 2000.

An accident may be considered "speeding-related" if one of the drivers was charged with or ticketed for a speeding traffic offense or if an officer indicated that speeding, racing or driving too fast for current conditions was a contributing factor to the collision.

In 2008, the NHTSA determined that speeding was a contributing factor in 31% of all fatal traffic accidents throughout the U.S. This is nearly the same percentage as for drunk driving-related traffic fatalities. 11,674 lives were lost in speeding-related collisions in 2008.

Why is speeding so dangerous? It affects a driver's ability to safely maneuver a vehicle, increasing the distance the vehicle travels before the driver is able to react to a change in traffic, road or weather conditions. It also increases the time it will take and the distance traveled before a vehicle comes to a complete stop. Not only does it increase the likelihood that a driver will be involved in a collision, it increases the severity of any accident that does occur by increasing the force of impact. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the harder the collision and therefore the greater the risk of injury to all parties involved.

The Lenahan Law Firm is a personal injury law firm dedicated to helping those injured in any type of accident in the Dallas area, including car accidents, truck accidents and motorcycle accidents caused by drivers who were speeding or racing.

If you or a loved one was injured in a collision of this kind, please do not hesitate to contact a Dallas Personal Injury Attorney at the firm for a free, confidential review of your case.