Although most people want to avoid car crashes, they may still engage in conduct that increases their risk of a wreck. For example, quite a few people handle their phones while driving. Others might decline to use their turn signals or perform rolling stops at busy intersections.
Each of those choices can contribute to crash risk. Ignoring the speed limit also puts people at increased risk of a collision occurring. If a crash does occur, it could potentially be more serious because one of the motorists involved ignored the speed limit. Far from being a victimless choice, exceeding the speed limit is risky and may increase collision risk in a number of different ways.
Increasing stopping distance
Many crashes occur because drivers fail to properly respond to changing circumstances. They may not leave enough space between vehicles and may not be able to stop in time when the vehicle in front of them slows down or stops. The stopping distance of a vehicle increases significantly as speeds increase. If drivers don’t leave extra space to account for their faster speeds, they may not be able to stop in time.
Affecting others’ surveillance
People factor many details into their surveillance practices on the road. People tend to be more proactive about double-checking in both directions on roads with higher speed limits. They may only look once on roads with lower speed limits. Therefore, an approaching vehicle going well over the speed limit may evade their detection, resulting in a preventable crash.
Reducing a driver’s control
As speeds increase, so does the difficulty involved in maintaining control over the vehicle. Factors ranging from under-inflated tires to wet road surfaces can worsen the situation by making it harder for a driver to control their vehicle as they maneuver. Higher speeds make it more difficult to maneuver assertively in changing traffic conditions without losing control of the vehicle.
If the driver at fault for a motor vehicle collision exceeded the speed limit immediately before the crash, they may ultimately be at fault for the harm their choices cause. Recognizing how different choices affect traffic safety can help people avoid collisions and take appropriate actions after crashes occur.