Dangers of Speeding While Driving Infographic
Speeding is one of the most common and preventable causes of accidents on the road. Whether through receiving a speeding ticket, experiencing a crash, or knowing someone affected by reckless driving, many people are familiar with the dangers of excessive speed. The statistics presented in this infographic highlight how often speeding leads to fatalities, the financial impact of speeding, and the main reasons drivers choose to ignore speed limits.
Sobering Statistics on Speeding
- Speeding contributes to 33% of all fatal crashes.
- Driving too fast is the third leading contributing factor in traffic accidents.
- 13,000 lives are lost each year due to speeding-related crashes.
- Crashes where speed is a factor cost society more than $40 billion annually.
- The societal cost of speeding is estimated at $76,000 for every minute saved by speeding.
Why Drivers Speed
(Source: Focus on Safety: A Practical Guide to Automated Traffic Enforcement)
- Rushing: Many drivers speed because they feel pressed for time.
- Lack of awareness: Some drivers do not realize how fast they are going.
- Disregard for laws: Some individuals believe traffic laws do not apply to them.
- False sense of control: Many drivers assume their speeding is not dangerous.
- Low risk perception: Some drivers do not believe they will be caught or penalized for speeding.
The Cost of Speeding
- The first speeding conviction occurred in 1896 when Walter Arnold of East Peckham, Kent, UK, was fined one shilling.
- Higher fuel costs: Driving 5 MPH over 60 MPH increases fuel consumption, costing an additional $0.24 per gallon.
- Expensive fines: Speeding tickets range from $150 to over $1,000, depending on the state and severity of the violation.
- Nationwide speeding fines: In the U.S., drivers collectively pay more than $6 billion in speeding fines each year.
- License suspension: Speeding violations add points to your driving record, increasing insurance costs and potentially leading to license suspension.
Where Do People Speed the Most?
Contrary to common belief, speeding is not just a highway issue. Many speed-related accidents occur on lower-speed roads.
- 47% of speeding-related crashes happen on roads with speed limits of 50 MPH or less.
- More than 20% of speed-related crashes occur on roads with a 35 MPH or lower speed limit.
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Young male drivers: 39% of male drivers aged 15-20 involved in fatal crashes were speeding at the time of the accident.
- Impaired drivers: Drivers under the influence are more likely to speed.
- Unbelted drivers: Those who speed frequently fail to wear seat belts, increasing the likelihood of severe injury or death.
Speeding in School Zones
- Many drivers fail to comply with reduced speed limits in school zones, putting children at risk.
- Slowing down in school zones and high-pedestrian areas significantly reduces the chances of severe accidents.
Speeding in Virginia Isn’t Worth the Costs
Speeding not only increases the risk of fatal accidents but also leads to severe financial and legal consequences. The time saved by speeding is rarely worth the potential cost in lives, injuries, fines, and increased insurance rates. By obeying speed limits and practicing safe driving habits, drivers can reduce accidents and make the roads safer for everyone.
Sources:
- National Safety Council (NSC): nsc.org
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- SafeNY Traffic Safety Data: safeny.ny.gov
- Fuel Economy Data: fueleconomy.gov
- Wikipedia – Speed Limit History
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Weiland Button is the #1 traffic and criminal law firm in Richmond, Virginia. Call (804) 355-8037 for a free consultation.
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