How Does Speeding Increase the Risk of Accidents and Injuries on Ohio’s Roads?

Speeding tickets are among the most commonly issued traffic citations in America. Although speed limit signs are posted at regular intervals along Ohio’s roads, many drivers often exceed those limits for negligent reasons, including being in a hurry, being distracted, or simply due to a bad habit of frequently driving too fast.

Speed limits are created, posted, and enforced for a reason—they keep drivers, pedestrians, and others on or near a road safer. Police officers and state troopers throughout our state are always cracking down on speeding drivers to improve public safety. In this blog, we explore exactly how speeding increases the risk of accidents and serious injuries and why it’s important for drivers to obey posted speed limits.

8 Ways Speeding Increases the Risk of Accidents and Injuries

Speeding significantly increases the risk of accidents and injuries on the road due to several factors:

1. Reduced Reaction Time: When a driver speeds, they have less time to react to changes in traffic and adverse road conditions. This decreased reaction time can reduce their ability to avoid collisions, especially when other drivers make sudden and unexpected maneuvers in their vehicles.
2. Increased Stopping Distance: Higher speeds require longer stopping distances. If a driver needs to brake suddenly, their vehicle will travel further before finally coming to a stop, increasing the likelihood of a collision.
3. Greater Impact Force: The severity of a crash is related to the speed at which a vehicle is traveling when it occurs. Higher speeds generate greater kinetic energy, resulting in more forceful impacts. This increases the potential for severe injuries or fatalities during accidents.
4. Loss of Vehicle Control: At higher speeds, vehicles are more difficult to maneuver. The increased speed can reduce the effectiveness of steering and braking, making it harder for drivers to control their vehicles, especially in adverse weather conditions or on curvy roads.
5. Less Time to React to Road Hazards: Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to safely navigate around road hazards like debris, potholes, or animals. The limited time to assess and respond to these hazards can lead to accidents.
6. Reduced Effectiveness of Safety Features: Many vehicle safety features, such as airbags and seat belts, are designed to protect occupants at certain speeds. When vehicles exceed these speeds, the effectiveness of these safety measures can diminish, leading to more serious injuries in a crash.
7. Increased Risk for Vulnerable Road Users: Speeding vehicles pose a greater threat to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Higher speeds reduce a driver's ability to notice these vulnerable road users and react appropriately, increasing the chances of a collision.
8. Poor Decision Making: Speeding can sometimes impair a driver’s judgment, leading to other risky behaviors such as aggressive driving, tailgating, or attempting unsafe overtakes, all of which can increase the likelihood of accidents.

Tips for Driving at or Under Posted Speed Limits in Ohio

While many drivers can improve their safety on Ohio’s roads by making a commitment to not speeding, some drivers may struggle with this change. It’s common for some drivers to exceed the speed limit by a small amount, especially on highways and interstates. Over time, drivers may even start to habitually drive 10-15 mph over the speed limit.

If you or someone you love frequently speeds, you can break this dangerous habit by taking the following steps:

Plan Ahead:

• Allow Extra Time: Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Rushing due to running late is a common reason for speeding. By planning your trips and allowing extra travel time, you can reduce the temptation to speed.

Stay Aware of Speed Limits:

• Observe Speed Signs: Pay close attention to posted speed limits and adjust your speed accordingly, rather than assuming you know what the speed limit is. Familiarize yourself with speed limits in different areas, such as residential zones, school zones, and highways.
• Use Speed Limiters: If your vehicle is equipped with a speed limiter, set it to the speed limit or slightly below to prevent unintentional speeding.

Utilize Technology:

• Use Cruise Control: On highways and long, straight roads, use cruise control to maintain a consistent speed without the risk of gradually speeding up without realizing it.
• Enable Speed Alert Systems: Many modern vehicles have speed alert systems that notify you when you're exceeding the speed limit. Utilize these features to help stay within legal limits.

Maintain a Calm Driving Environment:

• Stay Calm and Focused: Keep emotions in check while driving. Stress, frustration, or aggression can lead to speeding. Techniques like deep breathing or listening to calm music can help maintain a relaxed driving state.
• Avoid Aggressive Drivers: If you encounter aggressive drivers, do not engage or retaliate. Instead, allow them to pass and focus on maintaining a safe, legal speed.

Continuously Monitor Your Speed:

• Regular Speed Checks: Frequently glance at your speedometer to ensure you are not unintentionally speeding, especially in areas where the speed limit changes often. This can also help you avoid a ticket in “speed traps.”

Avoid Distractions:

• Stay Focused: Distractions like phone use, eating, or adjusting the radio can cause you to inadvertently speed. In addition, being distracted can take your mind and attention off the speed limit and how fast you’re traveling. Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and mind on the task at hand.

Contact Our Ohio Car Accident Lawyers After a Crash

Committing to always driving at or below the speed limit is one of the most effective ways to improve your safety on Ohio’s roads. However, not all drivers make that commitment. Speeding is extremely common—and it’s also one of the most common causes of crashes.

When drivers cause accidents due to speeding, they can be held liable for the damages of anyone they injure. And at Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, we hold negligent drivers liable for crashes every day. Trust our experience and commitment to our clients—contact our Ohio auto accident attorneys any time after a crash for a free consultation.

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