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Home » Consumer Information » Occupational Safety » Highways

Speeding

Speeding is one of the most common causes of automobile accidents, as it reduces a driver's ability to steer safely around curves or objects and extends the necessary breaking distance, and leads to excessive lane changes. In 2002, speeding was a contributing factor in 31% of all fatal crashes, claiming 13,713 American lives.

Although 57% of crashes occur at 40 mph or less, most fatal crashes occur at top speeds. With a speed increase from 40 mph to 60 mph, the energy released in a crash more than doubles, increasing the probability of fatal injury. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) research found that when speed limits were raised by many states in 1996, travel speeds increased and motor vehicle fatalities went up approximately 15 percent on Interstate highways in those states.

To avoid speeding-related accidents, drivers should take the following precautions:

  • Drive at the specified speed limit.
  • Don't let cars behind you pressure you into speeding, instead let them pass.
  • Slow down in bad weather or in sections where there is road construction.
  • Don't tailgate.
  • Keep up with the flow of traffic.
  • Don't drink and drive.