The dangers of speeding

Among all the bad driving behaviors Texas motorists partake in, speeding is perhaps the most dangerous. Numerous fatal accidents involve speeding, as driving over the posted speed limit not only endangers you and your passengers but other drivers as well. The following information illustrates just how deadly speeding can be and what you can do to be a more conscientious driver on the road.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding has been implicated in one-third of all fatal accidents occurring over the last twenty years. In 2016 alone speeding was cited in the deaths of 10,111 motorists. Despite efforts to curtail speeding, many motorists still drive well over the posted speed limit, often citing lateness and traffic tie-ups as the reason why.

While speeding is most definitely illegal, it also has a wide range of additional consequences. For instance, driving too fast actually affects how well your airbags work in a crash. Speeding also decreases the amount of control you have on your vehicle, which can lead to a serious accident if you encounter an unexpected road hazard. If you are in an accident while speeding, you also run the risk of suffering from more serious injuries.

While you can’t control the actions of other drivers, there are steps you can take to correct your habits. KidsHealth.org encourages all drivers, but especially those just starting out, to practice defensive driving. This involves remaining alert and focused on the road, so you can better anticipate sudden occurrences. You should also maintain a three to four-second distance between yourself and other vehicles to increase your reaction time. Of course, you should also drive the speed limit and adjust your speed when road conditions call for it, such as during poor weather or road construction.