The risks of speeding are well known and backed by years of research and data. In fact, we recently discussed a study confirming the grave risks of high speeds – which accounts for 22% of all fatal car crashes in the U.S.
While that study and many others like it help identify the devastating repercussions of speeding, a newly released analysis delves into the escalating risks associated with higher speeds. The findings suggest speeding isn’t just the riskiest form of aggressive driving, it’s also the best predictor of car crashes.
About the Study
The new study – published by researchers from the University of Waterloo – involved an analysis of data obtained from onboard diagnostic devices in vehicles that recorded over 28 million trips driven by motorists who were eventually involved in car accidents. Researchers evaluated the data for possible links to four primary risky driving behaviors, including:
- Speeding
- Sudden Braking
- Hard Acceleration
- Hard Cornering
Although all of these behaviors can lead to wrecks, researchers only found statistically significant links to crashes for speeding. The correlation was revealed when analysts compared each vehicle involved in crashes with 20 others that had not crashed but were similar in terms of other characteristics, such as driving distance or geographic location.
Take-Aways: Speeding is a Known Crash Risk Factor
While findings may not be earth-shattering, and although the study had its limitations, experts and safety advocates are calling attention to its effective use of telematics data. They say such data could “revolutionize” not only the insurance industry, which could use such data to better personalize premiums based on verified driving behavior rather than statistical risk factors like age, but also public safety.
As statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show, speeding remains a top cause of auto accidents in the U.S., causing thousands of injuries and deaths each year. Speeding becomes an even greater concern when commercial trucks, congested roads, and pedestrians or bicyclists are involved, and can exacerbate the severity of wrecks and injuries sustained by vehicle occupants.
In an era when we’ve become aware of the many risks we face on a daily basis, it’s difficult for some to grasp how significant this study may be. “If you speed, you’re more likely to crash” is a statement few can argue with. However, the fact that speeding was the only driving behavior researchers could link to auto accidents with any statistical significance says a great deal about how substantial those risks are – and why we as motorists should never take them lightly.
Injured? Todd Miner Law®️ Can Help.
Todd Miner Law®️ has represented numerous victims and families throughout Central Florida following all types of motor vehicle collisions – from commercial truck accidents to car accidents involving speeding, drunk driving, and driver distraction.
Though we are lawyers and not statisticians, the connection between risky behaviors behind the wheel and devastating repercussions are all too clear – as is the message that everyone needs to uphold their obligation for taking reasonable safety precautions when operating a motor vehicle. Driving above the speed limit, as well as driving too fast for prevailing conditions, is not one of them – and for anyone injured by motorists who fail to meet their duty of care, Todd Miner Law®️ is here to help.
If you have questions about a potential accident claim and how our award-winning legal team can help you, call 407-894-1480 or contact us online to request a free consultation.
