There may be various scenarios in which you might start your day behind schedule, and such concerns could leave you scrambling to get back on track. During your morning commute, you may feel inclined to try and make up time by increasing your speed, but such a decision could carry dire repercussions.
Tardiness is one of many potential motivators that could lead to excessive speeding, and such behavior continues to play a role in nearly a third of all collisions. Understanding how speed can affect your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle could help you better prepare to stay safe out on California roads.
The influence of speed
Excessive speeding is a type of reckless driving behavior that can influence your ability to react to a variety of driving scenarios. Some examples of why such behavior could prove hazardous may include:
- Response times: Excessive speeding can disrupt your response times, making it difficult to react to various driving scenarios, and the faster you travel, the more severe the disruption.
- Driver control: It could also be more difficult to maintain control of your vehicle while speeding, and with such behavior, it could take little more than a moment of inattention or a sudden curve in the road for disaster to strike.
- Stopping distance: The presence of speeding also increases stopping distances and failing to accurately account for similar factors could prove hazardous.
- Outcome of a crash: While nearly all collisions have the potential to place the safety of those involved in jeopardy, with the presence of excessive speeding, there may be greater risk of severe injury or death.
While controlling your speed could help you take a more defensive approach to driving, should others around you fail to do the same, the results could be devastating.
Speed-related collision
Being involved in a collision with a speeding driver can be a catastrophic experience that could leave you with severe or even permanent injuries. The fallout of the accident could take a significant toll on your quality of life, potentially prompting a long road to recovery or even a need for long-term or permanent medical care. Along with any physical and emotional trauma, the incident could also bring dire financial repercussions stemming from extensive medical expenses and the possibility of a loss of income during your recovery period.