Roadways have speed limits for a reason. The intent is that drivers will travel at a reasonable speed for the area and, hopefully, avoid accidents. Of course, many drivers in Florida and across the country take speed limits as more of a suggestion than a hard-and-fast rule.
You and many other drivers have likely found yourselves traveling a bit over the speed limit at times. While you may not think much of going two or three miles over the limit, it is important to manage speed when behind the wheel of a vehicle. After all, speeding contributes to numerous fatal accidents every year.
What counts as speeding?
It is important to note that speeding does not just refer to traveling over the posted speed limit. In some cases, even individuals traveling the speed limit could be considered speeding if they are traveling too fast for conditions. For example, if the roads are wet, construction is taking place or an area has poor lighting, it is often necessary to travel below the speed limit in order to remain safe. If a person travels too fast for the given conditions, an accident could easily take place.
What are negative effects of speeding?
In addition to increasing the chances of a car accident, speeding also increases the chances of more serious or even fatal injuries occurring as a result of the accident. At high rates of speed, protective equipment inside vehicles may not perform as effectively, resulting in more severe injuries. Plus, drivers have less control over a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed, meaning they are more likely to lose control and cause a crash.
Even if a person sees a potential hazard ahead, he or she may not be able to avoid it when speeding. It takes a vehicle a greater distance to come to a complete stop at high rates of speed, so even if a driver slams on the brakes, a crash could still take place.
Were you injured by a speeding driver?
Though you may do your best to keep your driving speed acceptable, another driver may have disregarded his or her own safety as well as yours and caused a collision due to driving at a high rate of speed. Unfortunately, for you, this means that you suffered serious injuries. Though this situation is undoubtedly difficult, you may want to remember that you can pursue monetary restitution from the driver considered at fault by filing a personal injury claim.
