Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accident fatalities. It contributed to 29% of traffic casualties in 2020. It endangers you, your passengers and other drivers or pedestrians on the road. Knowing how fast you drive can ensure your safety, especially on slippery roads.
Speeding can lead to the following problems:
- Vehicle control loss
- Reduced stopping distance
- Increased collision damage
- Excessive fuel usage
- Safety equipment malfunction
All of these problems are in addition to speeding’s illegality. Complying with speed limits keeps you safe and away from tickets.
Why do drivers do it?
This driving behavior happens because of various factors, such as the driver’s circumstances. These include:
- Excessive traffic congestion, causing impatience.
- Running late for commitments.
- The driver feels detachment from the environment, traffic laws or other people on the road, resulting in reckless driving behavior.
Unfortunately, other people on the road tend to respond aggressively to these violations, resulting in conflicts, arguments and fights.
How to deal with a speeding driver
The more you retaliate, the more dangerous the situation can turn out. If you see a driver going well beyond speed limits, these tips could help:
- Give them space. The farther you can get, the safer you are if they suddenly lose control of their car.
- Get out of their way and allow them to pass.
- Contact authorities if the speeding driver is picking a fight with you.
Being on the defense can protect you and others from car crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also uses different devices to catch speeders, including radars or lidars. They also roll out projects regularly to manage and combat these reckless driving habits.
