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The Danger of Driving at High Speeds

At one point in time, there was a maximum speed limit throughout the country. In 1995, this was changed, resulting in a steady increase in speed limits across the country. In some areas the difference in speed limits have increased by more than 30 miles per hour. This has caused car accidents to occur with a higher frequency and to be far more serious than in years prior. There are a few ways that driving at a higher speed can contribute to a car accident, most of which involves the inability to be able to respond in a timely manner.

Shorter Stopping Distance

You will need to be able to give yourself more time to stop when driving at a high speed. When stopping a vehicle, it can take a significant amount of time to slow down. Driving at a higher speed can cause you to be closer to other cars on the road. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of room between other vehicles on the road in the event that you must stop quickly. Cars can pile up on top of each other when they are not able to stop in time. For example, when a car is driving 80 miles per hour there should be a distance of 21 car lengths in order to avoid hitting them when trying to stop.

Higher Force Can Be Fatal

When someone is driving at a higher speed, the force of the impact if in an accident will increase significantly. If car were to make contact with another vehicle, the strength of the impact could be severely detrimental. If driving too fast, the safeguards installed in the vehicle may not function properly. While systems such as seat belts and airbags help to keep people safe, when they are not functioning properly, people in the vehicle could suffer from more severe injuries, even death.

Less Time to React

In the event that someone is on the road, such as an animal or a vehicle, there is less time to react if driving at a higher speed. It can take time to respond in a crisis. When something gets in your way, you will have to respond in a split second. When driving faster, the amount of time you may have to react will be drastically reduced.

Regardless of how diligent you may be, the higher the speed you drive, the more severe the crash will be. This could result in more expensive medical bills and more severe injuries. Working with a law firm who has experience in working with car accidents can be helpful in figuring out the best way to move forward. When it comes to working with insurance companies and other parties that may have been involved, a skilled lawyer, like a car accident lawyer Memphis TN counts on, can help you to get the settlement you are entitled to.

Thanks to our friends from Darrell Castle and Associates, PLLC for their insights into dangers of driving at high speeds.


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