Speeding or going too fast for the road conditions, is a major factor in youth crash fatalities.

 

A driver can easily lose control of their vehicle when speeding, as speeding increases the stopping distance and reaction times required to avoid a collision, even as it reduces the amount of time a driver needs to get to their destination.

 

Speeding also increases the likelihood that the crash will result in fatal injury. For example, youth who are driving 40 mph in a 30 mph zone may think they’re “only” going 10 mph over the required speed limit. But that “small” increase in speed translates to a 78 percent increase in collision energy – that’s nearly double the impact. 

 

Nearly half of youths report driving 10 miles per hour over the speed limit and have witnessed passengers encouraging drivers to speed. 

 

Among male drivers between 16 and 20 years of age who were involved in fatal crashes in 2012, 35% were speeding at the time of the crash.

 

Distance and time is a critical factor when an object or pedestrian comes into the path of an oncoming vehicle. Sticking to the speed limit enables you to have a longer reaction time which means a greater stopping distance and the likelihood of not being involved in a severe crash. In essence, 'the faster you drive, the harder you hit'.

 

There are a few simple ways you can prevent speeding when you're driving and impede some of the tragedy speeding contributes to such as:

 

• Always stay within the speed limit posted on a particular stretch of road.

• Monitor your speed especially when you're slowing down from a high speed zone.

• Be aware of road signs or warning signs especially when approaching curves or corners.

• Drive slower than the speed limit if weather, traffic or road conditions are poor or difficult to drive in.

• When travelling at high speeds, increase the distance between your car and the vehicle ahead of you so that you can stop safely and react quickly to prevent an accident.

• Avoid cutting in front of larger vehicles such as trucks and buses as these vehicles require greater stopping distance.

 

Speeding directly affects not only the speeding driver, but also passengers and other road users. For the families of those killed in accidents where speed is a factor, the impact can last a lifetime and leaves devastating consequences.