Many jurisdictions set speed limits on roads and enact penalties for speeding to increase safety. However, many drivers in Dallas, Texas, do not follow the speeding laws, thus endangering themselves and others. Knowing the statistics can keep drivers informed and aware of these dangers.
Speeding stats and facts
Speeding is considered an aggressive driving behavior. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration classifies a crash as speed-related if the driver raced, drove over the posted limi, or got a traffic citation for speeding. Most speeding incidents occur near where the driver resides, and speeding is the most common citizen complaint. The NHTSA also reported that 25% of drivers involved in speeding accidents in 2018 did not have a valid license.
When speed increases by 1%, it raises the crash risk to about 2% and serious injuries to about 3%. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that speeding is involved in one-third of fatal motor vehicle accidents.
Other statistics show that in 2019, speeding caused over 9,400 fatal vehicle crashes, causing about 25 or more deaths daily. In Texas, over 136,000 accidents annually are caused by speeding.
Reasons for speeding
Some drivers drive faster than usual because they’re running late for school, work or other appointments. Congested traffic during rush hour also sometimes causes a driver to get angry and drive faster.
Some speeding accidents occur from going fast because everyone else does. It often makes drivers uncomfortable if they drive the speed limit with others flying by them. Vehicles give drivers anonymity, so they may act more aggressively when they think no one sees them.
Speeding has economic and criminal consequences, and drivers who do so can face stiff penalties. Drivers who cause accidents due to speeding may also face personal injury lawsuits. Accident victims and families who lost loved ones have the right to sue for compensation.