While many people consider intoxicated driving and distracted driving to be the leading causes of car accidents, speeding is actually the number one unsafe driving behavior.
There are many reasons why speeding is so dangerous. For one, it increases the distance that a driver has to travel to come to a stop. It also decreases the amount of time that a driver has to react to an emergency situation. And, perhaps most importantly, it increases the severity of any resulting accident.
Speeding As a Result of Road Rage
One of the most common reasons for speeding is road rage. Over 80% of drivers admit to having expressed road rage at least once in the past year.
Road rage can manifest itself in a number of ways, but one of the most common is aggressive driving. This can include weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, making obscene gestures and, of course, speeding.
Unfortunately, aggressive driving often leads to car accidents. It can also lead to violent altercations and even death.
Why Speeding Is So Dangerous
Aside from the obvious dangers of speeding, there are a number of other reasons why it is such a dangerous behavior.
For one, it increases the severity of any resulting accident. A car that is traveling at a high rate of speed will do more damage than one that is traveling at a lower rate of speed. This means that the occupants of the speeding car are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in an accident.
In addition, speeding makes it more difficult for the driver to control the vehicle. This can lead to accidents even if the driver is not engaging in any other risky behavior.
Finally, speeding reduces the amount of time that a driver has to react to potential hazards. This means that if a car accident does occur or an obstacle presents itself, the speeding driver is less likely to be able to avoid it.
Speeding is a serious problem on our roads, and it is one that every driver needs to take seriously. If you are caught speeding, you could face significant penalties, including a fine, points on your license and even jail time.
If you end up in an accident, searching through your local auto body shops may be the least of your concerns — you could be facing much more serious consequences like involuntary manslaughter.
So eliminate risky behaviors — always drive within the posted speed limit and never put yourself or others at risk by driving too fast. Speeding was a factor of 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2020 — don’t become one of them!
Top Unsafe Driving Behaviors (Besides Speeding)
Of course, speeding is far from the only unsafe driving behavior. Here are a few others that you should always avoid:
Distracted Driving
Phone use is perhaps the most common form of distracted driving, but it’s certainly not the only one. Eating, drinking, fiddling with the radio and even just daydreaming can all take your focus off the road and put you at risk of an accident.
Distracted driving can be just as dangerous — if not more so — than drunk driving, so always keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.
Reckless Driving
While speeding is technically considered reckless driving, there are other behaviors that can also fall under this category; weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating and running red lights are all dangerous ways to get from Point A to Point B.
Not only is reckless driving incredibly dangerous, but it’s also illegal. So play it safe and always drive the speed limit and obey all traffic laws.
Driving Under The Influence
Of course, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is never a good idea. These substances impair your driving ability and can easily cause accidents and/or death.
Drunk or drug impaired driving is one of the leading causes of accidents and fatalities on the road, so always make sure to have a designated driver if you’re going to be drinking.
Never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking or using any other substances, and always make sure to report any drivers you see who are driving erratically or look like they may be under the influence.