Why You Should Slow Down When Behind the Wheel

According to one news article published lately by Local 10 News, Ryan Newman has no memories of the devastating February 2020 accident on the final lap of the Daytona 500 that led to him suffering from head injuries. The NASCAR driver has made a remarkable recovery after being bumped from behind by another driver which caused him to crash into the wall before his vehicle went airborne and was then hit again. Interestingly, the coronavirus pandemic allowed Newman to have the time he needed to focus on recovering and he only missed three races while healing. He has now returned to racing just a few months after his accident.

How Dangerous is Speeding?

As demonstrated by the circumstances outlined above, things don’t always go as expected when vehicles are traveling at high speeds even when some of the best professionals are involved. And unfortunately, they often go even worse when nonprofessionals climb behind the wheel of a car and accelerate to speeds that go beyond posted speed limits.

Statistics indicate that speeding is best left on racetracks and outside of the highways and roads that we all use to transport ourselves and our families from place to place. According to the National Safety Council, speeding was a factor in 26 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2018. This preventable behavior led to almost 9,400 Americans losing their lives that year, which equates to an astounding average of over 25 people per day.

What Other Factors Should Be Considered in Regard to Operating a Vehicle at High Speeds?

It is clear from the statistics that an increase in average speed is related to both the likelihood of a crash occurring and to the severity of the consequences of the crash. However, in addition to understanding how devastating the consequences can be, it is also imperative for drivers to understand exactly how speeding affects a driver’s ability to maintain control of the vehicle. Other factors that should be considered include the following:

• It’s much more difficult to brake if you need to because driver reaction time is drastically reduced when speeding
• You’ll have to travel a greater distance before the car itself stops because the vehicle is traveling so fast
• It is much more difficult for a driver to safely maneuver the vehicle around curbs, curves, and unexpected objects in the road

Have You or Someone You Love Been Injured in an Accident Caused by a Speeding Driver?

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in an accident that was not your fault because you suspect that another driver was speeding, it may be possible to seek compensation from the responsible parties. You have a legal right to protect yourself and your family financially in regard to your injury losses and expenses, including medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. We offer the help you need and you can depend on us as the Miami personal injury attorneys at the Pendas Law Firm. Reach out to us for help today.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Jacksonville, Ocala, Bradenton, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Tampa and Daytona Beach areas.

Resources:

injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/motor-vehicle-safety-issues/speeding/

local10.com/sports/2020/05/14/newman-eager-to-race-again-after-violent-daytona-accident/

https://www.pendaslaw.com/the-right-things-to-know-about-wrong-way-accidents/