The Link Between Speeding And Car Accidents

Maybe you’re running late, maybe you have a mild case of road rage or maybe you just like to put the pedal to the metal. Inevitably, the need for speed possesses us each of us at one time or another. Before you hit that accelerator, take into consideration how speeding increases your chances of getting into a car accident.

Scientific research shows that the average driver's reaction time is around one-and-a-half seconds. Believe it or not, even only going a mere three miles an hour over the speed limit nearly doubles your risk for an accident. Also consider that you or likely fiddling with your radio, answering a phone call on your cell phone or eating a snack and all of a sudden your reaction time doubles to three seconds or more.

Your speed can also affect other factors as well which may hinder your capability to react quickly.

Braking distance: Braking distance varies depending on road conditions, the inclineof the street, your tire conditions and, of course, your speed. According to physics, your braking distance is proportional to the square of your actual speed. That means that the faster you are driving then the distance reauired to stop is directly affected.

Control and handling: The faster you are driving, the less likely you are to be in full control of your automobile. Another fact of physics comes to mind: Newton’s First Law of Motion which states that an object in motion stays in motion.

Inertia is the resistance that makes it difficult for an object to change its state of rest or direction of motion. This is the reason a person will keep moving after their car stops abruptly unless they are restrained by a seatbelt. In order to counter inertia you must apply force. An example of applying force is turning your steering wheel. The faster you are moving, the greater the force is between you tires and the road. And the more likely you it is that you will lose control of your car. Faster speeds also increase the likelihood that a driver will over or under turn.

Not only does a speeding ticket greatly increase your insurance rates, but it raises your chances of an getting into a car accident. Even if you are a top-notch driver with a clean record, you can never account for other people’s driving skills.

So ease your foot off the gas pedal and you will see your accident potential drop dramatically!