Exceeding a posted speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions in New York can increase your risk of being involved in an accident. This is because you may have less time to stop or otherwise take evasive maneuvers in an emergency situation. According to data from the National Safety Council, there were 8,447 fatal traffic accidents in the U.S. caused by speeding in 2018.
Age and gender a role in speeding accidents
Data shows that male drivers were more likely to be speeding at the time of an accident compared to female drivers. Furthermore, drivers between the ages of 15 and 24 were more likely to be speeding at the time of a fatal accident compared to drivers in other age groups. There was also a correlation between a driver’s age and the likelihood that he or she was both impaired and driving at an excessive speed prior to a deadly wreck.
Poor road conditions can make speeding more dangerous
If a road is covered in ice, snow or mud, you could be at a higher risk of being involved in an accident. It was estimated that 45% of fatal crashes attributed to speeding that took place in 2018 occurred on roads covered by mud, dirt or gravel. Furthermore, 19% of fatal crashes that were attributed to excessive speed were on wet roads.
Speeding fatalities were down in 2018
In 2018, speeding was cited as the cause for 26% of all traffic fatalities. In 2010, 32% of traffic fatalities were caused by drivers who ignored a posted speed limit or drove too fast for road conditions. Speed is blamed for an accident if a driver is cited for speeding or if authorities say that a driver was racing just prior to a collision.
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a speeding motorist, consider taking legal action. A personal injury attorney can help you pursue a settlement.