Just about every traffic safety professional and first responder will tell you that a leading cause of death on our roads is speeding. According to the National Highway and Traffic Administration (NHTSA), it accounts for nearly one-third of all fatal U.S. crashes.
Despite everything we know about the dangers of speeding, according to one Florida sheriff, the problem is getting worse instead of better. The Volusia County sheriff says his officers are seeing an increasing number of drivers exceeding 100 miles per hour.
The problem certainly isn’t limited to one Florida county. This spring, officers in Polk County chased a driver who reached a speed of 130 mph on Interstate 4. In another case in Volusia County, officers chased a motorcyclist going approximately 145 mph.
The sheriff traces the problem back a few years to when many schools and businesses were closed, and people were largely remaining indoors. He says that since that time, “there has been an absolute disregard for traffic laws, traffic safety, irresponsible driving.”
An extra 10 mph can double the chance of a fatal crash
A driver doesn’t have to be going over 100 mph to create a danger to others on (or near) the road. According to the Florida Safety Council, the risk of a crash becoming fatal doubles with every additional 10 mph. The faster a vehicle is moving, the longer it takes to stop. That famous “3-second rule” may work if you’re going 50 miles an hour, but you need more space to stop without hitting the car in front of you if you’re going over that.
Even if vehicles around you are speeding, you can help protect yourself and your passengers by maintaining a safe speed. Just be sure to stay out of the left lane so that drivers can pass you if they choose to.
Of course, that won’t help if the person behind you is speeding or a speeding driver loses control and moves into your lane. If you’ve been injured by a speeding or otherwise reckless or negligent driver, remember that you have the right to hold them accountable for compensation to help cover medical bills and other expenses and damages. Learn more about your rights and how to maximize that compensation.