Many people assume that the danger of speeding comes from the fact that it’s harder to control the car. They could lose control, spin out, and crash into someone else or a stationary object on the side of the road.
Ironically, this is why some people feel safe speeding. They can feel that they are still in control of the car. Maybe they’re experienced speeders who do it all the time. They’re not worried about causing an accident, so they think it’s safe enough to speed.
What they need to remember is that the danger is about much more than just losing control of your own car. Speeding means that your reaction time gets way shorter when someone else makes a mistake. You may not be able to stop and avoid a crash, even if you didn’t cause it.
Say, for example, that a driver pulls out at a two-way stop when there isn’t enough room between the intersection and your car, which is on the road without a stop sign. If you’re obeying the speed limit, you may have three seconds to react, allowing you to slow down and swerve onto the shoulder.
If you’re speeding, though, you may only have a second, which could be barely enough time to reach for the brake. That driver made the exact same mistake, but now it’s a catastrophic accident.
It’s always wise to remember that other drivers are in charge of how safe you are on the road. That’s a risk you must face, and driving safely helps you avoid it. If you obey the limits and you still do get injured, though, you may have a right to compensation. An attorney can help you learn more.