In Maryland, speeding is a factor in over 9,000 car accidents each year and accounts for 16 percent of all crash-related fatalities recorded in the state. This aggressive driving behavior endangers the safety of everyone on the roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 11,250 people in the U.S. were killed by speeding accidents in 2020. Each year, speeding accounts for approximately one-third of all motor vehicle deaths in the U.S.
The dangers of speeding
Besides the consequences of breaking the law, speeding increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle. Even traveling at the speed limit in unsafe conditions like bad weather can prove to be deadly. The risk of serious injury or death increases with higher speeds, doubling for every 10 mph over 50 mph. All the protective equipment for occupants in the car is less effective when speeding is involved. Speeding also requires more stopping distance to avoid collisions.
Speeding in Maryland
Speeding typically increases the severity of motor vehicle accidents and the severity of the resulting injuries. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, more than 57,000 citations were issued for motorists driving more than 20 mph over the speed limit during 2020. The state reported more than 7,500 crashes involving speeding during 2020. Over 3,000 people were injured and more than 100 people were killed in 2,200 of these speeding accidents.
Aggressive driving may be a response to traffic congestion, running late, the sense of detachment associated with being inside the vehicle, or a complete disregard for the law and the safety of others. However, the speed limits are based on safety engineers calculating lane width, straightness, road capacity and other factors the average driver is unlikely to consider.
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