Why do speeding cars cause so much more damage in a Fort Pierce car crash?

We all know the feeling: you’re late for work, and no one’s on the road. The speed limit is 35, but you could go so much faster. Would anyone really get hurt?

Unfortunately, yes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is the leading cause of car crashes nationwide. Victims of Fort Pierce high-speed collisions are more likely to suffer severe-even fatal-injuries.

How does speeding increase the chances of a fatal car accident in Fort Pierce?

• Increases the stopping distance. The time it takes to brake is directly related to the car’s speed. While there’s no way to get around basic physics, posted speed limits have taken stopping distances into effect. Lower speeds in densely populated areas greatly reduce the injury rates in Fort Pierce auto accidents, but only if drivers obey the signs.
• Sharpened curves. Anyone who has ever taken a curve too quickly knows how much speeding can affect a lazy roadway. Although the turn may seem small, increased speed causes the vehicle to be thrown sideways-a common cause of rollover accidents.
• Extended reaction time. At faster speeds, a driver will cover more distance while taking time to react to any danger, such as a red light, stopped car, or wildlife crossing the roadway.
• Increased momentum. Heavy vehicles are particularly dangerous when speeding. Not only are they more likely to cause accidents, they are also likely to cause more damage from the force of the impact. The braking force may not be enough to stop a vehicle, and the car may only stop when it collides with another object.
• Runaway steering. Most road vehicles are built to perform best under 100 mph. When they approach higher speeds, the cars react differently to controls: the steering wheel shakes, and a slight twitch to the wheel will change course immediately. High winds can even lift speeding cars, since the forward thrust decreases the pull of gravity.
• Obstructions on the road. A car traveling even five miles over the speed limit will have trouble maneuvering around objects in the road-including pedestrians in the roadway. Speed limits are lower in construction zones for exactly this reason.

As experienced Fort Pierce car accident attorneys, we know the damage high-speed car wrecks can cause. Don’t let a reckless driver back on the road! If someone you love was injured in an accident with a speeding driver, call Fetterman & Associates today.