Quote:
Originally Posted by comptiger5000
just the fact that they were going faster doesn't significantly increase the risk of something happening. Speed typically only causes accidents when driving beyond the limits of the driver and/or car under the current conditions. Otherwise, it only makes them worse when they happen.
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Actually, just going faster, even at low speeds, does significantly increase the risk of an accident. When travel speed increases by 1%, the injury crash rate increases by about 2%, the serious injury crash rate increases by about 3%, and the fatal crash rate increases by about 4%.
This is true even if the overall speed is not excessive, and even if the speed is legal.
"A pedestrian walks out into a crosswalk with an approaching car that is traveling at 30 mph. If the driver brakes when the pedestrian is 45 feet away, there will be enough space to stop without hitting the pedestrian. Now, increase the vehicle’s speed by just 5 mph, and the situation changes dramatically. At 35 mph and the pedestrian 45 feet away, the car will be traveling at 18 mph when it hits the pedestrian. A pedestrian accident at 18 mph can cause major injuries or even wrongful death."
Speeding is a Top Cause of Auto Accidents