In the year 2016, more than a quarter of all traffic accident deaths in the United States involved the use of excessive speed. In 2017, 268 individuals were killed by speeding-related accidents in Texas alone.

In the following sections, you’ll learn how speeding accidents happen, what kinds of damage they can cause, and how victims of such crashes can get help from a Houston personal injury lawyer.

Why Do Drivers Speed?

There are numerous explanations people give for speeding, whether it’s that they’re running late, they’re trying to beat traffic, they can’t be caught if everyone else is doing it, too, or they simply don’t think exceeding the speed limit is a big deal. For some, speeding might be a secondary aspect of driving while intoxicated. Whatever the excuse, it is always selfish to put others at risk.

Speeding Risks and Repercussions

The following are just some of the possible repercussions of speeding:

  • Vehicle and property damage: Cars, buildings, and other property damaged in the accident can cost thousands of dollars to repair or replace.
  • Higher insurance costs:  Texans with a speeding offense on their records see an average annual insurance rate increase of $586.
  • Fines and jail time: Texas drivers caught speeding can be fined somewhere between $130 and $300, and may even face up to 30 days in jail for reckless driving.
  • Injuries and fatalities: The severity of injuries and the risk of death increase dramatically with increases in speed. A pedestrian hit at 40 mph has a 20% lower chance of surviving than a pedestrian hit at 30 mph.

How to Prevent (and Avoid) Speeding Accidents

Try the following tips to avoid becoming the victim (or the perpetrator) of a speed-related crash.

Use Cruise Control

If you tend to speed without realizing it, start using cruise control. Available in most vehicles today, cruise control allows you to set a speed that your car will automatically adjust to maintain.

Give Yourself More Lead Time

Always running late? Make it a point to leave earlier and give yourself more time. If you plan for possibilities like traffic, GPS problems, and missed exits, you won’t feel pressured to speed to make up for them.

Adjust Your Driving Accordingly

Although it’s natural to try to keep up with those around you, it’s better to give space to drivers who are speeding. Similarly, don’t let aggressive drivers goad you into dangerous situations. Do your best to let them pass, give them space, or steer your vehicle away from them. If a speeding driver is harassing you, call the police.

Hurt in an Accident Involving Excessive Speed? Johnson Garcia LLP Can Help

If you or a loved one have been involved in a speed-related crash, it’s time to enlist the help of a Houston car accident lawyer from a firm with more than 30+ years of combined experience. Call Johnson Garcia LLP today at (832) 844-6700 to schedule a free initial consultation.