Decreased Reaction Time from Speeding
November 2024
Speeding significantly impacts a driver's reaction time and the ability to avoid collisions on the roadway. At higher speeds, the brain requires more time to process the visual information it receives. The time to process information is important to recognize potential dangers and threats and take appropriate action. Further, speeding prolongs the time it takes for a driver to physically move their foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal. The increased time for a motor response delays the application of the brakes.
The faster a vehicle travels the longer it takes for the vehicle to stop. The braking distance of a car increases exponentially with the speed the vehicle is travelling, as compared to linearly. Therefore, a vehicle traveling 60 mph in a 40 mph zone requires nearly twice as far to stop as compared to a vehicle driving the speed limit.
Speed limits exist for a reason. The designers of the road and engineers came up with the speed limit to keep everyone travelling on the road safe. When the speeds of vehicles go over the speed limit, the road becomes more dangerous for everyone.
If you have been injured due to a speeding vehicle, take the tme to find experienced trial counsel.