Speeding
When you get behind the wheel, you have a ton of responsibility, literally. A vehicle weighs around 2,000 pounds. You control 2,000 pounds every time you drive.
Driving a 2,000 pound vehicle can get you safely to your destination. However, if you are careless, it will change the course of your life forever. It is your mode of transportation to get somewhere, or it becomes a weapon. You decide.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a crash on a road with a speed limit of 65 mph or greater is more than twice as likely to result in a fatality than a crash on a road with a speed limit of 45 or 50 mph and nearly five times as likely as a crash on a road with a speed limit of 40 mph or below. Only 15 percent of the nation’s speeding-related fatalities occurred on Interstate highways that year.
Driving above the posted speed limit or speeding in bad weather conditions dramatically increases the chances that a motorist will be involved in a crash. Any time a driver speeds, they put themselves, their passengers, and other drivers and pedestrians at tremendous risk.
Remember there is a reason for posted speed limits. Speed limits are designed to protect everyone – drivers, passengers, pedestrians – everyone! The next time you get behind the wheel, remember to obey the signs and help save lives.
What should you do?
- Leave plenty of time to reach your destination. You need to plan ahead, judge the amount of traffic and account for weather conditions that may slow your travel.
- Speed limits are set for a reason. Roads are engineered to accommodate that level of speed. Follow the posted speed limits.
- Arrive late. It's better than a ticket. It's certainly better than never arriving at all.