When it comes to motor vehicle accidents, there are many different variables that affect the severity of the injuries people involved will sustain.
Some of these factors are related to the vehicle, such as vehicle size, the shape of the vehicle, and how effective it is at absorbing impact strategy; some factors are related to the surrounding environment, such as the characteristics of the vehicle of object being hit, the conditions where the accident took place, and the effectiveness of the medical treatment being offered.
But by far the most studied variable is speed.
It’s been shown that vehicle speed will typically have the largest effect on the severity of injuries sustained in an accident. This article will look into this relationship and show how different vehicle speeds lead to different outcomes in a motor vehicle accident.
Do Faster Driving Speeds Lead to More Severe Car Accidents?
According to studies conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and the Humanetics Group, even marginal increases in vehicle speeds have shown to increase the severity of accidents and the risk of severe injury or death.
Crash tests were studied at three different impact speeds: 40, 50, and 56 MPH and a direct correlation between speed increase and injury and accident severity was proven.
In addition, it was found that the higher the speed of a vehicle is before a crash, the less likely it is that it would be able to brake and get down to a survivable speed before the impact.
What Happens When You Crash at High Speed?
Two main things constitute the relationship between speed and safety. The first being the increase in the severity at a crash the higher the speed of the vehicle involved was. The second being the increase of the risk of crashing the higher the speed the vehicle is traveling in.
The laws of physics and kinetic energy make the human body extremely vulnerable in the event of a crash at high speed.
There are many risks associated with speeding, they mainly include:
- The lower effect of safety features such as seat belts, air bags, and collision-avoidance technologies.
- The loss over the control of the vehicle.
- The large increase in the distance needed to stop or slow down.
- The increase in injury and fatality rates.
Although motor vehicle manufacturers have been optimizing the safety of cars and trucks for many years, when two or more vehicles weighing thousands of pounds collide, the results could truly be catastrophic for passengers riding in these vehicles.
Some of the most common injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Broken bones.
- Internal organ damage.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Crushing injuries.
- Loss of limbs.
- Internal bleeding.
- Nerve damage.
- And the list continues…
According to Chicago car accident attorneys Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, the injuries that could be sustained in a motor vehicle crash can be severe and life-altering. In some cases, medical care may be necessary for many years following a serious accident.
Do Slow-Traveling Cars Cause Accidents?
At this point we’ve established the risks and consequences of high-speed driving, but there are also many risks involved with slow-driving.
Research and studies looking into the relationship between speed and car accidents shows a U-shaped crash curve. Meaning motor vehicles traveling above and below the average speed both increase the risk of accidents taking place.
Although the risk of slow-driving vehicles is minimal in comparison, it’s definitely worth noting. Vehicles driving well below the average speed cause more congestion and confusion on the road that contributes to a number of accidents every year.
How to Stay Safe on The Road
Focus on the road and avoid distractions
Distracted driving is one of the key causes of car accidents worldwide.
When driving, keep your full attention on driving and the road ahead of you. Do not use your mobile device or try to multitask while driving. This alone would lower your risk of getting in an accident and getting hurt or contributing to other people’s injuries in an accident.
Learn defensive driving
Assume everyone driving around you is a new driver. This automatically makes you more alert to drivers around you and you will be more ready to avoid an accident if a driver around you does something crazy or unorthodox.
Keep ample space between you and the vehicle in front of you to be able to brake in time should they suddenly apply the brakes out of nowhere.
Follow the rules of the road
This includes following the posted speed limits. Speed limits are created for a reason, and that is to minimize the chances of people getting into accidents and causing injuries to themselves and others.
Always slow down if you see construction workers ahead on the road. This could add a minute or more to your commute, but you’ll be thankful if you’ve avoided a serious accident that might have life-long consequences.
Never drive while intoxicated
This should go without saying but we’ll still mention it because it’s essential.
NEVER drive while under the influence of anything. It is extremely dangerous even if you believe you’re fine to drive. The risks associated with driving under the influence are extremely high.