Speed limits exist in cities like Albuquerque, New Mexico, for a reason. Unfortunately, they’re often taken as suggestions rather than hard-and-fast limitations. The result: avoidable car accidents that cause serious injuries and death. In fact, speeding contributes to 40 percent of New Mexico’s fatal car accidents every year - 14 percent higher than the national average.
Why is Speeding So Dangerous?
When a driver exceeds the speed limit or drives too fast for road and weather conditions, the following things can happen:
Vehicles Need More Time and Distance to Stop
The faster a vehicle is traveling, the more time it will need to come to a complete stop. When a speeding driver has to slam on their brakes suddenly, the chances that they’ll have enough time and space to stop their vehicle safely are low - especially when roads are wet or icy.
Drivers Are More Likely to Lose Control
Cars become more difficult to handle when a driver speeds. This is particularly true when a motorist needs to navigate curves on a highway, make turns, or execute sudden maneuvers when there’s an obstacle or change in traffic patterns. Speed significantly increases the risk of a vehicle rollover, particularly for SUVs and other vehicles with high centers of gravity.
Drivers Suffer From Reduced Reaction Times
Driving too fast will limit the amount of time a driver has to react to stopped traffic, obstructions in the road, and other unexpected events. Many times, drivers have to make split-second decisions behind the wheel. Speed limits a driver’s ability to make the best possible decision and execute it safely - especially when a speeding driver is also distracted, drowsy, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Speeding Accidents Tend to Be Catastrophic
Consider this: you can suffer serious injuries in a crash when vehicles are traveling between 5 and 10 MPH at the time of impact. Now, consider what kind of damage can occur when one or more vehicles are traveling 60 MPH, 70 MPH, 80 MPH, or faster.
When there’s a collision, the speed at which vehicles are traveling creates a force. That force is transferred to the vehicles and, by extension, the passengers inside.
Speeding car accidents in Albuquerque regularly cause life-changing injuries such as:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Nerve damage
- Amputation
- Burn injury
- Back injury
- Neck injury
- Internal organ damage
- Catastrophic injury
- Crushing injury
- Wrongful death
The higher the speed, the greater the force. The greater the force, the more serious the injuries. This is one of the reasons why so many car accident fatalities are linked to excessive speeds.
Demand Compensation After a Speeding Car Accident in Albuquerque
Motorists in Albuquerque have a legal responsibility to drive safely. When they speed, they breach the duty of care owed to other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. If a speeding driver causes a car accident or truck accident in Albuquerque, they should be held accountable for their negligence.
If you’ve been injured because of a speeding driver in Albuquerque, call Singleton Schreiber. Our Albuquerque, NM car accident lawyers can help you fight for the justice you deserve. We’re fearless advocates who’ve helped clients win over $2.5 Billion in monetary awards.
Discover the impact we can have in your life after a speeding accident by calling our Albuquerque injury attorneys today.
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