We are all used to hearing about the dangers of drunk or distracted driving on Texas roadways. While these are dangerous behaviors that cause deadly accidents, there are other dangerous driving behaviors that are sometimes overlooked.
Speeding continues to be a major problem in Texas. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there was a 7.4% increase in speed-related deaths in 2021, compared to 2020.
Why speeding is so dangerous
Speeding increases the chance of an accident for many different reasons. When you speed, you have less time to react to something happening on the road, such as a car pulling out in front of you or a red light.
Additionally, speeding increases the chance that you will lose control of your vehicle while making a sharp turn or changing lanes.
Many drivers keep driving at the posted speed limit during poor weather conditions, but this is also speeding and a form of aggressive driving. When roads conditions are bad due to weather or road work, driving safely means driving under the speed limit.
What causes speeding?
Speeding is a problem for all drivers on the road, including both car and truck drivers. There are many reasons why you may speed. You might be in a hurry, tired or in a bad mood, which can make you drive more aggressively.
Truck drivers may also speed if they need to make a deadline and are running behind schedule. This creates an especially dangerous situation since an accident with a truck usually involves serious or deadly injuries.
How to handle speeding drivers
You can usually spot speeding drivers on the road easily. Do your best to avoid them. Let them get ahead of you or go around you, and do not try to match their aggressiveness.
Speeding is negligent behavior, and establishing negligence in court could result in compensation for your injuries or other losses. Getting evidence of how fast the other driver was going at the time of the accident can help you prove your case.
