Drivers in Texas and New Mexico know how quickly conditions can change on the road. If you are one of them, you are likely familiar with harsh desert conditions, rural roads and stopped vehicles. When you encounter them, your driving speed can mean the difference between a close call and a terrible crash.
You may have underestimated how your speed is affecting your ability to stop. How does speeding affect your likelihood of getting into a crash?
Why speeding is a risk
Stopping a vehicle is not as simple as pressing down on a brake. You need to account for both reaction time (how fast you notice a hazard) and braking distance (how far your car travels after braking). As speed increases, both of these factors increase as well.
Real-world conditions in the Southwest make speeding incredibly risky for you. According to brake safety research, stopping distance needs to increase exponentially with speed. At 20 mph, your car needs 40 feet or more to come to a complete stop. At 40 mph, that distance shoots up to 120 feet. It may even increase under specific conditions such as wet or slippery roads.
Real legal consequences
Even if you do not get into a crash, there are legal consequences to speeding that you may not have thought about. Both Texas and New Mexico impose fines on drivers who do not follow speed limits. Failing to respond to a ticket or appear in court can lead to an arrest warrant for failure to appear. Additionally, going excessively over the speed limit often results in harsher penalties and fines.
Because higher speeds make avoiding accidents far more difficult, the consequences extend beyond your own vehicle. Other drivers, passengers and pedestrians can become involved in the aftermath of speeding. When this happens, you may have to pay damages according to your state’s liability laws.
For your protection
Speed limits are not just suggestions, but rather safety measures that account for roadway design, traffic patterns and known hazards. In court, a prosecutor can use speeding as evidence of negligence. It may work against you during liability and insurance disputes.
Navigating the complexities of insurance claims and liability requires professional guidance. Whether you are looking to recover damages or face liability lawsuits, you may want to consult a legal professional.