Going over the speed limit might be a quicker way to get where you need to be. But you need to ask yourself, is it really worth the risk? Here are some of the things that can happen with speed.
Losing Control of Your Car
The most obvious thing that can happen when you are speeding is that you will lose control of your vehicle. When this happens, you can slip, skid, or hit something or someone. Of course, your car can also roll over, end up in an embankment or even go off the edge of a cliff. In the best case, you may just have to deal with another driver’s auto accident lawyers. In the worst, you could be responsible for causing the death of someone else. So, is it worth it in the end?
Hitting a Pedestrian or Cyclist
Even the best driver can find it challenging to control a speeding car. And if you underestimate a turn or a closing distance, you could end up hitting someone. Often, this is a pedestrian minding their own business on the sidewalk. Or a cyclist happily navigating the roads. This is because when you speed and go over the recommended limit, your braking takes longer, and you need the reaction time of a professional racing driver. Which it is very unlikely you do not have.
Devastating Loss of Lives or Fatality
International research suggests that speeding is among the top causes of fatalities on the roads. Data concludes that around 30% of road deaths can be attributed to speeding. The consequences of speeding can be fatal. And the loss of someone is devastating to a family. But you will also have to live with a heavy burden on your shoulders. You could face prison time, ruin your life with a lifeline criminal record, and lose your own family in the process.
Increased Risk of Severe Injury
There are many reasons you might be speeding. But there aren’t many valid excuses. Unless it’s a matter of life and death, there really isn’t an excuse for this selfish act. If you are speeding and lose control, you might find you crash your car. And because you are going too fast, you are at a much greater risk of severe injury than if you were traveling at the recommended speed limit. Speed limits are scientifically worked out to minimize the damage of a resulting crash.
Penalties, Fines, and Justice
Of course, speeding is a crime. And it is rigorously enforced in most developed nations. If you are pulled over by the police for speeding, you could get a big fine, lose points on your license, or even be taken off the road. Additionally, you can face prison time for repeat offending. And your sentence will be longer if you hurt someone. For example, causing death by dangerous driving carries long sentences in some countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.
Summary
Your car is almost like a fast-moving weapon. And going over the speed limit has many risks. These include losing control of your car, causing death, and losing your driving license.