Reflect on the last few times you’ve been behind the wheel. You’ve likely seen or experienced the disruption caused by a speeding driver. It’s also likely you’ve seen the consequences of those dangerous actions. Despite the widespread awareness of its dangers, speeding continues to be a major cause of traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities –especially when it comes to commercial vehicle accidents.
In 2022 alone, nearly 11,000 fatal crashes listed speeding as a contributory factor. Out of those incidents, 21.16% of those crashes involved large trucks.
Speed is a notorious threat on the roads. When paired with the immense weight and size of commercial trucks, those risks skyrocket. At The Law Firm for Truck Safety, we've witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of speeding on road safety and the catastrophic injuries a speeding semi driver can cause.
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No other law firm knows trucks quite like us. Our trucking law expertise and trial experience allow us to win multi-million-dollar results year after year.
Involved in a Crash?
Our team of truck accident attorneys works tirelessly to help your family find justice in the wake of a catastrophic truck crash.
The Stark Statistics of Speed-Related Incidents
Speeding consistently ranks among the top contributors of motor vehicle crashes, on average playing a contributory role in about 28% of fatal crashes each year.
Speeding also carries the reputation of a practice relegated to highways and interstates, where long stretches of road and extended visibility tempt drivers to push the limits of just how fast they can go. However, contrary to what might be expected, the data tells a very different story with a surprising 87% of speeding-related fatalities occurring on non-interstate roadways.
Commercial Trucks: A Different Breed on the Road
Unlike the passenger vehicles we use daily, large trucks are different—they are heavier, larger, and inherently more challenging to control. A semi-truck weighing up to 80,000 pounds traveling at 75 mph poses a significantly greater threat than a sedan traveling at the same speed due to its mass and maneuverability challenges. When these vehicles speed and subsequently crash, the damage inflicted is disproportionately severe.
Take for example an average sedan that weighs about 2,000 pounds. Traveling at just 35mph, this vehicle carries a peak impact force of 14.6kN (3,277 pounds)*.
A semi-trailer going at the same speed carries a peak impact force of 582.9kN (131,073 pounds). This is nearly 40 times the impact force of a car. Even at this slower, commonly traveled speed, this additional force turns a crash that would have likely resulted in severe injury into one that is deadly.
*The calculations are based on an assumed collision distance of 50 feet over a time interval of 3 seconds. Notwithstanding variations in the change in velocity (Δv), the ratio of force exerted between the two vehicles remains consistent, as the only variable in force calculation is the weight.
Does Speeding Really Save Time?
The short answer is no.
Technically speaking, speeding has the potential to reduce the time it takes to travel from point A to point B, however, the time saved is often negligible, and it is never worth the risk. A study conducted by the US Army on a 15-mile journey showed that driving 10 miles over the speed limit would only save about 3 minutes at 50mph compared to 60 mph. And of course, as speed increases, the time saved becomes even less significant.
The reality is that speeding might look appealing on paper, but any perceived time savings from speeding are likely to be negated by factors inherent to typical driving conditions like traffic delays, getting stuck at red lights, being stopped by a train or school bus, weather, and the like.
When considering the risks associated with speeding, such as the increased potential for accidents and the severity of such incidents, it simply doesn't make sense.
At the end of the day, the most precious cargo we all carry is our life. Speeding increases the dangers not only to the driver but also to other road users, making the practice both inefficient and hazardous.
Curious How Time Savings Stack Up (or Don't)?
See how much time you stand to save by speeding. The answer may surprise you.
What are the Adverse Effects of Speeding?
When trucks exceed speed limits, the reaction time relative to the distance covered is significantly reduced. Given their size and weight, trucks are inherently more challenging to maneuver than passenger vehicles, which is why truck drivers are required to obtain special licenses.
If an unexpected hazard emerges on the road, a speeding semi-truck has considerably less opportunity to stop or maneuver safely to avoid the obstacle. Consequently, speeding commercial vehicles pose a higher risk of causing deadly rear-end collisions, rollovers, and jackknifes.
In the most severe scenarios, excessive speed can lead a truck driver to overcorrect, potentially crossing into oncoming traffic and causing catastrophic multi-vehicle head-on collisions
A speeding semi-truck can cause crashes by:
- Dislodging cargo, causing load securement hazards.
- Work-zone crashes by failing to slow. Sometimes speeding is caused not by the intention to travel over the speed listed, but by failing to see and adjust to the zones of slower speeds, by areas like school and construction zones.
- Distracted truck drivers are more likely to speed because they have lost focus on the road in front of them.
- The higher the speed, the longer it takes for a truck to stop, which can be critical in preventing accidents.
Correlated Safety Concerns
Unsafe drivers tend to exhibit risky behavior across multiple aspects of driving, not just in isolation. In fact, studies have consistently shown that speeding not only correlates with but also significantly amplifies the risks associated with other dangerous driving practices.
For example, a 2021 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) found that over half (51%) of the speeding drivers of passenger vehicles were not using restraints at the time of the crashes, compared to 23% among non-speeding drivers.
Among speeding drivers involved in fatal crashes, 32% did not have valid driver's licenses at the time of the crash.
Similar trends are also seen with alcohol impairment. According to a July 2023 report on speeding statistics from the Department of Transportation, 37% of drivers involved in fatal speeding-related crashes had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of 0.08 g/dL or higher. This rate more than doubles that of non-speeding drivers.
This pattern suggests a pervasive attitude of negligence among certain drivers who pose a significant threat to all road users. And truck drivers are not immune to this fact. Regardless of whether speeding is a correlation or causation of other dangerous driving behaviors, it’s clear that there is a critical need to curb the speeding epidemic on US roads.
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What Can Be Done to Curb Speeding?
Addressing the problem of speeding among commercial drivers requires a comprehensive approach. Utilizing a truck's speed limiter –sometimes referred to as a speed governor – is essential to combat the risks associated with speeding.
With no cost associated with implementing, many trucking companies currently utilize this life-saving technology, but there are still many that do not. Enhanced regulatory oversight will be essential to ensure widespread adoption.
In addition to speed limiters, new technologies such as GPS tracking and ISA (Intelligent Speed Assistance) are emerging tools that can be used to enforce speed limits and promote safe driving.
Nevertheless, educating and adequately training truck drivers about the dangers of speeding remains the most effective tool we have to reduce and prevent speed-related truck accidents.
Speed Limits Aren't Just Rules, They Are Life Savers.
Road safety is not just a personal issue; it's a shared responsibility that demands a shift in our attitude towards traffic laws. And speeding is no exception. Whatever thrills one may feel from speeding are vastly outweighed by the potential for devastating, irreversible consequences.
At The Law Firm for Truck Safety, our truck accident attorneys urge everyone to stay informed and proactive by obeying traffic laws and educating those in their communities about the realities of speeding. Because, when looking at the data, the risks involved far surpass any perceived benefits.
If you or someone you love has been impacted by a speeding-related incident involving a commercial motor vehicle, we are here to help. Connect with our legal team today to explore your options for seeking justice and compensation.
Together, both inside and outside of the courtroom, we drive meaningful change and enhance road safety for everyone.
Additional Resources
- https://www.gigacalculator.com/calculators/impact-force-calculator.php
- https://www.shouldispeed.com/
- https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813473.pdf
- https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/motor-vehicle-safety-issues/speeding/
- https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813560
- https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/safety-topics/speeding
- https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safespeed
