Personal Injury Blog

As many as 50% of all American motorists believe that speeding is a major highway safety problem that threatens drivers on our roads. However, in the same breath, as many as one in five also admit that they often try to get to their destination as quickly as possible by driving as fast as they can.

The results come from a new survey by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The National Survey of Speeding Attitudes and Behavior confirmed that more than 50% of motorists believe that speeding is a problem, while one in five drivers admitted to speeding while driving.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding-related accidents contribute to as many as one- third of all traffic fatalities every year. Each year, as many as 10,000 people are killed in accidents caused by speeding motorists.

According to the survey, approximately 4 to 5 drivers believe that travelling at or near the speed limit is most ideal because it helps to avoid dangerous situations, and lowers the risks of an accident. About 91% of the motorists in the survey agree that speeding limits must be obeyed at all times because it is the law. 48% of the drivers believe that it is very important to help reduce the incidence of speeding on American roads.

However, as is the case with many driving-related behaviors among American motorists, knowledge doesn't necessarily translate into action. Many drivers in the study also admitted to speeding to get to their destination.

Speeding-related accidents are much more likely to end in fatalities compared to other types of accidents, because these are typically high-impact accidents. These accidents are not just more likely to result in fatalities, but also much more likely to end in catastrophic injuries, like brain injuries and spinal injuries.

Aggressive driving, which includes a number of driving practices that range all the way from speeding and tailgating to road rage, can seriously increase the risk of being involved in an accident. Unfortunately, such practices are fairly widespread on American roads. According to a new study by State Farm Insurance, younger drivers between the age of 16 and 29, and parents may be much more likely to drive aggressively.

According to the study, 44% of drivers reported driving aggressively over the past three months. Among younger drivers in the age group of 18 and 29, 32% reported driving aggressively, while in the age group of 30 to 49, 20% admitted to aggressive driving. Among parents, the rate of aggressive driving was 30%.

Men seemed to be much more prone to aggressive driving compared to women. Approximately 54% of the motorists in the report claimed that men were much more likely to drive aggressively, compared to a rate of just one in 10 motorists, who reported women to be much more aggressive drivers. Some driving situations seemed to be much more likely to trigger aggressive driving. For instance, 60% of drivers reported aggressive driving in traffic jams, while 55% reported they drove aggressively when they were running late. Approximately 47% admitted to driving aggressively when they came across road closures or highway construction.

There are many forms of aggressive driving. For instance, one of the most common signs of an aggressive driver is driving at excessive speeds. Speeding contributes to approximately one -third of all car accident fatalities in the United States. A frequent cause of accidents is California is tailgating, and this is another practice frequently displayed by aggressive motorists.

According to a new study by State Farm, many motorists out there will not exactly be full of joy and cheer this holiday season. Many of these motorists, in fact, are likely to be driving aggressively, increasing the risks of an accident that could injure themselves and other drivers.

According to the State Farm study, many people admit to feeling more aggressive over the holidays. Approximately 32% of the motorists in the study admitted that they were much more likely to become aggressive over the season. The study identified drivers below the age of 49 and parents as being at the highest at risk for aggressive driving. Parents are especially likely to feel pressure over the holidays, as they make travel plans, hunt for the perfect gift, and travel with cranky children.

Aggressive driving is most likely to be manifested in excessive speeding. The Governors Highway Safety Association recommends that more states invest in anti-aggressive driving enforcement, and not so much on anti-speeding enforcement initiatives, which tend to be less popular with the motoring public.

Over the next few days, try to put all distractions and stresses out of your mind when you're behind the wheel. Many motorists tend to drag their emotional baggage into the car with them, not realizing that it can be dangerous to do so. If you're travelling long-distance with children, try to pack enough toys, activities and games to help them relax while you drive. Practice breathing techniques when you begin to get stressed, and avoid getting into hostile situations with other motorists on the road. Stay at safe speeds. Set off for your destination with plenty of time to spare to avoid the need to drive at high speeds. Avoid being too hard on yourself, and relax-it is the holidays after all.