Key Observations About Speeding Tendencies And Dangerous Driving

You know speeding is dangerous, and you also know it’s incredibly common. Why aren’t people more careful? One study looked at numerous drivers in Texas and Seattle to track their habits and learn more, and it revealed a number of key facts.

First of all, many people who broke the speed limit did not do so all of the time, but just when outside factors entered the equation. For example, a driver may usually be safe and conscious of his or her speed and then push the limits after waking up late and running behind during a morning commute.

Older drivers did not speed as often as younger drivers. This was true overall, regardless of most other factors. That said, gender did appear to play a role. Young men typically sped more than young women.

One very interesting factor was family influence. For example, some drivers reported that individuals that they cared about — a mother, father or spouse, for instance — thought that breaking the speed limit was wrong. These drivers did not speed as often.

Finally, confidence may play a role. Drivers who were speeding more often also did not report other driving mistakes as much. The inference from the study is that these people thought they drove well and were confident behind the wheel, perhaps leading them to speed because they thought they could do so safely.

Overall, the study shows that speeding isn’t just ignorance of the law or a casual disregard. A lot of variables factor in and influence a driver to break that limit. When this causes accidents, no matter why the driver was negligent and put others at risk, those who are hurt may need to look into their rights to compensation.

Source: The Regulatory Review, “Why Do Drivers Speed?,” Alix McKenna, accessed Aug. 30, 2017