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The role of speeding in California vehicle accidents

Motor vehicle accidents happen every day in California, causing property damage, personal injury and fatalities. Most accidents happen due to a variety of poor driving behaviors.

Speeding remains one of the leading causes of damaging accidents in the state.

High number of speed-related crashes

Information from the California Office of Traffic Safety shows the role speeding plays in serious traffic accidents in the state. In recent years, speeding resulted in an average of just over 1,000 fatalities on California roads. This put California in second place in the nation for the highest rate of speed-related deaths.

A further breakdown of the data shows the primary factors for speed-related crashes in the state. The following types of accidents caused the majority of motor vehicle accidents in which authorities identified speed as a major factor:

  • Rear-end collision
  • Hitting an object
  • Overturned vehicle
  • Broadside collision
  • Head-on crash

These types of accidents result in both fatalities and injuries. High rates of speed on the roads often increase the severity of a crash.

High risk of serious accidents

The COTS identifies the main reasons speeding takes such a high toll in the state and the nation. Drivers who exceed the posted speed limits experience a reduced ability to safely navigate curves, steer around objects in the road, stop quickly and react to dangerous situations.

Speeding drivers also tend to engage in additional risky behaviors such as driving under the influence of alcohol and not wearing seatbelts. These factors increase the chance of a serious road accident.

Records show that speeding continues to result in too many serious accidents on California roads. A legal inquiry after a crash often reveals the true responsibility for an accident.

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