While there are many dangerous things that can be done while driving, one dangerous activity that drivers may not think about is speeding. Even though traveling over the speed limit is dangerous, speeding is the most common traffic conviction in the state of Wisconsin. In 2014 alone, there were more than 142,000 convictions for driving over the speed limit as well as around 7,500 convictions for driving at imprudent speed or too fast for conditions. These numbers show that speeding is prevalent in Wisconsin, but we should work to reduce speeding as it is dangerous and increases the likelihood of being involved in an accident.

Driving over the speed limit or too fast for weather conditions can be deadly. In 2014, car accidents where speed was a factor killed 163 people and caused injuries to more than 8,000 people in Wisconsin. Out of all the traffic fatalities in 2014, speed contributed to around 33 percent of them. These statistics show that speed can greatly increase the risk of being involved in an accident that can cause injuries or even fatalities.

Speeding can also contribute to other hazardous. Speeding causes drivers to have less control of their vehicle. By reducing the speed they are traveling at, drivers will have more control of their vehicle, which will help to prevent things such as rollover crashes. Speeding also reduces the amount of time and distance that you have to avoid a collision with another vehicle. If you are in an accident, the higher the speed the more violent the accident. The higher someone’s speed is in the event of a crash, the higher the chance of the crash being fatal.

Because of all the risks associated with speeding, it should be avoided. Drivers should also drive the appropriate speed for weather conditions. By ensuring that we drive in accordance with the speed limit and weather conditions, we can make the roadways safer not only for ourselves, but for others as well.