(COLO) – Speeding remains a leading cause of traffic crashes in Colorado and increases the severity of injuries when a crash occurs. Last year, Colorado State Troopers investigated over 560 fatal and injury crashes that involved a speeding driver.
“There are people out there convinced that speeding is not a public risk and simply a way for law enforcement agencies to generate revenue,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “While these same people want to think of their crime as a ‘technical one’, their actions increase the chance of a crash and elevate the overall damage caused. The higher the speed the greater the momentum.”
Crash investigators determine if speed was a factor in a crash by analyzing physical evidence like skid marks, the extent of vehicle damage, debris patterns, and taking witness accounts. As speed increases, the severity of injuries also rises, sometimes resulting in death.
What are the Real Risks of Speed
Increased Likelihood of Crashes
- Reduced Reaction Time: At higher speeds, drivers have less time to react to sudden changes in traffic, pedestrians, or merging vehicles. This significantly increases the chances of collisions. For example, traveling at 60 mph instead of 50 mph cuts your reaction time by 20%.
- Challenging Maneuvers: Speeding makes handling turns, curves, and emergencies harder. The vehicle's stability is compromised, raising the risk of losing control.
Extended Stopping Distances
- Longer Braking Distance: As speed increases, so does the distance required to stop. At 60 mph, your car needs about 240 feet to come to a complete stop, compared to 180 feet at 50 mph. This makes it difficult to avoid obstacles or sudden stops.
Severity of Injuries
- Greater Impact Force: High-speed collisions result in more severe injuries due to the increased impact force. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the risk of severe injury or death increases significantly with each 10 mph increment over the speed limit.
- Compromised Safety Features: At higher speeds, safety features like seatbelts and airbags are less effective, increasing the risk of severe injuries.
“Speeding not only endangers the driver, but also every other pedestrian and driver in the area,” explained Col. Packard. “Rolling the dice by speeding isn’t consensual with motorists around you. It’s a violation of the law.”
Troopers are taking a low-tolerance approach to the top fatal crash factors, including lane violations and speeding while launching a three-month campaign called “Stop Speeding.” This campaign wants every Colorado driver to break the myth that speeding is a “victimless crime” and encourages you to drive like a trooper is riding with you.
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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the Governor and other dignitaries’ protection, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more.