How Speeding Contributes to Serious Injuries in Arizona Car Crashes

Get no B.S. legal help after a speeding accident in Arizona

Speeding is so common that many drivers barely give it a second thought. But traveling above the posted limit or too fast for conditions is more than just a traffic infraction. It’s one of the leading causes of severe crashes and fatalities.

Speed contributes to roughly one‑third of all traffic deaths. In Arizona, where wide highways and long stretches of open road tempt drivers to accelerate, speeding remains a major factor in catastrophic car accidents.

How does speed increase crash severity?

Speed doesn’t just raise the odds of getting into a crash – it also makes the consequences far worse. The faster a vehicle moves, the less margin drivers have for error and the more force the human body and vehicle must absorb on impact. Here’s how speed compounds the risks:

Less reaction time

At higher speeds, drivers have fewer precious seconds to react. Spotting a hazard, hitting the brakes, or steering out of danger all take time, and that time shrinks dramatically when speed increases.

A sudden lane change, a child running into the street, or an unexpected stop by the car ahead can easily turn into a collision when reaction time is cut short.

Longer stopping distances

Speed also stretches out stopping distances. Even with advanced braking systems, a car traveling at 70 mph needs far more roadway to come to a complete stop than one moving at 40 mph.

On crowded highways or busy intersections, those extra feet can make the difference between a close call and a serious crash.

Exponential crash energy

Crash physics aren’t linear – doubling speed doesn’t just double the danger. A jump from 40 mph to 60 mph (a 50% increase in speed) more than doubles the crash energy that has to be absorbed. That added force translates into greater vehicle damage and far more severe injuries for occupants.

Limits of safety systems

Cars today are equipped with advanced safety systems such as airbags, crumple zones, and reinforced frames. But these features are only designed to manage so much impact energy.

At extremely high speeds, even the best engineering can’t fully protect drivers and passengers, which is why high-speed crashes are more likely to result in catastrophic injuries.

Reduced effectiveness of road barriers

Guardrails, crash cushions, and medians are built to redirect or slow vehicles, but their effectiveness has limits. When speeds climb too high, vehicles can break through barriers or sustain deadly forces even when the barrier performs as intended.

Greater risk on poor road conditions

Speeding becomes even more dangerous on surfaces that are less than ideal. Rain, ice, snow, or loose gravel all reduce tire traction and increase the chances of losing control.

The National Safety Council reports that speeding is a factor in 45% of fatal crashes on roads with standing water and 41% of fatal crashes on icy or frosty surfaces. In these conditions, slowing down is one of the most effective ways to stay safe.

Why do drivers speed in Arizona?

Whether it’s cruising 10 miles over the limit on the highway or pressing the gas a little harder to make a green light, speeding has become part of everyday driving culture. But why do so many people do it, even when they know it’s dangerous? Here are some common reasons:

• Running late and rushing: Whether it’s for work, school, or an appointment, drivers often try to make up for lost time by pushing past the speed limit. But the few minutes gained never outweigh the added risk of getting into a crash.
• Thrill-seeking and risk-taking: Some drivers treat the road like their own personal racetrack. The adrenaline rush of driving fast can feel exciting, especially for younger drivers who may not fully appreciate the consequences.
• Impatience with traffic: Nobody likes sitting in traffic. On congested roads, frustration builds quickly, and once the road opens up, drivers often “make up for it” by hitting higher speeds.
• Misjudging the danger: Many drivers believe that speeding a little bit isn’t really unsafe, especially on wide highways or empty rural roads. Others think speed limits are set too low, so they justify driving faster.
• Cultural acceptance: In some places, speeding has become normalized. On rural highways with little police presence, it’s common to see cars traveling 10 to 20 miles over the limit.
• Pressure to keep up: On highways where most traffic is moving above the posted limit, it can feel unsafe (or at least inconvenient) to stick to the speed limit.

How is speeding proven in a car accident case?

Proving that a driver was speeding isn’t always as simple as pointing to a damaged car. Courts and insurance companies require solid evidence, and attorneys use a combination of technology, witnesses, and expert analysis to show that excessive speed caused a crash.

• Police reports and citations: The first piece of evidence often comes from responding officers. If police issue a citation for speeding, it immediately strengthens the case. Officers may also note skid marks, vehicle damage, or driver statements that point to excessive speed.
• Witness testimony: Witnesses can provide testimony about how fast a vehicle appeared to be traveling. Multiple consistent accounts can carry weight in court or settlement negotiations.
• Physical evidence at the scene: Skid marks, gouge marks in the pavement, and the final resting positions of vehicles can all indicate speed. For example, longer skid marks suggest a higher rate of travel before braking.
• Vehicle “black box” data: Most modern vehicles are equipped with event data recorders, often referred to as “black boxes.” These devices capture vehicle speed, brake application, and throttle position in the seconds leading up to a crash.
• Traffic and surveillance cameras: Footage from nearby traffic cameras, security systems, or even dashcams can clearly show how fast a vehicle was moving.
• Accident reconstruction experts: Reconstruction experts use physics, engineering, and advanced software to recreate the crash. By analyzing vehicle damage, road conditions, and other factors, these experts can provide professional opinions on whether speeding played a role.
• Cell phone and GPS data: A lawyer may subpoena GPS or cell phone records. GPS systems often log speed data, and apps such as rideshare trackers can provide additional evidence of speeding.

Get a lawyer who will help you fight the insurance companies

If you’ve been hurt by a speeding driver in Arizona, attorney Byron Browne, the Anti-Lawyer Lawyer, is ready to fight for you. He takes a no B.S. approach to investigating car accidents, holding negligent drivers accountable, and fighting for maximum compensation for his clients. He has won millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts, including $2.75 million for a client hurt by a drunk driver.

It costs nothing to talk to us. Attorney Browne would be glad to answer your questions and evaluate your case. If you decide to work with him, he can handle your case on a contingency fee basis. That means there are no upfront costs or hidden fees to move your case forward.

Browne Law Group proudly serves clients throughout Arizona, including Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and Yuma. If you or a family member has been injured because someone else was speeding, don’t delay. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you seek justice.

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