Drivers may be surprised to learn that speeding is the number one cause of traffic deaths in Alabama. With all of the focus on drunk driving and distracted driving, the issue of speeding doesn’t get as much attention as it should.
According to Drive Safe Alabama, in 2016, speeding was the cause of nearly 31 percent of fatal car accidents. The next highest cause was drunk or drugged driving at almost 25 percent. Other top causes include:
- Being run off of the road: 16.87 percent
- Failure to yield the right of way: 16.06 percent
- Improper lane changes or lane use: 11.65 percent
It’s not enough to just obey the posted speed; you must also take other factors into consideration when driving. The condition of the road, the weather and the stability of your vehicle are also things you must think about as they can contribute to the danger of speeding. And don’t forget to make sure that you are in good condition to drive. If you are tired, extremely upset or under the influence of alcohol, medication or drugs, you should not be driving.
While it is important not to drive over the speed limit, it is also important that you do not drive too slowly. There are posted minimum speed limits, too, and they should be observed. Driving too slowly can be dangerous and can anger other drivers. You don’t want to have someone aggressively tailgating your vehicle or suddenly pulling out around you at a high speed.
Follow these simple rules and you can ensure you are always driving as safely as possible.
