Highway 163 has been named one of the most dangerous roads in the United States. The reason for this increased danger is the long list of risk factors that significantly impact an accident victim’s chance of being killed or severely injured. One of these risk factors is the high number of drivers who disregard the speed limit. High-speed accidents can be catastrophic and can completely alter the trajectory of the victim’s life.
Why Are Collisions So Common on Highway 163?
Speed plays a significant role in most accidents, which are more likely to occur on highways. Many road users justify speeding intentionally because driving faster gets them to their destination sooner. While technically correct, the added risk isn’t worth the mere seconds spared. Increasing your speed by even less than one mile per hour can raise the risk of collision by approximately 3%. Most drivers who exceed speed limits do so by several miles per hour.
There are multiple reasons for the high percentage of speed-related accidents on Highway 163, one of the most significant being its length. Highway 163 is sixty-four miles long, and with no forced stopping points, drivers can pick up considerable speed. The longer a driver is on a straight, clear road, the more likely they are to increase their speed gradually. Unfortunately, the second they need to stop, it can be impossible to slow down in time.
What Makes High-Speed Accidents so Dangerous?
There is an undeniable link between the severity of an accident and the speed at which the vehicles were moving. In simple terms, when a car doubles its speed, the kinetic energy generated quadruples. In the event of an accident, the vehicle’s kinetic energy results in a greater force being applied to the car and its occupants. That increased force increases the intensity of the collision, leading to more severe injuries and fatalities.
Furthermore, drivers travelling at high speeds have a reduced reaction time to sudden changes on the road. Speeding automobiles also have an increased stopping distance and require more space between vehicles. If the car in front of the speeding driver stops abruptly, the driver must slam on their brakes and fight to maintain control. If it’s raining or the road is busy, it can be almost impossible to avoid a collision.
Common Injuries Caused by High-Speed Accidents
Countless studies have proven the direct correlation between speed and fatality rates. A collision at 40mph can cause internal injuries, broken bones, and head trauma. For every additional 10mph, the risk of fatality doubles. If the victim is fortunate enough to survive, their injuries will likely be severe or catastrophic. The most common injuries sustained in high-speed vehicle collisions include the following:
- Head and brain injuries can result in permanent neurological impairments, memory loss, comas, behavioral changes, and vegetative states.
- Spinal cord injuries occur when the spine twists, bends, or compresses in a collision, which can lead to partial or total paralysis.
- Internal injuries like lung contusions, ruptured kidneys, and damaged intestines often lead to lifelong chronic health issues.
- Limb injuries, which are common in many accidents, may include lacerations, fractures, and even traumatic amputations.
- Ejection injuries often result in fatality as the victim is suddenly and forcefully thrown from the vehicle, likely causing all the above injuries simultaneously.
- Psychological injuries are often disregarded, but they can have a catastrophic effect on a person’s life through PTSD, anxiety, depression, and an immense fear of driving.
Why Do People Speed?
Many drivers underestimate the dangers of exceeding the speed limit. Most view speeding as a minor infraction, failing to understand the potentially life-threatening nature of a high-speed collision. There are several reasons why a driver may speed on a highway, all of which become more likely when the driver is participating in other reckless behaviors. Drinking, using drugs, speaking on the phone, or eating amplifies speeding risks.
One of the most significant aspects that leads to drivers speeding is overconfidence. A high level of faith in their ability leads them to believe they have full control over their vehicle, regardless of the circumstances. Unfortunately, an accident can happen in a split second, and even the most competent drivers can lose control of their car. Encounters with external influences such as weather, other drivers, and poor road conditions can have devastating consequences.
Overconfidence also ties into a disregard for traffic laws. There are a significant number of people who genuinely believe that they are above the rules, and their skill makes them immune to the things that affect other drivers. This disregard often stems from a negative attitude towards law enforcement or regulations in general. These drivers tend to forget that road rules were established for a reason, after other accidents made law enforcement aware of potential hazards.
Many people are guilty of speeding when they’re running late. Sleeping in and being late for work is a common occurrence, which puts pressure on the driver to arrive as quickly as possible. There is also another group of people, typically consisting of younger drivers who have just obtained their license. Thrill seekers may enjoy the adrenaline rush provided by speeding, which stems from a reckless disregard for the safety of others on the road.
Seek Compensation for High-Speed Accident Injuries
High-speed collisions have catastrophic consequences. A combination of risk factors makes highways particularly dangerous, which is why fatalities and severe injuries are more frequent on these roads. If you’ve been injured in a high-speed collision on Highway 163, contact HHJ Trial Attorneys for expert legal representation.
Taking legal action can be intimidating, but it’s a crucial part of seeking justice for your injuries. The right to file a claim provides accident victims with a means to recover financial compensation for financial and non-financial losses. Our team of personal injury attorneys has decades of experience helping victims in challenging situations move forward with their lives. Let us help you move forward so you can enjoy the next chapter of your life.
