As summer kicks into high gear, many people hit the road for vacations, weekend getaways, and visits with friends and family. But with the increased traffic comes a serious reminder: speeding is one of the most dangerous driving behaviors and one of the most common. Despite decades of awareness campaigns, speed-related deaths have remained high in North Carolina, even as other types of crashes have leveled off or declined in some areas.
In 2023, 23.1% of all North Carolina car accident fatalities were related to speeding. Speeding was also a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S., leading to 11,775 speed-related deaths in 2023. These numbers aren’t just statistics. Each one represents a life cut short, a family devastated, and a preventable tragedy.
Speeding remains a persistent problem in North Carolina and around the country for several reasons:
Overconfidence behind the wheel: Drivers often believe they can handle higher speeds safely, especially on familiar routes or open highways. This false sense of control can lead to dangerous decisions, like driving 10–20 mph over the limit or speeding through curves and intersections. Unfortunately, even experienced drivers can’t predict sudden hazards like a stalled car, a pedestrian, or a distracted driver. Overconfidence often leads to complacency, and when traveling at high speeds, there’s very little room for error.
Running late: This is one of the most common excuses for speeding. Whether someone’s late for work, an appointment, or school drop-off, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that going faster will fix the problem. But in reality, the time “saved” by speeding is usually minimal, while the risks increase dramatically. For example, speeding 10 mph over the limit might shave off a few minutes, but it drastically reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of a crash if one occurs. In high-traffic areas or near school zones, speeding out of urgency puts everyone at risk.
Traffic: North Carolina’s growing population and seasonal travel can lead to heavy congestion, especially in and around cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, and Wilmington. When drivers are stuck in traffic or experience frequent stop-and-go conditions, frustration builds. That frustration often turns into aggressive behavior once the road clears, with drivers accelerating rapidly, weaving between lanes, or speeding to “make up for lost time.”
Less enforcement: Reduced traffic stops in recent years may be contributing to more drivers pushing the limits. This could be due to budget constraints, staffing shortages, and shifting law enforcement priorities. This perception of less accountability can lead to more frequent and more extreme speeding, especially on rural highways and suburban roads where police presence is limited.
Young drivers: Teens and young adults are statistically more likely to speed and take risks behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 37% of male drivers 15-20 years old involved in fatal crashes in 2023 were speeding. Young drivers are still learning to assess risk and may underestimate the dangers of high-speed driving. Many also lack real-world driving experience, which means they’re less likely to know how speed affects stopping distances, vehicle control, or crash severity. Peer pressure and a desire to impress friends can also influence young drivers to speed.
Why Are Car Accidents from Speeding So Dangerous?
Unfortunately, the faster a vehicle is going, the greater the force of impact, and the more likely a crash will cause serious injury or death. The faster a vehicle is moving, the more time and distance it needs to stop, and the more energy is released on impact. That means when crashes happen at high speeds, the consequences are almost always more severe. Speed-related crashes don’t just result in more fatalities; they also cause more severe injuries, greater vehicle damage, and longer recovery times. High-speed accidents are more likely to involve emergency medical care, hospital stays, and permanent disabilities.
Common types of speed-related accidents include:
- Rear-end collisions: When drivers follow too closely or are traveling too fast to react to sudden stops, they often slam into the vehicle ahead. Rear-end car accidents can cause whiplash, spinal injuries, or worse, especially when trucks or SUVs are involved.
- Loss of control: At high speeds, even minor steering corrections or sudden braking can cause a driver to lose control, especially on curves, wet roads, or loose gravel. These crashes often result in rollovers, which are some of the most deadly types of accidents.
- T-Bone or side-impact collisions: Speeding drivers who try to “beat the light” at intersections often run red lights or fail to yield. When one vehicle hits another broadside, the occupants on the struck side are at high risk of serious injuries due to the limited protection offered by the side of the car.
- Off-Road crashes and rollovers: Drivers who speed on rural or two-lane roads are more likely to leave the roadway, strike a tree or ditch, or overturn. These crashes frequently result in ejections or crush injuries, especially if seat belts aren’t used.
Car crashes involving speed can be especially devastating for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, who have little to no protection in a collision. Even low-speed impacts can cause serious injuries to these individuals, but at higher speeds, the chances of survival drop sharply.
The Legal Consequences of Speeding Accidents
In North Carolina, speeding isn’t just dangerous—it’s also illegal. Penalties can include fines and points on your license, increased insurance rates, and potential criminal charges in the case of reckless driving or fatalities. If a driver causes a crash while speeding, they can be held financially and legally responsible for the harm they cause. This includes paying for medical bills, lost income, property damage, and, in the worst cases, wrongful death claims.
Managing the aftermath of a speed-related car accident is often more complex than it appears. Determining fault can involve analyzing skid marks, vehicle damage, traffic camera footage, and eyewitness accounts, all while insurance companies work quickly to minimize their liability. In North Carolina, where contributory negligence laws can prevent injured victims from recovering any compensation if they’re found even slightly at fault, it’s critical to have an experienced attorney on your side.
At Whitley Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand the devastation that speeding can cause. Our North Carolina car accident lawyers can assist clients by gathering the right evidence, working with accident reconstruction experts, and protecting their rights during negotiations or litigation. If you’ve been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a speed-related crash, speaking with an attorney can make all the difference in holding the at-fault driver accountable and securing the financial support you need to recover.
Safe Driving Starts With All of Us
Preventing speed-related accidents doesn’t just come down to law enforcement—it starts with the choices each of us makes behind the wheel. Here are a few ways to stay safe:
- Always follow posted speed limits, especially in neighborhoods, school zones, and construction areas.
- Leave early to avoid the pressure of running late.
- Use cruise control to avoid unintentionally speeding on highways.
- Set a good example for young drivers and talk to teens about speeding risks.
Speeding may seem like a small decision in the moment, but the consequences can be life-altering. As you enjoy the open roads this summer, it’s worth remembering that a few extra miles per hour can mean the difference between a safe trip and a devastating accident.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a North Carolina car crash caused by speeding, don’t wait to get legal advice. The team at Whitley Law Firm is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation or call 1-800-785-5000 for more information.
Whitley Law Firm Injury Lawyers is a family affair—in all the ways that matter. Partner Ben Whitley works with his father and brother to create a formidable force when representing clients. After all, helping injured individuals—people who have the deck stacked against them when fighting corporations—is why the Whitleys got into the business in the first place.
