Speed is a factor in many motor vehicle deaths

Being a safe driver in California entails following all the rules of the road, particularly when it comes to maintaining a reasonable speed. Statistics show that speeding can be a factor in many traffic fatalities, especially when coupled with other dangerous driving behaviors.

As stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding and alcohol consumption often go hand-in-hand when it comes to fatal accidents. In those crashes involving speed that resulted in loss of life, up to 42 percent of drivers exhibited a blood alcohol concentration of at least .08 percent. Conversely, only 16 percent of drivers that were not speeding (but had similar rates of BAC) experienced accident-related fatalities.

Gender is also a consideration when it comes to deaths associated with increased rates of speed. Males make up the majority of those succumbing to speed-related deaths, and young males in particular are most at risk. For instance, 37 percent of males ranging from teen to young adult were killed in crashes where speeding was a factor.  

In addition to the risk of grave physical injury, speeding can also incur penalties within the state of California. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, instances of speeding can result in drivers receiving points

ontheir licenses. When it comes to speeding, motorists are typically afforded one point per incident. These points can remain on one’s record for a period of 39 months, unless an offense is considered to be more serious (in which case points can remain for up to 13 years). An accumulation of points will eventually lead to license suspension or revocation.