Image of Car speedometer Web

The Dangers of Speeding

Updated September 5, 2021 . AmFam Team

Speeding is a dangerous driver behavior. Learn more about the dangers of speeding and how to avoid it so you'll earn a better discount with KnowYourDrive.

While it’s tempting to put the pedal to the metal to get to your destination faster, speeding is a dangerous driving behavior. Let’s dive into how speeding is defined, and how you can avoid speeding so you’ll have the maximum KnowYourDrive® discount.

What Is Speeding?

While speeding is technically anytime you are moving faster than the posted speed limit, KnowYourDrive defines speeding at going 10 miles per hour faster than the posted speed limit.

Why Is Speeding Dangerous?

While you may speed and not get in an accident, the fact remains that speeding not only increases your chance of getting in an accident, but it also increases the severity when an accident does occur. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (Opens in a new tab), speeding influences the risk and severity of an accident in four key ways:

  1. Increases the distance needed to stop.
  2. Increases how far the vehicle travels before the driver reacts to a need to stop.
  3. Increases the risk that swerving to avoid an object will result in a loss of control.
  4. Increases the severity of an accident. According to the American Safety Council (Opens in a new tab), colliding at 40 mph results in four times as powerful of a collision as colliding at 20 mph.

Even if you consider yourself a safe driver, there are always dangers on the road that are out of your control. Speeding increases the chance that those dangers will cause you to get in an accident — and may lead to you being injured as a result.

Ways to Avoid Speeding

If you use the KnowYourDrive app and notice that you speed more than the average driver — or more than you’d like — you can follow some simple tips to train yourself to slow down:

Remember there are people in the other cars

It’s easy to forget that in every car is someone just like you. Slow down to help keep you and them safe.

Use cruise control

Setting a consistent speed using cruise control can help you stop speeding, but it’s best when the speed limit will be the same for a long stretch of road. It’s also important to continue paying attention to the road so you can react to any need to slow down.

Look at your speedometer

Your car’s speedometer will tell you how fast you’re going, so be sure to check it often and slow down when you’re going over the speed limit. It’s important to note that your speedometer can become less accurate and become out of alignment. If you notice often you’re passing cars but going the speed limit, consider visiting your auto repair shop and checking your speedometer’s accuracy.

Practice leaving early

If you’re running late, chances are you may speed to get where you need to be on time. Using your phone’s alarm features, practice giving yourself enough time to get ready. That way you’ll have time to drive with less of desire to speed up.

Try to reduce stress

Like hard braking, speeding can be caused by stress or anxiety. Take a deep breath, practice relaxation techniques and remain calm while driving.

Drive Safe and Save More Today

By driving responsibly and keeping these tips in mind, you’ll avoid speeding and save more on your auto insurance discount with KnowYourDrive. For more great tips on driving safely, check out our on the road resources and articles.

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